The Uncle Jimbo 3 features fine components such as Sram's X01 drivetrain and cassette as well as Guide RSC brakes, E13 TRS cranks, Mavic's 27.5 inch Crossmax XL wheels in the Limited version with the matching Mavic Enduro tires, Race Face cockpit, Reverb Stealth seatpost from Rock Shox and last but not least: 36 mm fork and Float X shock from Fox. The aluminum frame impresses visually with its eye-catching linkage of the shock absorber. In terms of color, the green lettering shares the black-primed frame with the blue desgins - a very good match with the black and yellow Crossmax wheels.

Like the Granite Chief, which we tested a year ago, the Uncle Jimbo is also cut very high. Even with a size M frame, there's not much room left to slide the Reverb Vario seatpost into the seat tube. The top tube, on the other hand, is low enough that you still have enough room when standing up.

A pleasant climbing partner

After adjusting the saddle, we set off on our first ride. The fat uncle feels really good, and soon your thoughts turn to pedaling - your body no longer even notices that it's not your private bike. The weight of 13.5 kilograms is reasonable for an enduro bike. Riding uphill is surprisingly easy. Here too, the thought of possible back pain quickly disappears and the ride uphill is quite enjoyable for the next hour. The "Talas" lowering system of the suspension fork is not entirely uninvolved in this. Because with the full 160 millimetres of travel, the Uncle Jimbo rides quite upright.

Even on gradients of over 15 percent, it still rides well with the fork lowered. Steeper ramps require a little more weight shifting to master, even with the climbing aid. Rose's enduro bike copes well with technical uphill terrain. It impresses on bends and steps with secure handling and good traction.

Tough as nails

The Rose "Uncle Jimbo 3" is a reliable partner on descents. The bike has plenty of grip, which is thanks to the suspension. Both the shock and fork do an excellent job. The guys at Fox have really gone the extra mile. But the rear shock would hardly work so well if the suspension system was no good. Rose has done a great job there too. The rear suspension absorbs the subtle bumps sensitively, but also really takes it when things get rough or you rattle off heels into the flat.

However, the rear suspension offers a nice progression in the last third of the 165 millimeters of travel, which gives you feedback from the ground and supports your movement when overcoming obstacles. The same applies to the Fox 36 Talas which, despite our soft set-up, provides plenty of counter-pressure in the last 16 centimeters. Where previously the lowerable Fox forks were very linear and sagged on steep downhill terrain, this Talas fork is still high in its travel. We gave the rear shock xx percent and the fork xx percent negative travel to ensure that the rear end and fork function optimally. But the Uncle Jimbo doesn't just like to tuck in. When things get tight and twisty, it maneuvers wonderfully around corners and rough sections. The bike also changes direction quickly. There are no major weaknesses to be found on this bike. Only at very high speeds does Uncle Jimbo become a little unsteady. But pushing this limit is difficult even in racing mode.

Conclusion

The Rose "Uncle Jimbo 3" has everything an enduro bike needs: a well-functioning chassis with some reserves, great handling characteristics and strong components in terms of functionality and stability, mounted on a robust, yet relatively light aluminum frame. Through and through a strong bike at a strong price.

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