Contents of this article:
Canyon vs Rose - Short & sweet
Road bikes from Canyon and Rose have been among the best in TOUR tests for years. The six competition, gravel and marathon bikes in this comparison underline this with TOUR scores between 1.6 and 1.8. In the end, details or brand loyalty will probably decide the purchase.
Canyon vs Rose - Six bestsellers in comparison
It's the eternal duel. Who builds the better road bikes? Which of the two largest German manufacturers and mail order companies offers more value for money? Canyon or Rose? The question is on the minds of many - on rides, in the TOUR readership and online. It has the potential for long evenings at the regulars' table. For many cyclists, the answer is almost a profession of faith. But TOUR wanted to find out more. Do the better bikes come from Koblenz or Bocholt?
So we asked Canyon and Rose to send us their best-selling - and available - bike from each category: a competition bike, a marathon bike and a gravel bike. Interesting at first glance: the bestsellers are similar in terms of design, equipment and, in some cases, price. Only the endurance bikes differ minimally in terms of equipment. A close battle in the laboratory, wind tunnel and on tarmac or gravel is to be expected.
For many years, the two direct distributors have been among the most popular road bike brands in Germany. For example, one in four participants in last year's TOUR reader survey stated that they ride a Canyon or Rose. With 17.4 per cent, the Koblenz-based mail order company is the undisputed industry leader across all categories and not just ahead of its competitor from Bocholt.
Canyon sets the tone for competition bikes in particular, while Rose can keep the gap somewhat smaller for marathon bikes and especially gravel bikes. However, it should not be concealed that Storck, as a manufacturer that has recently converted to mail order, is already closing in on Rose in terms of TOUR readers' purchasing intentions.
Canyon vs Rose - Gravel is also booming in shipping
However: The sheer number of models and equipment variants alone gives Canyon a competitive advantage. The range of competition, marathon and gravel bikes is more than 1.5 times larger than that of Rose (as of the end of February). Models with wide tyres play a prominent role for both brands. "Gravel bikes are becoming an absolute lifestyle product and our number one growth driver," says Rose Managing Director Thorsten Heckrath-Rose.
Every second model offered by the Bocholt-based company is named Backroad, making it suitable for off-road use and also the best-selling platform, according to a company spokesperson. At Canyon, the Grizl and Grail models make up just over a third of the product range. Here too, the Grizl occupies a leading position in the sales statistics; according to the manufacturer, the marathon model Endurace is also very popular with Canyon customers.
The great popularity and high market penetration of both manufacturers is due not least to their attractive prices. Thanks to direct sales, there are no margins for intermediaries or specialist dealers. The result is bikes that can be significantly cheaper than those from specialist brands with equivalent equipment. The emphasis is on "can": there are specialist brands that are now able to compete with mail order companies in terms of price and equipment. Cube, for example - also a German manufacturer - is one of them.
But what does cheap actually mean in 2023?
Our analysis of the two fleets shows that Canyon tends to be the more expensive provider. The models with racing handlebars listed on the website have an average price of 4560 euros. The price range extends from 999 euros (Endurace 6 RB) to 10999 euros (Ultimate CFR eTap). The Rose bikes range from 1299 euros (Pro SL 105) to 8199 euros (XLite 06 Red AXS) and have an average price of 3925 euros.
However, the family-run company based in Bocholt, Germany, reduced its prices by an average of 15 per cent at the end of last year. The average price also distorts the picture somewhat, as Canyon equips two World Tour teams, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Movistar, and therefore also has high-priced professional bikes in its range. Rose currently supplies the women's Continental team Maxx-Solar.
Humble beginnings
Not least thanks to Canyon's involvement on the big stage of cycling, the Koblenz-based company enjoys a reputation in the industry as a driver of innovation. The "big players" from the USA and Taiwan have long had their eyes on Karl-Tesche-Straße, where the company's fortunes have been steered since 2008 and where models regularly roll out of the factory halls with top marks in tests.
