The ROSE ROOT MILLER enjoys a reputation for teaming value for money with a great ride, so as it cruises into the season with a fresh look, we’re wondering whether it still has the personality to match its dynamic-looking new logo on the down tube?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Good times guaranteed! 7 trail bikes under € 3,000 in Review
After clicking around a bit on the ROSE website, it soon becomes clear that when it comes to spec there’s no shortage of choice. There are a total of four ROOT MILLER models available, all of which can, however, be completely built up to one’s own preferences via the configurator. For our group test, we received a ROOT MILLER 2, swapping the drivetrain out for a SRAM GX Eagle and the brakes for MAGURA MT Trail brakes. With a build like this, you can expect to pay in the region of € 3,010. Coming as stock on the bike, you’ll find RockShox suspension consisting of a PIKE fork and a Super Deluxe RT3 shock, both with 140 mm of travel. Then there’s the reliable SPANK OOZY Trail wheels and the Race Face cockpit with 800 mm bars. In collaboration with LiveCycles, the German HQ side of ROSE have now launched a new service concept, which means that customers can have the bike delivered to their home in a ride-ready state, so there’s no stopping you from hitting the trails immediately. When necessary, German customers can also call out a mechanic for home repairs.
The ROSE ROOT MILLER approaches things in a relaxed manner, with a riding position that’s comfortable, although the seat tube angle could be a bit steeper. For this reason, it is best to push the saddle far forward. In combination with the easy-rolling Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires and its efficient rear end, the ROOT MILLER is good at covering long distances.
The ROSE ROOT MILLER is a good partner for first-timers: stable, sensitive, reliable
The fairly long chainstays (447 mm), large 29″ wheels and the bottom bracket drop of 28 mm ensure that the front wheel always stays planted on steep ascents. However, the stiff rear end leads to a lack of traction on technical climbs. With its balanced geometry, the Rose descends like a freight train. The handling is very stable and instills confidence in the rider. Unfortunately, that rear end just can’t keep pace with the progressive geometry, proving too slow through fast hits and unable to follow the contours of the terrain. During compressions and hard blows, it tends to blow through its travel, and we would have wished for more progression. In tight corners and rapid turns, the bike requires a lot of input – not quite how we’d define agile. As for the rest of the build, it has clearly been well thought out and performs without problems.
ROSE ROOT MILLER 2 in detail
Fork RockShox Pike RC 140 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 140 mm
Brakes Magura MT Trail Sport
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem Race Face Atlas 800 mm
Handlebar Race Face Turbine
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic
Wheels Spank OOZY Trail 345
Weight 13.57 kg
Price 13.83 kg
The neoprene chainstay protectors on the GHOST and ROSE look like a relic from the past, and we would have expected more for € 3,000.
The RockShox Super Deluxe on our test bike performed very poorly, showing little sensitivity over small bumps. In the past, we have had much better experiences on the Root Miller with other shocks.
The 34-tooth chainring in combination with 29″ wheels requires strong legs on long, steep climbs. Better reach for a 32T in the configurator.
The new logo gives the bike a much more modern, sporty look
The MAGURA MT Trail brake with its four-pot caliper in the front offers plenty of power and modulation. Perfect, also for trail bikes! However, it must be broken in meticulously to achieve optimal performance.
Geometry of the ROSE ROOT MILLER 2
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 585 mm | 605 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 105 mm | 110 mm |
| Head angle | 67° | 67° | 67° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° |
| Chainstay | 447 mm | 447 mm | 447 mm |
| BB Drop | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1165 mm | 1185 mm | 1206 mm |
| Reach | 416 mm | 435 mm | 453 mm |
| Stack | 610 mm | 614 mm | 619 mm |
Upgrade tip: Pay a little more and select the FOX DPS FLOAT shock in the configurator. Pick tyres that suit the terrain and intended riding style.
Conculsion
If you’re looking for a reliable bike for long rides with predictable handling and no fear of burliness, the ROSE ROOT MILLER is the right choice. Look elsewhere if you’re after a playful trail rocket–you won’t find it here. Unfortunately our test bike was let down by its rear shock, and we found the rear end worked much better in previous test bikes.
Strenghts
+ great long-distance bike
+ confidence inspiring
+ high quality spec
Weaknesses
– cumbersome
– harsh rear end
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value
For more information head to: rosebikes.de
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Good times guaranteed! 7 trail bikes under € 3,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 8.0 | Ghost SLAMR X 5.9 AL | Giant Trance 1.5 LTD | Trek Fuel EX 8 29 XT | Whyte T-130 S | YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp
This article is from ENDURO issue #033
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