Rose Backroad AL Plus

Text NoPainMartin Ganglberger All articles by NoPainAI translation·Photos Erwin Haiden·19.07.23 · 15:29GAs a sourceLink

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.

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Roses Backroad AL Plus Review

Smart Operation

Almost invisibly integrated, one cannot tell that the Backroad AL Plus features the X35 e-drive system. Neither an unsightly control unit on the handlebars nor an oversized display above the stem brand the Rose as a pedelec. Instead, a small button recessed into the top tube acts as a smart command center, serving as the power on/off switch and controlling the support modes.

The iWoc One Button allows you to choose between 3 different levels of assistance, so you can manage your power. A LED ring surrounding the button indicates the selected level of assistance (Red = high, Orange = medium, Green = low, White = no assistance) as well as the approximate battery charge level. 

With the "Mahle MySmartBike App" it is possible to further customize the levels (motor maps) to suit one's personal riding style. Additionally, the smartphone app offers a significantly larger amount of information: Besides classic metrics such as speed, distance, heart rate, and travel time, it provides details on battery status, range, etc., allows switching of support modes, records trips including GPS navigation, and has an interface to Strava.
 

The Mahle X35 drive is also compatible with Garmin bike computers. It can be quickly paired as an "E-Bike Sensor" and displays important information such as battery level, assistance level, and range either graphically or in the form of data fields. Great!

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X35 without torque control

The drive does not have torque and cadence sensors to measure the rider's performance (torque*cadence); instead, there is a peripheral acceleration sensor (Peripheral Acceleration Sensor) located in the rear wheel hub, which detects the current rotation speed of the cassette. Accordingly, the power delivery is not controlled by pedal pressure as elsewhere, but solely by the push of a button (assistance mode).

As long as the cassette or crankset is turning, no matter how fast, the motor releases the full power of the selected support level. Thus, if desired, one can be pushed forward very leisurely and practically without any effort, but on the flip side, one can also exert oneself and receive the full set watts of the X35 up to the magical 25 km/h limit.

To optimally use the Mahle X35 drive system, we recommend selecting the profile that matches your own riding style (engine map with three levels of switchable motor power) or configuring it freely according to your own preferences. In the MySmartBike app, in addition to the three pre-configured modes ECO, URBAN, and SPORT, a fully customizable CUSTOM mode is also available.

Geometry and Differences to the Carbon Backroad

The Backroad AL Plus, despite having an aluminum frame plus motor, looks quite sleek and tidy and is quite comparable to the classic bio-Backroad in terms of comfort geometry - this applies to the pure dimensions (since the wheelbase, stack, and reach are relatively similar in the comparable size) as well as with its rather moderate damping properties. The aluminum frame, aluminum handlebars, the relatively thin handlebar tape, and the ultra-stable carbon fork indeed offer little comfort due to their immense stiffness in both variants. A handlebar tape with more damping and converting the wheels to tubeless can provide a remedy.

Apart from the shaking factor on rough terrain, the solid aluminum E-Gravel can convince with its comfortable geometry, upright seating position, and a good mix of high agility and steady rolling.

Geometry

	XS/49	S/52	M/54	L/56	XL/58
Rec. Inseam Length (cm)	77-82	82-85	85-89	89-92	92-96
Seat Tube Length (mm)	470	490	508	535	560
Top Tube Length (mm)	515	535	555	577	590
Head Tube Length (mm)	125	146	170	186	205
Head Tube Angle	70°	70.5°	71°	71.5°	71.5°
Seat Angle	74.25°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
BB-Drop (mm)	65	68	72	76	76
Chainstay Length (mm)	430	430	430	430	430
Wheelbase (mm)	1,011	1,023.5	1,032.5	1,048	1,062
Reach (mm)	361.5	372	378	393.5	401.5
Stack (mm)	544.5	569	598	619	637
Fork Rake (mm)	47	47	47	47	47
Max. Tire Width (mm)	45.5	45.5	45.5	45.5	45.5

Compared to the more expensive Backroad Plus with Shimano EP8 motor (85 Nm), the Backroad AL Plus even has a significantly more agile geometry with a shorter wheelbase (X35: 1,032.5 mm vs. EP8: 1,047 mm), shorter chainstays (X35: 430 mm vs. EP8: 436 mm), and 4 millimeters more bottom bracket ground clearance in size Medium. Furthermore, the Backroad AL Plus offers a more relaxed geometry with a shorter reach (X35: 378 mm vs. EP8: 399 mm) and a higher stack (X35: 598 mm vs. EP8: 573 mm). One might think they've done everything right.

Major Mahle advantage: Since the hub motors allow for a design with conventional bottom brackets, standard cranks from Shimano and SRAM can be installed; thus, the Q-factor remains at road bike level. Even the narrowest mid-drive motors are noticeably wider in this respect.

