The endurance road bike: all-rounder marathon bike

For a long time, racing cyclists had to choose: Either speed or comfort. Endurance or marathonRacing bikes are designed to make both possible at the same time. A mountain pass can be climbed in a relaxed and light-footed manner on an endurance bike. Shortcuts along country lanes or cobblestone passages are just as easy on a comfort road bike - even in rainy weather. TOUR keeps you informed with tests and new releases in this diverse road bike segment.

What is an endurance road bike?

An endurance racing bike or marathon bike is the long-distance runner among racing bikes. It is one of the most widespread in popular sports and is often simply referred to as a "racing bike". So if you are not looking for a lightweight all-road bike, a gravel or Aero bike often has an endurance racing bike.

The endurance bike was originally developed in the context of the northern French One-day road race "Paris-Roubaix" has been developed. Large sections of this classic competition route are paved and are difficult to ride on typical race bikes. The endurance bike should make these sections less gruelling and more comfortable for the riders.

To this day, bikes in the endurance or marathon class have retained this riding comfort as a unique selling point. This is why comfort road bikes are often referred to - in other words, a bike that impresses with a pleasant ride feel and versatility. Endurance road bikes allow you to cover long distances without any loss of performance due to pain or tension. The flexible marathon bikes can cope with wet roads as well as uneven surfaces - usually for decades if they are well maintained.

The following arguments therefore speak in favour of buying an endurance or marathon road bike:

• Comfort
• Versatility
• Resilience
• Stability
• Longevity

With these features, endurance class racing bikes are ideal for the entry-level rider.Driver type and the leisure sector.

What characterises the endurance road bike?

Marathon or endurance bikes stand out from other road bikes due to various characteristics. These differences allow racing bikes in this domain to offer remarkable comfort - even over very long distances.

Endurance racing bikes are characterised by several of the following technical features:

• shorter seat tube, longer head tube and shorter top tubeThis results in a much more upright sitting position.
• Longer wheelbaseThis makes the endurance road bike smoother in handling, but also less manoeuvrable.
• Wider handlebars with a flatter steering angleThis makes the steering less agile, but also more forgiving of small inaccuracies in steering.
• Greater tyre clearanceThis allows wider tyres to be fitted.
• thicker tyresThese can usually be ridden with less tyre pressure, making the bike more capable off-road. Tyres with a thickness of 28 to 33 millimetres are standard on endurance racing bikes.
• flexing seat postThis is a seatpost that also provides suspension and thus contributes to vibration damping (e.g. Canyon S15 seatpost on the Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc). However, instead of using the seatpost, the compliance and suspension of the Endurance bike can also be achieved in other ways - for example with less bulky tyres.
• Wide transmission range: This also has easy uphill sections that can be used to tackle longer climbs.
• Disc brakesThis technology with disc brakes became established relatively early on for marathon bikes, particularly because of its braking power - even in wet conditions.
• Threaded inserts for mudguards: With mudguards it is possible to make the bike weatherproof.

These differences between the endurance road bike and other bikes are accompanied by some advantages. However, there are also some weaknesses in the frame geometry and the built-in Components determine.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the endurance racing bike?

Unlike the race or aero road bike, the endurance road bike is very comfortable. This makes it easy to cover long distances. One clear disadvantage, however, is that endurance bikes are often quite heavy and not very aerodynamic.

This is what characterises endurance bikes: Advantages

Endurance bikes are designed to be ridden on long and uneven roads. Tours driving comfort:

• more comfortable sitting positionThe outstanding riding comfort of the Marathon road bikes is firstly due to the more upright, less aggressively bent riding position.
• ResilienceComfort also benefits from the flexibility of endurance racing bikes. Impacts are better absorbed thanks to wider and less bouncy tyres. Suspension seat posts also save a significant amount of energy on rough sections of the route and prevent fatigue.
• Stable driving behaviourThe bike is easy to handle at all times and small inaccuracies in steering are well compensated.

Endurance bikes: disadvantages

All in all, the endurance bike invites you to cover many kilometres. Paved or gravelled road sections are no longer an obstacle - just like rainy weather. Nevertheless, racing bikes from the endurance range also have their weaknesses:

• anything but a lightweightThey are generally heavier than other road bikes - regardless of whether the frames are made of aluminium or carbon.
• less sporty handlingThe smooth handling can also be perceived as sluggish - after all, the steering angle is significantly slacker and the wheelbase larger than on bikes designed for competitions.
• No top speeds availableFor many sporty riders, endurance models also lack the necessary stiffness and aerodynamics. This makes it more difficult to reach maximum speeds.

