In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Canyon vs. Rose - Gentle gliders
At first glance, the duel in the marathon class seems to be a clear-cut affair: Canyon is ahead by a clear margin of two tenths. However, if you take a closer look at the individual scores and the prices of the road bikes, the picture is put into perspective. Rose is the bestseller with its model Reveal Four with mechanical eleven-speed Ultegra from Shimano for an attractive 2799 euros. Canyon offers a significantly more expensive version of the Endurace with the new Ultegra Di2, which it claims is currently the best-selling model.
Because its electronic twelve-speed gearbox and modernised brakes are rated slightly better, the Koblenz-based company secures the advantage in terms of marks. The Reveal Four could also be ordered with comparable equipment: With the Ultegra Di2 groupset, which, like Canyon, comes with an integrated carbon handlebar unit, the bike also costs 3999 euros (>> available here) and should catch up with the Endurace in most disciplines.
However, Canyon trumps the comfort racer from Rose in one respect: the leaf spring seatpost, which is fitted to all SL and SLX versions of the Endurace, offers noticeably better suspension than the Rose seatpost, which is by no means uncomfortable, but is tuned to be firmer. The more comfortable riding impression of the Canyon is reinforced by the tyres fitted as standard, which are two millimetres wider than the classic 28 mm tyres on the Rose.
Details of the Rose Reveal in the picture gallery
After all, the latter could still be upgraded in this respect, and the Bocholt model also officially leaves room for tyres up to 32 millimetres wide. The lightweight aluminium wheels of the Reveal make the bike look slightly more lively than the Endurace, which is surprising considering the higher overall weight.
Apart from the subtle differences in riding comfort, the characters of the two endurance racers are very similar. Stiffness values, frame weights and riding behaviour are close together. The geometry of both bikes is also typical of the class: you sit relatively upright, with a stack-to-reach factor close to 1.60, both bikes offer a pleasantly comfortable riding position that does justice to their genre and makes extended tours more enjoyable.
As you would expect from the mail-order company, every detail of the bikes is just right: top tyres make them fly over the asphalt, well-shaped handlebars, comfortable handlebar tape and comfortable saddles mean that you feel comfortable on them straight away.
Details could influence the pros and cons. One example would be the gear ratio, which is somewhat sportier on the Canyon: the 52/36 crank offers a lot of range and, especially at the fast end, still has reserves to keep up with the field in hobby races. The compact crank of the Rose is better for climbing steep hills. For some a detail, for others an important reason (not) to buy is the integration of the cables.
Details of the Canyon Endurace in the picture gallery
On the Endurace, these are routed in the classic way on the outside in front of the handlebars, making it easy to adjust the height of the cockpit. Because the cables run through the stem and headset on the Rose, the bike looks tidier, but every position adjustment is associated with considerable effort. If you order the bike with electronic shifting, a one-piece carbon cockpit is also part of the Reveal package, which further limits the customisation options.
Canyon vs Rose - variants and prices
Canyon opens the range at € 1999 for the Endurace CF 7 with mechanical Shimano 105; at Rose, the comparable model costs € 2499, but has significantly lighter wheels. At the top of the range are the high-end models weighing around seven kilos for 7799 euros (Endurace SLX 9 Di2 with DT Swiss ERC 1100 wheels and Rotor power meter) and 7499 euros (Reveal Six with SRAM Red AXS including power meter Rose carbon wheels).
>> The riding position, handling and pricing of the Marathon bikes are very similar. The fact that Canyon has the front tyre is mainly due to the more expensive equipment.
The Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 in detail
- Price: 3999 Euro
- Weight: 8.1 Kilo
- Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1020/439/54 grammes
- Frame sizes** XXXS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 515/545/158 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 592/371 millimetres/1.60
- Wheelbase/caster 990/61 millimetres
Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 - Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss Endurance LN/Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 30 mm (f/w: 1464/1979 g)
>> The Endurace gets an overall TOUR score of 1.6
The Rose Reveal Four Disc Ultegra in detail
- Price2799 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 8,4 Kilo
- Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1165/427/83 grammes
- Frame sizes** 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 64
- Seat/top tube/head tube 510/555/171 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 600/379 millimetres/1.58
- Wheelbase/caster 995/54 millimetres
Rose Reveal Four Disc Ultegra - Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra (2x11; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Rose R Thirty Disc/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm (front/rear: 1302/1864 g)
>> The Reveal gets an overall TOUR score of 1.8
*Weighed weights
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
