I have been riding and testing bicycles for many years now. It is always a challenge, as it usually ends up being an individual assessment. What doesn’t suit one person is ideal for another. And vice versa. This ultimately makes a bike test always just a snapshot in time.
What I have been able to determine, however, is that the quality of bikes has steadily improved. Today, I can say that all the bikes I present and examine closely here are very good bicycles. The differences can generally only be found in their orientation: some are sportier, some more tour-oriented, and many combine both characteristics very well.
The same applies to groupsets: here, too, we are moving at a very high level, and it is often a personal preference whether one tends toward SRAM or Shimano or another brand, whether 1x or 2x, 12, 13, or even 11 speeds, mechanical or electronic. All groupsets perform outstandingly at this level.
The Rose Backroad is an example of this development. It is a bike that has grown over the years alongside the requirements of riders and today operates at a very high level. To understand how consistently Rose has followed the path toward adventure, a brief look back is worthwhile:
Four years ago, I already tested the then-new Backroad and wrote:
The Rose Backroad Carbon is a very fast and agile bicycle. With the right tires, in my view, it can unfold even more potential and bring it to the road or gravel. The Backroad Carbon is an interesting gravel bike for road cyclists who want to get a taste of gravel without having to sacrifice that road bike feeling. For mountain bikers, it is an interesting candidate when a faster bike is needed that doesn’t immediately fail off-road.
Update 2026: From Sporty Racer to Adventure Buddy
At the end of last year, Rose released an update to the popular gravel bike that thoroughly surprised me, as the topic of bikepacking was seriously considered and integrated here.
The Backroad line-up is designed modularly: from the entry-level model to the gravel racer and up to the Unsupported bikepacking machine.
While the Backroad in my 2022 test was still a rather sportily designed machine, the 2026 model has been consistently further developed in the direction of adventure and long distance.
Table of Contents:
- More Good-Natured and Wider: What has changed on the frame
- The “Unsupported” Model: A step toward independence
- More than just a Dynamo: Why the SON 29s makes the difference
- Light in the Dark: The Supernova Integration
- Power Supply: The K-Werk as the Energy Center
- Storage Space and Bags: Order in the Down Tube
- Where there is much light: My thoughts on integration
- Mountain Gears and Payload: A look at capacities
- An important point for planning: The system weight
- My personal conclusion
More Good-Natured and Wider: What has changed on the frame
Geometry Adjustments
The 2026 model is designed to be more “good-natured” than the 2022 version:
- Slacker head tube angle from 72 degrees to 71.5 degrees: Provides more stability at high speeds and off-road.
- Longer wheelbase with +17mm on the new model: Increases smoothness, which is particularly noticeable when riding with luggage (bikepacking).
- Stack & Reach: The riding position on the 2026 model is slightly more upright and comfortable. Stack +9.5mm, Reach +8.3mm. Rose has aligned the geometry of the carbon model more closely with the aluminum version. And for those who think a few millimeters make no difference: in practice, it is definitely noticeable, and anyone who has ever had a bike fit knows that a few millimeters can often be the deciding factor.
Increased Tire Clearance
A decisive factor for the geometry change was the space required for wider tires. And with this, the Backroad is right on trend:
- 2022 Model: Officially up to approx. 45 mm (700c).
- 2026 Model: Officially up to 53 mm (2.1 inches). This is a significant leap that moves the bike almost into MTB territory. In practice, the tire clearance of 53mm means that with the installed 50mm Overlands, there is still sufficient “mud clearance” at the chainstays and the fork crown. So if you are out in the mud, you don’t have to worry about the bike immediately clogging up. Seen this way, 50mm is the ideal tire width for the Backroad. On the Unsupported model, Schwalbe Overlands in 50mm are fitted. These are exactly the right tires for adventure. But you should ideally switch to tubeless right away.
Frame Details & Integration
Apart from the pure angles, the frame has also changed: it has become edgier. But honestly, I like that quite a bit. And it brings practical possibilities:
- Storage Compartment: The 2026 model features an integrated compartment in the down tube for tools or a power bank. Additionally, there are many mounts for attaching cages and bags.
- Integration: The new model offers preparations for lighting (internal dynamo cable) and a USB-C charging port at the cockpit. And on the Unsupported model from this test, the light and charger are already on board.
- Suspension Fork: In contrast to competitors like the Canyon Grizl, which is equipped with a suspension fork in special variants, Rose dispenses with a suspension-optimized geometry for the Backroad Carbon. Instead of relying on mechanical suspension elements at the front, Rose generates comfort primarily through the tire volume of up to 53 mm and the flex of the frame and seat post. And the post flexes very well. This is intended to save weight and maintenance effort, but it marks a clear boundary for everyone looking for real telescopic suspension on a gravel bike.
The “Unsupported” Model: A step toward independence
Among the five Backroad models, I find the Backroad Unsupported particularly interesting, because here Rose takes what I consider to be a significant step toward simple Bikepacking and a high degree of independence. To achieve this, they provide the Unsupported version with bags as well as a hub dynamo, lighting system, and combined USB charger.
