Issue #009, Review -

Grouptest Trailbikes: Rose Granite Chief 2

The Rose Granite Chief was completely redesigned for the 2014 season and got 27.5” wheels as well as a new shock pivot and a one degree slacker head angle.

Das Rose Granite Chief 2 in Action.
The Rose Granite Chief 2 in Action.
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Using the online configurator, you have complete freedom of choice for the rest of the bike: almost every part of it can be swapped for something which better reflects your preferences and body measurements, thus making the bike completely individual.

Die Geometrie des Rose Granite Chief 2.
The Geometry of the Rose Granite Chief 2.

On the uphills the Rose is one of the quickest bikes on test: the nice, slightly stretched position, the stiff, bob-free rear end, and the light Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires create forward drive. Even when pedaling out of the saddle, we didn’t need to close the damping on the RockShox Monarch; the back end stayed quiet and didn’t lose traction

Quick changes of direction in moderate terrain show the bike’s strength: its agility means it is in its element here. The low bottom bracket means you stand right in the centre of the bike. It makes you want to use every bump and ridge in the trail to take off from.

The RockShox Pike is probably the best trail fork on the market at present; the rear suspension on the Rose wasn’t quite able to keep up with the outstanding performance of the Pike.
The RockShox Pike is probably the best trail fork on the market at present; the rear suspension on the Rose wasn’t quite able to keep up with the outstanding performance of the Pike.
The RockShox Monarch shock is strongly progressive at the end of its travel and should be run with 25% sag to make it responsive and allow the bike to get the most out of the travel.
The RockShox Monarch shock is strongly progressive at the end of its travel and should be run with 25% sag to make it responsive and allow the bike to get the most out of the travel.
Rose also goes for internal cable routing; unfortunately there is no route for Stealth seat posts.
Rose also goes for internal cable routing; unfortunately there is no route for Stealth seat posts.
„Other
Other Versions: The Rose Granite Chief 1 and 3

Conclusion:

The agile handling and stiff suspension make the Rose a top-class fun bike. The online configurator lets you choose exactly the components you want, meaning your dream bike is only a few clicks away.

Go back to the article: “Grouptest Trailbikes: Eight Entry-level Trailbikes”

You can read an in-depth feature about the group test and our conclusions in the actual ENDURO issue #009! As usual it’s free & only digital for iPad, Android-Tablets and Online-Viewer: Issue #009.

Text & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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