The company has nothing to do with its beginnings, when brothers Franc and Roman Arnold set up bikes in a small shop in 1985 - even then as direct sales, which was unusual for the time. A bike was only available if you ordered it from the catalogue. In 2002, Rad-Sport-Arnold became Canyon Bicycles, and bikes have been available to order via the website since 2003. Canyon is now a global brand with representatives in Europe and the USA, employs 1400 people and achieved a turnover of 416 million euros in 2020.
Legendary: the Rose catalogue
In contrast, Rose's company philosophy seems much more modest. The family business, which has its roots in Heinrich Rose's bicycle shop in 1907, does not seek the limelight at the Tour de France, but prefers to support up-and-coming racing cyclists and teams. For years, the Bocholt-based company was the mail-order brand. The Rose catalogue - the first was published in 1982 - became a bible-like reference work for racing cyclists.
The first shop went online back in 1996, back then with Red Bull brand models. Since 2011, bikes have been sold throughout Europe under the Rose label. In the last financial year, the mail order company and manufacturer, which has 480 employees, generated a turnover of 174 million.
Canyon vs Rose - A quick test ride?
Despite the different company orientations, Canyon and Rose share one disadvantage compared to specialist brands: service. A quick trip to the dealer round the corner to try out a road bike is not possible with the mail order companies. Rose in particular has been pushing ahead with the expansion of retail outlets for several years, and test rides are possible at 15 locations in Germany and Switzerland.
Another flagship store is due to open in Basel soon. However, this is no comparison to a dense network of dealers, such as Cube, for example. In fact, Canyon only has two stores in Germany, in Koblenz and Hamburg, where you can actually hold the bikes in your hands and not just look at them on a flickering screen.
Canyon vs Rose - Impressive test results
The high product quality of both manufacturers is undisputed. This is demonstrated by past TOUR tests, in which Canyon and Rose regularly ranked among the best and were crowned test winners. This is also shown by the comparison of the six bestsellers (Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero vs. Rose XLite 06 Ultegra Di2 / Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 vs. Rose Reveal Four Disc Ultegra / Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap vs. Rose Backroad Rival eTap)
>> No bike received a lower final score than 1.8. Other manufacturers cannot achieve this even with significantly more expensive models.
Ultimately, Canyon emerges as the narrow winner of the competition. In the competition and marathon categories, the Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero and Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 finish just ahead of the XLite 06 Ultegra Di2 and Reveal Four Disc Ultegra from Rose. In both duels, the suspension comfort swings the pendulum in Canyon's favour.
Canyon vs Rose - Who has the edge?
In the gravel bike segment, however, Rose, which claims to be the market leader in this segment, has a narrow lead over the Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap with the Backroad Rival eTap thanks to its lower weight.
To summarise, there is not much you can do wrong with either Canyon or Rose. The bikes tested are cutting-edge, are among the best in their classes and have a moderate price tag compared to some specialised bikes from Italy or the USA.
For service (see below "Questions & Answers"), the two competitors don't have much in common. Rose, for example, can offer a larger network of stationary service partners, while Canyon offers a longer warranty.
Of course, this does not answer the question of faith. In addition to the hard facts such as aero performance, weight, comfort or stiffness values, subjective opinions such as design or brand image also play a significant role in whether you choose Canyon, Rose or neither of the two brands. However, the ultimate duel should provide enough fodder for the next discussion - whether at the regulars' table or on a ride.
Questions & Answers
The service provided by mail order companies Canyon and Rose is repeatedly criticised by customers. TOUR provides an overview of shipping conditions, workshops and warranty services.
What are the shipping costs for complete wheels?
Canyon:
Canyon adds just under 50 euros to the retail price. In addition to the shipping costs of 29.90 euros, the Koblenz-based company charges a flat rate of 19.90 euros for the "Bike Guard"; in addition to the pre-assembled bike, the sturdy shipping box contains a tool set with a simple torque spanner and assembly paste. Deliveries to Austria cost 59.80 euros, to Switzerland 76.80 francs.
