The 9 Best Endurance Road Bikes (Boost Your Riding Comfort!)

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These are the best endurance road bikes in the $1000 to $4000 range, suitable for beginners and people who prefer comfort over chasing seconds.

I entered road cycling by buying an endurance road bike, and it was one of the best decisions I made.

The upright riding geometry improved overall riding comfort, encouraging me to cycle more. This might not happen with performance geometry because of the aggressive riding position. Endurance bikes are also pretty versatile (as seen from the preview picture).

So, I rolled up my sleeves, dug into the reviews and discussions, and evaluated the bikes based on my road bike scoring system.

Thanks to my buyer’s guide below, you learn what to expect, what to look for, and what mistakes to avoid when shopping for an endurance road bike.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Endurance Road Bikes?

Best Aluminum

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Best Overall

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Best All-Road

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Skip to the comparison table…

The best endurance road bikes have relaxed geometry (short reach, upright stack) and tire clearance for wider tires (up to 36mm). Depending on the price range, they have an aluminum or carbon frame, mechanical or disc brakes, and aluminum or carbon wheels.

I recommend reading the How to Choose an Endurance Road Bike section first for detailed information.

Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4

Weight 3/5 | Comfort 5/5 | Aerodynamics 4/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 5/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.3/5

The Domane SL 5 Gen 4 is one of Trek’s most affordable carbon endurance road bikes and also part of the Trek road bikes lineup.

It has a few unique features. The first is the IsoSpeed decoupled, which increases riding comfort by absorbing vibrations.

The second is an internal storage compartment where you can store multitool and other small things (for example, emergency gels). It shares this feature with Trek Checkpoint gravel bikes. See this comparison of these two bike families.

Unlike many other bikes on this list, the Domane SL 5 has fully integrated cables, making it look clean.

Trek engineers also didn’t underestimate aerodynamics. At first glance, you can see that the frame is designed to combine aerodynamics and low weight. So, it follows today’s trends.

Although you’ll pay a little extra for this bike, you can count on investing in quality. Trek is a world-renowned brand with a long tradition and high attention to detail.

Canyon Endurance AL 8 (Best Aluminum Endurance Road Bike)

Weight 2/5 | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 4/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.6/5

My first proper road bike was from Canyon. From the close-up photos, I can say that the Endurance AL line has improved considerably.

You know, I’ve seen hundreds of bicycles already. But I am impressed with where Canyon has taken the build quality.

Their aluminum frames look almost as good as their carbon frames. Look at how smooth each weld is!

Add quality Shimano components and a great price compared to similar bikes from the competition, and you get a top aluminum endurance bike that won’t ruin your budget.

The downside is that you’ll probably have to wait for the bike. Canyon’s bikes are often in high demand and sold out.

Marin Gestalt 2

Weight n/a | Comfort 5/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.1/5

I know, I know. This is not exactly a road bike, by definition. But I believe Gestalt 2 deserves its place here. You will appreciate up to 45mm tire clearance, so you will be able to tackle rougher terrains than with narrower tires.

Unlike its previous generation, Gestalt 2 2024 has wider tire clearance and gravel-specific gearing (Shimano GRX). It also comes with hydraulic disc brakes instead of mechanical disc brakes. Thumbs up!

So, if you want a nice-looking and versatile bike that you can rely on in various terrains and won’t break your budget, I can recommend it. Eventually, check out these gravel bikes for under $2000 for more inspiration.

ROSE Reveal Four Disc 105

Weight 3/5 | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 4/5 | Components 5/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.8/5

ROSE Reveal 04 105 Di2 is one of this list’s simplest road bikes. Some may find it a bit boring, and I agree the paint jobs could be a bit bolder. But the bike’s shape is nice.

It’s a perfect bike for less flexible people or those who prefer comfort over speed. This is thanks to its relaxed geometry, allowing you to sit more upright.

It has a Shimano 105 Di2 2×12spd groupset with easy gearing and hydraulic disc brake wheels. Unfortunately, the wheels are not tubeless-ready.

The main disadvantage is that ROSE is not widespread in the US, so you have to order it from Germany and pay about 250€ (270$) for the shipping.

Don’t have pedals yet? Browse road bike pedals for your new bike!

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105

Weight 2/5 | Comfort 5/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.5/5

The Specialized Roubaix SL8 Sport 105 has two technologies worth mentioning. The first is the Future Shock 3.0 (20mm travel), which basically acts like a dampener. It reduces the shocks that would otherwise be transmitted into your hands through the handlebars.

The second technology is the compliant seat post, which reduces vibration and increases ride comfort. This makes this bike ideal for rough tarmac, bad roads, cobbles, and light gravel.

