Which endurance bike?

[shaun75]

Forgive me, I've loads of questions.
Going to treat myself with an expensive(to me) & probably my final bike purchase.
I'm at an age where I want comfort firstly and speed secondly. I probably want a comfortable bike I can ride fast when I feel like it.

So criteria is, decent tyre width, mounts for mudguards, under 10kg, 105 mechanical preferred

Material: steel, carbon, titanium. (Not aluminium, every bike I've owned was ali)

Bikes I've browsed include the Defy, Roubaix, Domane and Synapse....all the usual.
Throw in Merida Scultura Endurance, Strael, Elan, Sonder Colibri.

Recently announced bikes are now in the mix: the new Cervelo Caledonia and the Bianchi Infinito.

One thing I don't understand it's the press fit Vs threaded bottom bracket debate.

Also, is a timber shed suitable for a modern steel bike? The Strael is hard to ignore.

Budget is 2800-3k tops.

I've already ruled a couple out from the list but I just wanted people opinions on what night be suitable.

Thanks

 

[geocycle]

I’m a fan of Ti but it can get pricey. You might get a Spa elan at around the £3k mark. I like mine, it’s a great all weather endurance bike, audax bike, gravel bike and light tourer. Mine is not fast but that’s probably down to me and the winter build I chose with mudguards, hydraulic discs and gravel tyres. Perhaps not as sporty as you want?

 

[shaun75]

I’m a fan of Ti but it can get pricey. You might get a Spa elan at around the £3k mark. I like mine, it’s a great all weather endurance bike, audax bike, gravel bike and light tourer. Mine is not fast but that’s probably down to me and the winter build I chose with mudguards, hydraulic discs and gravel tyres. Perhaps not as sporty as you want?

I should have said that I'm not particularly fast, but I think I'd like something that could be should my fitness improve. I'm only hoping to average approx 18-20mph on my regular routes. Nothing that some may consider fast!

 

[Webbo2]

I should have said that I'm not particularly fast, but I think I'd like something that could be should my fitness improve. I'm only hoping to average approx 18-20mph on my regular routes. Nothing that some may consider fast!

18- 20 is faster than most folk ride especially if there’s hills around.

 

[steverob]

I had a similar dilemma two years ago but with a marginally higher budget (mid to high 3k) and had narrowed it down to three options - Specialized Roubaix, Giant Defy and Canyon Endurace. Had previously had a Trek Domane and while I liked it, the newer bikes in that range I didn't think were very good value - could certainly get much better spec with the other three brands for the same price.

In the end I plumped for the Canyon Endurace, although it was a very close thing with the Giant Defy as well - both had models around my price point that met my requirements. I got a test ride on both - the Defy from a Giant dealer (round the car park a few times) and the Endurace I happened to try when I rented one while on holiday, and that's probably what swayed it for me in the end; I just felt more comfortable on the Canyon, maybe if I'd have gotten a longer ride on the Giant it might have grown on me?

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

If you're after comfort, maybe consider a carbon gravel bike, that has clearance for 50mm or even 53mm tyres. You can always fit ~35mm tyres for roads, but have the option of wider tyres for comfort and/or offroad.

Cube carbon road bikes are generally quite endurance orientated, like my 2016 Attain GTC Disc that weighed ~9Kg as supplied and has clearance for 32mm tyres without guards. Sizing a bit funny, my "58cm" doesn't have a 58cm tube on it, 388mm reach with 610mm stack and 54cm seat tube works for me at ~177cm and short legs.

At this time of year until around May Bank Holiday, there's likely to be a good selection of EOL deals. Few deals at Pauls, where my most recent came from last Easter.

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/carbon

 

[StuAff]

Lots of good options within budget- the Caledonia and Infinito certainly won't be. As the owner of two titanium gravel bikes (the first nicked), that would be my choice- comfort and performance, durable, maximum flexibility for gearing choice & fixtures and fittings. Plenty of endurance models would of course do the trick, but if you want the option to run 35 or wider tyres with mudguards, gravel for the win. On the steel side, you won't do better than Fairlight (Strael or Secan, which is the same price, I know a few happy owners). For titanium, Spa, Sonder (Camino or Colibri) are well-known good budget options- pretty much unbeatable for complete bike deals. Also look at Gloria- another riding bud has one of their all-road models, it's splendid. Tripster ATR would be my first choice, because I bought one- it would be a bit over budget at typical prices (though there are deals from time to time). If you're set on 105, R7000 the 11-speed version is still widely available and a bit cheaper than the 12.

