Mont Ventoux shootout – Rose XLITE UNLTD in review

With its 62 mm deep-section aero wheels, the Rose XLITE UNLTD Edition is uncompromisingly fast and built to lead the pack both on sprints and mountain climbs. But does the concept hold up? Is an “Aero Bomber Light” the right weapon to attack the mountains?

The Rose takes on our ultra-light test field with the deepest wheels, sportiest geometry, and, at 7.16 kg, the heaviest system weight. The German manufacturer positioned its all-round racer firmly in the aero category. While this might sound like a disadvantage for a test on Mont Ventoux, we have to ask ourselves a few questions: how big are the differences really? What do deep-section wheels offer on moderate climbs, and how does the bike handle on descents? Can the handling and aero performance make up for the slightly heavier system weight? When it comes to the components, the Rose XLITE UNLTD certainly doesn’t lag behind the competition – especially considering the significantly lower price of € 8,999. We’re intrigued!

The Rose XLITE UNLTD in detail

The Rose XLITE UNLTD flagship model comes equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, which can be found on three of the four bikes in this test. The gearing on the XLITE UNLTD is race-oriented and perfectly suited to the bike’s athletic focus, featuring a 36/52 chainset and 10-30 cassette. However, beginners and heavier riders might get in trouble on steeper climbs with this setup.

The 62 mm DT Swiss ARC 1100 62 DB wheels are by far the deepest in this test, which also makes them the heaviest wheelset in this test at 1,587 g (manufacturer’s specifications). The rims are paired with 25 mm Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR tires, which, according to DT Swiss, is the optimal width for the rim’s 20 mm internal width.

The futuristic-looking Fizik Antares Versus Evo 00 saddle complements the bike’s striking “plasmacloud” paintwork – a harmonious ensemble of purple, grey, and turquoise accents. This bold design harmonises beautifully with the frame’s design language, and ensures a visual sense of speed. The semi-integrated, one-piece Rose cockpit hides the cables beneath a plastic cover, ensuring a clean look while at the same time making it easier to service the bike than with a fully-integrated cockpit.

With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.40 in size M, the Rose XLITE UNLTD offers the sportiest ride in this test, placing the rider in a more stretched position than its competitors.

On paper, the Rose XLITE UNLTD is only marginally different from the other bikes in this test: it’s 300g heavier than the average, has a stack-to-reach ratio that’s just 0.03 lower, and its wheels are around 10 mm deeper than the test field average. But how does all this play out on the climbs?

Tuning-Tip: 28 mm wide tubeless tyres for added comfort.

Size	50	53	55	57	59	62
Seat tube	430 mm	460 mm	480 mm	500 mm	525 mm	565 mm
Top tube	504 mm	523 mm	541 mm	558 mm	575 mm	593 mm
Head tube	105 mm	120 mm	135 mm	152 mm	168 mm	192 mm
Head angle	71.0°	72.0°	72.5°	73.0°	73.3°	73.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.0°	74.5°	74.0°	74.0°	74.0°
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
BB Drop	72 mm	72 mm	72 mm	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm
Wheelbase	975 mm	980 mm	990 mm	998 mm	1,013 mm	1,027 mm
Reach	372 mm	382 mm	391 mm	398 mm	410 mm	422 mm
Stack	508 mm	526 mm	542 mm	557 mm	573 mm	597 mm

On review: The Rose XLITE UNLTD on Mont Ventoux

The Rose XLITE UNLTD makes its intentions clear from the first flat kilometres. The frame is incredibly stiff, showing no signs of flex in any direction. This results in razor-sharp handling, precise feedback, and direct power transfer. On the downside, the bike lacks comfort slightly, which is reminiscent of old-school racers and early aero machines. The narrow 25 mm tires on the deep-section rims underline this riding impression on a visual level. However, the rest of the bike is cutting-edge, with angular frame shapes, matte paint finish, a 3D-printed saddle, and a one-piece cockpit that reflect modern design trends.

It’s not easy to stand out in a group of heavy-hitters like the S-Works Tarmac SL8, Giant TCR Advanced SL, and Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero, and yet, the Rose XLITE UNLTD manages to do so. It even earned a few words of admiration when we arrived at a bistro: “Ooohlala, beau vélo!”
With its 53/36 chainring and 11-30 cassette, the Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain is a great match for this bike. Despite sharing the same lowest gear as the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero, the latter is noticeably nimbler on climbs and 440 grams lighter, leaving you wishing for an easier gear on the Rose when the gradient ramps up.

On single-digit gradients, the XLITE UNLTD shines with efficient power transfer, and only requires a few hard pedal strokes to rocket out of corners. Once up to speed, it holds its speed eagerly and efficiently. With the right wind conditions, the deep-section DT Swiss ARC 1100 62 DB wheels create a noticeable sailing effect, further boosting efficiency. However, the Rose is noticeably more susceptible to crosswinds compared to the other bikes in this test.
The Rose XLITE UNLTD places you in a slightly more aggressive riding position than the rest of the test field, which complements the bike’s distinct aero focus. However, on long climbs, this can become less comfortable, and if you’re not used to the position, fatigue sets in over time.

In terms of handling, the XLITE UNLTD also falls into the “Experts Only” category. It has the most playful steering in the test, and therefore requires a skilled rider. Any forces exerted on the handlebars during sprints and out-of-the-saddle efforts are directly translated into steering input. As a result, holding your line requires an experienced hand and concentration.

Riding downhill, the extremely stiff front end and direct handling ensure precise, razor-sharp cornering, which is not something everyone wants – and can master. Experienced riders who know how to handle the lack of compliance will be rewarded with a bike that responds exactly as instructed. Even under heavy braking, the stiff front remains composed, providing a strong sense of control.
When riding at high speeds and on rough tarmac, vibrations and impacts are transmitted directly to the rider, which requires greater physical effort to compensate. The only forgiving feature is the ergonomics of the contact points. The 3D-printed saddle performs well without distracting you from what you’re doing, and the cockpit is comfortable to grip. However, we found the drops to be a bit too short, which compromises control slightly.

Overall, the Rose XLITE UNLTD presents itself as a no-compromise racer. If you’re into stiff, highly responsive bikes that translate every input directly to the tarmac, this bike hits the mark.

Who is the Rose XLITE UNLTD for?

“You’re gonna need a licence for that thing!” The Rose XLITE UNLTD impresses with razor-sharp handling and an incredibly stiff frame, sacrificing compliance and comfort for precision. It’s the perfect bike for experienced riders who value speed and can handle a bike with extremely direct steering. Beginners may find the lack of comfort and the very direct handling overwhelming, especially on long, epic rides where extra strength and focus are required. For those who prefer a hard, sporty, and direct ride, the XLITE UNLTD is like a surgeon’s knife – allowing for absolutely precise control.

Conclusions about the Rose XLITE UNLTD

The Rose XLITE UNLTD is an uncompromising race bike that’s defined by its ultra-stiff frame and highly responsive handling. Skilled riders who love taking full control will be in their element, rewarded with exhilarating descents and snappy sprints. However, on long rides, the limited compliance could be a drawback. That said, with clearance for up to 32 mm tyres, there’s some room to improve comfort.

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Words & Photos: Jan Richter