mountain bikes: Test: Rose Root Miller 2 – Inexpensive trail milling machine with enduro genes

ROSE Root Miller 2: frame and geometry

The ROSE Root Miller is a good old friend and has been available from the Bocholt direct mailer for some time. For the current model generation, however, the 29″ trail bike has been given a good facelift and the previously somewhat dusty geometry has been brought into 2017. But one thing after the other: The aluminum frame convinces with a simple but pleasing design language without adventurous experiments. A real eye-catcher is the metallic-blue paint finish on our test bike, which went down extremely well with all of our test riders without exception.

Otherwise, a lot is put on the card of universality: In the standard equipment, all three equipment variants of the 2017 Root Miller come with 29″ wheels, but the online configurator from ROSE also allows plus tires to be configured. This is made possible on the one hand by the Boost axles and on the other hand of course by the ample tire clearance in the rear triangle, where rubber with a width of up to 3″ should find space. The new Root Miller has 140mm of travel front and rear. Whether in combination with a 29" or B+ - that's a lot of wood for a trail bike and promises large reserves in the field.

The cables running inside the frame further underline the clean look of the ROSE bike. Clever inputs and outputs allow the cable housings to be fitted under tension, so nothing rattles even after a long day of trail fun. Many other manufacturers save here - thumbs up! Attention to detail is also demonstrated with the down tube protection, which protects the frame from stones thrown up and prevents unsightly dents.

The geometry of the ROSE Root Miller 2017 is modern: at 67°, the steering angle is pretty much average for modern 29″ trail bikes, as is the reach at just over 450mm in size L. The long chainstays and the seat tube, which is also quite long, are a little out of line. The former in particular is not necessarily in the spirit of the times and certainly costs a few agility points, but it not only increases running smoothness, but also keeps the front wheel on the ground better on steep ramps. The long seat tube is a bit more critical here: If you are on the lower end of the frame size, for example, you will have trouble installing a seat post with an adjustment range of 150mm.

ROSE Root Miller 2: Features

We tested the Root Miller 2 in its standard configuration - but it shouldn't go unmentioned that when ordering on the ROSE website, you have the option of adapting the bike to your own wishes and needs in many places. Sometimes it costs a few euros, sometimes not.

At less than €2.900, the ROSE Root Miller is one of the cheapest bikes in our test – but you might not necessarily suspect that when looking at the equipment. When it comes to the chassis, the root miller scores above all with a Rock Shox Pike RC at the front, which is not a matter of course even in higher price ranges. In the rear there is a Rock Shox Deluxe RT3, whose thumb lever allows you to easily adjust the compression in three positions - so you can react quickly to the terrain while riding.

The drive is based on a Shimano XT drive with two chainrings and front derailleur. So you can look forward to a wide range of over 500%, but you have to accept some loss of comfort when shifting, a little more weight and a higher background noise on the descent. At this point it's a bit of a shame that you can't select an 11-46 cassette from Shimano in the configurator - that's how you could implement a one-by drive quite cheaply.

The necessary braking power is provided by Magura's MT5 four-piston brakes, which in combination with a 203mm disc at the front and 180mm at the rear offer a lot of power and in this form would by no means be out of place on an enduro bike. The Spank Oozy Trail 345 wheels with 30mm wide rims and plenty of reserves for difficult terrain take a similar approach - but at over 1.900g they are not lightweights either.

Of course, a potent trail bike like the ROSE should not be without a dropper post. The Reverb is based on tried-and-tested technology. We think it's a pity that the variant with a 125mm stroke is installed in all sizes - this is possibly due to the long seat tube, but tall riders would perhaps at least want the 150mm option here.

The very good equipment is rounded off by the short and wide cockpit from Race Face, which, like the other components, has its strengths above all in terms of rigidity and stability and not necessarily in terms of weight. So it's not all that surprising that the Root Miller weighs well over 14kg without pedals, despite the fairly light aluminum frame.

ROSE Root Miller 2: On the trail

Summarized again: 29″ wheels (with option to B+), 140mm spring travel, flat angles, long frame and robust equipment. It's pretty clear where ROSE's focus is on the new Root Miller - downhill. The blue Trailblitz, which weighs over 14kg, shows this right from the start. The Root Miller always thrives when the terrain is challenging, the ground is bumpy and the descent is steep. The geometry is really well chosen here, the reach is neither too long nor too short, and the steering angle is also completely within the green range. The rather long chainstays, which are not 100% in line with the spirit of the times, also have their advantages: the handling is stable, the root mill reliably stays on track. The very good chassis also plays a large part in this: the Pike is beyond reproach and the rear end can also keep up.

As fun as the trail bike from Bocholt is on the descent, it shows its tough side on the way up. On the one hand, the slight overweight is noticeable here, but the rear end also swallows up one or two watts while pedaling. If the damper is completely open, it rocks clearly, and even a little in the middle setting. That's not too dramatic and doesn't make any mountain an insurmountable obstacle, but it's noticeable compared to the competition. The wide range of Shimano's 2-speed gears has a positive effect here, even if the drive clatters a little more on the descent than counterparts with only one chainring.

The equipment matches the general character of the ROSE bike: the Spank wheels are nice and stiff, the Magura brakes are easy to dose and at the same time have plenty of reserves for long descents. The Race Face cockpit is perfect for the area of ​​use and the overall ergonomics are exactly what you would want from a modern trail bike. There is absolutely nothing to complain about here.