The Review | The Revised 2015 ROSE Uncle Jimbo 3
For 2015 ROSE is really stepping on the gas! We already presented a first real-life test of the Uncle Jimbo prototype in Issue #012 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine and recently reported on the opening of the BIKETOWN Concept Store in Munich. Now the production version of the Uncle Jimbo is finally ready. So how does the completely re-engineered 165 mm Enduro ride? We found out for you!
You could get the impression that ROSE wants to move on from the image of a dull consumer-direct brand whose bikes might have always worked well but never visually got passionate bikers fired up. Exactly the reason why the Bocholt brand has really polished up its portfolio and the Uncle Jimbo has been given a major facelift. It keeps the hydro-formed frame with four-bar linkage suspension design but now has a well executed design and promising geometry. The bike sits on contemporary 27.5” wheels, has a stylish finish and well specced parts throughout.
Since our first test ride not so much has changed in the specification of the ROSE. And with the well chosen, high-end parts they didn’t need to either. The version we tested is the top model in the range and answers to the name Uncle Jimbo 3. ROSE just swapped the FOX suspension parts for a RockShox Pike fork and Monarch Plus shock. The standard spec remains fitted with the FOX 36 FLOAT and FLOAT X shock. Using the online-configurator you can choose between either FOX or RockShox suspension parts based on your preferences without any price increases!
The same applies to the rest of the parts: if the range of the SRAM X01 gears isn’t enough you can swap it for a 2×10 system from the manufacturer of your choice. A change guide is also available as an optional extra. Even the colour of the individual parts or the number of spacers under the stem can be specified: you’re really spoilt for choice.This is a nice feature from ROSE even though we were completely happy with the standard version of the bike.
We swapped the front tyre fitted to the race-proven Mavic Crossmax wheels with a Schwalbe Magic Mary, allowing us to fit the original front tyre on the back wheel for an extra portion of rear wheel grip. This combination proved really good on the trails offering plenty of grip on every type of surface. The only criticism is the high rolling resistance. The SRAM Guide RSC brakes impressed us with excellent power and modulation. Furthermore the tool-free lever and bite point adjustment proved very handy.
The Ergon GE1 grips provided a very pleasant contact to the bike and the Matchmaker clamps combine brakes, shifter and Reverb remote into a tidy cockpit.
Drive duties were taken care of by the lightweight E*thirteen TRSr cranks paired with the SRAM X01 groupset and were as precise as we have come to expect. By using a direct mount 32 tooth chainring weight can be saved in a meaningful way. The SDG Bel Air 2.0 saddle fitted to the Reverb Stealth dropper post was comfortable for every test rider yet inspite of this ROSE offers a massive range of different saddles from different brands so every biker should be able to find a model which fits.
As mentioned ROSE chose a RockShox suspension set-up with the travel adjustable Dual-Position Air Pike. The Monarch Plus-rear shock features DebonAir-technology and its action is smooth as butter from the first ride. Fitted with Shimano DX-pedals and this spec the test bike weighs in at 13.9 kg.
The Uncle Jimbo 3 costs € 3,799 and along with the top version we tested ROSE offers two further models at cheaper price points. Even with these you can upgrade individual components to your ideal spec. If you are still unsure you’ll get competent advice at either of the BIKETOWN stores in Munich or Bocholt.
In theory ROSE offers a real, customised dream-bike. But can the Uncle Jimbo also convince on the trails?
The frame and geometry also haven’t changed since our first ride apart from in the finish, but again as the prototype already had sorted geometry there was no need to make any changes.
Uphill
Thanks to the steep 75° seat tube angle the Uncle Jimbo provides a great climbing position and every climb is pretty easy. Part of this is thanks to the rear suspension with the “firm”-mode of the RockShox Monarch Plus shock keeping the back end completely calm and making pedalling very efficient. As the front wheel never wanted to veer off course on steep climbs even with a relatively flat 66° head angle we rarely used the travel adjust feature of the RockShox Pike. If you do chose to use it the climbing position becomes even better so here we see no reason for criticism as the performance is just as good as the Solo Air version of the Pike.
On the Trail
After hammering it on a wide variety of trails we agreed – the Uncle Jimbo was given the thumbs up by many testers.
The well chosen reach of 440 mm (size L) generates a central position on the bike giving the rider confidence straight away. You literally get a speed rush and thanks to the slack front and long wheelbase the ROSE rewards speed with yet more confidence. Highspeed sections? No problem!
This is where the RockShox suspension is completely in its element. Even after rapidly repeating impacts fork and shock still offer plenty of reserve travel which is readily made available on bigger hits. Compared to the FOX 36 FLOAT, fitted to our first test bike the Pike equipped Uncle Jimbo feels more playful and agile. The potent Monarch Plus shock with its DebonAir technology impressed us with plush action but because of its more linear spring rate the rider sits deeper in the travel. This trait was alleviated using air volume spacers. The rear end then generated masses of traction and fork and shock felt more balanced to one another. Thanks to the nice end-progression we never experienced any bottoming out.
But the ROSE was also a great performer on slow, tight sections. With its short 431 mm chainstays the wheelbase never feels too long and steering impulses are precisely implemented. Thus the Uncle Jimbo manages the balancing act between playful light footedness and balanced stability enormously well.
The high-end spec of the Uncle Jimbo 3 is also almost completely sorted. The only disappointment on the trail was the chainring fitted to the E*thirteen TRSr cranks. After the initial euphoria based on the design and low weight of the direct mount construction the functionality of the chainring didn’t convince us quite that much. In spite of the alternating thickness of the teeth we had to stop several time to put the chain back on. E*thirteen needs to improve them. We’d recommend using the configurator when ordering and adding a chainguide.
Conclusion
With their new Uncle Jimbo ROSE can build on recent successes and takes another step towards the future. The great price, high-end spec, modern looks and well-executed geometry are as impressive as is the ability to build a custom dream bike using the online bike builder. The first class performance on the trail, regardless of whether on slow, tight sections or at high-speeds will win over hobby riders and die hard racers alike.
With this successful concept the Uncle Jimbo will become both a wishlist choice for many bikers as well as a serious competitor on the race tracks – Chapeau!
Price: 3,799 € | Weight: 13.35 kg | Travel: 160 mm/165 mm
Size: Large | Top tube: 600 mm | Seat angle: 75° | Chainstays: 431 mm | Head angle: 66° | Wheelbase: 1,181 mm | Reach: 440 mm | Stack: 599 mm
More info: www.roseversand.de
Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: Hanno Polomsky
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