Test 2021: Marathon bikes for 3,500 to 4,000 euros
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
They still exist - the questioning and sometimes pitying looks from other cyclists. It's no different on our test rides through the Altmühltal valley in the heart of Bavaria. "On a gravel road on a racing bike? He's probably lost his way," the expressions on the faces of oncoming cyclists - mostly travelling on heavy e-mountainbikes - seem to say. Apparently, many are still unfamiliar with the idea of a cyclist with a sporty riding position and comparatively narrow tyres passing them off the beaten track. However, alongside gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes, there has long been another type of bike that feels at home on supposedly unfamiliar terrain and covers a wide range of uses: marathon or endurance bikes, as many manufacturers call them. In our test, we put six models between 3,500 and 4,000 euros to the test. On smooth tarmac, wide gravel paths and bumpy cobblestone sections, the racers will show just how versatile they are.
Dusty image?
It may be that the marathon bike has fallen somewhat out of favour in the recent past: you tend to hear about major innovations or ground-breaking new products when it comes to aerodynamically sophisticated competition racers or gravel bikes. Many marathon bikes, on the other hand, tend to be model-maintained and carefully developed further - which can be a good thing in terms of greater sustainability. The best examples are the pioneers in this segment: the Specialized Roubaix and the Trek Domane. Although both manufacturers presented a new model in 2020, they limited themselves to further developments. The fact that a suspension system like Specialized's is now called Futureshock 2.0 instead of Futureshock does not immediately give the average road cyclist the bad feeling of owning an outdated bike.
On the other hand, the market is rewarding the fact that many manufacturers have recently focussed on the development of their aero and gravel models: "The segments where experience is more important than performance are currently very popular with our target groups," says Gillian Rübsteck, Brand Manager at Cervélo, about the gravel boom. Anatol Sostmann from Rose, who is responsible for the brand and products, expresses a similar opinion: "Endurance bikes can't compete with the sexiness of competition bikes or the adventurous spirit of gravel bikes," he states. "However, I maintain that for a large proportion of people, the marathon bike is still the best choice when it comes to the usual distances between 60 and 100 kilometres." At the same time, some manufacturers assume that the gravel bike will replace the conventional road bike in terms of sales figures in the coming years. According to Sostmann, this is already the case at Rose.
Sporty, fast and comfortable
However, current endurance models are hardly inferior to "gravel bikes" in terms of versatility. They feel at home on almost any surface and score highly in terms of comfort. Marathon racers are suitable for anyone "looking for a sporty, light, fast and comfortable bike", says Sebastian Jadczak, head of road bike development at Canyon. Unlike Rose, the manufacturer from Koblenz is experiencing great demand in the endurance sector. "In Southern Europe, however, the demand for racing bikes with a sporty orientation is proportionately somewhat higher. In the USA, endurance racing bikes dominate by a wide margin," categorises Jadczak.
Versatility as a trump card
A key factor for a comfortable bike is the riding position. In our comparison test, you sit relatively upright on all models with the exception of the BMC. The stack-to-reach values, which indicate the ratio of frame height to frame length, range from a race-like 1.47 (BMC) to a very comfortable 1.57 (Look). This difference may seem small in theory, but is clearly noticeable in practice. While we felt our necks and backs on the BMC due to the stretched position, we hardly felt any signs of fatigue on the other racers. Hours of rolling - our test rides lasted just under three hours each - are therefore possible without any discomfort.
The wide tyres also play a decisive role in the bike's benevolent handling. This is a trend that has become apparent in recent years, not only on marathon racers but also on competition models. After all, wide tyres are known to cushion better due to their larger contact area with the ground and the possibility of lower air pressure (see box on the right). Our test bikes were fitted with 28 and 30 millimetre wide tyres as standard - this is now standard. But the limits are dissolving, as the Look shows with a maximum possible tyre width of 42 millimetres. This is already well within the range of many current gravel bikes. Even with the 30 millimetre wide standard tyres, the 765 Optimum+ rolls smoothly over uneven tracks.
