Along with the Enduro version that we’ve already reviewed, the ROSE PIKES PEAK is also available as a 150 mm travel trail bike. The frame might be the same, but can the concept convince on the trail?
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
If Batman had a bike, he would ride the jet black ROSE PIKES PEAK AM1. The componentry fitted to the German direct-to-consumer brand bike can be customised in the online configurator to suit your needs. Our 27.5″ wheeled, 150 mm travel test bike weighed only 12.9 kg. This is certainly due to the very light frame, but the Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires probably also contribute to the weight saving. If you like to push hard on rough descents, we recommend swapping these for a more robust option. The remaining componentry of the PIKES PEAK AM1 has been cleverly specced. A Shimano SLX drivetrain and brakes, DT Swiss M1900 wheels and a RockShox PIKE fork complete the package. The 170 mm RockShox Reverb dropper post is a definite highlight, giving you plenty of freedom of movement on the bike. When configuring the cockpit, we recommend choosing a 50 mm stem and making sure to include enough spacers (yes, even this can be customised). The stock 800 mm SPANK handlebar is wide for a trail bike, but can easily be trimmed to size. A unique feature of the frame is the PROGEO system, allowing you to adjust the geometry and suspension progression within seconds, without the risk of losing any parts.
If you want to ride like Batman in his Batmobile, the ROSE PIKES PEAK is the bike for you.
The ROSE PIKES PEAK AM 1 im Detail
Fork RockShox PIKE RC 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 150 mm
Brakes Shimano SLX 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth 170 mm
Stem SPANK SPIKE 50 mm
Handlebar SPANK SPIKE 800 mm
Wheels DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 27,5″
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic SS SpeedGrip 2.35″
As with the Enduro version, the geometry and suspension progression of the PIKES PEAK AM can be adjusted via a flip chip within seconds, without the risk of losing parts – an ingenious system.
Unfortunately, the cables are not secured in the frame and rattled during testing.
The PIKES PEAK AM and the PIKES PEAK EN share the same lightweight carbon frame. The different models simply have different length shocks.
Thanks to the 170 mm dropper post and the low top tube, the rider has lots of freedom of movement on the bike. That will give you the confidence to tackle steep terrain – brilliant!
The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires with their hard rubber compound don’t do the bike justice. We recommend upgrading these in the configurator.
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 440 mm | 455 mm |
| Top tube | 590/592 mm | 615/617 mm | 645/647 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 115 mm | 125 mm |
| Head angle | 67°/66° | 66,5°/65,6° | 67°/66° |
| Seat angle | 75,5°/74,5° | 75,5°/74,5° | 75,5°/74,5° |
| Chainstays | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| BB Drop | 5/17 mm | 5/17 mm | 5/17 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,162/1,164 mm | 1,188/1,190 mm | 1,218/1,220 mm |
| Reach | 487/477 mm | 460/450 mm | 487/477 mm |
| Stack | 591/598 mm | 596/603 mm | 605/612 mm |
The ROSE PIKES PEAK AM 1 in test
Since the majority of our testers are all about 180 cm tall, we chose the largest of the three available sizes, frame size L. This provides a central and slightly stretched position, ideal for tackling longer rides. Together with its low weight, the bike feels spritely, quickly picking up speed when you get on the pedals. No matter how steep the climb, the ROSE marches onwards efficiently.
On the descents, the ROSE shows what it’s really capable of. The combination of a long front triangle with a short rear end makes the PIKES PEAK feel super lively, though it requires an active riding style. Its high-speed stability in steep terrain instils the rider with confidence, but you will have to actively weight the front wheel to avoid understeering in the corners. If you can do that and remain alert, then you’ll have a lot of fun on the PIKES PEAK. Drifting through corners or shooting out of berms into a manual – no problem with the PIKES PEAK! The suspension is plush yet nicely defined. Nevertheless, the capabilities of this bike means it quickly gets bored in more even terrain. Due to its extreme geometry, it requires a lot of rider input, even in the steeper PROGEO setting. Riders with less experience should definitely choose the smaller frame if they’re between two sizes, otherwise, the bike will quickly leave them feeling overwhelmed.
Only those with an active riding style can unleashthe ROSE’s full potential.
Conclusion
The ROSE PIKES PEAK AM1 cannot deny its kinship with the capable Enduro model. Thanks to its radical geometry and defined 150 mm travel suspension, it feels most at home on demanding trails, requiring an active riding style. Are you looking for a fun bike to get rowdy on? Then go ahead and give Batman a run for his money. The PIKES PEAK is made for you.
Tops
- capable in demanding terrain
- efficient climber
- PROGEO adjustment works well
- excellent value for money
Flops
- requires an active riding style
- overkill on easy trails
- cables rattle in the frame
For more info head to: rosebikes.de
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base
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