Count Solo

mtb649–1499 EUR

Origin

pre-2015. The Count Solo is one of ROSE's oldest continuously-produced bike lines. bike-test.com describes it as having 'already addicted thousands of people to cycling' — suggesting a long heritage as a gateway MTB. It serves the classic XC hardtail function: efficient, fun, fast, at accessible direct-sales pricing.

Specifications

Frame: Aluminium 6061, hydroformed
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1×11 (32T chainring, 11–51T cassette) on Count Solo 1; up to Shimano XT 1×12 on Count Solo 3/4
Brakes: Shimano BL-MT200 hydraulic disc (2-piston) on Count Solo 1; Shimano 4-piston (MT/XT) on upper models
Wheels: Shimano WH-MT500 (Count Solo 1); 29" on M/L/XL, 27.5" on XS/S. Aluminium rims, tube-type. Mavic/DT Swiss on higher models

The verdict

+Strengths

bike-test.com: 'Benchmark under €800 — first-class price/performance ratio'
off.road.cc: 'Very fast for money. Stiff alloy transfers power very efficiently — positively spurts forward.'
11.84kg at Count Solo 3 price — competitive weight for spec level
6-year frame warranty standard on all models
Mixed wheel sizing (27.5/29) by frame size — proportional geometry approach
Direct sales: Shimano XT on Count Solo 4 at sub-€1,300 — retail equivalent significantly more
Mavic and DT Swiss wheels at this price tier via direct sales
Good climbing: 'Steep seat angle efficient position, great climber'

−Weaknesses

off.road.cc: 'Not progressive geometry. Long stem + steep HTA = pure XC race setup. Not friendly for mixed trail rides.'
off.road.cc: 'Only on really steep and techy descents does it get a bit interesting' — limits technical descent use
Entry Count Solo 1: Shimano Altus MT200 2-piston brakes — basic for trail use
Entry model 13.9kg — heavier than ideal for XC race use
Traditional XC geometry not suited to riders wanting modern trail capability (see Bonero or Ground Control instead)
Cockpit (long stem, narrow bar) needs upgrade for non-racing trail use per off.road.cc

Did you know

01bike-test.com described the Count Solo as 'the gateway drug — the aluminum hardtail has already addicted thousands of people to cycling' — highest praise possible for an entry MTB
026-year frame warranty is consistent across all Count Solo models — exceptional and rare in the industry
03'benchmark under €800' (bike-test.com) — in a direct-sales world this means Deore 12-speed and Judy fork at this price
04off.road.cc noted the stock cockpit setup (long stem, narrow bar) is optimised for XC racing, not casual trail riding — a legitimate criticism that simple upgrades fix
05Mixed wheel sizing (27.5" on XS/S, 29" on M–XL) is consistent throughout ROSE's hardtail lineup — proportional fit for different heights
06The Count Solo is described as positioned between Bonero (aggressive trail, 140mm) and Thrill Hill (XC full suspension, carbon) — a distinct XC hardtail niche
07New ROSE PDQ AL (2025) with 120mm and downcountry geometry complements rather than replaces Count Solo — they serve different riders
08Traditional XC geometry (steep HTA) is still intentional in 2025 — Count Solo serves a specific market that values climbing efficiency over descent confidence
09Count Solo has carbon variants in some configurations (Magazine Bike.pl: 'offered in both aluminum and carbon versions') — not widely confirmed for current models

Who it’s for

XC racing beginners and amateur racersFitness cyclists wanting efficient MTBMarathon MTB event ridersRiders transitioning from road cycling to MTBRecreational trail riders on moderate terrain