Thrill Hill

mtb2600–5500 EUR

Origin

2016. The Thrill Hill is ROSE's XC racing and downcountry platform — the only carbon frame in their entire MTB lineup. While the Root Miller (trail/enduro) and Ground Control (hardtail) use alloy, the Thrill Hill uses carbon to achieve the weight targets needed for XC racing. The 2019 relaunch with 29" wheels and the Inline Suspension Design was the most significant evolution.

Specifications

Frame: Carbon fibre (~1,800 g frame) — the only carbon MTB in ROSE's range. Inline Suspension Design: single-pivot with flex carbon seatstays replacing a pivot bearing. Press-fit BB, Boost 12×148 mm rear / 15×110 mm front, full internal routing, 6-year frame warranty
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle / XX SL AXS 1×11/12 (top) or Shimano mid-range (entry); front-derailleur mount retained on frame (2× compatible)
Brakes: Shimano XTR / SRAM hydraulic disc by trim
Wheels: 29" (2019+), DT Swiss XRC 1200 carbon (top) or Mavic SLR (configured); Boost hubs, tubeless-ready

The verdict

+Strengths

Only carbon MTB in ROSE range — significant weight advantage over alloy siblings
10kg complete at top spec (2019 Thrill Hill 6) — XC-class weight at trail-bike price
Flex seatstay: no additional pivot = less maintenance + weight saving
6-year frame warranty — exceptional for carbon MTB
Enduro MTB 2020: 'Most nimble in test group. Superb suspension. Great light-footedness.'
bike-test.com 2023: 'On climbs leaves other downcountry bikes in the dust'
Configurator allows custom spec upgrades — riders can dial exact build
Design & Innovation Award (Thrill Hill 6) — industry validation

−Weaknesses

Enduro MTB 2016: '69° HTA + 90mm stem = almost twitchy. High speeds require payback.'
Enduro MTB 2020: 'At high speed and rougher trails, limits exceeded — playful geometry requires reducing tempo in rock gardens'
Singletracks: '120mm trail version has SHORTER reach than 100mm XC — counterintuitive and limited'
Only 3 frame sizes (S/M/L) — less coverage than Root Miller (5 sizes)
Press-fit BB (carbon standard) — less durable than threaded in all-weather use
Top spec pricing (€5,500+) expensive for alloy-framed competition at similar price

Did you know

01The Thrill Hill is the ONLY carbon frame MTB in ROSE's lineup — all other ROSE MTBs (Root Miller, Ground Control, Thrill Hill, Bonero, Count Solo, Uncle Jimbo, Soul Fire) use aluminium
02Top spec Thrill Hill 6 weighed 10kg complete in 2019 — XC-class weight at trail price
03The flex seatstay design eliminates one pivot bearing — less maintenance, less weight, same active suspension feel
04ROSE Design & Innovation Award winner (Thrill Hill 6) — recognition for the engineering of the Inline Suspension Design
056-year frame warranty on carbon MTB — exceptional and rare in the industry
06Enduro MTB 2016: 'Long 90mm stem and steep 69° HTA — almost twitchy.' The 2019 relaunch modernised geometry significantly.
07Singletracks noted the frame still has front derailleur mount — unusual on a modern XC bike, but gives 2x gearing flexibility
08The 120mm Thrill Hill Trail variant has SHORTER reach than the 100mm XC version (444mm vs 458mm on L) — counterintuitive and criticised by Singletracks: 'Odd move considering most brands increase reach on more aggressive bikes'
09Configurator allows custom spec — the tested Thrill Hill 3 was configured to €4,219 from base €3,999 with Mavic wheels

Who it’s for

XC racers wanting direct-sales carbon bike at accessible priceDowncountry riders who prioritise climbing efficiencyFitness trail cyclists wanting lightweight full suspensionRiders who configure their own spec via online tool