Issue #015 -

Back Issue | Lets Do It My Way in the ROSE BIKETOWN

With skulls tattooed on his forearm, a stretched lobe piercing in the left ear, and pretty disheveled hair, our long-term tester Daniel doesn’t quite resemble the image of a goal-orientated young man to the older generation. However, the focused and ambitious 20-year-old from Stuttgart knows exactly what he’s working towards, both in his career and on the bike.

The start of the new year was Daniel’s time to to consider his new bike for the 2015 season – but this wasn’t an easy task. While you might have a clear idea of exactly what you want, your limited budget can be – as the name suggests – quite limiting.

Being a young-career focused rider, your limited budget may be quite limiting, but Rose try to cater for every rider.
Being a young-career focused rider, your limited budget may be quite limiting, but Rose try to cater for every rider.
Rose have taken the concept of shopping to another level with their BikeTown in Munich
Rose have taken the concept of shopping to another level with their BikeTown in München

With no fewer than sixteen races already in his calendar for the upcoming season, Daniel’s taking on everything from small enduro races in the nearby Alsace region right through to the Spanish round of the European Enduro Series. Set to be an exhausting year both for him and the equipment, the durability of his kit is crucial alongside top functionality. As a school graduate with no fixed income, Daniel’s financial resources are still rather restricted – so expensive repairs and new investments during the season are not really in the budget.

From our survey we found that the magical figure that our readers would like to spend on their next bike is 3,210 euros. And this is precisely the budget that Daniel was given to set up his dream bike. It didn’t take him long to decide: “I’d choose the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2. Not only does it have brilliant geometry, but I’m more than convinced by its incredible value for money and the possibility to spec the bike to suit my own preferences.”

But which frame size is most suitable? Does the dream spec even make sense? And what do the colours looks like in reality? These are all questions that the computer screen can’t answer. So without further ado, bye bye Stuttgart and hello ROSE BIKETOWN in Munich, one of the two concept stores from the Bocholt-based direct dealers.

"Once inside the futuristic store, it doesn’t take us long to spot the object of Daniel’s dreams. Illuminated by two neon lights, the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 stands on a platform above the shop floor."
“Once inside the futuristic store, it doesn’t take us long to spot the object of Daniel’s dreams. Illuminated by two neon lights, the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 stands on a platform above the shop floor.”

Once inside the futuristic store, it doesn’t take us long to spot the object of Daniel’s dreams. Illuminated by two neon lights, the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 stands on a platform above the shop floor. Aesthetically, it seduces at first sight, so together with the salesman Raul, we determine the correct frame size and complete the build. At 180 cm tall, Daniel is somewhere exactly between a medium or large and opts for the larger model. The increased stability from the large is more important to him than the greater agility of the medium.

“I’d choose the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2. Not only does it have brilliant geometry, but I’m more than convinced by its incredible value for money and the possibility to spec the bike to suit my own preferences.”
“I’d choose the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2. Not only does it have brilliant geometry, but I’m more than convinced by its incredible value for money and the possibility to spec the bike to suit my own preferences.”

The next stop on the way to the dream bike is a huge desk with an integrated touchscreen. This is where the set-up of the 2,399 euro UNCLE JIMBO 2 will be fine-tuned to meet Daniel’s demands. The list of options is long. Alongside the conversion to a SRAM X01 1×11 drivetrain, switching out the brakes to the SRAM Guide, and changing the wheels for a pair of DT SWISS M1700 Spline, the cockpit needs to be adjusted too. The 785mm wide RACE FACE SIXC handlebars and the shorter 40mm Atlas stem are going to guarantee control for his race bike. With the lightweight E13 chain guide fitted, the transformation is complete and the calculator stops at a total price of 3,172.95 euros – the budget has been well and truly exhausted. The final result of the customisation appears in full size with the click of a button on the screen behind the counter. Pleased with his new toy, Daniel readily confirms the order.

"The next stop on the way to the dream bike is a huge desk with an integrated touchscreen. This is where the set-up of the 2,399 euro UNCLE JIMBO 2 will be fine-tuned to meet Daniel’s demands."
“The next stop on the way to the dream bike is a huge desk with an integrated touchscreen. This is where the set-up of the 2,399 euro UNCLE JIMBO 2 will be fine-tuned to meet Daniel’s demands.”
Now it’s just a case of waiting. In approximately four weeks the bike will be delivered – just in time for the race season. Meanwhile there’s still ample opportunity for Daniel to get back into the gym and work on his fitness. He is, after all, pretty driven.
Now it’s just a case of waiting. In approximately four weeks the bike will be delivered – just in time for the race season. Meanwhile there’s still ample opportunity for Daniel to get back into the gym and work on his fitness. He is, after all, pretty driven.

More Info: rosebikes.de

Photos & Words: Christoph Bayer

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