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

ROSE PIKES PEAK AM 1 | 150/150 mm (f/r) | 12.98 kg | € 2,999

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.

Helmet iXS Trigger AM | Glasse Oakley Jawbreaker PRIZM Trail | Jersey ROCDAY ELEMENT Jersey | Shorts Fox Defend Short | HipBack SOURCE Hipster | Shoes O’Neal FLOW SPD

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″

Genius
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.
Rattling
Unfortunately, the cables are not secured in the frame and rattled during testing.
Super variable
The PIKES PEAK AM and the PIKES PEAK EN share the same lightweight carbon frame. The different models simply have different length shocks.
Freedom of movement
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!
Overwhelmed
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.

Tuning tip: select more robust tires in the configurator (free) | go for a 50 mm stem and include enough spacers (at least 2 cm) | secure the internally routed cables

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

Riding Characteristics

12

Uphill

1
  1. sluggish
  2. efficient

Agility

2
  1. cumbersome
  2. playful

Stability

3
  1. nervous
  2. confident

Handling

4
  1. demanding
  2. balanced

Suspension

5
  1. harsh
  2. plush

Fun Factor

6
  1. planted
  2. poppy

Value for money

7
  1. terrible
  2. very good

Technical Data

ROSE
PIKES PEAK AM 1

Size: S M L
Weight: 12,98 kg
Travel (f/r): 150/150 mm
Wheel Size: 27,5"
Price: € 2,999

Intended Use

XC 8
Trail 9
Enduro 10
Downhill 11

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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