×
Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

15.01.24 08:23 1.029Text: Erwin Haiden (translated by AI)Photos: martinbihounek.com, Michael Meindl (Action), Erwin Haiden (Studio)For an entire season, the Rose Root Miller Plus, alongside the photo camera and drone, was one of my most important work tools. In the long-term review, you will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages and the performance of the bike.15.01.24 08:23 1.119

Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

15.01.24 08:23 1.119 Erwin Haiden (translated by AI) martinbihounek.com, Michael Meindl (Action), Erwin Haiden (Studio)
  • AI generated translation
  • AI-generated translation refers to the process of using artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning models, to automatically translate text or speech from one language to another. These systems, such as neural machine translation models, analyze large datasets of multilingual content to learn patterns and associations between languages. The generated translations are based on statistical probabilities and context learned during training.
For an entire season, the Rose Root Miller Plus, alongside the photo camera and drone, was one of my most important work tools. In the long-term review, you will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages and the performance of the bike.15.01.24 08:23 1.119

For a long time, when it came to my work tools, I was a big fan of minimalism and bio-bikes; because being light and without range limitations means maximum flexibility. And while that still applies to my camera equipment, the increasing battery range, charging infrastructure, and generally the ever-improving performance of e-bikes have now made me opt for an e-MTB more often during photo shoots and even our regional reports.
The Rose Root Miller Plus was my "Partner in Crime" last season, fun and work tool at the same time - and as pragmatic and accessible as one can expect from a good tool. But more on that after the technical facts.

 Cameras, lenses, drone, tools, spare parts, pump, batteries, rain protection, jacket, apples, snack, phone, ... 

Root Miller Plus - for the extra in the photo backpack
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

 Evil Pepper Green, what else? 

Fire in the belly
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

The matte-shimmering, green color appeals to me on my Backroad as much as on the first day, and also suits the carbon frame of the Root Miller Plus excellently.
The cables are neatly sorted and run through the headset into the frame, as is the modern way to build. Not quite as progressive is the geometry, which, instead of following the "longer and slacker" trend, appears rather modest and conservative - but this does not stand in the way of good all-round riding behavior. A pleasant side effect: With some modern E-MTBs, I now have to remove the front wheel to fit them into the VW Transporter; not so with the Rose.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

With 23 kg, the weight is also fully within the acceptable range, which is of course also thanks to the 625 Wh battery. This also has the advantage that it can be easily removed and taken into the apartment or hotel room, should this be an issue, for example, in terms of charging.

Not only the battery, but also the rest of the Bosch system with the CX Gen 4 motor fits well with the basic idea of the Rose. While there may be undoubtedly more sporty, innovative, or even quieter motors available, no other manufacturer currently matches Bosch when it comes to availability, charging infrastructure, and service.
This is one reason why my choice for the photo bike fell on a Bosch system, because on longer tours, with the heavy photo backpack and several meters of altitude on the program, it can happen that you reach the limit with 625 Wh. It helps immensely that by now, Bosch chargers (in the Non-Smart version driven here) are available at seemingly every lodge in the Alpine region.