ImportantMarathon bikes still use the same high-quality high-performance wheels, gear groups and frame materials as other road bike classes. Endurance bikes are therefore by no means slow. Especially when it comes to maintaining a constant speed over a longer distance, they can play to their strengths.

Whether a road cyclist is satisfied with an endurance road bike therefore depends on whether they want to do short or long tours. Endurance bikes are the most fun when the focus is on time on the bike and not on top speed.

Which riders is an endurance racing bike aimed at?

The marathon bike is particularly suitable for Long-distance driver who like to be surprised by events on the track. Thanks to its easy handling, the endurance road bike is also the number one recommendation for beginners to the sport of road cycling.

The following riders will get their money's worth with a marathon road bike:

• Drivers who enjoy travelling longer distances
• Athletes whose Training goal is more endurance and less speed
• sporty riders who specialise in long bike marathons or ultra-cycling events
• Road cyclists who are also travelling off the beaten track and want to be prepared for all eventualities
• Recreational athletes without competitive ambitions
• Beginners to road cycling

Beginners in particular often have no idea whether road cycling is right for them and whether they want to compete in the sport. This is when it's particularly worthwhile reaching for an endurance bike: you definitely won't go wrong with this all-rounder. Nevertheless, it helps to know the relevant differences to other road bike domains when making a purchase decision.

What distinguishes the endurance road bike from other road bikes?

In addition to marathon racing bikes, there are also gravel and aero bikes. While Gravel bikes are designed for leisurely off-road riding, aero racing bikes are streamlined competition speedsters. The endurance road bike is right in between: This is where the versatility of the gravel bike meets the sporty characteristics of the aero bike.

Aero bike and endurance road bike: completely separate worlds?

While the endurance bike is known as a long-distance runner among racing bikes, the aero bike is considered a professional against air resistance and in the fight against the clock. Professional cycling-Races and short triathlons are no problem with the aero bike. This bike class with its aggressive geometry is designed for this - the streamlined frame of the aero bike gives it its name.

The aero racing bike also owes its speed to the high rims and slim tyres. The main aim of the aero bike is therefore to minimise air resistance so that maximum speed can be achieved on the straights. This involves sacrificing comfort and lightweight construction.

The aim of a marathon bike is to ensure that the road cyclist has fun over as long a distance as possible - without any loss of performance due to fatigue or pain. Endurance bikes are therefore designed for comfort and stability. Compromises are made in terms of aerodynamics and speed - the two USPs of the aero racer.

As contrasting as the bikes are, the target groups are just as different. Aero racing bikes are primarily aimed at competitive athletes with racing ambitions. Endurance racing bikes, on the other hand, are better suited to the leisure sector - without sacrificing comfort, leisure athletes can still achieve remarkable speeds that you can only dream of in the trekking or mountain bike segment.

From the point of view of popular sport, the differences between the two racing bike domains are no longer so significant. What is decisive, however, is the handling and the price. The Endurance offers a versatile overall package for a moderate price and is definitely a good choice.

Worth knowingThe endurance bike is considered an all-rounder among racing bikes because it can cope with any terrain and weather seemingly effortlessly. The same applies to the lightweight all-rounder road bike class: they are less comfortable than marathon bikes and are therefore more orientated towards short-distance rides. Aerodynamics and speed are therefore more in the foreground - but in terms of performance, they still fall short of the possibilities of the streamlined aero racer.

Gravel and endurance road bikes: A little sportiness makes all the difference

A gravel bike is a racing bike with mountain bike genes. Gravel and endurance racing bikes have many similarities: Both have a more relaxed, moderate riding position. The saddle is only slightly raised and the overall posture is more upright. The steering behaviour is also less sensitive and therefore relatively calm. In favour of comfort, both road bike types accept compromises in terms of stiffness.

