Back Issue | Group Test: Rose Thrill Hill 3 Review
The Bocholt bike brand Rose presented their brand-new XC bike, the Thrill Hill, in July this year. The highlight of the bike is the rear frame with carbon flex seatstays instead of pivots. For our test bike we chose the € 3,999 (quite a bargain considering the spec) top version of the Thrill Hill, which we further fitted to our needs using the Rose online configurator. The result was a machine costing € 4,219 which on paper should not leave any scope for improvement.
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite
In our case the spec was made up of the high-end and precise SRAM XX1 drivetrain, light Shimano XTR brakes, and stylish MAVIC SLR wheels. Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres, a somewhat shorter cockpit, and a RockShox Reverb dropper post were chosen by us as upgrades to increase downhill fun — but all added to the overall weight. At the end, the scales stopped at 11 kg for the complete bike.
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Take a seat on the Thrill Hill and it marches forward enthusiastically without needing to switch on the platform damping. The riding position is race-orientated, which allows for plenty of weight over the front wheel and really encourages powerful pedaling.
The smaller, lighter wheels allow for rapid acceleration and great climbing.
On steeper gradients the rider needs to employ more effort to keep the front wheel planted. Downhill, the Rose is clearly the most nimble in the test group and tempts the pilot to adopt a playful riding style. The plush but well-damped RockShox suspension (made up of a SID RLT Solo Air fork and Monarch RL shock) reinforce the character of the bike, giving defined trail feedback in all situations.
Tight sections are tackled with aplomb, while at high speeds and on rougher trails the playful geometry requires payback and the rider has to reduce the tempo a bit.
Full carbon –
Rose makes no compromises with the Thrill Hill — even the rocker arm is manufactured from carbon fibre. This and a few other clever details results in a frame weighing just 1.9 kg with 115 mm travel.
Well integrated –
The remote lever of the Rockshox Reverb dropper post is also the clamp for the SRAM shifters. This combination isn’t just easy to operate, but also helps clean up the cockpit.
the icing on the cake –
The RockShox SID RLT Solo Air was our favourite fork in the whole test group.
Plush response and effective damping with great progression were the winning ingredients. None of the other forks were able to track the ground like the SID.
Love for detail –
Cable runs which are not needed on the Rose Thrill Hill can be plugged with rubber stops. The result is a clean look and better protection against the elements.
Conclusion:
the Rose Thrill Hill 3 won us over with a superb suspension system and great light-footedness. The high-end frame and the option to customize the bike using the Rose configurator create a very well-rounded overall result.
Weight: 11 kg
Price: € 3.999
Specifications
- Fork: RochShox SID RLT Solo Air
- Rear Shock: Rock Shox Monarch RL
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX1
- Brakes: Shimano XTR Racing
- Handlebars: Ritchey WCS 2X Trail 720mm
- Stem: Ritchey WCS TRAIL
- Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2,25″
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SLR
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb
Geometry
Size: Medium | Top Tube Horizontal: 592mm | Seat Tube Angle: 73,5°| Chainstay Length:440mm | Head Tube Angle: 69° | Wheelbase: 1122mm | Reach: 421mm | Stack: 578mm| Wheelsize: 27,5″
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite