In Bocholt, where Rose has its headquarters, mountains are a foreign concept and "elevations" over 50 meters are unknown. Ideal terrain for a bike with 100 millimeters of suspension travel. But of course, a marathon bike also has to cope with alpine terrain and this is exactly where we took the Thrill Hill out for a ride.

Mike Maurer, Rose Country Manager Switzerland, names the following three advantages of the bike:

- The low weight of the carbon frame at around 1800 grams.
- Thanks to the flexing seat stays, there is no need for an additional joint on the rear triangle - this saves weight and maintenance.
- High-quality and durable "Enduro Bearings" ball bearings are installed.

Equipment

The Rose race bike is visually stunning. The Maxxis skinwall tires in combination with the matte mint green of the frame are a feast for the eyes. The high-quality parts round off the overall package. In addition to Shimano's XTR complete groupset, various add-on parts from the small, elegant parts manufacturer Newmen are used. The wheelset is the XR4501, the highest quality cross-country aluminum wheelset from DT Swiss. The suspension elements from Fox are also state of the art and come from the top Factory line. Unfortunately, the fork does not have a quick release and the front wheel can only be removed with an Allen key, which means that valuable time is lost when racing. The focus here is clearly on weight. The same applies to the seat post: there is no telescopic seat post.

Processing & details

The high-quality paintwork comes with discreet graphic elements and "hidden" messages. The internally routed cables are cleverly installed at the transitions to the rear triangle. The down tube and chainstays are protected from damage by rubber mats. The carbon frame is combined with a beautifully milled rocker. All bearings are generously dimensioned and fitted with elegant aluminum bolts. The rear brake is well protected and integrated into the rear triangle. The workmanship is high-quality and consistent.

On the flat

The riding position is race-style stretched, but comfortable. The straight-line stability is good and the suspension hardens ideally when sprinting in the saddle. In general, there is hardly any bobbing and the remote lockout function could be limited to the suspension fork.

Up the mountain

The thrust of the Thrill Hill is good, but average. The geometry is balanced and you have enough pressure on both wheels, no matter how steep. Although the rear end is very firm, it climbs well over exposed single trails. There is also direct feedback from the rear wheel

Downhill

As mentioned above, the suspension is firm and race-like. It takes some time to tune it well, but then it absorbs impacts efficiently and has a high end progression. The fork offers slightly less comfort than the rear. The bike rides true to the trail but is slightly nervous. High speeds are no problem as long as the surface is not too exposed.

Conclusion

The Rose Thrill Hill is a marathon full suspension bike as it is written in the book: firm, fast and trimmed for performance. This bike wants to be ridden on the race track, there are more suitable candidates for after-work rides. If you don't win races with it, you simply don't have enough power in your legs. It's certainly not the bike's fault. It's fast and beautiful.

Recommendation

Cross-country and marathon riders are the target audience for this bike. A change to a quick release at the front is recommended and, depending on preference, also to a lightweight telescopic seatpost.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.rosebikes.ch

Test report published in issue 04/2019 of Ride Magazine.