Not for nothing is this bike named Roubaix, after one of the most famous road races (Paris–Roubaix).

The other components are pretty much average in this price range. But you also pay for a well-known and reputable brand. The 2024 version has a newer Shimano 105 with 2×12 gears. The previous generation had 11 gears only. And it also comes with the improved Future Shock 3.0.

Cervélo Caledonia

Weight n/a | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.9/5

If you don’t want to compromise too much between comfort and speed, you should consider the Cervélo Caledonia.

This road bike not only looks good but can also act as a race bike. Its geometry is not overly relaxed but not overly performance-oriented.

The Caledonia family is ideal for long-distance riding. And thanks to the up to 34mm tire clearance, you won’t have to limit yourself to paved roads only.

This bike is, like most bikes on this list, available with different groupsets. It just depends on how much you want (or can) invest in your new bike.

It’s just a pity that the cockpit is not integrated, as is the case with, e.g., ROSE Reveal or Trek Domane.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com

Ribble Endurance Ti Disc – Sport

Weight 2/5 | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 2/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 5/5 | Brand Recognition 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5

Who doesn’t like titanium road bikes? I had to include at least one on this list.

English Ribble offers a wide range of road bikes, but their Endurance Ti Disc fits the bill.

Surprisingly, it’s not even too expensive, which can’t be said for most boutique titanium bike brands.

At the same time, you can customize it. You have a variety of components to choose from, including groupsets, wheels, tires, and many more.

So if you like to stand out from the crowd with a unique bike and appreciate the attention to detail, the Ribble Endurance Ti Disc deserves your attention (and maybe your money).

Shipping from the UK to the rest of the world is available.

Giant Defy Advanced 2 & Liv Avail Advanced 2

Weight n/a | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 3/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.9/5

Giant is known for its good-value bikes. They also have a brand focused on women’s bikes (Liv), so the Giant Defy Advanced 2 and the Liv Avail Advanced Disc 2 are almost the same bikes except for a few details.

Both have a carbon frame, fork, and seatpost that absorb vibrations and improve riding comfort.

They come with 32mm tubeless Giant Gavia Fondo 1 tires for better riding comfort.

It’s a shame they have old Shimano FC-R510 cranksets. In this price range, you would expect at least a Shimano 105 R7000.

But overall, they look modern. In addition, Giant and Liv are well-known brands with a worldwide distributor presence.

Pinarello X1

Weight n/a | Comfort 4/5 | Aerodynamics 4/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Design 4/5 | Brand Recognition 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.2/5

Most people know Pinarello only thanks to the Dogma series, which is performance-oriented.

However, Pinarello also has endurance-oriented ‘X’ road bikes, which are suitable for long rides without sacrificing comfort.

I have included this bike because friends who tried it in Mallorca were full of praise.

Although you pay extra for the brand, you get a comfortable bike that doesn’t resemble all the others, thanks to the Pinarello tube shaping.

Didn’t find the bike you were looking for? Check out the road bikes under $5000. Maybe you’ll find your new bike there.

My Verdict

Based on thorough market research and my insights, I included endurance road bikes in the $1000 to $4000 range in this article.

The following three stand out among the rest (even considering the alternatives in their price range):

1. The Trek Domane SL 5 is the best endurance road bike overall thanks to its fully integrated cables, aero-optimized frame, and IsoSpeed decoupler that enhances ride comfort.
2. Canyon Endurance AL 8 is the best aluminum endurance road bike, thanks to its build quality. Canyon has taken weld smoothness to a new level. This bike almost looks like a carbon bike.
3. Marin Gestalt 2 is the best “all-road,” although this is more of a gravel bike. The wide tire clearance and additional mounts make it an all-around bike with which you’ll have a lot of fun.

Read the following buyer’s guide to learn more about endurance road.

How to Choose the Best Endurance Road Bike?

I have tailored the following guide to endurance road bikes. If you want to learn more about road bikes in general, read my complete guide: ‘How to Choose a Road Bike Guide.’

Road Bike Type

There are many road bike types. Below, I explain how endurance road bikes differ from others.

Endurance road bikes are a great option for beginners and people who want to take long trips.

They have more relaxed geometry, so you can sit more upright. As a result, you don’t have to be as flexible and will enjoy more comfort.

On the other hand, you will be slower than on a performance or aero road bike, which pushes you to a more aggressive aerodynamic riding position.

Endurance road bikes also have wider tire clearance, so you can use them for riding light gravel, dirt roads, etc. They are more versatile than aero road bikes, for example.

Their weight is somewhere between lightweight and aero road bikes. Of course, they are less aero-optimized.

