Rose bikes? Tell me more…

Rose are a direct-sales brand, along the lines of Canyon and YT-Industries. That means great savings for you, the customer, but no dealer network to help with issues. With new frame designs across the board for its 2015 trail bikes, I suspect we’ll be hearing a lot more about them in the future.

Sounds good. What are they like?

Well this bike here is their 160mm travel enduro model, the Uncle Jimbo. Last year’s bike had a simple frame with straight tubes and 26in wheels. The new bike rolls on de-rigeur 650b wheels and the frame is now hydro-formed aluminium for a much more contemporary look and reduced weight. Rose has moved the shock link from the top tube to the seat tube, which not only gives a more progressive action but offers greater standover clearance. Graphics are also a step on from last year’s bike. Angles and spec look good for the kind of riding the Jimbo is intended for, and although prices are still tbc, expect killer value-for-money once again.

What if I don’t race ‘Enduro’?

You’re in luck! Rose has applied the new frame design across the range, from the Uncle Jimbo down to the 100mm travel, DR Z, XC race 29er, the Root Miller, 130mm travel trail 29er and Granite Chief, 150mm 650b trail ripper. There’s also a 130mm travel 650b bike called the Ground Control that looks like a good bet for UK trails. The Ground Control and the Root Miller will also be available in an ‘Evo’ style build, called Supertrail, which features a longer fork, shorter stem and wider bar.

Look out for a first ride in MBR soon, and in the meantime, check out Rose Bikes.