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First Look: ROSE ROOT MILLER and GRANITE CHIEF 2017

03.05.2016
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The ROSE ROOT MILLER and the GRANITE CHIEF are two trail bike staples from the Bocholt-based direct sales company, capable of winning over a wide spectrum of riders. As both bikes have been given a significant redesign for 2017, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to present the most crucial revamps of these bestsellers.

ROSE’s 29er trail bike known as the ROOT MILLER has received a potent dose of downhill-orientated fine-tuning, with the head angle slackened by a full 1.5° to 67°. Keeping on the same track, the reach is now 15 mm longer than its predecessor and the travel has gone up from 130 mm to 140 mm. It doesn’t end there though: the ROOT MILLER for 2017 is compatible with both 29″ and 27.5+ wheels, and the customer has full choice in the configurator – or alternatively, splash out a little extra and order the bike with both wheel sets.

With the Boost Standard fresh for 2017, the ROSE ROOT MILLER can be ridden with either 29
With the Boost Standard fresh for 2017, the ROSE ROOT MILLER can be ridden with either 29″ or 27.5+ wheels.

Alongside the ROOT MILLER’s revamp, ROSE’s 27.5″ trail bike the GRANITE CHIEF has also had an overhaul, albeit on a smaller scale, seeing the frame lengthened by 15 mm and creating space for the brand new 2.6er plus-size tyres. But that’s as far as it goes for the intricacies of the individual bikes, and the following changes that we’re about to outline apply to both frames:

Cable routing got a look in and ROSE have added a secure clamp exit port to prevent unwanted cable clutter and clatter.
Cable routing got a look in and ROSE have added a secure clamp exit port to prevent unwanted cable clutter and clatter.
Am Puls der Zeit: ROSE setzt für 2017 auf die neuen metrischen Dämpfer und verbaut zudem den kürzlich vorgestellten Bearing Mount, bei dem die Dämpferbuchsen durch Kugellager ersetzt wurden.
On the ball: For 2017 ROSE have opted for the new ‘metric’ rear shocks and even gone for the recently launched bearing mount, which swaps bushings for bearings.
The secure downtube protector does a subtle job of keeping the frame safe.
The secure downtube protector does a subtle job of keeping the frame safe.
Still top dog for aluminium frames: the good old BSA bottom bracket. The main pivot point has been enlarged and the axle widened to create a stiffer connection.
Still top dog for aluminium frames: the good old BSA bottom bracket. The main pivot point has been enlarged and the axle widened to create a stiffer connection.
You’re free to set up your ROSE bike as you wish, and MAGURA’s cableless Vyron seatpost is a definite option.
You’re free to set up your ROSE bike as you wish, and MAGURA’s cableless Vyron seatpost is a definite option.
The choice of shifters and brakes is also down to the customer. The prototype of the revised ROOT MILLER is fitted with MAGURA MT5 brakes and Shimano XT shifters.
The choice of shifters and brakes is also down to the customer. The prototype of the revised ROOT MILLER is fitted with MAGURA MT5 brakes and Shimano XT shifters.
The Race Face cockpit’s design looks pretty sick when teamed with the understated frame.
The Race Face cockpit’s design looks pretty sick when teamed with the understated frame.
3.0
3.0″ plus-size tyres feel right at home on the 40 mm-wide XM 551 rims from DT Swiss. But the ROOT MILLER can also take 29er wheels if you prefer.
We’re not really fans of 2x, but we have to admit that the current side swing front derailleur works a lot better than earlier versions. If you do change to 1x then there are no visible mounting marks on the frame.
We’re not really fans of 2x, but we have to admit that the current side swing front derailleur works a lot better than earlier versions. If you do change to 1x then there are no visible mounting marks on the frame.
Mit den gleichen Features kommt auch das ROSE GRANITE CHIEF 2017, bietet jedoch 150 mm Federweg und 27,5"-Laufräder für Reifen bis 2,6". Hier im Aufbau mit der neuen SRAM X01 Eagle 12-fach-Gruppe und 2,6" Nobby Nic-Pneus.
The ROSE GRANITE CHIEF 2017 is going to appear with the same features, plus 150 mm of travel and 27.5″ wheels taking tyres up to 2.6″. It’s shown here sporting the new SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed groupset and 2.6″ Nobby Nic pneus.
ROSE developer Max Sistenich walks us through the details on the new bikes.
ROSE developer Max Sistenich walks us through the details on the new bikes.

The new bikes are set to be officially launched at EUROBIKE 2016, then hitting the market in early September.

Check out the ROSE Website for all the details on the current generation of bikes.

Words and Photos: Moritz Dittmar

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