Tech Specs

Frame: ROSE Root Miller+ Carbon, Evil Pepper Green M Cassette: Shimano SLX, CS-M7100-12, 12-speed, 10-51
Sizes: S/M/L/XL Chain: Shimano SLX, CN-M7100, 12-speed with Quick-Link
Drive: Bosch Performance Line CX, Gen 4 Battery: Bosch 625 Wh
Front wheel: DT Swiss HX 1700 Spline, 30 mm, 29" Rear wheel: DT Swiss HX 1700 Spline, 35 mm, 27.5"
Front tire: Maxxis Assegai, WT, EXO+ TR, Maxx-Grip, black 29x2.5 Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II, WT, EXO+, TR, 3C Maxx Terra, black 27.5x2.6
Display: Purion – Bosch eBike-System 2 Chainring: e*thirteen, e*spec Base DM Chainring, steel, 36 teeth.
Fork: Rock Shox ZEB Select+ Chaerger 2.1 RC 29", 150 mm, matte black, 29" Boost, 44 mm Offset Stem: Reverse E-Black-ONE Enduro, 50 mm, black/grey Ø35 mm
Shock: Rock Shox Super Deluxe Slelect+ RT 205 mm Grips: Ergon GA2, black
Crank: e*thirteen, e*spec Plus Alu Crank, 165 mm Saddle: Selle italia X-Land E-Bike, black/dark grey
Handlebar: Reverse E-Element, Ø35 mm, Rise 25 mm, black/grey 770 mm Seat post: e*thirteen Vario Infinite Dropper Post, stealth black, Aluminium 31.6 mm/490-520 mm/150-180 mm Travel (180 mm preset)
Brake: Shimano SLX, 4 pistons, BL-M7100, BR-M7120 Brake discs: Shimano 203 mm front and rear
Shift lever: Shimano Deore XT, SL-M8100, 12-speed Weight: 22.9 kg (BB measurement)
Rear derailleur: Shimano XT, RD-M8100, SGS, 12-speed Price: € 4,999,- (current promotion)

A few more highlights, as far as the equipment is concerned, are for me the DT-Swiss HX 1700 wheels with the Maxxis tire combo, which promise good all-mountain grip and durability with long maintenance intervals. Not much needs to be said about Shimano's reliable XT drivetrain, except perhaps that it seems to work in all conditions and simply absorbs even the worst shifting errors under full load - no idea how the Japanese do that.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

It is also worth mentioning the seat post, which boasts a 180 mm adjustment range for frame size Medium.
The Reverse stem and handlebar almost seem a bit flashy on the serious Root Miller, but they are just like the 165 mm e*thirteen crankset including chainring decent brand components with a good reputation.

Geometry

Size S M L XL
Seat Tube Length (mm) 415 440 465 490
Head Tube Length (mm) 100 105 110 120
Top Tube Length (mm) 564 590 616 648
Chainstay Length (mm) 444 444 444 444
Steering Angle 66° 66° 66° 66°
Seat Angle 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° 76.5°
Stack (mm) 616 624 629 638
Reach (mm) 415 440 465 495
Bottom Bracket Height (mm) 350 350 350 350
System Weight (kg) 130 130 130 130
Wheelbase (mm) 1171 1198 1225 1259
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

 The caterpillar-shaped photo accompaniment 

for even more efficient work

The Rose as a Tool in Photography

While battery life on long photo days on the Biobike is not an issue, the weight of the equipment remains a significant factor in terms of performance. An E-MTB may have a limited range due to the battery, but when packing the photo backpack, you can go all out. A second, a third lens, a few spare batteries, drone, rain protection, and warm backup clothing are all no problem - the Rose will carry it! Should the battery ever reach its limits, with the Bosch motor you have the best chances of coming across a free and compatible charging cable somewhere on the way.

The second major advantage for me as a photographer is that you can not only keep up with fast photo riders like NoBrain, Lukas S., or Gabriel W., but you can overtake them in a caterpillar-like manner, photograph, overtake, photograph, overtake again, photograph, ... .

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

Uphill on the trail

The Bosch CX provides the strong support that one is accustomed to from Bosch. Although the motor modulates quite well in eMTB mode depending on one's own performance, it doesn't hurt to have a finger ready on the rear brake in steep terrain.
The tendency of the bike to rear up in very steep terrain is naturally also due to my compact, relatively upright sitting position at size M (180 cm). Depending on personal preference, a larger frame size could also be considered. I prefer it more compact and lighter, and with the heavy camera backpack on my back, I am still thankful for every gram that I don't have to haul over some rocks in push mode in case of doubt.

The noise level uphill is now perfectly fine, no comparison to the previous version or some other screeching drives. The tires provide solid grip.