The Unsupported is equipped with a mechanical groupset. In my view, this is also consistent, because being independent also means being independent of electricity and the batteries of electronic groupsets.
A high-quality Shimano GRX RX820 1×12 is used. At the front, the LoneWolf chain guide from Wolf Tooth also ensures that the chain does not jump off off-road. It doesn’t really do that anyway if the rear derailleur has correct tension, but with Shimano, it seems to be necessary. In any case, it’s a useful feature.
The wheels are built around the in-house Rose G30 aluminum wheels with a 27 mm internal width. Weight-wise, they sit at 1,700g to 1,800g and are therefore not the lightest. While the front hub is a new SON 29s hub dynamo, the rear hub comes from Newmen. These are good hubs, and technically speaking, this is a very good wheelset.
More than just a Dynamo: Why the SON 29s makes the difference
And this SON 29s at the front is, in my view, the actual game changer on this bicycle and honestly makes the whole “Unsupported” principle possible in the first place. Compared to the SON 28, the SON 29s delivers full power earlier and at even lower speeds. I noticed this, for example, during my mountain climbs, where the lamp naturally dimmed but still provided sufficient light.
And the charging options have also improved significantly once again. The new SON delivers higher output than the SON 28, which is particularly evident here. And for those who value weight: the new SON 29s saves a few grams compared to the SON 28 (approx. 440g) and weighs around 390g – 410g.
The dynamo current is controlled by a toggle switch in the right handlebar end. This switches between charging (left) and lighting (right) or off (middle). It is important to understand that with the Rose Backroad Unsupported, you can either only light or only charge. Both together is not intended here.
Light in the Dark: The Supernova Integration
For lighting, Rose relies on headlights from Supernova. Specifically the M99 DY Pro, which is currently considered one of the brightest dynamo headlights. I was able to test the light extensively in the darkness of winter evenings. In normal operation, it delivers up to 700 lumens of light, and in high-beam mode, more than 1,000 lumens.
This is already quite sufficient, even though I am used to other things with lights from kLite, Sinewave, and especially the SON Edelux. In low-beam mode, the M99 illuminates the path very well. The light pattern is a bit blotchy for my taste, but you get used to it quickly. StVZO compliance helps well in road traffic, but more is needed off-road: the sharp upper edge of the light pattern is rather a hindrance here. Therefore, I mostly switched on the high beam, which is really very good. It sufficiently illuminates the edges and far ahead – as long as you ride fast.
I assumed that due to the built-in battery, the light would remain strong for quite a while even when stationary. That is not the case, however, or I couldn’t figure out how it works. As soon as you stop, the headlight switches to a parking light and then goes out normally after a certain time. But the parking light is not really enough to do anything. This is different with the SON Edelux, where I could also switch on the high beam while stationary as long as the battery supplied it.
Speaking of high beams: I also occasionally rode down trails in the dark. Unfortunately, during jarring, the high beam always went out briefly. So, complete black for a second and then it came back on. This error was unfortunately reproducible on rough trails. Since the K-Werk should actually function as a buffer, the question arises whether there is a mechanical loose contact at the power bank interface in the frame or whether the charging management briefly drops out on the software side during extreme impulses. I could not determine this with the low beam.
Incidentally – and I find this quite good – the Backroad models are already pre-equipped with the necessary cables, so you can still decide to add the power bank and the light later and then install them.
At the rear, a Supernova TL3 Mini works. This is very bright and is absolutely sufficient to be seen. Additionally, it weighs only 9g. It is mounted somewhat exposed at the back, which is why you should be careful off-road not to damage it accidentally. Especially after a fall or in branch-heavy terrain, something can happen there.
Power Supply: The K-Werk as the Energy Center
A 5000 mAh B+M K-Werk battery is installed in the Rose. The K-Werk is very popular with touring cyclists and stands for good power conversion and efficiency. In the Backroad, it is the control center. It handles the supply for the high beam and charging via USB-C. Depending on what is switched on, it directs the current.
The K-Werk is installed and wired in the frame compartment. And it can also be retrofitted. In the Rose manual for the Backroad, there is also a drawing showing the wiring in the bike.
As written above, a switch is built into the Backroad for this purpose, which allows for either charging or lighting. The K-Werk itself would be “intelligent” enough to independently control the current between charging and lighting and thus also make both possible at the same time — given sufficient yield from the dynamo current. Rose, however, decided to solve this via the toggle switch. Therefore, the “USB plug” on the K-Werk in the frame storage compartment is also free.
The USB-C port is installed as a spacer under the stem. It is oriented forward, which is okay so far. However, if you have a bag or food pouch mounted at the front, the port is covered and not easy to reach.
Storage Space and Bags: Order in the Down Tube
I must really say that such compartments in the down tube are very practical. Rose offers this not only on the carbon but also on the aluminum variants. In addition to the K-Werk on the Unsupported model, you can accommodate quite a lot in there. For organization, Rose has also placed a bag there that can hold a spare tube, air pump, bars, and tools.
