Not a detailed test, but a brief first impression: In this series, we show you interesting new bikes of the season in a compact format.
A truly unique fun bike: with the HOBO, Rose offers a really unusual bike that is something between an urban bike and a gravel bike – and which focusses on the joy of cycling. The HOBO Deore shown here is the most affordable model in the series, equipped with a 10-speed derailleur system from Shimano’s Deore series.
The main feature of the HOBO is certainly its diamond-shaped steel frame, which gives the bike the typical look of classic bicycles with its filigree and straight tubes. The advantage of steel is its high level of sustainability, as the material is comparatively easy to process and can also be recycled later. A steel frame is also said to be somewhat more comfortable than an aluminium frame, for example — as the material is not quite as torsionally rigid, it can absorb rough impacts somewhat better. In return, you have to accept a slightly higher weight: the HOBO Deore weighs 11.7 kg, which certainly doesn’t make the bike an absolute lightweight — but for a sporty everyday bike, the value is perfectly acceptable.
An interesting contrast to the classic frame is provided by the modern fork at the front, which is made of carbon and offers attachment points, for example for panniers. Together with the 47 mm wide WTB tyres in 27.5’ format, the gravel influences of the bike are also evident here — equipped in this way, the HOBO is also ideal for gravel riding!
Instead of a drop bar handlebar, as found on typical gravel bikes, the HOBO is equipped with conventional handlebars. With its backsweep of 14°, this enables an ergonomic grip angle and is also unusually wide at 78 cm. Overall, this results in a rather sporty and stretched riding position, which fits in well with the sporty character of the bike.
While the soft silicone handlebar grips from ESI immediately offer maximum comfort, the saddle requires more time: the Selle Italia Storica Boost fitted here first needs to be adjusted, which is quite typical for such a leather model. Shimano’s Deore drivetrain is as reliable and smooth as ever, and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are just as reliable. As expected, the HOBO offers no surprises here.
If you are interested in the bike, you should definitely also consider the front carrier -— this matches the style of the bike perfectly and makes the bike even more practical for everyday use. Rose also offers a pannier bag, mudguards and a lighting set as additional accessories. Equipped with all this, the HOBO becomes your daily companion in the city centre, even on gravel roads!
The price for the Rose HOBO Deore presented here in the colour Pine Green is 1,499 euros. Alternatively, the bike is also available in a bright Maliblue colour, in sizes from S to XL, directly from the Rose Bikes online shop.