 

[Ajax Bay]

OP needs to decide if buying built up (and use as filter):

• tyre clearance required (incl with guards fitted)
• thru axles (probably) or QR
• braking system (cable/mechanical (rim or rotor), cable/hybrid hydraulic, hydraulic)
• gearing: range and acceptable steps, which will drive double, 1x, triple, hub, speed (but OP says '105 mechanical' so 11)
• "endurance" in title and "comfort first" but "need for speed" - consider whether this is up to 100 miles or for multi-day (and night) use - need for ability to fit baggage, or not (allow % for tailfin).

 

[oxoman]

Personally i'd recommend fairlight or spa bikes. I have had a defy adv pro and would never have another press fit BB again, also giant uses Dfuse seat posts which can be awkward attaching stuff to. I test rode the Elan and it was good but I ended up with the Fairlight Faran for my needs but the other 2 fairlights probably suit your needs better. Good luck choosing.

 

[shaun75]

18- 20 is faster than most folk ride especially if there’s hills around.

Be happy with high teens rather than low. Should be achievable on my shorter midweek evening rides. I'm in Lincolnshire so unless I head over to the wolds it's pretty flat

 

[PaulSB]

I should have said that I'm not particularly fast, but I think I'd like something that could be should my fitness improve. I'm only hoping to average approx 18-20mph on my regular routes. Nothing that some may consider fast!

The top riders in my club have a Saturday group ride with an early start. On a flat 62 mile route they average 19 - 20. If you're expecting to match this solo that is, in my book, VERY fast. I'm a decent club cyclist and I'm happy with 15 or so.

Regarding bike choice. I currently own a 10 year old Cervelo C3 and Kinesis ATR-V3. Both match my criteria for comfort and endurance, the Cervelo for summer road riding and the Kinesis for winter road and spring/summer gravel.

I'm 71 and have recently ordered, after six months pondering, a Cervelo Caledonia 5. It's likely to be my last "manual" purchase. I wanted comfort and endurance with the potential for a turn of speed when needed. This bike is far above your budget and from what I've seen of the Caledonia range there are none that match your budget.

I can highly recommend a Kinesis ATR for comfort and endurance. Mine is the top of the range titanium but I think you'll find something which is perhaps £500+ over your budget. Regarding speed I couldn't dream of averaging 18 on the Kinesis, an ATR may not give the speed your after.

Personally I'm a huge Cervelo fan. If you can somehow stretch to a Caledonia I believe it will deliver. My ten year old C3 still does on every ride. A beautiful machine.

 

[shaun75]

Lots of good options within budget- the Caledonia and Infinito certainly won't be. As the owner of two titanium gravel bikes (the first nicked), that would be my choice- comfort and performance, durable, maximum flexibility for gearing choice & fixtures and fittings. Plenty of endurance models would of course do the trick, but if you want the option to run 35 or wider tyres with mudguards, gravel for the win. On the steel side, you won't do better than Fairlight (Strael or Secan, which is the same price, I know a few happy owners). For titanium, Spa, Sonder (Camino or Colibri) are well-known good budget options- pretty much unbeatable for complete bike deals. Also look at Gloria- another riding bud has one of their all-road models, it's splendid. Tripster ATR would be my first choice, because I bought one- it would be a bit over budget at typical prices (though there are deals from time to time). If you're set on 105, R7000 the 11-speed version is still widely available and a bit cheaper than the 12.

The recently announced 105 Caledonia and infinito start at 3k. I guess the outgoing Caledonia may be reduced.
Not heard of Gloria, I'll take a look

OP needs to decide if buying built up (and use as filter):

• tyre clearance required (incl with guards fitted)
• thru axles (probably) or QR
• braking system (cable/mechanical (rim or rotor), cable/hybrid hydraulic, hydraulic)
• gearing: range and acceptable steps, which will drive double, 1x, triple, hub, speed (but OP says '105 mechanical' so 11)
• "endurance" in title and "comfort first" but "need for speed" - consider whether this is up to 100 miles or for multi-day (and night) use - need for ability to fit baggage, or not (allow % for tailfin).

