Test: Rose Root Miller 3 2020 - the new edition of the root miller | Ride MTB

Test: Rose Root Miller 3 2020 - the new edition of the root miller

The mail-order company Rose has fundamentally revised its Root Miller trail bike and given it a new geometry. We tested whether it really mills through roots or rather stumbles over them.

All that remains of the old Root Miller is the name and the focus on all-mountain use. The bike now has a classic 4-link rear triangle. The angular aluminum frame has a contemporary geometry without going to extremes. The rear and front offer 150 millimeters of suspension travel. Four frame sizes and three colors as well as three equipment variants - which can be individually configured - are available.

As always, we asked the manufacturer what makes this product stand out and what sets it apart from other, equivalent bikes:

  • Universal geometry for trail, all-mountain and light enduro adventures - very wide range of use
  • Customizable according to customer requirements
  • Top price-performance ratio


Testimonial from: Julian Pöpping, MTB product manager at Rose Bikes

Equipment

The Root Miller we rode boasts high-quality Fox suspension. Sram provides the gears, a combination of XO1 and GX-Eagle. The G2 RSC brakes come from the same company. The Levelnine brand attachments are rather unusual. This is the own brand of PMG, one of the largest bicycle component manufacturers in the world. The tried-and-tested "M 1700 Spline" wheels from DT Swiss round off the solid package.

Processing & details

The new, angular design language from Rose is appealing and harmonizes well with the light olive green color. The aluminum frame has striking and even welded seams and demonstrates good workmanship. In general, everything appears robust and solidly constructed. From the bolted cable guides to the classic threaded BSA bottom bracket and the numerous frame protectors.

On the flat

The geometry of the Root Miller is moderate. The riding position is slightly stretched, which ensures good weight distribution and neutral handling. At higher cadences, a slight bobbing of the linkage is noticeable, a reach for the compression lever of the shock and calm reigns. The propulsion is slowed down somewhat by the high weight, but the stiffness of the frame has a positive effect when sprinting.

Up the mountain

When going uphill, you can feel the 14.5 kilos of the bike. The Root Miller is no lightweight, but considering the low sales price, it's worth it. The bike pedals quietly and somehow inconspicuously. Climbing up single trails, it pulls well and efficiently over roots, rocks and steps. The rear end does a good job.

Downhill

On the descent, you can feel a slightly nervous front end and it needs a little pressure on the handlebars. The rear is easy to control, sits firmly on the ground and releases its travel very late. Depending on the rider's weight, it is therefore advisable to remove the volume spacer in the shock. When braking late and hard before tight corners, the rear wheel tends to break out. However, it can be easily caught and brought back on course. You get very good and direct feedback from the ground. The suspension is not very sensitive, absorbs hard hits well and likes to be ridden actively. It has enough pop for jumping. With an overly aggressive riding style, the bike reaches its limits.

Conclusion

With the Rose Root Miller 3, you get an all-rounder with a good and durable spec for fair money. The bike is ideal for beginners and advanced riders. Those who like to ride hard on the trail and tend towards enduro will not be happy with this bike for long and will quickly push it to its limits. In any case, it masters root carpets with ease.

Recommendation

Take enough time for the setup during a test ride, it is crucial whether the bike feels okay or good. Experiment with the stem height, go as low as is still comfortable, this also optimizes the handling

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Specifications

Frame material: Aluminum/
Price: CHF 3738.90 (from CHF 2088.90)
Weight: 14.5 kg (frame size M, with pedals)
Suspension travel: 150 mm front / 150 mm rear
Suspension fork: Fox 36 Float FIT4 DPS, Factory Kashima
Suspension strut: Fox Float DPX2
Circuit: Sram XO1/GX Eagle 12-speed
Brakes: Sram G2 RSC, 200/180 mm
Crankset: Truvativ Descendant Carbon
Wheels: DT Swiss M 1700 Spline 30 mm
Tires: V: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Evo, Addix Soft, 29.0 x 2.35
H: Schwalbe Hans Dampf, Evo, Addix Soft, 29.0 x 2.35
Saddle: Selle Italia X3 Flow
Saddle post: Rose dropper, 150 mm
Front end: Levelnine Race, 55 mm
Handlebars: Levelnine Race, 800 mm, 15 mm rise

Manufacturer/distributor

www.rosebikes.ch


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Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.