This article compares the differences between the Specialized Roubaix and Canyon Endurace.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (Specialized FACT vs Canyon Carbon Fiber) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Specialized Roubaix vs Canyon Endurace before making the purchasing decision.
| Specialized Roubaix | Canyon Endurace | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | FACT 11r carbon FACT 10r carbon | CF SLX carbon CF SL carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61, 64 | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | External | External |
| Price (USD) | $5,200 to $14,250 | $2,699 to $7,899 |
Specialized Roubaix
The Specialized Roubaix is an endurance bike that got its name from the hardest one-day bike race; the Paris-Roubaix. It has a slightly relaxed frame geometry and wider tire clearance compared to the Tarmac.
Specialized sponsored teams will ride this model for the race instead of their usual Tarmac for its Future Shock suspension system. This technology helps make riding more comfortable when the pros ride across rough cobblestones at 30mph.
There are six models in the Specialized Roubaix lineup based on its groupset setup. It’s also available in S-Works frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Works Roubaix | FACT 11r carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Roval Alpinist CLX | $14,250 |
| Specialized Roubaix Pro | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Roval Alpinist CL | $8,700 |
| Specialized Roubaix Expert | FACT 10r carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Roval C38 | $8,000 |
| Specialized Roubaix Comp | FACT 10r carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss R470 | $5,200 |
Specialized Roubaix vs others
Canyon Endurace
The Canyon Endurace is an endurance bike. It’s designed for comfort over stiffness and performance. The frame geometry is more relaxed and puts the rider in a more upright position than the Canyon Aeroad.
Although designed for the tarmac, its 33mm wide tires have no problems tackling hardpacked gravel or dirt roads. Just make sure it’s not a single track.
Sits atop the Canyon Endurace lineup is the CFR, followed by CF SLX and CF at the bottom end.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 eTap | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $7,899 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2 | CF SLX carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $7,899 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ERC 1400 | $4,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 | CF SL carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 | $4,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF SL 7 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss Endurance | $2,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF 7 eTap | CF SL carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | DT Swiss Endurance | $2,999 |
| Canyon Endurace CF 7 Di2 | CF SL carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | Fulcrum Racing 900 | $2,699 |
Canyon Endurace vs others
Specialized vs Canyon carbon fiber
Specialized FACT Carbon
Specialized FACT (Functional Advanced Composite Technology) is an advanced carbon fiber technology used in high-performance Specialized bicycles. It offers a lightweight yet strong frame construction with precise carbon layup, resulting in optimal strength-to-weight ratio and improved ride quality.
FACT carbon frames are engineered to efficiently transfer power, absorb road vibrations, and provide a comfortable riding experience. With continuous innovation and refinement, FACT Carbon demonstrates Specialized’s commitment to delivering top-notch performance and enhancing the overall cycling experience.
The carbon is available in three grades. The choice between FACT 12r, 11r, or 10r carbon depends on the bike model, your preferences, riding style, and budget.
- Specialized FACT 12r Carbon is the highest-grade carbon used by Specialized. Bikes (S-Works models) with frames made from FACT 12r carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Specialized line-up. These frames are manufactured using the most advanced techniques and materials.
- Specialized FACT 11r Carbon used to be the highest-grade carbon until the S-Works Tarmac (SL5). Today, it’s the highest-grade carbon for the S-Works Roubaix.
- Specialized FACT 10r Carbon is two steps below 12r in the Specialized carbon hierarchy. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of weight savings and stiffness as 12r, 10r frames are still very light and stiff, providing a high level of performance. FACT 10r carbon is used in all non S-Works models and is ideal for riders who want a balance of performance and value.
Canyon Carbon Fiber (CF)
Canyon’s innovative approach to bike design includes the utilization of advanced carbon fiber technology, resulting in performance-oriented bicycles that offer remarkable strength, reduced weight, and improved ride quality.
Canyon employs three main types of carbon fiber in their range of bikes; CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, each offering unique benefits to cater to your needs and budgets.
- Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) Carbon is the top-tier carbon fiber used by Canyon, designed for maximum performance. Bikes built with CFR carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Canyon line-up, favored by professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike. The CFR series represents the pinnacle of Canyon’s engineering prowess and innovation, employing state-of-the-art materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Canyon CF SLX Carbon is a step below CFR, but it still offers exceptional performance characteristics. It used to be the highest-grade carbon in Canyon’s arsenal until the introduction of the CFR series. Bikes with CF SLX carbon frames provide a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and comfort, making them highly versatile for a range of riding conditions.
- Canyon CF SL Carbon is the entry-level carbon fiber in Canyon’s range, but it still offers excellent performance. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme weight savings and stiffness of the CFR and CF SLX grades, CF SL frames are still impressively light and stiff, providing excellent performance for the value. Ideal for cyclists who desire a high-quality, performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank, the CF SL series is a testament to Canyon’s commitment to delivering value and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Specialized Roubaix and Canyon Endurace framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Specialized Roubaix
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| FACT carbon | Functional Advanced Composite Technology (FACT). A carbon fiber construction method that balances lightweight, stiffness, and compliance in Specialized bike frames. Available in two carbon grades; FACT 11r and 10r. A higher number indicates a higher grade of carbon. S-Works models use the FACT 11r carbon and Specialized Pro and Expert models use the FACT 10r carbon. |
| Future Shock | A suspension system designed for the Roubaix road bike to improve rider comfort and control by absorbing road shocks and vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more efficient ride. Located above the head tube, it offers up to 20mm of vertical travel to absorb road bumps and vibrations, enhancing rider comfort and reducing fatigue on rough terrains. |
| Rider-First Engineered™ | Rider-First Engineered™ is a design philosophy used by Specialized that ensures every frame size delivers the same predictable and responsive ride characteristics. This concept was first introduced with the 2015 Tarmac, and the idea has been incorporated into all models since. Instead of simply scaling frame sizes, Specialized takes into account that riders of different sizes have different weights, which are distributed differently. This means that each frame size experiences different forces. Therefore, each frame size is engineered independently with different carbon layups and tube dimensions, ensuring the optimal balance of rigidity, weight, and responsiveness for each size. In short, no matter what the frame size is, the ride quality and performance remain consistently excellent. |
| Win Tunnel | Specialized utilizes advanced tools and technologies to pursue aerodynamic excellence, such as the Win Tunnel, FreeFoil Shape Library, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Data Acquisition (DAQ) system. The goal is to optimize aerodynamic performance by conducting wind tunnel tests, developing new airfoil shapes, simulating fluid flow, and collecting real-world data to improve rider position and enhance overall performance. |
Canyon Endurace
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| CF SLX Carbon | Canyon’s CF SLX Carbon is an optimized carbon fiber that strikes the perfect balance between weight, stiffness, and compliance. It’s used to construct the high-performance models in the Endurace range, offering excellent ride quality and power transfer. |
| Sport Geometry | Unlike Pro Geometry, Sport Geometry caters more towards long-distance comfort rather than aggressive race position. It’s designed for the riders who are seeking both performance and comfort for longer rides. |
| Endurace System Complete | Following a similar design principle to the Ultimate, the Endurace is also developed as a complete system, incorporating all elements, from frame to fork, seat post, stem, handlebars, and spacers, during the design process. This integrated approach enhances performance and rider comfort, making the Endurace an ideal companion for endurance riders. |
| Aero Testing | Canyon uses sophisticated tools and technologies like wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize the aerodynamics of the Endurace. By simulating air flow over the bike and fine-tuning the design based on these insights, Canyon ensures that the Endurace combines speed with long-distance comfort. |
Where to buy
Specialized shops
- Specialized online shops. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
- Specialized retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Specialized retailers.
Canyon shops
- Canyon online shop. Available to ship to most countries worldwide.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.