Hey folks,
I’m looking for some much-needed advice in my search for a fast, performance-oriented gravel bike. I have narrowed it down to two options: the Rose Backroad FF and the Cannondale Super X. Both are available with either a 1x SRAM or 2x Shimano setup, so I’m trying to decide on both the bike and the drivetrain.
My riding style:
Mostly fast road rides, but I want the option to hit forest paths and jump into the occasional gravel race. Comfort matters, but I’m prioritizing speed and handling. I’m looking for something that still feels quick and efficient on tarmac.
Would love input on two things:
1. 1x vs 2x – for this kind of riding, what would you choose and why?
2. Backroad FF vs Super X – any first-hand impressions or thoughts on handling, ride feel, or overall quality?
Price difference between the brands isn’t a major concern (I’ve got B2B access), though the SuperX 1 build with SRAM Force is still pricier than the rest.
Totally open to all input, even if it’s just general experience or opinion. Thanks!
by Consistent_Ad_3602
9 Comments
RemindMe! 2 days
Backroad ff in 2x definitely
I love Rose bikes but how on earth did they think that a flesh coloured bike covered in pubic hair print is a good idea?
I had a similar 1x 2x debate when buying my backroad. I ultimately looked at the gear ratios to help me decide
Both are magnificent bikes, new Sram XPLR groupset is incredibly good, the top 10 sprockets of the new cassette are the same as on the road one, so the shifting is going to be smooth enough for road usage. You definitely don’t need a 2x for gravel and i don’t think that you will suffer from 1x on road (You can also change the chainring for road rides)
Also, new Super X has a slightly wider tire clearance, I don’t know if it’s important to you, all gravel races are different.
zero experience with either bikes, but i bougjt a new SuperSix Evo hi-mod to replace my TCR last year and it’s a damn good bike. so if this new SuperX is anything similar to my SSE I can say cannondale are making some great bikes again after a few years in the desert.
Just chiming in to say Rose Backroad FF is fire!! Good luck!
Got FF this winter, i love it, really comfy and fast ride. If you have any specific questions let me know.
I have the rose backroad (non-FF) and used it for road and gravel since 2021. 75% road will carbon wheelset and gravel with the rose it comes with. Got it with GRX810 1×11 mechanical.
When I got it I sold my cannondale super six evo road bike.
In essence here is my verdict. It’s a great bike and super versatile. Does will both and personally the endurance race geometry is great. For me it has not been a problem that it ways more than my previous road bike at all. I don’t love the venturemax bars it came with and the internally routes cables makes it a slight pain to replace. The seatpost is proprietary and if you don’t like the setback it’s limiting. In the future I would pick something ideally without those two elements but that is rare today. In general the bikes are well specked with narrow bars, short-ish stems and short-ish cranks in smaller sizes with is great to see.
With the bike itself I have had no issues at all. I have been in contact with rose support team a few times. They aren’t great but eventually all inquiries got solved and for free with was nice.
Would I buy a rose again? Yeah why not, but I am not deadly loyal to the brand – it really isn’t that sexy but it rides super well.
I have enjoyed 1x in general but as I do more road biking lately I have missed 2x and hence considered a dedicated road bike. I also found that 1x components got worn much faster than previously experienced but that could also be down to the mix of gravel riding with road.