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Endurance Bikes

Endurance road bikes cater to cyclists who value comfort, versatility, and the ability to handle a variety of riding scenarios, from long-distance rides to daily commutes and everything in between.

Compared to racing bikes, endurance bikes are built with more relaxed geometry, allowing for a more upright and comfortable riding position, reducing strain on the back, neck, and shoulders during long rides. Endurance bikes offer more stable and predictable handling, and are equipped with components that prioritise reliability and comfort.

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What is an Endurance road bike?

Let's start with the basics.

This is some key stuff about what an Endurance actually is (and isn't):

First, Endurance road bikes are designed to isolate the rider from road impacts much more than any other road bike.

Which means, they are extremely comfortable to ride - everywhere.

Second, these road bikes are designed so that you are in a relaxed riding position. They are not low and aggressive on the front.

Third, is handling.

Handling is not twitchy or nervous.

It's stable, calm and predictable - especially as the speed picks up.

Therefore, think of the Endurance bike as the SUV of road bikes; plush, smooth and comfortable.

 

Who should buy an Endurance bike?

If you are:

A new road cyclist who has zero experience on a road bike; either you haven't been riding at all or you're used to riding a hybrid or flat bar road bike.

The calm handling of these bikes and their solid, stable feel at speed, will definitely help inspire confidence.

You prefer comfort over everything else - even speed.

Endurance bikes have specially engineered flex zones (think micro-suspension).

These zones help cushion the rider against harsh one-time impacts and constant low-frequency chatter bumps.

You are not flexible.

Endurance bike frames are designed to sit riders in a more upright and relaxed posture.

Therefore, they are a better fit for road cyclists who do not have the best flexibility.

 

Who shouldn't buy an Endurance bike?

It's not all rainbows and unicorns though.

There are riders who shouldn't consider an Endurance bike:

If you're upgrading from an old race bike or semi-race bike, you're going to notice the delayed response of an Endurance more than a rider who hasn't been riding a race bike.

It could be something you adjust to but definitely an aspect to be aware of.

This is because:

Humans are adaptation machines. 

You will have adapted to the quicker response, geometry and faster handling that older road bikes were known for.

Your initial impression of an Endurance bike might be slow and lazy.

So what do ya do?

You consider bikes like the Cannondale Synapse and Orbea Orca.

These bikes deliver on comfort but are also exciting and responsive to ride.