Marathon bikes for around 4000 euros: The Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 on test

While the Bocholt-based company is constantly expanding its range of gravel bikes, most recently with a robust steel adventure bike, only four models are still listed under the term "Endurance". At the market launch of the current Reveal around three years ago, Rose still had more than twice as many equipment variants. The Reveal 04 with electronic 105 gears takes its place as the basic model, earning the title of "price-performance winner" in the comparison test.

After all, the Rose is between 500 and 1200 euros cheaper than the competition, but at least on a par in terms of capabilities. In terms of comfort, the Rose benefits from a flattened carbon seatpost with a deep clamp. The front end is less gentle on the rider, and the aluminium combination transmits shocks more directly due to the material. This is also due to the narrower tyres compared to the majority of the competition. The maximum tyre clearance of 32 millimetres is the standard for current marathon bikes.

The Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2: Good and affordable

Although the Reveal can take a spin on gravel without any problems, it feels most at home on the road. This is where the price cracker shows its unagitated side. The bike quickly feels familiar and is predestined for long days in the saddle thanks to the emphatically upright riding position. However, its sticky surface may not be to everyone's taste. The in-house aluminium wheels help the affordable speedster to stay in the slipstream of the lightest bikes in the category in terms of weight. However, sprint duels are not necessarily a good idea.

The 1:1 gear ratio offers sufficient reserves on the climbs. There are slight deductions for the model-specific seat post, which cannot be replaced with any other round post in the event of damage. In addition, the inexpensive Shimano discs, model SM-RT64, do not unfold the full potential of the braking system. However, this does not affect the good test result. Back to the price: During the test period (January 2025), Rose even granted a 400 euro discount on the Reveal 04 105 Di2. The list prices of the other equipment variants are between 3499 and 5599 euros, whereby the two models with the suffix 06 are based on a lighter frameset.

Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2: Info & test grade

• Price: 3299 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.5 kilos
• Frame sizes: 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 64 (test size bolded)
• TOUR grade: 2,1

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 516/555/171 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 610/378 millimetres/1.61
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 670/563 millimetres/1.19
• Wheelbase/caster: 995/60 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 30 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Impellers: Rose R Twenty Five
• Impeller weights: 1342/1818 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 8460 grammes | Grade: 3.7 (25 % share of the overall grade)
• Rear comfort: 111 N/mm | Grade: 1.7 (20 % share of the overall grade)
• Comfort front: 103 N/mm | Grade: 3.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Front stiffness: 8.2 N/mm | Grade: 1.7 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Bottom bracket stiffness: 66 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Lacquer: Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Maintenance/adjustment: Grade: 1.5 (5 % share of the overall grade)

Advantages and disadvantages of the Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2

• Plus: affordable, lightweight aluminium wheels, seven frame sizes
• Minus: Low tyre clearance, no mounting points for fixed mudguards

All 12 bikes in the comparison test

• Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2
• Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2
• Cube Agree C:62 SLX
• Focus Paralane 8.8 >> available here
• Giant Daffy Advanced 0 >> available here
• Koga Roqa Premium >> available here
• Merida Scultura Endurance Rival Edition
• Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 >> available here
• Scott Addict 30 >> available here
• Stevens Izoard Pro
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp
• Veto B983

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here.