Rose X-Lite CW-4000 first ride review

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The Rose X-Lite CW 4000’s frame is a no-nonsense racing rig. With aggressive geometry and wind tunnel-derived shaping, it combines a head-down, long-flat-backed riding position with tube shapes that are designed to give you an advantage.

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Rose X-Lite CW-4000 spec overview

• Frame: 990g (57cm tested
• Fork: X-LITE CW High Performance
• Crankset: Shimano Dura-Ace FC-R9100 52/36
• Cogset: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9100 11-speed
• Rear/front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 11-speed
• Wheels: Mavic Cosmic Pro WTS (700x25)
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Lite Flow
• Handlebar: Profile Canta Ergo Drop UD BK Carbon

Rose X-Lite CW-4000 frame and equipment

The frame weighs 990g, which is impressive for an aero bike. Its core mould is shared with Rose's other aero-disc bike, so despite this one having an under-chainstay direct-mount Shimano Dura-Ace unit it still retains a disc flat mount at the rear of the non-driveside chainstay, but not thru-axle dropouts.

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The geometry features a steep 74-degree seat angle and sharp 73.25 degrees up front, plus the 400mm reach (horizontal distance between bottom bracket and head-tube) on our 57cm test bike mated to the 563mm stack height (vertical distance) making this the very definition of an aggressive race bike. The mechanical Dura-Ace drivetrain is as impressive as you would expect, and the focused-on-fast- but-still-usable 52/36, 11-28 combination makes the 4000 a great companion whatever the terrain.

Rose X-Lite CW-4000 ride impression

On the flat the CW is brutally rapid; we would put it up there with the likes of Trek’s Madone, Scott’s Foil and Specialized’s Venge Vias in the speed stakes.

The sharpness of the turn-in makes short work of quick direction changes — the CW-4000 is one nimble bike and a willing companion through technical, twisty descents. We’re seriously impressed with the Rose’s chassis and if you get the build right it’s a cost-effective entry into the very best that modern aero-road bikes can offer.

If the wheels were hugely impressive elsewhere we could forgive them, but their average performance, aside from the fact that they’re light, negates that

Rose X-Lite CW-4000 early verdict

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