Writing about battery ranges makes little sense from experience, as it depends extremely on the total weight, power level, outside temperature, elevation gain, and much more.
625 Wh are what they are and in my case, they last for nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain and 27 km under extreme conditions (-6°C, Turbo mode) or ideally for just under 2,000 meters of elevation gain (Eco and Tour mode with a lot of personal effort). Somewhere in between is where most people in my weight class (74 kg) will find themselves.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
Detailansicht
Abus Cliffhanger
DetailansichtAllmountain-/Enduro-Helm in 3 GrĂ¶ĂŸen, vielen verschiedenen Farben und mit oder ohne MIPS
+ More Info
Evil Eye Traileye NG
DetailansichtPerformance-Radbrille made in Austria mit großem Sichtfeld und zahlreichen Features
+ More Info
Endura Singletrack Core T-Shirt II
DetailansichtLeichtes, feuchtigkeitsabtransportierendes Trail Tech T-Shirt mit > 80% Recyclinganteil im Gewebe
+ More Info
Endura Singeltrack Lite Short
DetailansichtAtmungsaktive, leichte Trail Short aus Stretchmaterial in zwei BeinlÀngen zur Wahl
+ More Info
Castelli Espresso GT Gloves
DetailansichtUnangefochten bleibt der neue Espresso GT (Gore-Tex) Castellis wÀrmster Extremwetter-Handschuh. Er ist top isoliert, wasser- und winddicht, super flauschig, bequem und absolut griffig.
+ More Info
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

Downhill on the trail

I like manageable bikes. I believe I wrote something similar back when I made my decision for the Mondraker Foxy, where I also chose the smaller size (M) between two sizes. The more compact form seems to give me and my backpack a bit more room to move downhill.
Although this goes a bit at the expense of high-speed stability and performance, it offers me a tad more leeway in tight turns and steep terrain... especially when you have the extra weight of an e-bike under your butt.

Thus, the Rose downhill is a lively, responsive e-bike, and the Rock Shox suspension also provides ample feedback from the ground. Nonetheless, especially considering the potential target group of everyday and all-round bikers, it offers plenty of reserves in all situations.
So, I had no difficulties on my home trails, but also on some technical downhills or at the key sections on the Anninger, which might also have been due to my moderate speed.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

Wishful Thinking

The fact that Rose did not immediately opt for the new Smart System for the Bosch system is immediately apparent at first glance at the handlebars. The Purion display is visually a massive outlier. However, a positive aspect is that the plus and minus buttons, unlike the new Purion version or the LED-Remote, can be easily operated even with thick gloves.
If I could wish for something, it would be the Bosch Mini-Remote including battery status display on the frame or on the Garmin; personally, I wouldn't need more than that. I would also magically do away with the flimsy rubber cover from Bosch at this opportunity. By now, several manufacturers have their own solutions that are less fiddly to operate.

The SLX brakes generally work reliably, especially due to the 203 mm discs at the front and rear. However, for my taste, they could sometimes be a bit more crisp and defined.

The seat post got stuck a few times, but this was fixed with a small adjustment to the cable routing. The Knockblock headset, although it has the advantage that in the event of a fall the handlebars stay away from the top tube, significantly limits the steering angle, which personally bothers me a bit.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review

Conclusion

Rose Root Miller Plus 3
Model Year: 2023
Review Duration: 8 months / 1,200 km
Price: € 4,999
+ Solid components
+ Mullet Bike
+ Responsive
+ Bosch availability
o SLX brakes
o Purion display
BB-Verdict: Reliable business partner

The Rose has held up last season exactly as I hoped it would. The Root Miller Plus might not offer the most progressive geometry or overall appearance, not the fanciest technical details or gimmick features; but the bike's foundation is solid. The frame, the workmanship, the cable routing, the removable battery, the installed components including a good mix of proven Shimano and Bosch technology, robust wheels, and the RockShox suspension make the Rose a great all-rounder.
Thus, the bike was a reliable companion for me on many photo shoots and the odd longer tour, where, thanks to Bosch, you never have to look far for a charging opportunity.

With the mullet setup (29" wheels at the front, 27.5" at the back) and the compact size M, the Root Miller Plus weighs in under 23 kg and feels quite responsive and agile on the trail, in my opinion.
Sure, some parameters leave room for optimization here and there, but the overall package was convincing and exactly what I, pragmatically as I am, had imagined for a reliable work tool.

  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term ReviewRose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review
  • Rose Root Miller Plus 3 in Long-Term Review