ENDURO Long-Term Test 2014: The Rose Granite Chief Custom
“Custom is King” was the motto of the long-term testbike for ENDURO testrider Benjamin Werling: He had the opportunity to custom-build his Granite Chief with the Rose Bike Configurator (check the stories in Issue #008 and <a href="#009!). In this article, Benjamin introduces his dream bike and his plans for the season.
This year, I was looking for a bike that fits well for my flowy home-trails as well as for occasional enduro races and some bike park days. Thanks to Roses online configurator, I had the chance to put together my personal interpretation of a bike to meet the “one-for-everything” style that I need.
The base for the build was the Rose Granite Chief with lightweight DT Swiss XM 1501 27.5″ wheels. The four-bar frame allows 145 millimeter of smooth travel from the RockShox Monarch shock. At the front, the popular RockShox Pike RC Dual Position with 150 millimeter of travel does its work. For climbs, the fork-travel can be reduced to 120 millimeter.
Reducing speed is the job of the Elixir 9 Trail brakes with 180mm discs. Of course, a bike like this can’t be missing a telescopic seat post. I choose the reliable KindShock LEV with 150 millimeters of travel.
The drivetrain is from SRAM, more specific the X01 1×11 setup. I’m running a 30t chainring in front, supported by an e.thirteen XCX chain guide, just to be certain even on the roughest trails!
At the beginning of the test I was riding with Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires, running the TrailStar compound on the front and the better rolling PaceStar compound at the rear. After the first 200 kilometers, I switched the TrailStar Hans Dampf to the rear and mounted a Schwalbe Magic Mary (also TrailStar) at the front to increase traction.
The Cockpit is build from a solid RaceFace Atlar FR handlebar (shortened to 760 millimeters) and a beautiful RaceFace 60 millimeter Turbine stem.
My goals and plans for this season are versatile – simply enduro! From the relaxed after-work ride around my hometown to some hard races – my Rose Granite Chief will have to face a lot of different challenges!
Born: 1980 | Size: 179cm | Weight: 70kg | Job: Testrider | @Strava
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