Definitely built up. 32 is the minimum I'm looking at. Unsure of QR Vs thru axle. Never had disc brakes, I notice most new bikes have them. Would prefer the newer 12 speed 105 but not hung up I'd it's the older 11. In terms of distance, I would like to do a century ride again but I'm quite happy riding regular 30-60s

Personally i'd recommend fairlight or spa bikes. I have had a defy adv pro and would never have another press fit BB again, also giant uses Dfuse seat posts which can be awkward attaching stuff to. I test rode the Elan and it was good but I ended up with the Fairlight Faran for my needs but the other 2 fairlights probably suit your needs better. Good luck choosing.

What's with press fit? I read about issues but then see people defending it equally.
The Fairlights really do look nice.

 

[shaun75]

The top riders in my club have a Saturday group ride with an early start. On a flat 62 mile route they average 19 - 20. If you're expecting to match this solo that is, in my book, VERY fast. I'm a decent club cyclist and I'm happy with 15 or so.

Regarding bike choice. I currently own a 10 year old Cervelo C3 and Kinesis ATR-V3. Both match my criteria for comfort and endurance, the Cervelo for summer road riding and the Kinesis for winter road and spring/summer gravel.

I'm 71 and have recently ordered, after six months pondering, a Cervelo Caledonia 5. It's likely to be my last "manual" purchase. I wanted comfort and endurance with the potential for a turn of speed when needed. This bike is far above your budget and from what I've seen of the Caledonia range there are none that match your budget.

I can highly recommend a Kinesis ATR for comfort and endurance. Mine is the top of the range titanium but I think you'll find something which is perhaps £500+ over your budget. Regarding speed I couldn't dream of averaging 18 on the Kinesis, an ATR may not give the speed your after.

Personally I'm a huge Cervelo fan. If you can somehow stretch to a Caledonia I believe it will deliver. My ten year old C3 still does on every ride. A beautiful machine.

I read your older post after I searched Caledonia. I can't afford a 5. The new base 105 is 3k RRP, so it's on the list. People saying it doesn't have udh, is that really a game changer?

I rode 100km yesterday and averaged 14, that's on my old £200 second hand Felt with heavy puncture resistant scwalbes on. (Boy have I noticed a reduction in speed with them) Like to think on a modern lighter bike with better tyres and, down the line, maybe a wheel upgrade I'd get a couple of mph increase over that distance.
The is a cervelo dealer not to far away so I'll definitely take a look when the new ones are in stock

 

[PaulSB]

I read your older post after I searched Caledonia. I can't afford a 5. The new base 105 is 3k RRP, so it's on the list. People saying it doesn't have udh, is that really a game changer?

I rode 100km yesterday and averaged 14, that's on my old £200 second hand Felt with heavy puncture resistant scwalbes on. (Boy have I noticed a reduction in speed with them) Like to think on a modern lighter bike with better tyres and, down the line, maybe a wheel upgrade I'd get a couple of mph increase over that distance.
The is a cervelo dealer not to far away so I'll definitely take a look when the new ones are in stock

I'm not sure what you mean by "udh"? Sram has a derailleur known as Universal Derailleur Hanger. I haven't ridden Sram for 20 years, I really liked it, so can't comment on current equipment.

If by chance it's a typo for "di2" I would say this is far from essential. Di2 is a great system, I love it and would always choose to have electronic gearing. I'm fortunate though, I'm retired and spending my savings rather than leaving them unused in the bank.

If you have a choice of two models with the same spec, one manual and one electronic, if the manual one is in budget then go for that. di2 is a marvellous luxury but no one actually needs it.

Those tyres won't help.

As an after thought if you're considering a Caledonia at £3000 take a look at the Pinarello X which should be in that range. My choice came down to Cervelo or Pinarello. The Pinarello was truly excellent but didn't quite give me the love that I get from Cervelo. It's just a certain "feeling."

 

[Webbo2]

I read your older post after I searched Caledonia. I can't afford a 5. The new base 105 is 3k RRP, so it's on the list. People saying it doesn't have udh, is that really a game changer?

I rode 100km yesterday and averaged 14, that's on my old £200 second hand Felt with heavy puncture resistant scwalbes on. (Boy have I noticed a reduction in speed with them) Like to think on a modern lighter bike with better tyres and, down the line, maybe a wheel upgrade I'd get a couple of mph increase over that distance.
The is a cervelo dealer not to far away so I'll definitely take a look when the new ones are in stock

I think if you are expecting to go from 14 mph to 20mph just with a new bike with better wheels and tyres, you might be a bit disappointed. On one of my regular runs I have been averaging 15 to 16 mph on my winter bike. Yesterday I was on my old best bike with deep carbon rims and better tyres and I averaged 17.8 mph.