Rose Backroad FF Classified 2x12
17.04.25 08:38 12025-04-17T08:38:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenThe start of another long-term test of the Rose Backroad FF - this time with an exciting setup featuring Shimano GRX Di2 1x and Classified 2x. Our newcomer Clemens from the Motorrad-Magazin will determine how the sleek gravel racer with its innovative two-speed hub and proven aero DNA performs in the tough daily training routine.17.04.25 08:38 1672025-04-17T08:38:00+02:00Rose Backroad FF Classified 2x12
17.04.25 08:38 1672025-04-17T08:38:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenThe start of another long-term test of the Rose Backroad FF - this time with an exciting setup featuring Shimano GRX Di2 1x and Classified 2x. Our newcomer Clemens from the Motorrad-Magazin will determine how the sleek gravel racer with its innovative two-speed hub and proven aero DNA performs in the tough daily training routine.17.04.25 08:38 1672025-04-17T08:38:00+02:00
Showrooms and long-term reviews of the race gravel bike from Bocholter have already been featured extensively on our channel – two of our editors have also been privately riding the Rose Backroad FF since last season.
Now, however, the Germans have introduced another exciting model variant, equipped with a Shimano GRX 1x12 Di2 drivetrain and combined with the wireless 2-speed shifting system from Classified. With the 48-tooth Rotor crankset and the 11-34 Classified cassette, you get a fine gear ratio similar to a 2x drivetrain, but with the simplicity and low-maintenance character of a 1x setup. This means: no front derailleur, no chain suck, no issues.
Our newcomer Clemens Kopecky will be putting the Rose Backroad FF with Classified 2x12 drivetrain through its paces over the coming weeks and months.
2x12 with all the advantages of 1x12?
Rose Backroad FF Classified 2x12
Classified Powershift Technology
Thanks to the wireless Powershift technology from Classified, hidden in the rear hub, gear changes are executed in fractions of a second - even under full load and on rough terrain.
The new Shimano GRX RX825 derailleur provides the necessary fine-tuning during gear changes, even when things get bumpy. Watts instead of gut feeling? The Rotor Inspider Powermeter delivers precise performance data directly at the crank - perfect for training by the numbers.
Rose Backroad FF Classified 2x12
With the Backroad FF, Rose introduced a gravel bike last year that combines a racing machine and an adventure device in an unusually elegant way. FF doesn't stand for "Fancy Features," but for "Fast Forward" – and Rose means it exactly like that. Speed, efficiency, aerodynamics, and comfort with full everyday usability are at the top of the priority list here.
With a weight of 8.3 kg, a high modulus carbon frame, internally routed cables, a sporty one-piece cockpit, and minimalist mounting options, the FF demonstrates that it belongs to the fast side of the gravel spectrum. Luggage racks or fork bags? Not here. Instead, you get a clean look, a single crank with a Wolf Tooth LoneWolf chain guide, and Classified G42 wheels with a 25 mm internal rim width. These roll best with Schwalbe G-One RS Evo tires in a sleek 40C – ready for the next race or the Strava KOM. There's still room for a frame bag and top-tube bag though, just in case you need to take that coffee-to-go along.
Tech Specs
| Frame | Rose Backroad FF, Carbon, 12x142, Frame weight in M approx. 1,070g | Fork | Rose Backroad FF, Carbon, 12x100, Fork weight 420 g |
| Sizes | XS/S/M/ML/L/XL | Bottom Bracket | Shimano Pressfit BB86 |
| Crankset | Rotor Aldhu InSpider Powermeter 48T 172.5mm | Chain Guide | Wolf Tooth LoneWolf black High Sweep 46-52T |
| Handlebar/Stem | Rose Carbon One-Piece Cockpit, 100mm/40cm | Handlebar Tape | ROSE Gel-Comfort, black |
| Seat Post | Rose Aero D-Shape, 8 mm Offset | Saddle | Selle Italia Flite Boost S1 Carbon, black |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano RD-RX825, GRX, 12-speed 12-36 | Shift/Brake Lever | Shimano GRX ST-RX825(R) BR-RX820(R) |
| Cassette | Classified 11-34 | Chain | Shimano CN-M6100, 12-speed |
| Wheels | Classified G42 Wheels, 25 mm internal width | Tires | Schwalbe G-One RS Evo, black 40-622 |
| Weight | 8.775 kg (BB measurement) | Price | € 5,999,- |
Geometry
In terms of geometry, the Backroad FF is, as expected, sportier than the Explorer variant Backroad. The head tube angle is about 0.5 degrees steeper, and the wheelbase is shorter - both ingredients for more agility and direct handling. The chainstays are consistently kept short at 420 mm; on the classic Backroad, they measure 427 mm (frame sizes 50-55 cm) or 434 mm (from 57 cm upwards). Larger riders, in particular, are likely to benefit here from a snappier response and better climbing characteristics.
