ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 1 Review
This particular group test wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 1, direct from the Bocholt-based direct order company who enjoy a reputation for offering outstanding value for money. But what’s the performance standard to expect from a ROSE bike costing €2,332?
The team from ROSE are continually striving to improve their products, so this has naturally led to the new and improved cable routing on the now year-old UNCLE JIMBO, although its geometry and kinematics have remained unchanged.
Using the online configurator we settle on the original, uncustomized spec of the UNCLE JIMBO 1, only upgrading the conventional seatpost in favour of a RockShox Reverb. The UNCLE JIMBO 1 features a mix of Shimano Deore and SLX for reliable shifting, and RockShox suspension keeps it planted. The adjustable-travel option of the stock Yari fork could have been left off, as even without dropping the amount of travel the UNCLE JIMBO is a keen climber. The steep seat angle means you’re unlikely to encounter an over-eager, bouncy front tyre. In any case, it’s wise to calm the rear shock by activating the platform damping.
On downhills, the bike is smooth and balanced to ride, dishing up a decent compromise of agility and stability. From wide, swooping corners to nasty tight turns, the ROSE threads them all like an efficient seamstress. The plush suspension is buttery soft, boasts huge reserves, and forgives you for almost any misguided line choice you might make. The bike shows zero signs of sluggishness, a feat that’s due to its compact geometry (reach 440 mm, size large). Together with the short 431 mm chainstays, the UNCLE JIMBO offers a direct and willing handling package, making it a great choice for less dynamic riders.
Details of the ROSE Uncle Jimbo 1
Grippy: Stock items on the UNCLE JIMBO 1, the Ergon grips are nicely grippy and cushioned. Combined with the plush fork, painful hands on long descents are a thing of the past. One minor complaint though: the cockpit is a bit crowded, although this has no effect on its performance.
Unnecessary: The RockShox Yari comes with the Dual Position Air, which allows you to reduce the travel. This is an unnecessary features when it comes the UNCLE JIMBO 1, as the front wheel doesn’t lift anyway due to the steep seat angle.
Uncomfy: Saddles are always going to be a question of personal taste, but this fitted model from ROSE isn’t just dull looking – due to its huge size, it also reduces your freedom of movement, particularly over the front of the saddle.
Revised Rattling cables are a thing of the past for this 2016 model. Fixed at entry and exit points, the cables won’t bang against the frame any longer. Moreover, the cable entrance has been fine-tuned so that the bending radius around the headtube is bigger.
Specification: ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 1
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC Dual Position 160 mm
- Shock: RockShox Monarch RT3 (165 mm rear wheel travel)
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX
- Brakes: Shimano BR-M615
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
- Stem: RaceFace Ride
- Handlebar: RaceFace Chester
- Tyres: Continental Mountain King II 2.4″
- Wheelsize: 27.5″
- Wheelset: DT Swiss E1900 Spline
- Weight: 14.45 kg
- Price: € 2,332
Conclusion for the ROSE Uncle Jimbo 1
The good-natured ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 1 scores for its predictability on the trails and huge suspension reserves. Not just an excellent mix of agility and smoothness, it also delivers outstanding value for money and therefore rightly takes home the coveted Best Value title!
Strengths
- Good-natured handling
- Potent suspension
- Top value for money
Weaknesses
- No budget 1x drivetrain available online yet
More information on the Uncle Jimbo 1 can be found on the ROSE website.
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This bike was part of our Group Test: Ten Trail & Enduro Bikes 2016 under €2599.
All bikes tested: Bergamont Trailster 6.0 | Canyon Spectral AL 7.0 EX | COMMENCAL Meta AM V4 | Focus SAM Ltd. | Ghost SL AMR 5 | GIANT Trance 2 Ltd | Propain Tyee Comp | Radon Slide 150 8.0 HD |Solid Magix Comp
Text & Photos: Christoph Bayer