ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS on Review – In our 2025 Race Gravel Bike Test

The ROSE BACKROAD FF has one goal: the podium at every gravel race. With its top-tier spec, custom wheelset and countless aero optimisations, it’s built to ride fast without having to make compromises. But is it good enough to secure the top step in our race gravel bike test?

Compromises? No, thanks! With the BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS, ROSE are going all in on one thing: gravel racing. No half-measures, no all-rounder ambitions– this bike is built purely for speed. And unlike many brands trying to juggle multiple disciplines, ROSE can afford to specialise, with four other gravel bikes in their lineup covering different intended uses and riding styles.

But the uniqueness doesn’t stop there. The BACKROAD FF isn’t just one of the newest bikes in our test but also one of the most affordable, retailing at just €6,999. And despite costing significantly less, with its top tier spec, it doesn’t have to hide from its competitors. As usual with bikes, geometry charts and numbers only tell part of the story. However, the real test happens on the road–where we find out if the ROSE BACKROAD FF has what it takes to be the fastest bike in the test field.

ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS – Aero-optimised to gravel glory?

Fast race gravel bikes are often mistaken for road bikes with chunky tires– but that’s not enough for ROSE. The BACKROAD FF isn’t just designed to perform at the highest level– it’s built to win. To achieve that, ROSE took a new approach, combining an aero-optimised frame, custom wheelset, and expert bike-fitting insights to create the ultimate race gravel machine. To top off the aerodynamic concept, Rose rely on a magnetic system to connect the bags to the top tube, which helps reduce drag– similar to our race gravel best buy, the Canyon Grail.

But the real game-changers on the ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS are the wheels and cockpit. The in-house ROSE GC50 wheelset is designed specifically to pair with 40 mm Schwalbe G-One RS tires. Unlike most setups, where frames and wheels are developed independently, ROSE fine-tuned both to work together for maximum efficiency. The result? 50 mm deep carbon rims– wide at the front for optimal airflow, narrower at the rear to save weight. Beyond the sheer performance, the BACKROAD FF scores points for its clean, minimalist design. The crisp white paintwork makes for a sleek, premium look. And at just 8.04 kg, the German aero marvel is available for €6,999– nearly €2,500 below the test average.

ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS – Purely focused on racing

We’ve already seen that the BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS is a purpose-built race machine that accepts no compromise. But can it compete with bikes that cost twice as much in terms of spec?

The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, the ROSE features the highest-end build in the test field, and that at an almost unbeatable price. It relies on a custom ROSE GR50 wheelset with an unique rim profile, and 40 mm Schwalbe G-One RS tires– one of the standout setups in our test, delivering exceptional efficiency and impressive grip.

ROSE also went all-in with the 13-speed SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset, , which relies on a 13-speed drivetrain with direct-mount rear derailleur,. The 44T chainring and 10-46 cassette provide an optimal cadence range for everything from steep technical climbs to high-speed gravel racing. And when it comes to braking performance, this groupset is in a league of its own.

One of the most unique features is the one-piece carbon gravel race cockpit, which, like the ROSE GR50 wheelset, is designed specifically for the BACKROAD FF. However, while it fares extremely well in terms of ergonomics, the look is a matter of taste. At 39 cm wide, it’s reassuringly modern, and enables an aggressive, aerodynamic position. However, the combination of a negative stem angle, raised top section, and deep drops gives it a rather unconventional look.

As a final touch, ROSE equipped the bike with a massive downtube protector to shield the frame against stray rocks, and a chain guide on the front derailleur bracket that holds the chain securely in place on rough terrain.

The Geometry of the ROSE BACKROAD FF

The ROSE BACKROAD FF is designed for one thing– going fast! The short 420 mm chainstays ensure razor-sharp handling and direct power transfer, which makes it the perfect tool for explosive sprints. The 72.5° head angle leans towards the agile side, further enhancing the bike’s responsiveness. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.41, the BACKROAD FF puts you in an aggressive, stretched position– maximising front-end pressure for precise control and aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, it has the sportiest riding position in the entire test. However, when considering the cockpit’s added rise, the real-world STR is slightly less extreme than the numbers suggest.