You won't find sophisticated suspension systems like those on Specialized's Roubaix or the Trek Domane in the price range between € 3,500 and € 4,000. However, low-lying and integrated seat clamps such as those on the Canyon and Rose improve comfort by increasing the flex of the seatpost. The long wheelbases of around 1,000 millimetres have a positive effect on smoothness. The BMC and the Look in particular can be ridden like on a string. Practical accessories such as mounting devices for mudguards (Cervélo, Felt) or top tube bags (BMC, Cervélo, Felt) make modern marathon racers fit for many types of cycling adventures.
Simplicity in diversity
As versatile as our endurance test bikes are, their equipment is simple. All models come with Shimano's Ultegra components, Canyon and Rose at least offer the electrically operated Di2 version as mail order companies. Although SRAM recently introduced the new Rival wireless drivetrain at an attractive price, you will (still) search in vain for this component group in this price category. Another shortcoming is the high total weight of some of the bikes. The Cervélo and the Look in particular (both 8.7 kilograms) feel a little sluggish on the road. But perhaps all-rounders don't have to be able to do everything.
Conclusion:
Road bikes are becoming more and more specialised, from high-powered aero bikes to all-terrain gravel bikes. Solid all-rounders, such as the marathon bikes in this test, are a welcome change: Thanks to their comfort-oriented frames, plenty of space for wide tyres and practical additional functions, they are extremely versatile. Our test bikes from the mid-range price category only differ in nuances.
The seche marathon road bikes in the test:
BMC Roadmachine Three
Price: 3,499 euros >> e.g. at Liquid Life or Bicycle XXL
Weight: 8.3 kilos
Frame sizes: 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11-32 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano RS370/Vittoria Rubino 28 mm
CANYON Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2
Price: 3,599 euros
Weight: 7.9 kilos
Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (52/36, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra Di2
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss E 1800 Spline/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm tyres
CERVÉLO Caledonia Ultegra
Price: 3,799 euros
Weight: 8.7 kilos
Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (52/36, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss E 1800 Spline/Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 30 mm tyres
FELT VR Performance Ultegra
Price: 3,999 euros
Weight: 8.2 kilos
Frame sizes: 43, 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Reynolds AR 29C/Schwalbe One Performance 30 mm
LOOK 765 Optimum+
Price: 3,699 euros
Weight: 8.7 kilos
Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11-32 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11-32 t.)
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano WH-RS 370 TL/Hutchinson Fusion 5 Storm 30 mm
ROSE Reveal Four Disc Ultegra Di2
Price: 3,899 euros >> e.g. available here
Weight: 8.0 kilos
Frame sizes: 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 64
Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra (50/34, 11.34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano Ultegra Di2
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: Rose R Thirty Light/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm
The right tyre pressure for a marathon bike
- What tyre width is now standard for endurance models?
How times change. In TOUR 6/2018, we speculated that "28 millimetre wide tyres will sooner or later become the standard" on marathon bikes. It is now clear that the tyres on endurance models are even wider. Three of our six test bikes were fitted with 30 millimetre wide tyres, with a maximum of 42 millimetres possible.
- Is there a rule of thumb for the correct tyre pressure?
The wider the tyre, the greater the comfort. This is because the larger volume allows the air pressure to be lowered accordingly. The tyres not only cushion bumps better, but are also less prone to punctures. One bar less air pressure means about one millimetre more suspension travel. That doesn't sound like much, but it can be enough to roll over rough road surfaces, forest tracks or cobblestone passages with noticeably less bouncing.
- What other factors play a role besides tyre width and the surface?
Above all, the system weight (rider and wheel) is decisive. If this is 80 kilograms, a pressure of 5.5 bar is completely sufficient with 28 millimetre wide tubular tyres. With 15 kilograms less or more, the tyre pressure should be lowered/increased by around 0.5 bar. If you ride a lot on gravel or cobblestones, you can reduce the tyre pressure by a further 0.5 bar. Tip: Be willing to experiment and try out different tyre pressures during your rides - your arms, back and bottom will thank you for it.
- Do tubeless tyres provide more comfort?
Quite clearly: yes! The tyre pressure can be lowered again by at least one bar without significantly increasing rolling resistance. The risk of punctures is also reduced.
In addition to the surface, tyre width, system weight and personal preferences influence the appropriate tyre pressure
You can download the full test with detailed grades and measured values for weight, stiffness and features below for €1.99.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
