Lars van der Haar's relationship with the UCI Cyclocross World Championships has come to a close. The 34-year-old Dutchman, who is going to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 season, finished his final Worlds appearance in 19th place in Hulst. It was a farewell marred by a late crash and the harsh r...

The prophecy has been fulfilled, and history has been written. Mathieu van der Poel captured his eighth Cyclocross World Championship title in Hulst on Sunday, breaking the tie with Erik De Vlaeminck to become the sole record holder in the discipline. To mark the occasion, the Dutchman crossed the l...

With the Tour de France now exclusively behind a paywall in the UK for the first time since the 1980s, TNT Sports pundit Brian Smith has warned that the sport risks alienating the general public just as the country prepares to host the Grand Dpart in 2027. The 2025 Tour de France marked the end of...

With the SHAVE FFX, ROSE present the flagship model of their new race platform. It has been developed to put the pros of the Unibet Rose Rockets team on equal terms with the big names in the peloton. The brief is clear: maximum race performance, greater efficiency and a noticeable focus on aerodynamics. So what do you actually get? Is it a radical aero machine, or has the X-LITE evolved into a true aero race all-rounder?Rose Shave FFX | 6.7 (including aero bottle cages) kg in Size M/L | 8,500 | Manufacturers WebsiteNew year, new me? With the new SHAVE, SHAVE FF and SHAVE FFX, ROSE BIKES are completely reshaping their road bike line-up. Much like they did in the gravel segment with the BACKROAD FF, ROSE are now bringing their Fast Forward philosophy to the road.The SHAVE FF and SHAVE FFX are positioned as uncompromising high-performance race machines, set to take over from the X-LITE. The SHAVE, on the other hand, is intended to replace the REVEAL, but no longer as a classic endurance bike. Instead, ROSE talk about Race Comfort a race-focused concept designed to blend performance and comfort, opening the door to a much broader range of riders.On paper, at least, the SHAVE FFX is the first real aero race bike from ROSE. That does not mean extreme tube shapes or loud aero statements. Instead, the idea is far more holistic. You get aerodynamically optimised tube profiles, a complete system tuned for efficiency, and a clear focus on race pace at high speeds.Visually, the SHAVE FFX stays deliberately understated. While brands such as Factor or Cervlo increasingly define aerodynamics through eye-catching shapes and uncompromising concepts, ROSE have taken a different route, rooted firmly in all-round race bikes.So, if the SHAVE FFX is more of an evolution than a radical fresh start, that raises the question: How much X-LITE is still in the SHAVE FFX, and how far have ROSE pushed the focus towards aerodynamics? We put the SHAVE FFX to the test to find out how it feels on the road, where it really shines and, ultimately, who this bike is made for.Evolution With an Aero Focus? The ROSE SHAVE FFX in DetailFor a modern aero race bike, the SHAVE FFX looks surprisingly familiar at first glance. The proportions are reminiscent of the X-LITE, yet a closer look reveals some clear aerodynamic tweaks. Tube profiles are broader, the front end is lower, and there are clean transitions throughout. At the same time, the rear triangle stays deliberately classic, with slim seatstays keeping things visually restrained.Rather than turning it into an uncompromising aero monster, ROSE have created a race bike that chases performance without resorting to extreme shapes or strange proprietary handlebar designs. The focus is on a well-judged balance between aerodynamics and weight, aiming for real-world race speed rather than headline-grabbing design.The deeper head tube underlines the bikes aero ambitions. The dark green paint only reveals its full depth in just the right light.The low-mounted seatstays are designed to further reduce drag. While the tube shapes have more of an aero emphasis, theres still a lot of similarities with the old X-LITE.This is exactly where it is worth taking a brief look at how modern aero concepts have evolved. Five or six years ago, a bike like the SHAVE FFX would have been firmly in the aero category. A low front end, hidden cables, optimised tube profiles; case closed.Today, those categories have shifted. Aero no longer means chasing the deepest possible tube profiles. It has matured into a holistic approach that also factors in wheels, cockpit and riding position. Is it time for a pure aero group test?It is not just the name SHAVE that is new at the head tube, the full ROSE wordmark replaces the former single R, contributing to a cleaner, more cohesive look.The SHAVE as a New Road Bike PlatformThe SHAVE range has three clear tiers aimed at different price points and use cases. Entry to the line-up comes via the SHAVE, positioned as the so-called race comfort option. As the successor to the REVEAL, it shares the aero-optimised design language of the SHAVE family, but combines it with a more comfort-focused geometry. You get a taller front end, a shorter top tube, and components chosen with long rides and everyday use in mind.With electronic shifting, the SHAVE starts at 3,600 for Shimano 105 Di2 and goes up to 5,200 with SRAM Force AXS. A dedicated test is still to come.SHAVE | Slate | 3.600 SHAVE | Slate | 3.600 SHAVE | Sage | 5.000 SHAVE | Supersonic Grey | 5.000 SHAVE FF | Bubblegum | 5.600 SHAVE FF | Supersonic Grey | 5.600 SHAVE FF | Silver | 5.900 SHAVE FFX | Ghost Pearl | 8.000 SHAVE FFX | Liquid Racing Green | 8.500 Alongside it sits the SHAVE FF, positioned as the direct successor to the X-LITE. Frame shape and geometry are identical to the FFX, so its clearly a performance-oriented bike, just with a slightly heavier frame construction. Depending on the build, the SHAVE FF comes in between 5,600 and 5,900.At the very top of the range is the SHAVE FFX the no-compromise flagship. The frame is made with a top-spec carbon lay-up, and the spec options highlight the bikes racing ambitions, featuring ROSE carbon wheels paired with top groupsets from Shimano and SRAM. Prices for the FFX start at 8,000 and top out at 8,500.The ROSE SHAVE FFX is available in two colours. The dark green finish of our test bike subtly shimmers, shifting between understated and eye-catching depending on the light.A Holistic Approach: The ROSE SHAVE FFX SpecRose Shave FFX 2026 8,500SpecificationsSeatpost ROSE Shave Sattelsttze D-ShapedBrakes SRAM RED AXS 160/140 mmDrivetrain SRAM RED AXS 2 x 12Chainring 50/37Stem ROSE Shave Cockpit 110 mmHandlebar ROSE Shave Cockpit 370 mmWheelset ROSE RC55CS Zipp 303 XPLR S / Through-AxleTires Schwalbe Pro One Aero 700 x 28cCranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 170 mmCassette SRAM RED XG-1290 10-33Technical DataSize XS S M M/L L XLWeight 6,7 (inklusive Aero-Flaschenhalter) kgSpecific FeaturesColour tone varies depending on the light angleAs the flagship of the new SHAVE family, the SHAVE FFX has quite an uncompromising spec, starting with ROSEs own carbon wheels. Theyve been updated to use the same VONOA carbon spokes found on the NEWMEN Streem Climbing wheels, paired with NEWMEN hubs.The 55 mm deep rims have a 23 mm internal width, which is specifically aerodynamically optimised for tire widths of up to around 32 mm this is firmly in the modern aero all-rounder category. The aim is a balanced blend of aerodynamics, weight and stability on the road.With an unpainted frame tipping the scales at just 840 g, ROSE have quite literally shaved weight wherever possible. The result is a complete bike under 6.7 kg in size M, giving the SHAVE FFX genuine X-LITE pedigree in the weight stakes.Light and Stiff at the Same Time: The New ROSE Carbon Wheels with VONOA Carbon Spokes sit firmly in the modern aero all-rounder segment, with 55mm deep rims designed for rapid acceleration and high-speed stability.The wheelset is shod with 28 mm Schwalbe Pro One Aero tubeless tires. According to ROSE, the frame itself offers clearance for tires of up to 35 mm, significantly broadening the bikes range of potential uses. That opens the door to everything from fast road racing to rougher tarmac and classics-style surfaces.The fact that ROSE still spec narrower, aerodynamically optimised tires on the flagship model underlines the SHAVE FFXs clear focus on racing.When it comes to the groupset, ROSE unsurprisingly reach straight for the top shelf on their flagship model. Our test bike is equipped with SRAM RED AXS, including an integrated power meter. The drivetrain consists of a 50/37 t chainset up front and 10-33 t cassette at the back, delivering a wide range with reasonably fine steps between ratios. You get plenty of gears for punchy climbs as well as the final sprint, fitting the bikes all-round race character perfectly. The frame uses SRAMs UDH hanger, which is very easy to find should you need to.Ergonomically, the SHAVE FFX feels thoroughly modern. ROSEs own UCI-compliant cockpit impresses with a pleasantly narrow width of 370 mm in our size M test bike, encouraging a very aerodynamic riding position. The tops are flattened and sit comfortably in your hands. The drops feature 13 degrees of flare, with quite a deep drop. Combined with the spacer-free set-up on our test bike, this results in a very aggressive saddle-to-bar drop that will not suit every rider equally well.Still, ROSE are being consistent here. By following the current trend towards narrower cockpits, they are clearly prioritising aerodynamics and control, something that fits the SHAVE FFXs racing brief down to the last detail.Bringing up the rear, the new lightweight Selle Italia SLR provides a good level of comfort in the saddle. Our test bike is rounded off by ROSEs aero bottle cages (sold separately). They integrate seamlessly into the overall concept and, despite the aero focus, stick with classic round bottles rather than a proprietary aero design. This is great for day-to-day training, and allows racers to take standard bottles from any support vehicle.No-Compromise Aero Race Bike? The Geometry of the ROSE SHAVE FFXCompared with the X-LITE, ROSE stay true to their race-oriented DNA, but deliberately shift the focus of the SHAVE FFX towards greater stability and all-round usability. You can see this most clearly in the slightly increased stack and reach figures. This allows for a more balanced riding position, without sacrificing the bikes aggressive depth or racing intent.A marginally longer wheelbase adds composure at high speeds and in the heat of racing, while the unchanged short rear end helps keep the handling precise and responsive. Comparable to concepts such as the Trek Madone or