Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 Review

The Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 rocked up to the group test with some of the most promising stats, including a weight of just 7.11 kg, disc brakes, 25 mm tires and a price tag of € 3,949. So what’s the verdict on this allegedly comfortable and competent road bike?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

For the Bocholt-based direct sales brand Rose, as well as the luxury of using their online configurator to customise their suggested bike builds, professional service is one of their main priorities, including a 6-year warranty for the frame and forks, as well as free collection from within Germany for servicing. In the case of Rose X-Lite CDX 8800, the foundation is certainly there – but it’s also worth taking the time to individualize.

Unlike most of the test fleet, this bike was met with mixed feelings from the test riders, which largely stems back to how the bike responded to their riding styles and respective weights. While the lighter test riders remarked on the bike’s high level of comfort and kind-hearted handling, the heavier amongst the group complained about the excessive flex in the Ritchey WCS Road Streem II Aero carbon bars and full carbon forks, noting that these cut into its composure on descents and while sprinting.

Further comment was aimed at Rose’s own CW-1550 Carbon Disc wheels that proved highly vulnerable to crosswinds. While the SRAM Red 22 transmission is lightweight and shifts adequately, its precision does not rival a Shimano set-up. The 25 mm Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II tires generated great traction on the road, and there’s clearance for models up to 32 mm, which is testament to the wider (and wholly commendable) aspirations of the Rose X-Lite; more than just a conventional race bike, it errs more towards being a nimble all-rounder for long days in the saddle.

The Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 in detail

Drivetrain SRAM Red Hydraulic, 11spd
Wheelset ROSE CW-1550 Carbon Disc, 44 mm
Brakes SRAM Red 160/160 mm
Tires Continental GP4000 SII, 700x25C
Weight 7.11 kg
Price € 3,949
More Info rosebikes.de

Conclusion

While the standard spec will deliver a great performance for lighter riders, by sagely making use of Rose’s online configurator you can transform the lightweight X-Lite CDX 8800 into a highly potent all-rounder, eradicating certain flaws with ease and tuning the spec to meet your wishes. A solid foundation for a great ride, the X-Lite CDX 8800 has invaluable versatility for the island’s many routes.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?

All bikes in test: BMC Teammachine SLR01 | Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 Disc | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 | Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 | Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition | Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc | Heroïn H1 Limited Edition | Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Ultimate | Standert. Kreissäge | Stelbel Antenore | Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2

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This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!

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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl