Backroad Series (AL / Carbon / Plus)

gravel2000–4400 EUR

Origin

2019. ROSE Bikes, founded in 1907 in Bocholt Germany, launched the Backroad in 2019 as their response to the gravel/adventure bike boom. As a direct-to-consumer brand (no dealers, sold via rosebikes.com), ROSE could offer better spec per euro than retail competitors. The Backroad became ROSE's best-selling model and went through two significant redesigns (2020, 2025).

Specifications

Frame: Full carbon (Backroad CF, ~1,020 g frame) or 6061 hydroformed aluminium (Backroad AL), both with carbon fork (~425 g). Angular aggressive tubing, integrated frame storage (Gen 3 2025, all models incl. AL — world-first on alloy gravel), D-shape seatpost. Press-fit BB (CF) / BSA threaded (AL)
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: Shimano GRX RX400 2×10 (entry) up to GRX RX820 1×12 or SRAM Apex/Rival AXS XPLR 1×12; 40T ring, 10-51T cassette typical
Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc (BR-RX820, 160/160 mm) or SRAM hydraulic disc, flat mount
Wheels: Rose G30 / G-series alloy wheels (no carbon wheel option in standard builds), 12×100 / 12×142 mm, tubeless-ready

The verdict

+Strengths

Outstanding value via direct sales — GRX 820 or XPLR spec at prices rivals can't match through dealer channels
50mm tyre clearance (Gen 3) — opens up serious adventure tyre options
Integrated frame storage on all models including AL — practical for multi-day riding
SON dynamo system on Unsupported model is genuinely unique at production bike level
D-shape seatpost provides measurable compliance vs round post (road.cc confirmed)
AL version: 7 sizes XXS–XL — exceptional fit range
GRAN FONDO: 'CF Unsupported — purpose-built for adventures far from civilisation'
BikeRadar 2019 Bike of the Year: 'Covers the ground between unmade roads and trails very efficiently'
Configurator flexibility — choose groupset, colourway, some component options online

−Weaknesses

Stiff ride: road.cc: 'Firmer than most — aimed more at performance than comfort.' BikeRadar: 'Ride quality firmest in test.'
Backroad Plus: non-removable battery — cannot charge off-bike. Limits flexibility vs removable-battery competitors.
DOWNTOWN 2025 (Plus EQ): 'Rough gravel where bike provides rough ride' — no suspension or comfort system
No carbon wheelset option in range — all Rose G-series alloy wheels. Riders wanting carbon upgrade must source separately.
No power meter or carbon cockpit in standard spec
72° HTA gives quicker steering than some riders prefer on loaded adventure bikes
Chainstay 434mm — longer than some competitors (Sonder Camino 420mm) — slightly less playful feel
Direct-to-consumer only — no local dealer for fitting, service, or test rides before purchase

Did you know

01ROSE Bikes was founded in 1907 — older than most bike brands. Started as a bike shop in Bocholt, Germany, transitioned to direct-to-consumer online model
02BikeRadar named the Backroad a 'Bike of the Year' in 2019 — their first year in the gravel category
03The 2025 Backroad AL is described as the world's first aluminium gravel bike with an integrated storage compartment — a meaningful innovation at a lower price point
04The CF Unsupported model at 11kg (with dynamo, lights, power bank, 50mm tyres) is an impressive weight given its complete off-grid capability
05ROSE's direct sales model means the Backroad consistently offers GRX 820 / SRAM XPLR spec at prices 20–30% below comparably-spec'd retail gravel bikes
06The Backroad Plus uses a non-removable 360Wh battery — integrated into the frame for aesthetics but limiting for charging convenience
07Road.cc noted the Gen 1 had a high BB that made it feel unplanted. Gen 2 (2020) redesigned the frame specifically to lower the BB — a direct response to review feedback
08biketour-global: 'Rose positions the Backroad as a bike for the long haul and endurance.' Stack/reach CF (1.48) is sporty despite adventure positioning.
09Gen 3 tyre clearance jump from 42mm to 50mm is the biggest single capability increase in Backroad history — enables much more aggressive tyre choices

Who it’s for

Gravel riders wanting performance with adventure capabilityBikepackers wanting one bike for everything (road, gravel, multi-day)Value-conscious buyers — direct sales premium spec at lower pricesRiders wanting SON dynamo integration (Unsupported)Commuters wanting adventure-capable bike with EQ variant

Versions & builds

Every official build side by side — differences highlighted.

Versions & builds
Spec	Backroad AL GRX 400	Backroad AL GRX 610	Backroad AL EQ (equipped: rack, fenders, lights)	Backroad CF GRX 610	Backroad CF GRX 820	Backroad CF XPLR	Backroad CF Unsupported (SON dynamo, power bank, Supernova lights)	Backroad Plus EQ (e-gravel, Shimano EP8)	Backroad Plus (e-gravel, Shimano EP8)

Where to buy ROSE Bikes Backroad Series (AL / Carbon / Plus) in Estonia

Local shops and marketplaces in your country.

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Local marketplaces

osta.ee soov.ee okidoki.ee

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