ROSE X-LITE SIX eTap 2018 Review

With the ROSE X-LITE SIX eTap, the German family business wants to start a new chapter in their company’s history – technologically redesigned from scratch and aesthetically revamped with a new logo and corporate identity. In our exclusive test we rode the X-LITE on the roads around Girona, one of the most popular training grounds for many pro teams. How does it fare against the competition from Specialized, BMC, and others?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test

Until now, the brand from northern Germany was known for building bikes which were technically solid but aesthetically not so pleasing. The new X-LITE SIX wants to break the mold and mark the start of a new era for Bocholt. The new logo’s design is way more modern than the previous one and matches the elegant lines of the matte-black carbon frame superbly. A wireless SRAM RED eTap groupset blends in with the streamlined silhouette of the bike and makes for a clean, stunning look. The top tube and stem run parallel to each other and emphasise the linear and charmingly aggressive character of the ROSE X-LITE SIX. Thanks to the relatively long headtube, the ROSE offers a sporty but not too aggressive riding position in the race setup (without any spacers).

We tested the X-LITE SIX eTap – ROSE’s top-end model with a SRAM RED eTap groupset. It features an optional Zipp 454 NSW wheelset, Zipp Tangente Speed tires, and a Ritchey Superlogic Flexlogic Carbon seatpost plus Ritchey Evo Curve carbon handlebar. All of these options can be selected via Rose’s online configurator. With this very exclusive and harmonious package, the ROSE sets you back € 8,100. Prices for the X-LITE SIX start at € 4,299 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and a Mavic R-Sys SLR wheelset. All in all, the ROSE is a worthy competitor, and not just in the direct-sales category.

After riding for just a few metres, the ROSE conveys a satisfying feeling of lightness. As you can imagine, this reflects on the overall weight of the bike, which is just 6.36 kg. Riding uphill is proper fun – we were literally flying up the Catalan mountain roads. The ROSE sprints outrageously well, the stiff frame with asymmetrical chainstays feeling incredibly efficient from the first pedal stroke. With the superb spec of the ROSE X-LITE SIX, the German brand wants to prove that comfort and stiffness can indeed go hand in hand. The racy-looking, heavily sloping top tube leaves room for a longer seatpost, which allows for some additional comfort. (Only when riding on really rough surfaces does the front end lack a little forgiveness.) On downhills, the X-LITE feels precise, promptly reacting to each steering impulse – sometimes even feeling a little nervous. One reason for this is the relatively long head tube which – despite the aggressive racing setup without spacers under the stem – shrinks the saddle-to-bar drop and causes the weight to shift away from the front wheel. Because of its lively and agile character, the X-LITE requires a skilled hand — but then it’s proper fun.

The Zipp 454 NSW wheelset upgrade is expensive. Considering the varying shape with a rim-depth of 53 to 58 mm, the wheelset feels incredibly surefooted and predictable even with side winds – strong gusts generate light and even pressure on the wheels without pulling at the bars abruptly. Having said that, you better get used to the loud squeaking noise under braking. This generated general mistrust amongst the test crew and made everyone ride a little more carefully on fast descents. Despite the painful soundtrack, the SRAM RED still deliver superb braking performance with great modulation, even in wet conditions. The Zipp Tangente Speed tires are the weakest link in the braking chain. They track well in dry conditions but tend to lose grip when riding in wet conditions, failing to inspire confidence with their very low grip threshold.

  Because of its lively and agile character, the X-LITE requires a skilled hand — but then it’s proper fun.

The Rose X-Lite 6 eTap in detail

Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap
Wheelset Zipp 454 NSW
Brakes SRAM RED Rim
Tires Zipp Tangente Speed
Weight 6.36 kg
Price € 8,164

The geometry of the Rose X-Lite 6 eTap

Conclusion

Compared with its predecessor, the ROSE X-LITE SIX is in a totally different league. With its agile, light-footed character, great sprinting credentials, and impressive comfort, the ROSE convinced us. It might be a little too racy for novices, but is a great option for amateur racers: we can already hear you shouting “Hell yeah!” With the X-LITE, ROSE offers a great overall package ­– both aesthetically and technically very compelling. The serial model of the X-LITE eTap is available from as little as € 5,599.

Uphill
Downhill
Sprint

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For more info head to: rosebikes.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test

All bikes in the test: 3T Strada | BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 | Corratec EVO eTap Konfi | Fuji SL 1.1 | Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 | Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc | Wilier Superleggera SL

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Words: Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf Photos: Noah Haxel