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Rose Backroad AL Plus Models and Prices

The Backroad AL Plus is offered, including the Mahle X35, in two model variants, in two colors each, and in the four sizes Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large.

The SRAM model Backroad AL Plus Apex XPLR 1x12 strains the family budget at 3,399 euros and the Shimano model Backroad AL Plus GRX RX810 1x11 is priced at 3,499 euros.

The bikes are now available at rosebikes.de.

BACKROAD AL PLUS GRX RX810 1x11

Rahmen	Rose Backroad AL Plus, Aluminium, 12x142TA, innenliegende Schalt-/Bremszüge, Anschraubpunkte f. Gepäckträger	Gabel	Rose Backroad, Carbon, 12x100TA, innenliegende Bremsleitung, Anschraubpunkte f. Gravel Cage
Größen	XS/S/M/L/XL	Farben	Sandy Taco, Seafoam Green
Antrieb	Mahle X35, 40 Nm, 250 W	Akku	250 Wh (bis zu 100 km)
Laufräder	Rose G Thirty Plus 32 Loch, 25 mm innen, 28H/32H	Reifen	WTB Raddler TCS, 700Cx44C
Sattelstütze	Ritchey 2B WTD, 350 mm, 27,2 mm	Sattel	Rose Edition by Selle Italia
Lenker	Ritchey Road Comp Venture Max	Lenkerband	Rose Gel-Comfort black
Vorbau	Rose ALR, 90 mm	Kurbel	Shimano GRX FC-RX810 40T
Zahnkranz	Shimano CS-M7000 | 11-42	Kette	Shimano CN-HG601
STIs	Shimano GRX ST-RX810 BL-RX810	Bremsen	Shimano GRX BR-RX810, 160mm
Schaltwerk	Shimano GRX, RD-RX812, 11-fach	Innenlager	Shimano PF86
Gewicht*	13,68 kg gewogen	Preis	3.499 Euro

* Herstellerangabe: 13,4 kg

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Unpacked and cobbled together

Before the first use, the battery should, of course, be fully charged. To do this, the Backroad AL Plus is connected to the power grid via the supplied power adapter - the charging port is located underneath a plastic cover at the lower end of the seat tube. During the charging process, the battery remains in the bike, as it should only be removed for service/repair purposes. The charging time for the main battery is at most three to four hours, and the optionally available Range Extender is fully charged in three hours.

For future Backroad AL Plus owners, this means that they will need a power outlet at the storage location, otherwise the bike must be brought into the living area - which should not be a serious problem due to the manageable weight. Tip: Long-term storage of the bike at temperatures below freezing is not conducive to the battery's lifespan.

Operation

The operation (turning on/off and changing the support mode) is done via the iWoc One button on the top tube, which indicates the selected level of assistance and also the remaining battery capacity with a differently colored LED ring.

However, we did not become die-hard fans of the iWoc One button, as the display proved to be somewhat unclear in practice and switching modes was inconvenient; Mahle solved this much better with their X20 control unit. The absolute pinnacle would be the Mahle eShifter on the handlebars.

On gravel, we cautiously approached in level 1 of the SPORT mode (max. 60% motor support) and repeatedly found ourselves checking whether the motor was really switched on. This is because not only could the Backroad AL Plus hardly be identified as an E-Gravel bike by outsiders - the noise of the motor was also so quiet that it was barely noticeable to the rider on flat terrain amid tire, wind, chain, and other ambient noises.

Riding behavior

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.

Surprise: the handlebar

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.

Comfort

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.

Range

Rose promises electrified ranges of 100 kilometers, which in reality are likely to be achieved only in the best case and with the least amount of assistance. However, the range depends not only on the battery or motor power but also on the rider's weight, their own power output, as well as external factors such as outside temperature, topography, wind, shifting behavior, riding technique, kilometers ridden above and below the 25 km/h limit, and much more.

We rode in SPORT mode at 60/80/100% and completed hilly distances of 60 kilometers in level 2 (80%) with around 1,200 meters of elevation gain until the battery was empty. In level 3 (100%), it was around 800 meters of elevation gain. During the final test in level 1 (60%), the battery was still almost half full after 900 meters of elevation gain. With a rider weight of 70 kg and without additional luggage, approximately 1,700 meters of elevation gain could be within the realm of possibility.

As a general rule: Those who need more energy can increase the total capacity to 460 Wh with an optional available Range Extender - an additional battery that is mounted like a water bottle on the seat tube and connected to the charging port.

• The steeper the climbs, the more the kilometer performance suffers.
• At 100% support, the LED of the iWoc Remote lights up orange faster (> 25% < 50%) than one would like.
• In level 1 of the URBAN mode (40%), the rides feel almost as strenuous as with a bio-gravel bike.
• Level 1 of the ECO mode (30%) cannot subjectively neutralize the disadvantage of the weight.

Target Group

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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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.

Conclusion

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.

Links

• Rose Homepage