Test ride: The ROSE Elec Tec E-MTB could already be admired for the first time at the Eurobike last year - the market launch took a little longer, but the time will finally come in autumn. The direct seller from Bocholt is celebrating its entry into the now highly competitive e-MTB market with the Continental e-bike. We took a closer look at the bike at the Eurobike Media Days and did a few laps.
While e-bikes are certainly not unknown at ROSE, the direct seller currently has more than 20 models in its portfolio, so there is still a gap in the e-MTB sector. So far, the focus here has been entirely on the trekking and urban areas - but that is set to change next autumn. With the ROSE Elec Tec, you can take your first steps in the electrified mountain bike jungle, which seems to be increasingly competitive. The Elec Tec is an 'old friend'; regular visitors to Velomotion should already be familiar with photos and short reports about the ROSE E-MTB from one or the other trade fair in recent months. At the Eurobike Media Days, for the first time, we had a few working models with us, and of course we didn't let this opportunity for a test ride pass us by.
The look of the ROSE Elec Tec is bold, but simple and unobtrusive. At first glance, thanks to the strong system integration, it cannot be identified as an e-bike, although the bulky frame with the voluminous area on the head tube is certainly not to everyone's taste. The paintwork is subtle and the bike will probably be available in the two color variants black/red and black/blue for the time being. German technology is at work inside: The motor specialist Brose contributes the drive, while the control unit and battery come from Continental. It is the tire specialist's first foray into the e-bike stage; the commitment is to be further expanded in the future under the umbrella of Continental eBike System.
With 612Wh, the battery offers plenty of power and is fully integrated into the frame thanks to the clever arrangement of the cells and close cooperation with the engineers at ROSE. However, it can still be easily removed for charging. The display is simple, sufficiently large and is operated via a small remote joystick on the handlebars.
When designing the E-MTB, the focus was on the widest possible range of applications: The Elec Tec comes with a 130mm suspension fork at the front and either 29″ or 27,5+ tires. In combination with the modern geometry around the long main frame and the slack steering angle, this results in a potent platform on the trail, which should also cut a fine figure as a relaxed tourer. Especially the choice between wide Plus tires and powerful 29ers is a big advantage.
ROSE Elec Tec: How does the Trail E-MTB ride?
Luckily we got the chance to take one of the coveted test bikes out in Kirchberg on the region's trails. E-bike novice Continental has done a really good job of operating the drive – the monochrome display is very easy to read and remote control is intuitive and can be easily mastered by even e-bike newbies after a short time without instruction or operating instructions . The motor itself supports a little more gently than, for example, the Bosch Performance CX, but that doesn't necessarily have to be a disadvantage, especially on a mountain bike. On the one hand, the drive not only scores with its compactness and its good integration into the frame, but above all with its extremely low volume. Even the mountain bike tires on the road make more noise than the engine.
The equipment on our test bike is appropriate for the area of application of the Elec Tec: with the new Rock Shox Yari suspension fork at the front, retractable Vario support from Rock Shox, the recently presented SRAM EX1 e-bike group and a short, wide cockpit, there really is nothing that stands in the way of the next trail adventure In the way. We rode the variant with 29″ wheels, which is designed a little more for touring, but thanks to the Boost standard on the hubs, a second wheel set with 650b+ dimensions can also be used within a few minutes. The bike was nice and lively on our test laps, the seating position is sporty, in the middle of the bike and we quickly felt at home. The long reach harmonises nicely with the wide cockpit and the slack steering angle and conveys a lot of confidence on the trail.
Only in tight corners did the e-bike-typically long chainstays and the large wheelbase become somewhat noticeable, and riders are required to compensate for the lack of maneuverability with an active riding style. On the other hand, the directional stability benefits from the long struts on fast, rough passages and the bike lies firmly on the trail despite the lack of suspension in the rear and never seems overly nervous. In addition, very steep trails can be tackled uphill, as the drive provides the necessary power, while the long rear triangle counteracts the feeling of overturning.
ROSE Elec Tec: Conclusion – a well-rounded affair
ROSE took a long time to bring their first E-MTB onto the market. After our first test drive, however, one can say that it was worth it. The Elec Tec is a harmoniously coordinated bike with a wide range of uses and well thought-out equipment. The drive from Continental with Brose power seems to work well and the operation of the motor via the new interface was convincing. The ROSE Elec Tec should be available from autumn. Exact prices and model configurations are available at the Eurobike.
Leave a Comment