Rose File Plus Review

With the Rose Fiel Plus, the direct seller from Bocholt is launching a light eMTB on the market that piques curiosity with its large 580-Wh battery, TQ HPR60 motor, and reasonable value for money. But how does the bike perform on everyday trails? And how does it ride compared to some significantly more expensive competitors?

The TQ HPR60 motor is the successor to the well-known HPR50 and has been significantly improved in terms of efficiency and thermal management. While other light eMTBs start to derate at 400 meters of elevation, the HPR60 remains consistently reliable – with almost silent support.

Admittedly, the term “Light-eMTB” usually conjures images of bikes under the 19-kilogram mark. However, the Rose File Plus size L tips the scales at a hefty 20.4 kg without pedals—more reminiscent of traditional E-Bikes. This is primarily due to its large 580-Wh battery, intentionally chosen to create a true touring bike with practical range.

Many other Light-eMTBs cut back on battery capacity, offering only 360–430 Wh. In real-world use, this often limits your trail time to about 1.5 hours. Rose deliberately avoids this limitation, providing a bike suited for extended day trips—even in mountain terrains.

At the heart of the File Plus is the TQ HPR60 motor, an evolution of the proven HPR50. It offers 350 watts of peak power, yet remains extremely quiet and smooth in response. The motor truly shines during long climbs or technical trails, without overheating or prematurely going into what’s known as derating. This was a definite weakness of the predecessor (TQ HPR50), which has now been addressed.

In our standardized range test, the File Plus reached nearly 2,200 vertical meters—an outstanding value for a light eMTB. Efficiency has been significantly improved compared to its predecessor. At the same time, the motor is unobtrusive in sound and delivers an exceptionally natural riding experience that almost reminds one of an analog mountain bike.

Despite its comparatively high weight, the File Plus rides surprisingly nimble. The combination of a steep seat angle (78.5°) and a short stem ensures a compact riding position. Don’t be misled by the high reach value. If you are between sizes, it’s wise to opt for the larger one.

The low bottom bracket height and the progressive rear suspension contribute to the bike’s ability to carve through corners indiscriminately and remain playful—even on tight trails.

In steep uphills, the front wheel stays grounded, thanks in part to the rear suspension kinematics. With an anti-squat value of 100%, the rear suspension doesn’t bob, yet remains fully active under chain pull, generating grip. This means: no wasted energy when climbing, just full traction—an actual advantage over many competitors who often opt for a higher anti-squat value that tends to stiffen the rear suspension during climbs.

With 150 mm of travel up front and 140 mm in the rear, the File Plus sits on the lower end of the spectrum for e-bikes—at least in terms of suspension travel. In practice, the suspension shines with its progressive curve, which, while offering less reserves for hard hits, feels lively and responsive. Riders who enjoy popping off small ledges and love active riding will find a lot of joy here.

When it comes to components, Rose doesn’t skimp. Beefy Maven brakes and solid Schwalbe tires with an Ultra Soft rubber compound on the front wheel demonstrate that downhill performance is a priority.

The rear’s low anti-rise value ensures the suspension remains active during braking—particularly on flowy trails with lots of direction changes, making the bike feel very lively. However, when it gets steep and technical, there’s a lack of additional security in the deeper travel range. This is where the limited 140 mm become noticeable.

However, a small drawback was evident in the long-term test: after just a few miles, slight creaking noises emerged—especially during technical sections. With a bit of maintenance, grease, and care, this could be quickly fixed.

Additionally, the design of the stem, which fits precisely with the specific Ahead cap, makes it impossible to quickly move a spacer from bottom to top. If you want the handlebar lower than the factory setting, you inevitably have to cut the steerer tube.

The entry-level model is also exciting for 6,000 Euro. According to Rose, it weighs only around 400 grams more than the top model but offers the same frame, motor, and battery. Only the drivetrain and details rely on tried-and-true mechanical technology. For many, this model might be the smarter choice—especially if you’re more into touring rather than aiming for race setups.

So, if you’re looking for a high-quality, modern light eMTB that performs well on longer tours and is both visually and technically up to date, the File Plus Base presents a very attractive price alternative.