2024 ROSE BACKROAD FF on test – A gravel race bike gone aero

Gravel riding and gravel bikes have started to split into two distinct segments – gravel racing, and gravel adventure. ROSE have embraced this with the new BACKROAD FF, adding a dedicated gravel race bike to their line-up. Read our test debut to find out whether Fast Forward is only in the name or if it also applies on the racetrack.

The name suggests that the BACKROAD FF is just a slightly more aggressive ROSE BACKROAD, but that doesn’t do it justice! ROSE’s new gravel race bike has been developed from the ground up, and it has more in common with the ROSE XLITE road bike than it has with its gravel namesake. Completing the package is a new one-piece gravel race cockpit, new gravel-specific aero wheels, and in-house aero frame bags with magnetic FIDLOCK brackets. Long time readers who have checked out our gravel race bike group test will know: gravel racing ≠ gravel racing. The wide range of increasingly popular gravel race formats can place extremely different demands on both the riders and their bikes. The ROSE BACKROAD FF promises to deliver both in longer gravel races like UNBOUND Gravel or The Traka, as well as in shorter UCI Gravel World Series races. Will the 8.3 kg gravel race bike make it onto the podium, and how much performance can ROSE deliver for € 4,999? We got to test the new BACKROAD FF extensively and were quite surprised when we uploaded our test rides to Strava.

The ROSE BACKROAD FF in detail

“Uh! What bike is that?” The black splatter on matt pink finish and lack of branding on the down tube make for a striking look, and a talking point for anyone who sees the bike for the first time. Moreover, the new ROSE BACKROAD FF makes no secret of its high-speed ambitions! The 50 mm deep profile ROSE GC50 carbon wheels, dropped seat stays, monocoque carbon cockpit, and aero details on the frame and fork ensure an aggressive look.

The frame of the ROSE BACKROAD FF was inspired by that of the ROSE XLITE road bike. This is especially evident when looking at the rear triangle, with its dropped seat stays and low bottom bracket, as well as the transition from the fork to the head tube. For a gravel race bike, the frame offers a generous 45 mm tire clearance, which – crucially – is in line with UCI regulations 😉

Like a certain other German direct to consumer brand: ROSE’s latest bike also features the new FIDLOCK QuickLoad frame bag mounts. Accordingly, ROSE offer tailor made frame bags for the BACKROAD FF, which sit flush with the frame and simply click into place.

The sizing is new too. ROSE are introducing an intermediate M/L size with the BACKROAD FF, thereby shifting the sizing spectrum upwards. In total, there are now six different sizes to choose from, catering to riders from 1.57 to 2 m tall. ROSE have cleared the BACKROAD FF for a maximum gross weight of 120 kg. That should accommodate those who haven’t yet reached their race form 😉

Gravel races keep getting faster, which is why ROSE are also introducing a new, aerodynamically optimised gravel wheelset together with the BACKROAD FF. According to ROSE, the 50 mm deep GC50 wheelset weighs 1,550 g without tubeless tape, and is optimised for 40 mm tires. Therefore, the front rim, which is aerodynamically more significant, is 40 mm wide to sit flush with the tire, whereas the rear rim measures just 32 mm in width to save weight.

With an internal rim width of 27 mm, the wheels should provide an optimal fit for 40 mm wide gravel tires run at low pressures. However, the aero-optimisation doesn’t stop at the rims. The internal spoke nipples and slender hubs are also designed to reduce drag. According to ROSE’s wind tunnel tests, the new GC50 wheelset is 7–9% more aerodynamic than its predecessor, the GC40.

ROSE’s new one-piece gravel race cockpit also debuts with the BACKROAD FF, promising to offer a lot of comfort as well as aero gains.

The latest regulations at UCI races, UNBOUND etc. prohibit both time trial bars and the puppy paws position. To conform to this, the new one-piece gravel race cockpit is shaped in such a way that you can ride as comfortably as possible with your forearms on the tops while gripping the hoods, Tim Wellens style. The semi-integrated cable routing on the cockpit is aero, clean-looking, and easy to maintain. Furthermore, the 15-degree flare of the drops is intended to give riders more control on technical descents. The dimensions of the one-piece cockpit are frame size dependent. However, you can also opt for sportier versions with a longer stem and narrower handlebar.