But watch out: a bottle cage can be mounted on the lid of the compartment. However, according to Rose, the maximum weight of the bottle including content must not exceed 800g.
With the Backroad Unsupported, you also get bags included: a top tube bag (approx. 100g, 0.8-0.9L) and a frame bag (approx. 300g, 3.7L). Both are fixed to the frame using the Fidlock system. If you like that, it’s a very elegant way of mounting.
And it holds, too – yet with the top tube bag, I repeatedly had the problem that it clicked out at the top and twisted away during use while riding. I have bars in the bag, and when taking them out, the top tube bag shears out. As always with Fidlock, you should also ensure that the connections are clean and click in accordingly well before heading off-road.
In any case, these bags are exactly right: waterproof and robust. And they help many riders get started with bikepacking and avoid the tedious search for the right bags. Additionally, they are a very suitable offering for all those who prefer design and elegance, as they avoid mounting straps.
A word on weight: All the integration and the robust aluminum wheels take their toll on the scales. Including the supplied bags, the lighting system, and the K-Werk, the Backroad Unsupported scratches the 11/12 kg mark (without pedals). This is quite a statement for a carbon bike at first, but it is quickly put into perspective when you consider that you are riding an autonomous system that no longer requires additional battery lights or external power banks.
Where there is much light: My thoughts on integration
I think that the Backroad Unsupported is a development in the right direction and means more independence and comfort for bikepackers. But you buy this freedom with heavy system integration and a few compromises. For instance, the cables are all routed internally. In the event of a defect, you have to be prepared for the fact that repairing it will be a bit more complicated.
Furthermore, for me, Unsupported goes beyond light and charging integration: it means independence outside. The Backroad is already very well suited for that, but there are a few points where I would still do some post-processing.
Due to the consistent internal routing, there is hardly any possibility at the handlebar to mount brackets for navigation, a handlebar cage, or aerobars. No space is provided for that, and the cables lie underneath in the narrow areas to the right and left of the stem clamp. I had to fiddle quite a bit to be able to mount the nav bracket. On the other side, the light switch for the Supernova is mounted, which is why there was no room there.
Additionally, the front light is installed in such a way that attaching a front roll can be problematic. Either you manage to fix the roll below the light, or you have to reposition the light upward, which would require an adapter on the handlebar that, however, has no space. Furthermore, the light cable is also routed internally, leaving almost no leeway in cable length.
And even those who want to adapt the bike to themselves later must expect a certain complexity, as the stem is Rose-proprietary. The stem is called Rose ALR 2.0 and has a length of 80mm. Added to this are the Rose spacers in the same shape and the Acros USB-C spacer with a height of 10mm. The port is oriented forward and can therefore also be blocked as described above.
Due to the factory assembly, you also cannot set the stem higher. The fork is cut accordingly and has no protrusion at the top. Theoretically, however, a shorter or longer stem can be installed. You would need to check with Rose if they offer that accordingly.
And another observation: on frame size L, the bottle cage on the seat tube sits slightly too low in my view. As a result, the lower edge of the bottle sits on the upper down tube and naturally leaves marks there. I tried two different bottle cages, and this was the case with both. The bottle base does not reach the bottom of the cage but sits on the frame beforehand.
Mountain Gears and Payload: A look at capacities
But I would also wish for a bit more Unsupported when it comes to the installed gearing: while a 10-51 cassette works at the back with the Shimano GRX RX822, a 40-tooth chainring is installed at the front.
This is certainly sufficient without luggage, but if you go off-road, it becomes more demanding, and you also have a payload, then you quickly reach the limits with it. I would rather see a 38 or 36 chainring here — if even possible by design. You would have to work with third-party providers like Garbaruk or Wolf Tooth and use a different crank for 36. But then you can still blast along on the flat and crank up well in the mountains with luggage.
An important point for planning: The system weight
The system weight for the Backroad Unsupported is given as 120 kg (person + bike weight + luggage). Subtracting the bike’s own weight of a good 11/12 kg leaves around 109/8 kg for the rider and equipment. Large and heavier riders in particular will therefore quickly reach the weight limit. It is a modern trend with many carbon gravel bikes that they are optimized more for lighter setups — one should simply keep that in mind when choosing equipment.
My personal conclusion
The new Rose Backroad Unsupported is a specialized tool for people looking for adventure without wanting to worry about the technology. It is not a bike for tinkerers who want to customize their bike individually, but it is the bike for those looking for a well-thought-out solution “from a single mold.” The consistent further development toward adventure has definitely been successful for Rose, even if the total integration somewhat limits freedom.
I like it very much, and I also find the color scheme successful. Additionally, with frame sizes from XS to XL, Rose has an offering for everyone between 160 and 200cm in height. Price-wise, the new Backroad Carbon models start at 3,000 euros. The Unsupported model presented here costs 4,400 euros.
It rides pleasantly sportily and is really fun.
I particularly learned to appreciate the suspended seat post. This is a noticeable advantage of the bike and a real relief on long distances.