Rose:
The Bocholt-based company does not include a tool set in its special box, but ships a racing bike or gravel bike at a slightly lower price of 39.90 euros (Germany and Austria). Rose ships to Switzerland for 44.85 francs. As with the competitor from Koblenz, the shipping box can be used as a bike stand during assembly or can be converted into a transport case for the racer when travelling.
Where can I have my bike repaired?
Canyon:
Canyon has built up a network of service partners in recent years. There are 66 workshops in Germany that carry out maintenance work or repairs. Many are concentrated in and around urban centres. According to the manufacturer, the bike can also be taken to an independent workshop for repairs to non-specific components such as gears or brakes. There are also partner workshops in Austria (16) and Switzerland (4).
Rose:
In addition to the seven flagship stores in Berlin, Bocholt, Cologne, Munich, Posthausen, Bern and Meilen (both in Switzerland), there are ten workshop partners. According to Rose, however, any workshop can also be visited for repairs. The only restriction: in the case of leased bikes, care must be taken to ensure that the service centre cooperates with the respective leasing company.
Where are test drives possible?
Canyon:
In Germany, test bikes are only available at the headquarters in Koblenz and at the partner Rad Race in Hamburg. In Austria, Canyon co-operates with two local providers in Saalbach and Fuschl am See.
Rose:
Test drives are possible at 15 locations in Germany and Switzerland. Rose works together with fashion retailer Breuninger and outdoor retailer Globetrotter, among others, in so-called shop-in-shop areas.
Broken, what to do? What guarantees do the manufacturers offer?
Canyon:
Firstly, Canyon grants the statutory warranty. In addition to the frame and fork, this also covers wheels, for example, but not wearing parts such as a cassette. Within the two-year period, the warranty can also be claimed by second buyers. In the event of a warranty claim, the manufacturer will cover all costs. Canyon also grants a voluntary manufacturer's warranty for six years on its own products such as frames and cockpits. Only first-time buyers are entitled to this warranty and the material defect must have been present at the time of delivery. The costs for rebuilding and shipping must be borne by the owner.
Rose:
Since January 2022, Rose has only offered the statutory warranty of two years. Previously, it was a six-year warranty, and until October 2014 even ten years. The mail order company explained the reasons for this: "In addition to the statutory warranty obligation of two years, we offer our customers a crash replacement programme, which can still be used for six years and applies to our frames and forks."
What does the Crash Replacement scheme cover?
Canyon:
It applies to first-time owners within three years of purchase. The programme includes the replacement of damaged frames and forks, and the cockpit of the Grail gravel bike is also replaced. If the same frame is not available, Canyon offers a comparable model. The prices for the service range from 160 euros (fork for Endurace) to 2,200 euros (frame for Ultimate CFR), plus Europe-wide shipping costs (33 euros) and conversion costs (200 euros for frame replacement).
Rose:
If the frame, fork or wheels have been damaged in a crash within six years, the Crash Replacement Programme applies. Rose offers identical or comparable products from the current programme at half the retail price. An hourly rate of 64 euros is charged for fitting. Shipping costs (39.95 euros) also apply. There is no indication in the terms and conditions as to whether only first-time owners can make use of the Crash Replacement programme.
How long are the delivery times?
Canyon:
Delivery times for the Ultimate, Endurace and Grizl from the test duel were limited at the end of February. The Grizl was in stock in all sizes just as this issue went to press, while the waiting time for the Endurace was around three weeks and just under ten weeks for the Ultimate.
Rose:
The average delivery time (as at the end of February) for the three bestsellers in the respective frame size, equipment and paint finish was just under 24 weeks. The greatest patience was required for Backroad (38 weeks) and XLite (28 weeks). The Reveal was available within five weeks.
The duels in detail
Canyon vs. Rose - The duel results at a glance
How TOUR tests
TOUR tests all bikes and most components in its own laboratory, which dates back to 1993. The measured values of many thousands of bikes of all categories form the backbone of the tests, which we carry out together with the Zedler Institute for bicycle technology and safety.
Julian Schultz
Editor
