difference between endurance, sportive and light touring bikes?

[samsbike]

I was reading in another forum, about an implied difference between an audax and endurance bike or along those lines.

Basically other than a racing bike and a touring bike I am a little unclear as to how the above fit in.

I pretty much thought that a sportive, endurance or light touring bike were pretty much the same but apprarently they aren't. The only difference I can think of is that the light tourer would have rack and mudguards mounts but am I being far too simplistic?

 

[Kestevan]

Marketing Bo**ox basically. Every manufacturer calls their bikes whatever they think will sell best

Light tourer / Audax would ideally have mounts and clearance for rack/guards and a taller head-tube for a less stretched out position. "Sportive" bikes generally have the taller tube, but may or may not have rack mounts and room for a guard.

 

[Ian H]

You might want to Google for Andy Wilkinson's bike, on which he races and breaks TT records, tours, commutes, does a bit of off-road, and all with just a change of wheels and perhaps bolting on mudguards and/or rack.

 

[yello]

I've never heard of an 'endurance bike' as such. Sounds more of a definition of purpose than specific design. I guess you might say there are frame geometry differences but it's kind of arguable. I think Kesteven gives as good a definition as any.

 

[MacB]

You might want to Google for Andy Wilkinson's bike, on which he races and breaks TT records, tours, commutes, does a bit of off-road, and all with just a change of wheels and perhaps bolting on mudguards and/or rack.

hadn't heard of that so thanks for the mention, had a google and fascinating stuff

 

[samsbike]

Thanks for the Andy Wilko stuff, bloke is amazing