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What is an endurance road bike?
The endurance road bike is the "Gran Turismo" of road bikes. It should shine above all when you are sitting in the saddle for a long time and long stamina is required. That's why, despite their sporty appearance, they are one thing above all: as comfortable as possible. You sit more upright on the bikes, which is easier on your back than on a classic competition road bike; wider tyres and flexible components provide a little bit of suspension comfort when every bump in the road hurts. The gear ratios are also significantly lower, so that even long, steep climbs can be tackled with ease. Because of this focus, endurance racing bikes are also ideal for people who have little time for training or are just starting out in the sport. Older people also often get on better with the somewhat more comfortable approach than with the very sporty competition racing bikes.
What makes the frames of endurance racers special?
The platforms of endurance bikes are primarily optimised for high comfort for riders. The head tube is slightly longer and the top tube slightly shorter than on a classic road bike geometry, which means you sit a little more upright. In most cases, particularly compliant, wide seat posts are installed and the seat stays are set low on the seat tube so that the seat post can flex over as great a length as possible. This provides one to two centimetres of suspension travel on the saddle - significantly more than all other road bike categories. At the front, the suspension capacity is less pronounced, the rigid carbon forks hardly give at all, as is the case with competition bikes. Only very occasionally do you find minimalist suspension systems on the stem, such as on the Specialized Roubaix.
How is the driving behaviour?
A long wheelbase (1,000 millimetres and more) results in good-natured steering behaviour and good directional stability. Compared to competition racing bikes, endurance racing bikes are therefore somewhat safer and more predictable to ride, but are more sluggish when changing direction quickly.
Which tyres fit?
The handling of endurance racing bikes is optimised for tyre widths of around 30 millimetres, and the trend is rising. This means that even poor roads can be taken under the wheels and comfort is higher than on a classic road bike. Many popular endurance bikes come with 32 millimetre tyres as standard and leave room for tyres suitable for off-road riding: many can also be fitted with 35 millimetre tyres, and in some cases tyres up to 38 millimetres wide. This means that the endurance road bike is poaching in the territory of all-road and gravel bikes.
What do I need to bear in mind when translating?
The gears of endurance bikes offer a wide range with comparatively small mountain ratios. The classic is the compact crank with two 50/34 chainrings, but there are also some smaller ones, e.g. 48/32 or 46/30. The sprocket sets offer a very wide range of gears (up to 36 teeth), but also larger jumps between the gears. This means that the equipment is also suitable for less trained riders and steep climbs.
What additional benefits do endurance racing bikes have?
The frames and forks are usually equipped with threads for fixed mudguards, so the endurance racer is also suitable as a sporty touring or commuter bike. Mounting options for a pannier rack or small bags/toolboxes are rather rare. Occasionally there are small storage compartments in the frame in which a puncture repair kit can be stored - for example on the Canyon Endurace or Trek Domane.
How much do endurance racing bikes cost?
Endurance bikes are available in every price league, but compared to competition bikes, endurance bikes start at a significantly lower price. Aggressively priced manufacturers offer bikes from as little as 1,000 euros. However, high-end equipment with racing technology is also available, and the top models from premium brands can cost 10,000 euros and more.
What do endurance racing bikes weigh?
In the upper price categories, the difference to the competition racer is not particularly great: the equipment is comparable, the frames weigh slightly more and the biggest difference in weight comes from the wider and more robust tyres. The lightest endurance bikes can reach just over seven kilograms (lightweight road bike: up to 6.8 kilograms). Entry-level bikes with aluminium frames and inexpensive equipment can weigh up to nine kilograms.
What are typical representatives?
Canyon Enduracevery comfortable and plenty of choice
Giant Defysimple and durable with a choice from inexpensive to exclusive >> available here
Rose Reveal: A lot of bike for the money >> available here
Specialised Roubaix: With extra comfort on the handlebars >> available here
Trek Domane: Almost as versatile as a gravel bike >> available here
Jens Klötzer
Editor
