Rose has just released the 2020 version of its long-running Pro SL range with a direct-mount derailleur hanger and a cable routing system that creates a very clean-looking front end.
Few brands like to use the term ‘entry-level’ these days. It’s something that marketing departments don’t like us to say. But that’s exactly how Rose is describing its aluminium road bike that starts at £1,088.18 for a full Shimano 105 R8000 rim-brake build.
Here’s our pick of the best aluminium road bikes
A Shimano 105 R8020 disc-brake build will set you back £1,451.20 with both the rim and disc-brake bikes featuring DT Swiss’ P1850 tubeless-ready wheels.
The front end is where the main changes can be found, with the cables hugging the bottom of the stem before disappearing into the headtube via the specially-designed spacers.
While this isn’t an uncommon sight on race bikes these days, this is one of the first times that we’ve seen integration like this down at this price point. While the system adds a very clean look, Rose says that this integration doesn’t add any unnecessary complexity with the bar, stem and spacers being “easily replaced, without having to disconnect cables.”
The integration continues at the rear end with a recessed seatpost clamp.
While there are plenty of visual changes, Rose says that this 2020 Pro SL has been refined rather than overhauled. The flat-mount brakes of the previous version return and the disc model can now take up to a 32mm tyre for increased “comfort and safety on the road.” Fans of rim brakes might, however, be disappointed to find that this version of the 2020 Pro SL is still limited to 25mm tyres.
Rose has also moved to a direct-mount hanger for the rear derailleur which they say “ensures even more direct shifting.” The now-standard 12mm thru-axles are used front and back.
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The Pro SL is designed to be a unisex frame, with a whopping ten different frame sizes available with a choice between the male or female version of Selle Italia’s X3 saddle.
The 45cm and 48cm frame sizes have been designed around 650b wheels which Rose says will help to maintain the ride feel of the larger frames. The largest frame size is 65cm, which Rose says results in the range accommodating body heights between 150cm (4’9”) and 210cm (6’9”).
We’ll be asking to have one sent in for testing to see if the bike can build on a very good review from Stu back in 2017.
9 thoughts on “Rose announce an updated 2020 Pro SL with a cleverly integrated front end”
Big price difference between
Big price difference between the rim model and the disc model. Almost £400! Is the disc model subsidising the rim model or just pricing according to market?
Worth noting that the need to cleanly run brake cables makes the rim version look far less integrated.
The price difference is an
The price difference is an interesting one. There are definitely some big differences in the frame design, that can be seen with the tyre clearance change. Could be additional design/manufacturing costs.
The disc groupset will also add a little. But I’ll email Rose to see if I can get a reason.
I’ve noticed this on a few
I’ve noticed this on a few bikes recently, I’ve been thinking about a Condor Super Acciaio (The Fairlight Strael is still top of the list at the moment) and again there’s a big difference in the price of the frameset, around £400, and that doesn’t even take into account a more expensive groupset. I get the frames are possibly more complex to build, but to that extent? Many other brands seem to only really charge the difference in the groupset cost.
Big fan of Rose bikes but
Big fan of Rose bikes but disappointed they are running with this all for the sake of removing some exposed cable outers, can’t help wondering how many extra bends it introduces into the cable runs? Form over function?
Aesthetically I can’t really bring myself to love it either, it’s like an extension of the headtube above the top tube, creates quite an ugly transition to the stem.
Just praying they don’t adopt it on their X-Lite range before I can afford one of them!
Look no cables seems to be
Look no cables seems to be the latest trend, now every Man – Woman and his dog is doing it! Is it just Me, or am I now in my late 40s just geting to old, first when I was young they got us to lust after the those bike made out of exotic stuff like aluminum and even Magnesium, then came the rise of plastic fantastic carbon fiber higher modus what ever, and my steel Reynolds bike was just a no no! Then came 7-8-9-10-11-12 speed cassettes, just when you thought you had the best they added a cog! What about electronic shifiting and needing a app to sort it ahh, when before you all that was needed was a new cable once a year and to index it right. Now do not get me going on the rim vs disk debate, I could go on and on. Am I a luddite? I do not know as I may moan but I would if given the chance buy any one of these new carbon, disc braked, electronic shift, more areo bikes of 2020 -2021, but sill have a foundness for the bikes that were say “less is more“.
Indexed?! What’s wrong with
[i][b]Indexed?![/b][/i] What’s wrong with proper friction levers, on the down tube where they belong too?
My first proper bike had them
My first proper bike had them, circa mid 1980s. A gift for my birthday and Chirstmas in one hit from my parents and grandparents! They were a whole skill set that few have no knowledge of today. Try changing gear in a angry pack in the last KM to the finish, or in my case the offer from the old hands on a club run of a free coffee for the first young one to the top of the next big climb. So no changing gear once out of the saddle and dancing on pedals. oh the memories, time is a great way of only see the good and forgeting the bad!
Did you choose the photos
Did you choose the photos especially to avoid illustrating the text? Direct mount hanger; it’s somewhere in the arty out of focus part. Cable entry via special spacers; just about if I zoom in, but cut off from the head tube close up (nice view of the logo however).
That’s all that they gave us,
That’s all that they gave us, unfortunately.