Test: ROSE XLITE 06 Ultegra Di2 – a thoroughbred racer from the direct mail order company in Bocholt has found its way to Lower Bavaria. You can find out how it performed and what it can do in the following practical test.
The XLITE model series has been completely revised, with four different models of the XLITE 04 and five variants of the XLITE 06. There are also three special models of the XLITE UNLTD. We tested the ROSE XLITE 06 Ultegra Di2 in the bright color borealis green/chalk. If you don't like it so colorful, you can also choose matt carbon.
The new frame design and the clean look immediately caught our eye. The workmanship is very good and the wheels, handlebars and seat post from the ROSE own brand are also very high quality. The frame is very different from the frame of the previous model. The aerodynamics have been fine-tuned again, which is very noticeable on flat passages. The light and stiff RC Sixty carbon wheels with hubs from Newman also play their part. Every start is mercilessly converted into propulsion. The wheels have an internal width of 21 mm and are also tubeless-ready. The matching tubeless valves are included in delivery.
Contrary to the standard equipment, Continental GP 5000 were mounted on the test bike, which with their 28 mm width offer very good grip and additional comfort. Tires up to a width of 06 mm can be mounted on the new frame of the ROSE XLITE 32.
According to ROSE, the frame should only weigh 825 grams. The complete bike weighs only approx. 7,1 kg. A top value for an aero bike. The lines are completely integrated and the ROSE Race One-Piece Cockpit is also new. The highlight here is that the cables are clamped under the handlebars. This makes maintenance easier.
The D-Shape carbon seat post is also from ROSE. It is aerodynamically optimized and can be adjusted using a hidden clamp on the top tube. It also provides some comfort thanks to a little flex. You take a seat on the Fizik Antares Versus Evo R5 saddle. The saddle is comfortable even on long journeys, but is a bit slippery due to its smooth surface.
The bike is aimed at competitive riders and sprinters, but due to its weight it also offers reserves for trips into the mountains. The geometry is very compact and you sit very sportily on the ROSE XLITE 06. The top tube and head tube have become shorter compared to their predecessor, which immediately puts you in an aerodynamic sitting position.
The XLITE 06 is very maneuverable and smooth on flat surfaces as well as on fast descents. However, you should not take your hands off the handlebars in windy conditions, as the bike is susceptible to crosswinds due to the 60 mm high rims.
The Shimano Ultegra Di2 does its job perfectly, but the gear ratio (crank 52/36 and cassette 11-30) is designed for speed. You need strong legs for the mountains. But that's exactly what a thoroughbred racer like this demands anyway. Need for Speed!
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