The differences between the comfortable leisure racing bikes ultimately result from the theoretically intended area of use: while gravel bikes are equipped with wider studded tyres for off-road riding fun, the Endurance comes with the classic slick tyres for asphalt and roads. However, the Marathon bike can also be retrofitted with thicker tyres on request - made possible by the slightly greater tyre clearance of the frame construction.

Practical tipIf you don't want to choose between roads and off-road terrain, an endurance bike is the perfect choice: the option of changing tyres makes the marathon bike flexible to use.

What should I consider when buying an endurance road bike?

The market for different types of racing bikes is getting bigger and bigger: endurance bikes are now available from almost every manufacturer. Price, weight, frame material and size are important criteria when choosing the right marathon racer, along with brakes and tyre clearance.

Decision criteria: Fact check for the endurance road bike

The following key data should be considered when buying an endurance bike:

• PriceOf course, the price is not a minor matter. Beginners in particular do not want to spend a fortune on their first bike. Good endurance bikes usually start at 1500 euros and are therefore comparatively affordable. It is also worth taking a look at the second-hand market: thanks to the durability of endurance bikes, you can also find excellent models for your first road bike tours.
• Weight: As with other types of road bike, the weight is just as important as the price. Although it is not the focus of endurance road bikes, it should not noticeably exceed 8 kilograms.
• BrakesIf you want a racer that is as light as possible, you have to weigh things up: Brakes often have a major influence on the weight of the bike. In the endurance segment, disc brakes are often installed, but they are heavier than classic rim brakes - with the advantage that they bring the racing bike to a halt very reliably even in wet conditions.
• Frame materialOne way to save weight is to use a lightweight frame made of carbon instead of aluminium. Carbon frames are just as established on marathon bikes as aluminium frames.
• Frame size: Among the individual components, the frame is essential: after all, the decisive factor for riding enjoyment is whether the road bike is the right size for the optimum riding position and power development. Women can also opt for an enduranceRacing bike especially for women to fall back on.
• Tyre clearanceFinally, you need to decide whether or not you want to convert the bike for gravel and off-road riding at some point. Fitting wider tyres is also a valid option for reasons of comfort. To keep this option open, make sure there is sufficient tyre clearance on the fork and the rear of the frame.

If you have difficulty categorising, comparing and aggregating the technical data for these individual criteria to make a purchase decision, it is advisable to take a comprehensive Buying advice whether online or directly in the bike shop. Test rides are also important - especially for beginners.

Endurance racing bike manufacturers: spoilt for choice

Almost all brands offer endurance racing bikes - be it Canyon, BMC or Cannondale. Bikes from the endurance domain are usually recognisable by a distinctive name: while BMC's marathon bikes are called "Roadmachine", Cannondale's bikes are called "Synapse" and Canyon's "Endurace". But bike manufacturers such as Cube (Agree), Rose (Reveal), Giant (Defy) and Scott (Addict) also have endurance models in their programme.

In the entry-level segment, the prices of endurance bikes from BMC, Canyon and Cannondale are comparable. Therefore, it is more about the unique technical features.

• Frames from the Roadmachine model series - like the fork - are made of carbon and are manufactured with a particular focus on comfort. Shimano components are used for the gears and brakes on these endurance bikes. Tyres of up to 33 millimetres are also provided.
• Many Cannondale Synapse bikes also have carbon frames and Shimano groupsets. Like BMC bikes, bikes from this model series stand out due to their tyre clearance (up to 32 millimetres).
• The Canyon Endurace is known for its flex seatpost. This makes the bike extraordinarily flexible - no matter what surface you are riding on.

However, marathon racing bikes are not only suitable for beginners: More and more experienced racers are getting a taste for endurance bikes. They do not have to do without the usual high-performance components. This is why every manufacturer also offers higher-priced models within the same series. For example, the sporty and more expensive models in the Cannondale Synapse series are equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x11 gear group.

Conclusion: The endurance road bike - versatile, comfortable and yet fast

Endurance racing bikes - sometimes also referred to as marathon bikes, less frequently as comfort bikes - sometimes have the reputation of being slow and unsporty. Anyone who thinks this is wrong: good endurance road bikes master the balance between sporty, core riding fun and the longest possible comfort.

Resilience and durability are also characteristic of marathon bikes. Whether on roads in the rain, over paved passages or gravel sections - both amateur athletes and competitive long-distance riders can enjoy an endurance racing bike for a long time.