ROSE Bikes is further expanding its gravel fleet with a new adventure gravel bike. The Hobo Dropbar features a robust steel frame, mechanical Shimano GRX groupset and is equipped with a front rack as standard. With a price of €1899 (approximately $US 1,950), it is aimed at adventure-seeking purists and bike packers – Rose Bikes
The Bocholt-based bicycle manufacturer ROSE Bikes proves that steel as a frame material cannot be beaten with its latest gravel bike, the Hobo Dropbar, which was released today. This is a robust and well thought-out adventure bike that can be used for everything from everyday urban life to extended bikepacking adventures. It is also the first drop bar bike in the direct seller’s current product range to use a steel frame instead of carbon or aluminium. This clearly sets it apart from the Backroad family or the recently released Blend.
The Hobo Dropbar is based on the frame set of the Hobo flat bar cruiser, with whose fresh concept mix of urban and gravel bike ROSE caused quite a stir back in 2023. Instead of a wide flat bar, the Hobo Dropbar features the Ritchey Venture Max Gravel handlebar familiar from the Backroad AL as well as other extensive spec updates, including 47mm wide WTB Venture tyres or the sporty WTB Silverado saddle. Drivetrain and brakes are from Shimano, the GRX 810 rear derailleur with gravel-typical 1×11 gearing ensures reliable shifting. The Hobo Dropbar also rides on 650B ROSE G25 aluminium wheels, which enable playful handling in combination with the comfortable, strong grip tyres.
One of the Hobo Dropbar’s equipment highlights is the carbon fork, which, as with the Hobo, ensures weight savings, additional comfort and precise steering. The frame, on the other hand, is made of 25CRM04 chrome-molybdenum steel, which is known for its robust, well-balanced material properties and low weight. In contrast to the Hobo, the optional Hobo Base Rack front luggage rack mounted on the head tube is fitted as standard on the Hobo Dropbar. There are also a total of 14 attachment points on the frame and fork for additional luggage options. This makes the Hobo Dropbar ideal for bikepacking use, especially in combination with its riding position suitable for long distances, the robust frame and proven components.
The ROSE newcomer thus is categorised as an adventure-seeking gravel bike with a wide range of uses, which appeals to beginners, adventurers and steel bike enthusiasts alike. Initially, the Hobo Dropbar will be available in one equipment version with two different colour options: the pine green (dark green) and maliblue (turquoise) known from the Hobo. It will be available in three frame sizes from S to L and will cost €1899 at launch. According to ROSE, the weight is 11.9kg, including the front rack. Matching mudguards for the Hobo can also be found in the ROSE online shop.
About ROSE Bikes GmbH
ROSE Bikes is a customer-centred bike brand from Bocholt (NRW) with a mission to provide people with unique bike adventures. The focus of the family business with 480 employees is on the development of their own high-quality mobility- and performance-oriented bike products, that are developed and assembled at their headquarters and distributed throughout Europe. This award-winning company is a trendsetter in multichannel commerce and connects both online and offline touchpoints in terms of curation, guidance, and service. The wide range of products and services can be experienced online and in-person at ROSE stores in Germany, from Bocholt to Cologne and Berlin to Munich, as well as in Switzerland at Lake Zurich and in numerous cooperation shops.
Learn more at the Rose Bikes Website