Specialized Tarmac, the SHAVE FFX positions itself as an aerodynamic race all-rounder. An aero-optimised front end meets a steep head angle and short chainstays all aimed at balancing aerodynamics, weight and rideability. Rather than a no-holds-barred aero monster, you get a race bike that delivers speed on the flat, efficiency on the climbs and confident control when the racing gets hectic.Clean Cut? The ROSE SHAVE FFX on TestOut on the road, it quickly becomes clear where this bike is headed. The frame feels as if it is loaded with tension, almost as if it is ready to leap forward at any moment, like a tightly wound spring. The second you put power through the pedals, that energy feels like it is released. From a standing start, or under sudden acceleration, it responds without hesitation.Climbing is where the SHAVE FFX really comes alive its almost fun, if you can overlook the pain in your legs and lungs. The bottom bracket stays rock solid, the rear end feels taut, yet the handling remains composed, even during a full-gas sprint.On descents and along the flats, the handling feels balanced, with a distinctly sporty edge. The SHAVE FFX reacts precisely to steering inputs without becoming twitchy at speed, and theres a nice amount of feedback from the road. Even at higher speeds, the bike stays calm and predictable, building confidence and encouraging an active, dynamic riding style.When it comes to comfort, the SHAVE FFX stays unapologetically sporty. The bike is tuned on the firm side, offering very little inherent compliance. The frame, wheels and carbon spokes dont contribute much damping of their own.Tires do play a significant role in how the bike feels, though. The 28 mm Schwalbe Pro One Aero tires fitted to our test bike measure up at around 29.3 mm on these rims, but in testing they felt a little short on grip, especially on smooth asphalt and through fast corners. If you are looking for more confidence and a wider safety margin, switching to the standard Schwalbe Pro One in 30 mm, or the equally wide Continental GP5000, can deliver a noticeable gain in both grip and comfort. With clearance up to 35 mm, theres scope to go a little further to smooth out the ride if you want to.Overall, the ROSE SHAVE FFX delivers a balanced and confident ride. Rather than dazzling you with buzzwords or quirky aero features, it wins you over with its direct response, high level of control and a clearly sporty character. Above all, the bike impresses with its predictable handling, and the sheer level of fun it provides Tuning-tip: 30 mm tires noticeably increase both grip and comfort.Who Is the ROSE SHAVE FFX For?The ROSE SHAVE FFX is aimed at ambitious road riders looking for a modern race bike with a clear performance focus, without committing to a full-on aero missile. It will appeal to riders who line up for races regularly, enjoy fast training loops, and want a bike that delivers on the climbs, on the flat and at high speeds alike.All-round racers, stage hunters and crit riders in particular will find the SHAVE FFX to be a very well-balanced package, combining efficiency, control and a properly sporty riding position.The generous tire clearance further broadens the bikes range, making the SHAVE FFX an attractive option for the spring classics, for example with wider tires for rough asphalt or cobbles. Even so, the focus remains firmly on racing and performance.If you are looking for a traditional endurance bike, or maximum comfort, this is not the right place to be. In that case, the regular SHAVE would be a better choice. The SHAVE FFX feels most at home where modern races are decided: on demanding profiles, over long race days in the thick of the peloton, when efficiency, control and versatility matter more than chasing any single extreme value.Helmet Oakley ARO7 MIPS | Glasses Oakley Encoder 24K | Jersey MAAP Evade Pro Base LS Jersey 2.0 | Shorts GORE Spinshift Short Bib Short+ | Shoes Specialized S-Works Ares 2Conclusion on the New ROSE SHAVE FFXWith the SHAVE FFX, ROSE are talking about an aero race bike for the first time, yet they clearly interpret aerodynamics as part of an efficient overall system. Rather than making a radical aero statement, the FFX presents itself as a modern race all-rounder with a noticeable aero boost, without giving up the strengths that defined the X-LITE. Snappy off the mark, stable at speed, precise in its handling and unapologetically sporty in its riding position, it comes across as a thoroughly modern, pro-ready workhorse. With the flagship build priced at 8,500, ROSE are also positioning the SHAVE FFX very competitively, making it a serious option for ambitious racers working within a tighter budget. The Unibet Rose Rockets dream of riding the Tour this year may have stayed just that. For the SHAVE FFX, it would have been the biggest possible stage. Still, there is no shortage of racing, and 2027 isnt too far around the corner.TopsLively ride feelModern tire clearance paired with wide rimsPrecise handlingSurprisingly light for an aero-optimised race bikeFlopsNoneMore information at rosebikes.com.Der Beitrag New ROSE SHAVE FFX 2026 in Review: How Much Aero Does a Modern Race Bike Really Need? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

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Dr Hutch weighs in on the tubes vs tubeless debate and concludes little