Rose releases new race

Apr 04, 2024

German brand unveils contemporary XC hardtail with 67.5-degree head angle and internal headset cable routing

This competition is now closed

By Nick Clark

Published: August 3, 2023 at 1:54 pm

The new Rose PDQ features an aggressive geometry, 120mm of suspension travel and an integrated handlebar.

The new bike is designed for the rigours of cross-country racing, with more race-focused geometry and 10mm more travel than Rose’s previous cross-country hardtail, the Psycho Path.

The PDQ, which Rose says is an initialism for ‘Pretty Damn Quick’, will be available in four build specs that share the same frame.

The entry-level PDQ 1 starts at €2,999 featuring RockShox’s new SID Base fork and a Shimano XT, while the range-topping PDQ 4 is priced at €6,999 and uses a RockShox SID Ultimate and SRAM’s XX SL Eagle AXS.

Rose says the bikes are available to order now.

The new PDQ cross-country bike is made from high-modulus carbon fibre, with the frame following the current cross-country bikes convention of using fully integrated cable routing through the handlebar.

Rose offers its One-Piece XC-Cockpit on the PDQ 3 and PDQ 4 models. It features a 60mm stem measurement, which the brand says adds to the bike’s agility while maintaining control on fast sections of downhill.

The PDQ 1 and PDQ 2 still receive internal headset cable routing, though this is through a Rose-branded aluminium stem.

The down tube of the bike features what Rose calls HIP (Hidden Impact Protection), which is said to protect the frame and internal cables from damage if the handlebars are turned in a crash.

Compared to the Psycho Path, the new frame feature a less interrupted line from the headset to the rear axle, which makes the bike look more aggressive while lowering the standover for shorter riders.

Rose says it has developed the PDQ’s geometry from the ground up, with the bike said to offer more stability and control than the Psycho Path.

The new bike has a 67.5-degree head angle, which is 3 degrees slacker than that on the Psycho Path.

This is in part due to the fact that the PDQ uses a 120mm fork, while the Psycho Path’s is 100mm.

The PDQ’s head angle is similar to many other cross-country hardtails, with more technical courses calling for more aggressive bikes.

Compared to Cannondale’s Scalpel HT, which also uses a 120mm fork, the PDQ’s head angle is a single degree steeper.

Reach measurements have also increased over Rose’s previous hardtail, with the PDQ now measuring 450mm compared to 426mm for a size medium, which should make it feel more stable on fast descents.

Chainstay lengths are the same throughout the sizes, measuring 430mm, and Rose says the frame has a maximum tyre size of 29×2.4in.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it’s now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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