The reach is also longer, and the stack is lower - overall, this results in a more stretched, race-oriented riding position. While the STR value for the standard Backroad is around 1.5, the Gravelracer's value clearly points towards 1.4.
Geometry
| XS | S | M | ML | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (mm) | 450 | 482 | 505 | 525 | 550 | 585 |
| Top Tube (mm) | 505 | 527 | 546 | 564 | 582 | 603 |
| Head Angle (°) | 71.25° | 71.75° | 72° | 72.25° | 72.5° | 72.5° |
| Seat Tube Angle (°) | 76.25° | 75.5° | 75° | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° |
| Chainstay (mm) | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 |
| Bottom Bracket Drop (mm) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| Head Tube (mm) | 100 | 118 | 134 | 153 | 171 | 195 |
| Fork Length (mm) | 390 | 390 | 390 | 390 | 390 | 390 |
| Fork Offset (mm) | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 993 | 1005 | 1016 | 1030 | 1046 | 1067 |
| Stack (mm) | 523 | 542 | 558 | 574 | 592 | 616 |
| Reach (mm) | 377 | 387 | 396 | 405 | 418 | 432 |
The Backroad FF is available in six frame sizes, covering a body height from 157 to 200 cm. The permissible total weight is 120 kg – providing enough leeway for those who are still at odds with their race form.
The test bike in the pictures was delivered in size ML with an uncut steerer tube and 25 mm spacers. Additionally, Rose includes 25 mm top cap spacers in the box - ideal for anyone who wants to gradually adjust their cockpit height without having to grab the saw right away.
For our Clemens - a self-proclaimed disc whisperer for years - the handlebar drop fits perfectly right away. And yes, even with the full steerer tube, the bike looks sleek.
About Clemo
Clemens has been an editor and test rider for the Austrian Motorradmagazin for 20 years. However, his path to the saddle of a motorized two-wheeler led him via the detour called bicycle: As a little boy, he enthusiastically pedaled through the Maurer Wald around the "Pappelteich" on his Atala mountain bike.
With the hormonal turbulence of puberty, his childhood passion grew into a full-blown obsession. At the age of 16, he signed with his first cycling team and competed for several years in cross-country races and MTB marathons.
It was only his entry into Motorradmagazin and a parallel journalism degree that curbed his overflowing training fervor. While the hours on the exercise bike became fewer, his enthusiasm for the topic of bicycles remained. To this day. And not just as a hobby: As a part-time fitness trainer, Clemens continues to live his passion consistently beyond the editorial office.
"I am very excited that the Bikeboard gives me a new incentive to pedal even more often. With the off-road motorcycle, I am often out in challenging terrain – so every endurance session on the bike is also beneficial for me. Since I live in the Vienna Woods, I am, of course, particularly excited about my first gravel bike – especially with the innovative Classified hub. Let’s see if I even touch my mountain bike or road bike at all in 2025."
Let's see if I even touch my mountain bike or road bike at all in 2025.
Editor's note: presumably not...
| Classified Powershift Technology |
| Rose Backroad FF Classified 2x12 |
| Tech Specs |
| Geometry |
| Geometry |
| About Clemo |
| Links |