Size	XS	S	M	M/L	L	XL
Seat tube	450 mm	482 mm	505 mm	525 mm	550 mm	585 mm
Top tube	505 mm	527 mm	546 mm	564 mm	582 mm	603 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°	75.5°	75°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm
BB drop	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm
Wheelbase	993 mm	1005 mm	1016 mm	1030 mm	1046 mm	1067 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

ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS – Royal pedigree in a gravel racer?

The spec sheet looks very promising already, but the real test is out on the road. So, does the ROSE BACKROAD FF live up to its claim of being a no-compromise race gravel bike? Absolutely. Our GRAN FONDO test team put it through its paces in the French Alps, where the bike delivered in every way. The the BACKROAD FF strikes an optimal balance between sharp handling and stability, which makes it feel incredibly precise. It’s both stiff and compact, translating every steering input with clinical precision, regardless of whether you’re riding on tarmac or twisty trails. But once up to speed, that agility transforms into rock-solid race bike stability. ROSE nailed the sweet spot here, avoiding the sluggishness of overly stable bikes like the Cannondale SuperX or MERIDA SILEX, which lack the quick reactions that you require in race scenarios.

A gravel racer –precise and sharp as a scalpel.

The confidence-inspiring handling means the BACKROAD FF does exactly what you need it to, in all situations. However, the direct response can be demanding– less experienced riders may find it a bit twitchy. But at the end of the day, this is a race bike through and through. It’s built for pure speed, with a stiff frame, stiff wheels, and ultra-efficient Schwalbe G-One RS tires that deliver explosive acceleration and hold momentum effortlessly. Even on climbs, the ROSE proves to be a capable performer despite its 8.04 kg system weight.

Like many ROSE bikes, though, this race-focused design comes at a cost– comfort. The BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS offers little in terms of compliance, falling right to the bottom of the comfort rankings alongside the Allroad Superior. The silver lining? The generous 45 mm tire clearance allows you to fit wider tires for added compliance . Sound familiar? We thought so too. The ROSE XLITE in our Mont Ventoux test had a similar uncompromising racing DNA.

Bottom line: the ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS is the fastest and one of the most exciting race gravel bikes in this test. It delivers 100% on ROSE’s promise of a no-compromise racing machine. And the “Fast Forward” name? Well deserved.

Tuning tip: 45 mm tires for extra comfort and even more grip.

What kind of race is the ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS built for?

The ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS is everything you could want in a race gravel bike– fast, precise, efficient, and incredibly snappy off the line. It thrives in high-speed races, proving the ideal weapon for UCI Gravel World Cups, The Traka, or even a quick after-work blast. But the fun doesn’t stop when the race is over. The BACKROAD FF delivers an exhilarating ride beyond the racecourse too– as long as you’re ready to handle its relentless drive for speed and its unapologetically firm ride.

Conclusions about the ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS

ROSE enter the BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS into the race gravel arena– and this bike means business. With an insatiable hunger for speed, razor-sharp precision, and pure riding excitement, it leaves the competition behind in a cloud of dust. Thanks to its uncompromising focus on performance, the ROSE BACKROAD FF Red XPLR AXS is the well-deserved winner of our 2025 race gravel bike test. Congratulations!

More info at rosebikes.com.

The test field

This bike was tested as part of the 2025 Race Gravel Bike comparison test – you can find an overview of this group test and all other tested race gravel bikes here:

All bikes in review: 3T Extrema Italia | Cannondale SuperX 2 | Canyon Grail CFR XPLR | Falkenjagd Aristos SL | Merida Silex 8000 | Parapera Anemos² | Rose Backroad FF RED XPLR AXS | Scott Addict Gravel RC | Superior XR 9.7 GF | Specialized S-Works Crux | Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS | Wilier Rave SLR

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter