Rose Backroad AL Plus

After the Backroad Plus with a carbon frame, Rose is now also electrifying the more affordable aluminum gravel bike Backroad AL, thereby expanding its E-Bike range with a new platform. Although the new Backroad AL Plus carries the DNA of the popular all-rounder, such as the relaxed frame geometry, numerous mounting points, and modern design, it integrates for the first time a Mahle X35 drive system elegantly into the frame.

The Backroad AL Plus is now available as an Apex XPLR 1x12 and GRX RX810 1x11 variant starting at a price of 3,399 euros. The bike is available in two colors, "sandy taco" and "seafoam green," as well as in sizes XS to XL.

We at Bikeboard received a Backroad AL Plus with Shimano's GRX 1x11 for an extensive review weeks before the launch.

Right from the start, the Backroad AL Plus accelerates noticeably at every level (from 40%) but in a pleasantly controlled manner, and pushes evenly just above the 25 km/h threshold. In this regard, we would equate the power at 60% to a strong tailwind and the 100% to the proverbial rocket - at least for a 70 kg rider weight on flat terrain. In other words, the Backroad AL at 40% feels like a normal bio-gravel bike; at 100%, the sport-oriented gravel cyclist might find it almost too much of a good thing - two reasons why we spent most of the time in level 1 with 60% (flat and gentle slopes) or level 2 with 80% (steeper climbs).

When exceeding the 25 km/h threshold (according to Garmin GPS, this was just below 26 km/h), the support of the X35 motor fades out very evenly, and even with 100% support, you don't hit the proverbial wall and can comfortably continue pedaling with pure muscle power without any sudden surprises. Here, the low, linear support is a real plus compared to motors with torque control that are sometimes twice as strong. The motor also re-engages extremely smoothly, making the 25 km/h threshold virtually disappear.

Where there is a lot of light, there is naturally also shadow. On one hand, with the X35 hub motor, you can "moped ride" by completely removing the pressure from the pedal on flat terrain and just mimicking the pedaling motion. On the other hand, depending on the strength of the assistance, you struggle with the additional thrust in tight hairpin turns, which can only be controlled by operating the brake lever.

In contrast to the brisk acceleration on the flat, the Mahle drive with its 40 Nm does reach its limits on steep climbs. Those who want to achieve a real effect cannot avoid using the full support level here. When it gets particularly steep and the speed drops below 10 km/h, the motor has to struggle at least as much as the rider, which also quickly becomes noticeable in the power consumption.

Downhill, however, the Backroad AL Plus shows itself from its best side again. With the elevated sitting position and the short chainstays typical for an e-gravel bike, the bike offers a good mix of agility and control and conveys a lot of smooth running and confidence at high downhill speeds thanks to its high stiffness and solid overall weight. Of course, due to the higher weight, the Backroad AL Plus pushes more into the curves and therefore wants to be braked earlier, but in most situations, it pleases with its harmonious handling. In short: Compared to the expensive EP8 Carbon Backroad, the AL Plus with the X35 rides almost like a proper gravel bike.

Rose equips many of its gravel bikes with the gravel-specific Ritchey Road COMP Venture Max handlebar. Although relatively narrow at 42 mm on the tops, the larger flare is intended to provide a lot of control in the drop bar position and also, thanks to wide support surfaces, to ensure an even pressure distribution and greater comfort.

My personal conclusion after the first 500 kilometers: The handlebar is incredibly ugly, but also unbelievably ergonomic. In combination with the well-shaped Shimano GRX levers, the Ritchey offers perfect conditions to keep the hands almost always on the brake or in the drop grip during fast off-road rides, without getting tired or overloading the back.

I rode about 60% on the brake levers, 35% on the lower handlebar and only occasionally on the upper handlebar. A real safety plus on descents. In addition, the handlebar is very stiff and also very thin - which is not necessarily a bad thing in principle. Unfortunately, it jolts quite a bit on rough terrain, which over time affects the wrists. The thin aluminum handlebar would definitely deserve a thicker, more comfortable handlebar tape or a gel pad mounted underneath. Then it would be simply perfect. Ugly it remains, but so are unshaved cyclist legs. So what.

In the "Geometry" section, we have already praised the comfortable seating position, and other measurements such as the head tube angle & Co. provide the best conditions for relaxed and safe riding with the Backroad ALR Plus. What works well on asphalt and firm gravel, however, quickly becomes a torment on rough terrain (scree, potholes, and cross ruts).

The main cause was quickly identified as the stiff aluminum frame, the aluminum handlebar, the relatively thin handlebar tape, the ultra-stable carbon fork, and the stiff wheels. However, creating relief would be relatively simple:

1. Handlebar tape with more damping or a gel insert underneath
2. Converting the wheels to tubeless

Although we refrained from both measures due to the short review period, we couldn't resist going on a long ride with 1.5 bar in the front and back (despite the tube-type setup). Fortunately, we were spared from pinch flats or blowouts.

The insight: Even with tubes, the wide Rose wheels (25 mm internal) WTB Raddler TCS in 44C offered not only higher traction and better grip but also a noticeably higher comfort. Really a thousand to one, which is why we advise every person of average weight to use tubeless. Light riders are recommended to explore the lower air pressure limit to give the bike an extra bit of compliance; heavier riders will also be pleased with the frame set even with more fully inflated tires. According to the manufacturer, tires up to 47 mm wide should fit into the Backroad AL Plus.

While the E-MTB could establish itself despite initial resistance, E-road bikes (as well as E-gravel bikes, etc.) were long considered exotic. Thanks to lighter and more discreet drive systems from manufacturers like Fazua and Mahle, which promise a natural riding feeling, the E-gravel bike is now also opening up new target groups.

The focus is on people who like to commute to work by bike and want to make a sporty detour into the terrain on the way home, or bikepackers who want to compensate for the additional weight of their panniers. Of course, all gravel bikers who want to be fast on the trail without having the necessary fitness benefit from the E-drive, as well as long-time cyclists who can no longer keep up with their partners or training groups on the mountain due to age, lack of training, or physical limitations.

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Field of Application

Ambitious racers might be somewhat disappointed by the sluggish handling of the E-Gravel (higher weight and longer wheelbase), but are unlikely to fall within the target audience of the Backroad AL Plus; on the other hand, beginners and less experienced road cyclists can look forward to a very smooth-running bike.

The Bocholt-based company presents the Backroad AL Plus, a versatile E-Gravel bike that, thanks to consistent integration, its relaxed frame geometry, and the solid yet by no means inferior components, has the potential to be the absolute worry-free package among sporty E-Commuters and E-Bikepacking bikes.

For example, the Shimano variant presented here impresses with its flawless, mechanical 810er GRX groupset, as well as many everyday components from Rose and Ritchey. Thanks to numerous attachment points, the bike can be individually packed and equipped. Wide, tubeless-capable WTB tires and the gravel-specific handlebar provide a lot of grip and control on gravel and forest paths. The proven Mahle X35 motor system offers a natural riding feel even without torque control (*), adequate power output with sufficient support to noticeably cover more kilometers and altitude, and is pleasing with its discreet look - moreover, the purchase price of 3,499 euros is a statement.

The only downsides are the somewhat confusing display or operation of the iWoc One button, which can be rectified using a smartphone app or Garmin Edge, and the inadequate comfort of the frame, fork, and handlebars. In our opinion, a more comfortable bar tape or a thicker bar tape wrapping from the factory would be appropriate, and the new owner should convert their Backroad AL Plus to Tubeless as soon as possible. Overall, reducing tire pressure is a quick and effective way to significantly increase the comfort of the stiff E-Gravel bike and make the riding experience more pleasant, especially on uneven or rough roads.

Pro Tip: Those who ride a lot and very hard should check relevant screw connections (handlebars, stem, bottle holder, derailleur hanger, etc.) more often than usual and not forget about the threadlocker. The extremely stiff aluminum frame rattles and jolts harder than more flexing carbon frames, which is why screws can loosen more easily and quickly.