Rose Backroad AL Plus Cues in Review

The gravel bike has taken on many roles in recent years - training device, commuter, bikepacking machine or a road bike substitute for poor roads. Somewhere between all of these worlds sits the new Backroad AL Plus Cues from Rose.

The e-gravel bike was reviewed over several weeks around Vienna, on gravel paths along the Danube Canal, fast stretches of asphalt toward Klosterneuburg and, of course, on the typical gravel routes in the Vienna Woods. It was precisely there that the Backroad AL Plus quickly showed what it wants to be: not a cozy city e-bike, but a sporty gravel bike with electric assistance - and surprisingly much character.

It became clear after the first rides: this bike doesn’t even try to imitate a full-power e‑bike. Instead, the Backroad AL Plus strikes the rare balance between a classic gravel bike and a modern e‑bike remarkably well. It feels sporty and direct, almost like a "normal" gravel bike, yet provides exactly the kind of assistance that makes longer climbs, headwinds, or tired legs noticeably more comfortable.

Optically, the Backroad AL Plus is definitely one of the most successful e‑gravel bikes on the market. The Mahle X30 hub motor is discreetly hidden in the rear wheel, the battery sits invisibly in the down tube, and at first glance most people would probably not even notice that a motor is installed here.

Especially in the color "Pebble" the bike looks pleasantly minimalist and high-quality. The smoothed welds give the aluminum frame an almost carbon-like appearance, while the integrated cable routing keeps the cockpit nicely tidy.

The geometry of the Backroad AL Plus is clearly designed for distance and focuses on high comfort as well as a calm, stable ride. You notice that already after the first kilometers. Instead of an extremely aggressive riding position, Rose opts for a balanced setup that remains pleasant even after several hours in the saddle.

The riding position feels pleasantly natural: efficient enough for fast stretches on asphalt and longer gravel climbs, yet relaxed enough to handle extended tours comfortably. You sit compactly, without appearing too low or too stretched out.

What stands out in a positive way is how calm and composed the bike rides. Even on fast gravel descents or loose ground the Backroad AL Plus remains pleasantly stable and inspires a lot of confidence. The bike is very easy to steer; even in rougher terrain it stays controllable and precise. Nevertheless, the hub motor in the rear wheel is not entirely negligible: the extra weight is particularly noticeable when the motor assistance is not active. Especially during acceleration it occasionally feels as if you are "dragging" the bike a little behind you before it really gets up to speed.

In terms of comfort you do notice, however, that an aluminum frame is at work. On truly rough sections or poor gravel roads the ride feels somewhat firmer than with some carbon competitors. In return, you get a very direct, honest riding character that is especially convincing on longer tours with changing surfaces.

In everyday use the Backroad AL Plus quickly shows what it was built for: fast after‑work rides, sporty gravel outings and longer tours with as natural a riding feel as possible. The Mahle X30 motor provides pleasantly discreet assistance and is especially enjoyable where you would normally slow down – in headwinds, on long climbs or with tired legs at the end of a ride. That's exactly when the system delivers that little extra push without distorting the riding feel.
On flat asphalt sections, however, the typical limit of such light systems becomes apparent: as soon as the assistance ends at 25 km/h, you're effectively riding a normal gravel bike with a bit of extra weight. In fast road or gravel groups you'll therefore still have to work hard above that threshold.

The small 250‑Wh battery requires a bit of planning; especially in cold temperatures or when riding aggressively, the range shrinks faster than expected. This is exactly where you quickly develop a certain fear of the last bar. If you constantly ride in the strongest assist mode, you’ll drain the battery surprisingly quickly. For longer adventures, the optional Range Extender will therefore be almost mandatory for many.

Even on light singletracks in the Vienna Woods the bike is surprisingly fun. As long as it doesn’t get too rough or technical, you can ride it there with confidence and control, and it shows a pleasantly playful side you wouldn’t necessarily expect at first glance.

What I particularly liked in the review was how little the Backroad AL Plus feels like a typical e‑bike. Not a heavy, sluggish ride, not an exaggerated motor shove — just a sporty gravel bike with built‑in tailwind.

As always with our shoots, we also photographed and documented a few of the highlights for you out on the road to show how the Backroad AL Plus performs on the go and what we especially want to emphasize. Tire clearance is, of course, always an issue with a bike like this; in addition there are a few technical details such as various mounting options for fenders or a kickstand, and also the chain guide — all of this ensures in everyday use that the fundamentally sporty e‑bike can quickly become an everyday machine for commuting or shopping, or even a touring bike.

This e‑bike is not for people who want to exert as little effort as possible and be hauled up the hill by a powerful mid‑drive motor. Rather, it is aimed at sporty riders who want to keep their usual gravel feeling — only with a bit of assistance at the decisive moments.

The Mahle X30 motor works excellently with the lightweight overall concept, the geometry provides a lot of riding fun, and the clean integration makes the bike look extremely successful. Added to that are solid Shimano components and high everyday suitability.

However, you have to accept that the small battery doesn't work miracles. Those seeking maximum range or constantly riding in turbo mode will hit limits here. But anyone looking for a light, modern and sporty e‑gravel bike that feels as little like an e‑bike as possible will find a reliable all‑rounder in the Backroad AL Plus. Exactly the kind of bike you meant to take out for a short after‑work spin — and suddenly two hours later find yourself somewhere in the Vienna Woods.