Rose Bikes might not be a name that too many riders out there will be familiar with, but the direct-sale German brand produces a full range of bikes for all budgets and riding styles.
The PRO SL-3000 is one of the company’s highest-spec alloy road bikes, with the claimed frame weight of a mere 1,280g helping it keep the overall weight down to a more than reasonable 7.9kg.
Given the overall price tag of £1,285 the specification is quite incredible to say the least, with the Ultegra groupset and branded components throughout the build making this bike truly excellent value for money.
The anodised black finish that adorns our test frame creates quite a cool, understated look. But it’s not just there for appearance, rather it’s another way of keeping the weight down, as anodising aluminium is lighter than painting it.
Instant hit
On the road, the PRO SL is an instant hit when pedalling, with very little lag or flex through the frame making it feel impressively quick right from the get-go.
Comfort is decent and very well balanced front and rear, although the 25mm Mavic tyres appear thin and the frame has clearance for something bigger, which would almost certainly improve comfort further.
There are Ritchey components throughout, which is fantastic given the price, and the Ultegra groupset performs faultlessly as you might expect.
The choice of 11-32 cassette gives a very wide range of gears, perfect for tough climbs although some riders may notice the bigger gaps between the ratios.
Classic fit
The fit and geometry of the frame are quite traditional, which gives the PRO SL-3000 a fast, responsive and confident feel, both uphill and downhill, although some more race-orientated riders may wish for a slightly lower front end.
Rose Bikes keeps prices down by being a direct sales company but, of course, the downside of that is that you can’t test ride its bikes as you would with a typical bike shop.
Rose does operate a returns policy, however.
Verdict: The Rose Pro SL-3000 impressed with a well balanced, efficient ride that proved comfortable on long rides. With the Ultegra groupset accompanied by excellent Ritchey components it offers much more that we'd expect at this price.
Spec
| Rose PRO SL-3000 | |
|---|---|
| Frame | 7005 T6 Ultralight Aluminium, full carbon fork |
| Groupset | Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra |
| Chainset | Shimano Ultegra 6800, 50/34 |
| Cassette | Shimano Ultegra 6800, 11-32 |
| Bars | Ritchey Stream II |
| Stem | Ritchey WSC C-220 |
| Seatpost | Ritchey 2B Comp Carbon |
| Wheels | Mavic Aksium Elite, Mavic Yksion Elite 25mm tyres |
| Saddle | Selle Italia SLS Flow |
| Weight | 79kg (55cm) |
| Contact | rosebikes.co.uk |