Currently, the bike is exclusively available with 1x SRAM Force AXS and Rival AXS groupsets, but other builds are in the making and should be available soon. The Wolftooth chain guide, which has been specially adapted for the bike, bolts onto the front derailleur mount, and should keep the chain firmly in place. However, the chain guide limits the maximum chainring size to 46 t. As standard, the bike comes with a 42 t chainring fitted. Both the € 4,999 build with a SRAM Force AXS groupset, and the € 3,499 SRAM Rival AXS option come with an integrated power meter, which is not to be taken for granted at these prices!

Size	XS	S	M	ML	L	XL
Top tube	505 mm	527 mm	546 mm	564 mm	58 mm	603 mm
Seat tube	450 mm	482 mm	505 mm	525 mm	550 mm	585 mm
Head tube	100 mm	118 mm	134 mm	153 mm	171 mm	195 mm
Head angle	71,25°	71,75°	72°	72,25°	72,5°	72,5°
Seat angle	76,25°	75,1°	74,7°	74,1°	74,1°	74,1°
Chainstay	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm
BB Drop	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm
Wheelbase	993 mm	1005 mm	1016 mm	1030mm	1046 mm	1.067 mm
Reach	377 mm	387 mm	396 mm	405 mm	418 mm	432 mm
Stack	523 mm	542 mm	558 mm	574 mm	592 mm	616 mm

The geometry of the BACKROAD FF is characterised by a relatively long reach compared to other gravel race bikes, which is paired with a rather low stack height. As such, the bike isn’t very compact, placing you in a rather stretched riding position. This is more like classic road racing geometry than that of many gravel bikes, again showing the influence of the XLITE.

The more affordable version of the BACKROAD FF costs € 3,499, relying on a SRAM Rival AXS groupset (incl. power meter), and also featuring ROSE’s new gravel race cockpit. However, it doesn’t come with the new GC50 wheels.

The ROSE BACKROAD FF on the race track

3, 2, 1, GO! Despite its aero optimisation, the BACKROAD FF is quick to pull away. While you couldn’t quite call it exhilarating, the rather stiff GC50 wheels, fast Schwalbe G-One RS tires, and laterally stiff frame make for responsive acceleration. It even cuts a fine figure on steep climbs, with a lively feeling and stable handling.

Once up to speed, however, the BACKROAD FF plays its trump card. The race geometry is well suited to high speeds and puts you into an efficient riding position. Uncompromising racers might be put off by the 20 mm rise of the handlebar, whereas for others it serves as the optimal compromise, allowing you to stay in the aero position as comfortably and as long as possible. That said, combining a 20 mm rise handlebar with a -10 degree stem doesn’t make sense from our point of view, and probably has more to do with looks than with functionality. The ergonomics of the cockpit, on the other hand, were convincing throughout, providing a secure and comfortable grip whether you’re in the drops, on the tops, or on the hoods. The 15 degree flare of the drops offers plenty of control on technical descents and during sprints. The very stiff fork is particularly noticeable when cornering, ensuring direct and precise steering. In combination with the composed handling, the BACKROAD FF instils you with confidence at high speeds. However, the G-One RS tires reach their limits in the wet, even when running them at low pressures, and you should exchange at least the front tire for something more grippy for winter riding.

Although compliance isn’t the top priority on a race bike, the BACKROAD FF noticeably dampens small bumps and vibrations, which is definitely sufficient for the intended use. The wide rims allow you to run the tires at lower pressures, which further increases comfort and grip. Overall, this results in a fast gravel race bike which is comfortable enough to ride for long distances. This feeling was confirmed when we beat some of our personal records on Strava after the test ride on our local gravel loop. So, the BACKROAD FF undoubtedly is a KOM hunter too.

Who is the 2024 ROSE BACKROAD FF for?

Clearly, the BACKROAD FF is the right bike for gravel racers, and aspiring gravel racers. Thanks to the comfortable cockpit and wealth of aero details, the BACKROAD FF should also perform well on long-distance races. Off the racetrack, it will deliver on fast jaunts, KOM hunts, and training rides, with the help of the power meter.

Our conclusion on the 2024 ROSE BACKROAD FF

After a week of race preparation in the Black Forest, some Strava PRs and KOMs, and plenty of home-stretch sprints, the ROSE BACKROAD FF proved to be damn fast. ROSE tick a lot of the right boxes with the BACKROAD FF, and at a significantly lower price than many of the competition. It is an uncompromising gravel race bike in almost all respects, with the build, handling and styling all pointing to high speeds and sprint finishes. Only the 20 mm rise cockpit could put some racers off.

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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Antonia Feder