ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 Custom Review
The ROSE UNCLE JIMBO has consistently come up trumps during recent testing, but as the competition has intensified it’ll be interesting to see whether the minor revisions made by ROSE have kept it at the front of the pack.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
You won’t immediately notice many obvious changes to this iteration of the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO, but it has been pinched and pulled in certain areas, including welcome revisions to the cable routing to eliminate any rattling. The spec has reserved its right to approval, and ROSE entered the UNCLE JIMBO 2 for this group test after a stint in the online configurator. For € 3,896 in total, the UNCLE JIMBO 2 drops with a superb spec across the whole bike: a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, RockShox PIKE RCT3 fork, and E13 TRS+ wheels to name but a few. Brilliant, worthy details like the MAXXIS Minion DHR II tires and the Spank cockpit come as standard.
The UNCLE JIMBO is a veritable rocket on the trails, designed for a good time. Its compact geometry (reach 440 mm, size L) and moderate 66° head angle mean that the bike is readily steered along twisty trails. It’s a really balanced bike, although it’s arguably more of a trail bike than a full-gas enduro weapon due to the pairing of the geometry and responsive rear end with great feedback. If you’re a fan of high speeds and stability, then look elsewhere.
On climbs the UNCLE JIMBO doesn’t display any weaknesses, but it’s unlikely to reach the trailhead in record time. Despite the new cable routing, the bike is still pretty noisy on descents, but this time around it’s because of chain clatter. The MAGURA MT5 brakes work powerfully and consistently, plus proved easy to modulate.
The ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 Custom in detail
Fork RockShox Pike RCT3 160 mm
Shock RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 165 mm
Brakes Magura MT5
Drivetrain SRAM X01 EAGLE
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem Spank Spike
Handlebar Spank Spike
Tires Maxxis Minion DHR II
Wheelset E13 TRS+
Not just the best 1x drivetrain option out there – the SRAM X01 Eagle arguably offers the gear range that we’ve been dreaming of!
Even though the cables have been fixed at exit and entry, which keeps the noise down, it’s a shame the chain rattles against the stays to disturb the peace.
Responsive yet balanced, the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO has rear suspension to put a smile on your face.
Bang up to date with its measurements, the Spank Spike cockpit might not look hot, but it works really well.
The geometry of the ROSE UNCLE JIMBO 2 Custom
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 430 mm | 455 mm | 480 mm | 505 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 560 mm | 580 mm | 600 mm | 620 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 66 ° | 66 ° | 66 ° | 66 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 75 ° | 75 ° | 75 ° | 75 ° |
| Chainstays [C] | 431 mm | 431 mm | 431 mm | 431 mm |
| BB Drop [J] | 4 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Wheelbase [E] | 1140 mm | 1160 mm | 1181 mm | 1203 mm |
| Reach [G] | 402 mm | 421 mm | 440 mm | 457 mm |
| Stack [H] | 589 mm | 594 mm | 599 mm | 608 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
For those in the market for a good-natured bike that won’t break the bank and has a healthy dose of agility, then this is great option. The ROSE UNCLE JIMBO stoked our sense of fun with its predictable characteristics and playful attitude. Look elsewhere if you’re after a speed demon, though.
Strengths
– Playful, generous handling
– Top value for money
– Plush rear end
Weaknesses
– Not for tearing down trails
– Clattering chain
For more Info head to: rosebikes.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 | Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Giant Reign 1.5 LTD | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Propain Tyee CF Free | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Specialized Enduro Comp 29 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017 | YT CAPRA CF PRO