Endurance Road Bike Checklist: What To Look Out For

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Endurance Road Bike Checklist: What To Look Out For

Monday, 17th April 2023

Endurance Road Bike Checklist: What To Look Out For

Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, finding the right bike can make a huge difference to your cycling experience. When it comes to endurance road bikes, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together this handy checklist to help you find your perfect steed. From geometry to tyre clearance to vibration damping, we'll cover all the key features you should be looking out for when it comes to endurance road bikes, as well as share a few of our favourites.

Geometry

First up, let's talk about geometry. Endurance road bikes are designed for long-distance rides, so comfort is key. You'll want a more relaxed geometry that puts you in a more upright position, which will reduce strain on your neck and back. This means the handlebars will be positioned slightly higher and closer to you than on a race-oriented road bike. You'll also find that the top tube is shorter, which means you won't have to reach as far forward to grip the handlebars. The extra few millimetres might not look like much on a spec sheet, but it can make a world of difference – we’d always recommend test-riding a bike before making a final decision!

Tyre Clearance

Endurance road bikes are built for comfort and versatility, which is why most are capable of handling a variety of terrain, whether it’s rough roads, gravel paths or smooth tarmac. This means you'll need tyres that can handle the job. With the recent trend for wider tyres thanks to disc brakes allowing for more clearance and tubeless technology accommodating lower tyre pressures, this shouldn’t be too difficult! Even the raciest bikes will have clearance for at least a 28mm tyre, but when it comes to endurance bikes 28mm is an absolute minimum, with many allowing for up to 35mm and beyond. The wider the tyre, the more comfortable your ride will be, as it will absorb more of the bumps and vibrations.

Vibration Dampers

Speaking of vibrations, let's move on to vibration damping. Many brands have created their own technology to combat road vibrations, and is a welcome feature on any endurance road bike, helping to reduce the impact of bumps and vibrations on your body. Most notable would be the Trek Domane, featuring their IsoSpeed technology. This system acts as a decoupler that separates the seat tube from the top tube and allows them to move independently, reducing vibrations and increasing comfort on long rides. Pair that with wide tyres, and you’re onto a winner!

Gearing

Another important feature to consider is gearing. Endurance road bikes typically have a wider range of gears than an all-out race bike, as they are designed to cover longer distances and a variety of terrain. Look for a bike with a good mix of gears that will allow you to tackle hills and flat terrain with ease. As for cog sizes, consider a compact crankset with a 50/34 chainring and an 11-34 cassette for a good all-around setup. Most modern road derailleurs can accommodate cassettes of this size, in some cases even more – if you aren’t sure, feel free to pop in and ask our staff!

Mounts

Living in the UK, you'll want to be prepared for wet roads. Look for a bike with mudguard mounts, which will (surprise, surprise!) allow you to attach mudguards to keep muck and road spray off of you and your bike. This will make your rides much more comfortable, as you won't have to worry about getting soaked and dirty. Extra mounts for bottles, bags and racks will also come in handy from time to time, especially if you’re embarking on a longer cycling adventure.

Endurance Bike vs Gravel Bike

This could be a whole article on its own, but it’s an important factor when considering which bike is right for you. In short, the differences are becoming much smaller – most bike brands are blurring the line between Endurance and Gravel. For example, the Trek Domane SL and Trek Checkpoint SL: at first glance, the differences might not be apparent, but there are subtle features that make each bike excel in its own field. The Domane features slightly more aero tubing with a shorter wheelbase, stiffer carbon layup and lighter weight. The Checkpoint features a slightly longer wheelbase for stability off-road, a higher bottom bracket for rock clearance and larger tyre clearance. Ultimately both bikes could do either job, it just comes down to what kind of riding you’ll be doing.