One Year on the Velduro Rogue: New Zealand Mountain Bikings's Verdict
When Velduro was looking for its first New Zealand ambassador, the brief was simple. Find someone who rides hard, coaches seriously, and would say straight out if the bike wasn't up to it. Jamie Garrod, founder of New Zealand Mountain Biking, fitted that description. Nearly a year on from handing him a Rogue, here's what he actually thinks.
Twenty Years in the Outdoors
Jamie has spent over two decades working in the outdoors. He started with whitewater kayaking, leading sea kayak expeditions in Antarctica and rafting trips in Colorado, before mountain biking took over completely about ten years ago. That breadth of experience shapes how he thinks about bikes and riders.
Today he runs New Zealand Mountain Biking, one of the country's most respected coaching and guiding operations. Most of his work is one-on-one sessions, backed up by video analysis between lessons so riders keep improving between time on the trail together. He works with everyone from complete beginners to talented young racers chasing PBs.
"Seeing the moment something clicks for a rider never gets old. Watching someone clear a feature that scared them last week, or finally trust their bike on steep terrain — that confidence carries well beyond the trail."
Trips are fully guided and supported, covering logistics, food, and accommodation so riders can show up and focus on the riding. International visitors come specifically for the experience he and his team put together.
Velduro's First NZ Ambassador
Jamie became Velduro's first New Zealand ambassador because his values line up with the brand's. Rider-driven, honest about what works, and not interested in hype. His feedback comes from real riding on real trails, and it feeds directly into how Velduro develops its bikes.
Over the past 12 months he's put the Rogue through its paces across New Zealand and well beyond. Rotorua's home trails, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, Wānaka, and further afield into China and Tibet. The kind of variety that gives you a proper read on a bike.
The Verdict After Twelve Months
Asked for his honest take after a year on the bike, Jamie didn't hold back.
"It's been so much fun and very reliable. The Rogue is the first truly capable eMTB I've owned that feels as good to ride as my regular bike, and that's a big call."
After 12 months and more kilometres than most bikes see in three years, the mechanical record is clean.
"It's solid, playful, and stable when it needs to be. Twelve months in, I've had zero issues. All smiles. This bike goes hard."
The DJI Avinox motor system gets a specific mention. The power delivery is smooth and responsive in a way that makes technical climbs feel manageable without taking the challenge out of them. The low standover height and suspension setup round out what he considers the standout features.
Who It Actually Works For
Because Jamie coaches such a wide range of riders, his view on who the Rogue suits is more useful than most. It's not just blanket praise.
"The low standover height and suspension setup make it confidence-inspiring for riders building skills, but it's also got enough capability to keep experienced riders grinning on technical terrain."
Whether it's flowing through berms, navigating steep descents, or grinding out high-altitude alpine trails, the Rogue handles both ends of the spectrum without feeling like it's compromising either.
"If you want one bike that's playful on the flow and stable when things get steep, the Rogue covers it."
Getting the Most Out of Your Rogue
As someone who coaches riders across all ability levels, Jamie has a clear view on the biggest mistakes people make when they're new to a bike like this.
"Usually body position and braking. It's so common — people sit too far back, brake at the wrong moments, and tense up."
All of it is fixable quickly with the right guidance, and all of it is much harder to unlearn if you let the habits set in.
"Get coaching early rather than ingraining bad habits. Nail the fundamentals of vision, body position, and braking before chasing big features. Progress comes faster than you'd think."
For new owners specifically, he sees coaching as the natural next step after buying a bike.
"A new bike is the perfect time to build good habits from the start. We can work one-on-one to get you comfortable and confident on it, with video feedback between sessions so you keep improving even when we're not riding together."
Should You Buy One?
Asked the obvious question, Jamie's answer was short.
"Do it. Of course, if you can, get on one and feel it for yourself. The Rogue won me over because it rides like a proper bike, not just an e-assist."
Ready to Ride One?
Find your nearest dealer or learn more about the Rogue to see full specs, geometry, and build options.
