ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ on test – The Ultimate E-Gravel Bike Comparison Test 2025

An adventure ebike and commuter in one – will that really work? The ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ aims to prove it can, bringing a powerful motor to shake up the test field. We put this fully equipped, versatility-focused e-gravel bike through its paces to find out!

If you’ve spent any time looking at gravel bikes, you’ve probably come across the ROSE BACKROAD, or its motorised sibling the BACKROAD Plus. The German manufacturer promises a versatile bike, capable of everything from long-distance adventures to daily commutes, and everything in between. But is the hype justified?

For this test, we chose the EQ model with drop bars, which, like all variants, is powered by a Shimano EP8 motor. If you’re interested in diving deeper into ebike motors, our motor comparison test might be worth a look. With 85 Nm of torque, the EP8 motor boasts the highest power figures on paper in our test field. EQ stands for Equipped, meaning the bike comes fully loaded with a rear rack, kickstand, lighting system, and – crucial for keeping your suit clean – mudguards.

The motor is paired with a non-removable 360 Wh battery, neatly integrated into the carbon frame. This means you’ll need to bring the bike inside to charge it. Compared to the rest of the test field average of around 436 Wh, the capacity seems somewhat limited, especially considering that the powerful 85 Nm motor is a little more thirsty – think of it like a supercar, with a massive engine and a tiny fuel tank to keep the weight down (17.22 kg, if you’re wondering). The Shimano display, though slightly old-school in appearance, combines the screen and controls into a single unit, making it quite practical. However, the power button is a bit tricky to find, blending in like a chameleon on the underside of the top tube, acting as a small deterrent for opportunistic thieves. Once located, though, it’s easy to operate. We put this € 5,000 e-gravel bike to the test against some of the best e-gravel bikes of 2025 to find out if it’s as capable in the real world as it is powerful on paper.

ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ on Test – All Show or True Power?

You’ll never be late for a meeting again! The Shimano EP8 motor might be aging a little, but it still packs a serious punch! Despite being the most powerful motor in the test, it’s no bulkier than Bosch’s lightweight SX motor – ensuring sleek integration into the bike. But let’s talk performance: Imagine you’re cruising to work, only to glance at your watch in horror – you’re late for a crucial meeting! Time to level up, Boost mode on! A quick reach for the centrally mounted display remote, and boom – the Shimano EP8 accelerates like a Porsche Taycan with launch control activated! At least, until you reach 25 km/h. You might be a little rosy-cheeked, but you’ll make it to the meeting on time, a little less sweaty than if you were riding the Canyon Commuter:ONfly 7, or even our test winner the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily.

The catch? With the thrill of this built-in tailwind, you can easily forget about the battery level. Power needs power, and with an 85 Nm motor in the Boost mode, the 360 Wh Shimano battery drains quickly. But after an on-time arrival and a productive workday, there’s finally time to unwind. Fancy an adventure? No problem with the BACKROAD! By relying more on your own pedaling power, the range increases significantly. Thanks to the smooth ride in the lower support modes, long tours are easily achievable – ideal for weekend getaways or spontaneous micro-adventures where time finally doesn’t matter. The battery can even handle some bikepacking trips – just make sure you don’t get stranded at a remote mountain hut without a charging station. Planning and charging are key!

To truly enjoy losing track of time – without any unpleasant surprises – the bike needs proper lighting! The lights on the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ might not be as seamlessly integrated as those on the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily, but they do their job reliably. Conveniently controlled via a display button, they ensure you can see and be seen.

For weekend adventures, fenders aren’t crucial, but for commuting in clean clothes, they’re indispensable. The solidly integrated fenders on the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ stay rattle-free, and keep both your back and your office chair spotless.

Practical details? Absolutely. The sturdy kickstand keeps the bike stable, even when loaded with luggage – perfect for quick grocery runs, or spontaneous stops along the way Just keep an eye on your BACKROAD – unlike models from Riese & Müller, or the Bosch Connect Module-equipped Canyon Grizl:ON CF Daily, this bike lacks smart anti-theft features.

The ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ’s motor isn’t the only thing which needs energy – no matter how powerful the motor, the rider needs energy too. The rack system quickly accommodates panniers, while multiple mounting points provide space for two water bottles and bikepacking gear. With the right bags, you can even carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and tent. The top tube mounts are particularly handy for snack pouches – ideal for grabbing a banana or an energy bar on the go.

As for suspension and comfort, well; it’s a mixed bag. No groaning sounds from the rider – thankfully! But don’t expect plush cushioning like on the Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0. The suspension concept of the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ relies on the 40 mm tires. While these do a great job of absorbing small vibrations, you’ll still feel harsher impacts quite keenly, the stiff carbon frame passing shocks straight on to the rider. Bikes like the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily or the BMC URS AMP LT TWO, with effective damping systems, offer noticeably more comfort. That being said, the ROSE excels when you push past 25 km/h – no energy is lost to a suspension system, and the power transfer to the road feels direct and efficient.

Hop aboard the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ and you’ll notice the sporty stretched riding position, thanks to its 90 mm stem. While still comfortable, it makes the handling feel a bit more sluggish, especially with quick steering inputs. As it is, tight, fast corners aren’t the BACKROAD’s strength – it doesn’t feel as agile as bikes like the Moustache Dimanche 29.4 or the BMC URS AMP LT TWO. A shorter stem – as tested on the ROSE BACKROAD Plus for GRAN FONDO Magazine – could be a worthwhile upgrade. Where it does shine is on long, fast descents, where it offers impressive stability.

In busy urban settings, the handling remains predictable, but feels slightly less confidence-inspiring than models like the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily or the Specialized Turbo Creo 2, due to its more stretched riding posture.

Back to the Road! The ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ is a versatile bike, ready for both bikepacking adventures and stress-free commuting. The concept works, and the motor isn’t just powerful on paper – it’s a real performer when you need to get from A to B quickly!

Who is the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ for?

The ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ is the perfect choice for commuters and newcomers looking for a versatile, reliable bike that balances urban duties with adventure capability. Equipped with a rack, fenders, and integrated lights, it makes everyday rides and weekend tours effortless.

The Shimano EP8 motor, the most powerful in the test, is ideal for riders who want extra support on their commutes and explorations. It effortlessly powers uphill, making it perfect for those who want to have a bit of fun on their rides, but without too much sweat.

The ROSE shines on paved roads, where it remains stable when fully loaded, and provides confidence and control on fast descents. Its main limitation compared to the competition is rough gravel, where it provides a rough ride. If you’re after a more adventure-ready bike for challenging terrain, the BMC URS AMP LT TWO might be worth a closer look.

Conclusion on the ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ

The ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ successfully bridges the gap between a commuting bike and an adventure machine. With a well thought-out design tailored for both bike touring and everyday use, it impresses with multiple mounting points, fenders, and pre-installed lights. The Shimano EP8 motor, the most powerful in the test, doesn’t just look good on paper – it delivers a fun ride on the trail too. However, comfort takes a hit – its stiff construction and lack of suspension limit performance on rough terrain. For adventurers who primarily stick to paved roads and light gravel, it remains a strong choice.

Find more information at ROSE.com

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The Test Field

You can find an overview of this comparison test here: The Best E-Gravel Bike of 2025 – The most exciting models in a comprehensive comparison test

All bikes in the test: BMC URS AMP LT TWO, Canyon Commuter:ONfly 7, Canyon Grizl:ON Daily, Moustache Dimanche 29.4 EQ, Riese & Müller UBN Five commute, ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ, Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert, Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0, Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT.

Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Jan Richter