Test: At the Eurobike Media Days 2016 we were able to see a first version of the Rose ElecTec test. Now we had the opportunity to run the bike a little longer and get a somewhat detailed impression of the bike.
Rose ElecTec – The frame
The basis for the Rose ElecTec is the newly developed aluminum hardtail frame. The frame gives the bike a more futuristic look with its massive lower tube and head tube area. The lower ear is designed so massively for a reason, since the 612Wh battery is housed in it, which flows directly into the Continental motor around the bottom bracket. The battery can be easily removed from the frame and, for example, attached to the socket for charging. The frame is generally available in matt black with either red or blue details. The frame is designed for 130 mm spring travel at the front. By using the Boost standard with a 148mm axle width, enough space has been created in the rear triangle to be able to use 27,5″ Plus or 29″ wheels. In general, the frame is of very high quality and offers no points for criticism.
Rose ElecTec – The drive
Bosch & Brose have already submitted as well-known automotive suppliers. You could be sure that it wouldn't be long before Continental ventured into the e-bike market. The Rose ElecTec is one of the first bikes with the Continental drive. The motor in the Conti eBike system here on the Rose, however, comes from Brose, while the battery, display and control electronics are developments from Continental. The system on the Rose has a 600Wh battery integrated into the down tube - that's plenty of power and should also be enough for longer tours. The motor offers four levels of support with different strengths, including a pushing aid. These can be controlled via the compact control on the handlebars. The associated display is kept simple but functional and offers the driver information in large, easy-to-read letters about the current support level of the motor, speed, remaining range, battery level and kilometers covered. Other systems offer more information, but this should be sufficient here.
Rose ElecTec – The equipment
frame | Rose Elec Tec 27,5"+ |
suspension fork | RockShox Yari RC |
Power Type | Continental e-bike drive |
Battery | 612Wh 17 |
Suspension shocks | / |
Wheels | Sunringlé Düroc 40 27,5"+ |
Tire VR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo Snakeskin Apex 27,5x2,8 |
Tire HR | Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo Snakeskin Apex 27,5x2,8 |
derailleur | SRAM EX1 |
Gear levers | SRAM EX1 |
Crank | Continental with Race Face chainring |
Front derailleur | |
Brake | SRAM Guide RE |
Brake discs | SRAM Centerline 200/180mm |
Seat post | Rock Shox Reverb Stealth (125mm) |
Saddle | Ergon SMA30 |
Stem | Race Face Turbine |
Links | Race Face Atlas Low Riser |
The Rose ElecTec is currently available in one configuration for €3999. We tested the 27,5″ Plus version. If you look at the E-MTB market, the Rose is in the upper middle class. But it also offers a lot for the price. Many components from the US manufacturer SRAM catch the eye on the equipment list. At the front, a Rock Shox Yari RC with 130 mm provides the necessary comfort. Shifting is done with the Sram EX 1×8 circuit specially developed for the e-bike market. In addition, a Rock Shox Reverb Vario post with 125 mm adjustment range is installed. For the wheels, Rose relies on Sun Ringlé Düroc 40 wheels in the 27,5″ version with 40 mm wide rims, which can also easily accommodate the 2,8″ wide Nobby Nic Evo tires. As you are used to from Rose, no savings were made on the add-on parts. The handlebars and stem come from Race Face and the two contact points, saddle and grips, come from Ergon. All in all, a very coherent structure that should also offer the bike the necessary reserves for tougher terrain. In this composition, the weight of the Rose levels off at 22,6 kg.
Rose ElecTec – The Geometry
The geometry of the Rose should result in a bike that is as versatile as possible with the necessary reserves. For a hardtail, the Rose has a relatively slack head angle of 67 degrees, with the seat angle being rather steep at 74 degrees. The top tube is also rather long and the reach is relatively long. At 458mm, the chainstays are neither particularly long nor particularly short for E-MTB conditions. Very smooth running, good ground contact on the front wheel during climbs at the expense of agility. One can expect that the ElecTec climbs very well on the one hand, but also offers the necessary reserves and smoothness for faster descents. Anyone looking for an extremely agile bike could be disappointed.
Rose ElecTec
S/M | L | XL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 440 | 480 | 520 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 595 | 620 | 640 |
head tube (in mm) | 146 | 148 | 150 |
chainstay (in mm) | 458 | 458 | 458 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1178 | 1203 | 1224 |
Steering angle (in °) | 67 | 67 | 67 |
Seat angle (in °) | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Reach (mm) | 404 | 428 | 448 |
Stacks (in mm) | 666 | 669 | 670 |
Rose ElecTec - On the trail
We were excited to hear Continental's response. Depending on the support level selected, the Conti motor provides noticeable support as soon as you start off. When accelerating, the engine pushes evenly until it says goodbye at around 26 km/h. On steep ramps you notice that compared to a Bosch CX motor, for example, the last boost or torque is missing. In addition, the motor also becomes clearly audible when the load is high. However, the driving experience is very pleasant and natural. In addition, the engine reacts quickly to the current situation by taking power away or adding it accordingly. Despite the long reach, the seating position on the bike can be described as comfortable and not too sporty and you feel comfortable on the bike relatively quickly.
Despite the battery and motor, the bike is very well balanced and can be moved in a similar way to a conventional bike. Steep climbs can be climbed easily without the front wheel lifting prematurely. With the 2,8″ Nobby Nic tires you have a lot of grip and, together with the electrical support, you roll over very rough terrain. You also benefit from the wide tires when going downhill. Not only because of the outstanding grip, but also because of the extra comfort thanks to the wide tires, the bike is very solid and safe on the trail. One often forgets that one is sitting on a hardtail. The bike is generally very safe downhill and can be moved precisely even at high speeds. It doesn't like tight corners that much, but the long chainstays make them noticeable. The shifting is completely sufficient for the bike and always shifted reliably during the test. We couldn't overtax the brakes either.
Pit Ebike Evangelist says
I like the bike very much. I understand why the quote "until it then says goodbye at approx. 25 km/h" is mentioned for a bike that is allowed to run at 26 km/h, but for non-experts it brings in a negative touch for the Continental engine, which is unnecessary is. I would wish for more than 8 courses.