Rose Blend 2024 in Review

In spring, there was a gravel bike lying around in the Bikeboard office. It was actually "just for photography" to embellish the already published product presentation a bit.
But honestly: Isn't a bike, regardless of the price tag attached, always too good to just let it sit around? So out of the office with it, set up and, as Rose puts it: Let's get started!

Just a quick reminder and summary before we continue: The Blend is a new entry-level bike from Rose, available either with a gravel setup (€1,399) or in road trim (€1,199).

Tech Specs

Now nothing stood in the way of gravel fun. Suitable ideal terrain is plentiful in the primary test area, the Steinfeld around Wiener Neustadt.
I quickly realized that the aluminum frame, of course, did not have the damping properties of a carbon fiber model, but it was by no means uncomfortable flying over the gravel paths. However, when the gravel became somewhat deeper, it started to bounce like the proverbial lively goat. Only a higher speed brought calm back to the system.

On gravel, the Continental tires also reached their limits a bit. These could be expanded with a bit less air pressure, but for that, I would switch to tubeless. For statisticians and tinkerers: I had something between 3 and 3.5 bar in the tires to be able to roll reasonably well on asphalt too.
On forest floors and trails, the Blend did not show any weaknesses, was easy to maneuver, and was relatively unimpressed by roots.

Climbing uphill, the Blend performed flawlessly. For me, due to the frame size, the lower grip position was the most comfortable, but even in a standing position, optimally chosen dimensions would provide enough freedom for the thighs.
The range of the 2x10 drivetrain was sufficient to handle medium inclines with a few tougher sections well. You won't become a climbing king with it, but that's not the goal for a drop bar beginner.

Descending, the Blend also showed no weaknesses. On asphalt, the 40 mm wide tires precisely navigate through curves. For tighter direction changes, both on and off-road, a bit more leaning is occasionally needed due to the longer wheelbase.
When the speed increases, neither the wheels nor the frame start to flutter. Noteworthy are the 160 mm large brake discs, which ensure good brake modulation – a rarity for a beginner! Whether there is quicker fading on longer descents compared to top groups I cannot say, as there was no long mountain descent planned during the review period.

To conclude: Who is the Rose Blend Gravel intended for or suitable for?
Due to its price, it targets beginners primarily. Equipped with a kickstand and fenders, some commuters might also feel addressed - although they might miss the luggage rack. Bikepacking fans will definitely miss the same. For them, the only option is the Backroad series.
Looking briefly at the model variant with narrow tires, there is a balanced almost-endurance road bike suitable for hilly terrain, but with absolutely no racing genes.

Anyone looking for a bike for a fun, varied ride in the neighborhood will find what they need with the Blend and receive a coherent package with a stylish frame, a comfortable, not too sporty stretched gravel geometry, and very good equipment with optional enhancements at an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio.

What might one wish for the Blend? A bit more tire clearance to have more options off-road. The option to mount a rack to facilitate commuting or light bikepacking tours.
For tuners or beginners who want more over time, a lighter wheelset could reduce rolling mass from the 10 kg total weight. And for slightly higher comfort, a carbon seatpost comes to mind spontaneously, which could provide maximum damping for a reasonable price.