Frame Material & Bike Weight

Endurance road bikes have frames from one of the following 4 materials:

1. Aluminum endurance road bikes are more affordable but heavier and less than carbon frames.
2. Carbon endurance road bikes are considered “higher-end.” They are stiffer and lighter than aluminum road bikes.
3. Steel and titanium endurance road bikes are rare. There are two types – low and high-end. The mass-produced bikes are more affordable, while the custom-made ones are more expensive and luxurious. The bikes made from these materials are unique thanks to the rounded tube shape and riding characteristics.

TIP: Learn more about bike frame materials.

The following table shows road bike weights based on the frame material. The general rule is that high-end endurance road bikes can weigh under 7 kg, but low-end ones can easily exceed 10 kg.

Groupset

Endurance road bikes use 2X groupsets with 2×10, 2×11, or 2×12spd. The gear ratios are lighter than on performance/aero road bikes, thanks to cassettes with more teeth (e.g., 11-34T).

When riding a (road) bike with a 2X, avoid cross-chaining to improve efficiency and prevent damaging the components.

Which Groupset Manufacturer to Choose?

There are 3 main manufacturers of groupsets – Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.

According to Credit Suisse, Shimano had about 80% of the global share in bike components in 2016. More recent estimates speak rather of 70%.

SRAM is also pretty popular on endurance road bikes, thanks to its wireless electronic groupsets. Campagnolo is rare.

See the following table to see the road bike groupsets hierarchy.

You can also learn more in my comparison of mechanical and electronic shifting.

Brakes

Endurance road bikes have rim or disc brakes, depending on their price range. The low-end ones have rim brakes, while the higher-end ones have disc brakes.

Disc brakes are much more effective in various weather conditions, so your stopping power is not affected. They also don’t require as much force to be applied to the brake levers.

Their downsides are weight, more difficult maintenance, and higher price. This means that a bike with disc brakes will have worse components than a bike with rim brakes at the same price.

Wheels & Tires

Let me explain them in more detail.

Wheel Type – Clincher vs. Tubular vs. Tubeless

• Clinchers are the most widespread type of wheels/tires. The tire is supported by an inner tube made of rubber or latex. They are used on road bikes of all price ranges.
• Tubular tires are more common among professionals, but you hardly ever find them on production road bikes.
• Tubeless tires are the most modern and can be found on endurance road bikes. They don’t use an inner tube but have a tire sealant instead. They have lower rolling resistance and are more comfortable. On the other hand, replacing them is more difficult than replacing clinchers.

NOTE: If the wheels are ‘clincher tubeless-ready,’ you can use them with these tubeless tires.

The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of different types of wheels.

Tire Width

The wider and more volume tire, the more comfort you get and the more difficult terrain you can ride in.

When I started riding a road bike, almost everybody used 23mm tires, which, according to the road.cc, was a common standard.

Today, 28-, 30-, and 32mm tires are the most popular for endurance road bikes. But their tire clearance is often wider, allowing you to fit tires with threads for riding through light gravel, for example.

You can always experiment and try different tire widths to find the ones that suit you best.

Rim Depth

The general rule is that the deeper the wheels, the more aero they are.

Endurance road bikes usually come with shallower wheels for increased riding comfort (they are more comfortable than deep-section wheels).

Remember that the deep-section carbon wheels have one downside. Their handling in cross-winds requires more focus because they are less stable than shallow wheels.

Road Bike Size

You have to choose the correct bike size and geometry to avoid injuries caused by the wrong bike fit and increase overall riding comfort.

Road bike sizes are given in centimeters (48cm, 50cm, 52cm…) or descriptive sizes (S, M, L, XL, etc.).

Geometry-wise, things are simple when talking about endurance road bikes. They allow you to sit more upright, easing the pressure on your lower back, neck, and other body parts.

That’s why they are popular among more casual riders or beginners. Performance road bikes tend to be less comfortable due to the more aggressive riding position.

I recommend the Bikeinsights tool that helps you compare different bike geometries. Feel free to watch the following video or read this guide by Bikeradar to learn more.

Other Features to Consider

When buying an endurance road bike, you will encounter features that are not as common on other road bike types.

For example, some endurance road bikes have suspended seatpost (Trek IsoSpeed, Canyon VCLS seatpost) or handlebars (Specialized Future Shock)

You can also find road bikes with hidden compartments for multitools and other small things to extend your storage capacity.

In-build compatibility with fenders and other accessories thanks to the additional mounts.

Always consider which features you will need and use before you buy. Don’t be tempted by unnecessary features.

Endurance Road Bikes FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.