I was going to buy a Canyon Endurace, but I was uncertain about the size. I went to a bikefitter and was told what measures I need (approx.) I need for what I want (comfort, not performance). Unfortunately I can’t get a Canyon S without swapping the cockpit (I need a 110), which means I’m directing my focus on bikes that have an easier way to swap the stem.
My budget is no more than 3000 EUR, possibly less (and maybe I can upgrade wheels down the road?). My “must-have” are carbon and shimano 105. Di2 would be nice, but it’s not a need (and I think better wheels would probably serve me better).
If for some reason none of these options work out for me, I can still go for
5) Canyon Endurace in size S (2650 eur with the changing Kit Cockpit to Handlebar) or alternatively in size M without changing the cockpit (it’s a 100), but I need to double check that M would be a good fit for me.
I think the Merida is a touch lighter than the rest, which should all be around 9kg. Other than that, they should all be quite similar I imagine. What are your opinions/experiences with these brands (or in general)?
Hello there!
Great that you got the fit first and have a much better idea of what you need / want.
Are there shops where you can try out all of the above? As they all seem to be similar group sets perhaps throwing your leg over them and then seeing what the finishing kit and wheels are like on each will make it obvious which one to choose?
I own a Giant TCR (2021 Advance Disc 1) and its been very good to me, if that helps.
In truth I should have bought a Defy The new Defy geo is supposed to be a good blend of “racy” and comfort.
Apart from that, nothing else to add. Have fun with your searches
Yeah the defy is a touch racier compared to the other ones, as its reach is a tad longer and the stack a tad lower, but still reasonably close to the ranges I’ve been suggested. Unfortunately I don’t trying the bikes will be an option, as with few exceptions these will need to be ordered and won’t be readily available at the shop.
I can try, but I’m afraid that test rides won’t be an option, as whatever bike I’ll pick, it will need to be ordered and won’t be readily available at the shop. Maybe in some cases it won’t be like that, but certainly not for all of them.
Yeah - its a tricky one as you really want to try them as you have some good options.
However, not feesible in your case. I tried the TCR in a shop and was happy out, but then again I recently bought an Orbea online having never ridden it.
Again, for what its worth, the TCR is very comfy inspite of the fact that its a race bike. I can only imagine that the Defy with its D-fuse tech and bigger tires as standard is even better.
No doubt the same will be true for the Trek with the Isospeed and the Canyon (if it comes to that) with the VCS seat post.
The Endurace might be fine as is. I have a SuperSix road bike with a 110 stem and a Canyon Grizl gravel bike with a 80 mm stem. The Grizl with 35 mm road tires is very comfortable riding on the road. It’s definitely more upright but works fine.
You can order a Canyon and send it back if you decide it’s not for you.
Another option would be to get a Grizl or Grail and put road tires on it. 2 bikes for 1.
Yeah I’m in Europe for this one (I live in both continents actually).
I’m adding the Cube Attain to the mix: I just realized it looks like incredible value for the money (3000 eur for the top model with Ultegra Di2).
I got an endurace a few years ago now, love it but there are two things that are a bit of a pain with it. Oversized steerer tube so limited options for stem swaping and its taken me several group rides to identify and cure an annoying squeaking noise.
Still think it’s great value and a good ride though.
If you live on both continents i believe you can go to where canyon are made and bag a test ride…or to one of these.
Thankfully Ritchey sell a decent range of 1 1/4 stems.
edit: saying that, it does look like a PITA now that all the CF models have the integrated cockpit. I picked up a regular CF 7 back in 2019 and then proceeded to change everything quite easily.
Yeah, I’m lucky because I have the previous model in the US, but unfortunately the integrated cockpit is the reason why I won’t get another Ultimate probably, as I already know I’ll need a 110 stem.
Have you tried both sizes in practice? Have you tried different bikes? Are you really sure about the bike’s geometry?
Frame geometry is much more important than groupset or e. g. whether the frame is made of carbon or aluminum. When I first got a road bike, I opted for an endurance road bike as well. On paper, it made sense as the position was closer to that of an XC mountain bike. I never got along with it, the steering was slugging and I actually feel more comfortable on my more aggressive aero road bike. Even among endurance road bikes there is a lot of variation. BMC’s Roadmachine is more aggressive, so it carves corners better than my Cube Attain GTC SL that I owned previously. (Cube, just like Canyon, is usually a lot of bang for your buck/Euro. On the flip side, their bike designs are typically middle-of-the-road, quite conservative. Think VW Golf — a great car, but not an exciting car.)
I test rode a lot of bikes, including Cannondales and BMCs, and settled on a 3T Strada in the end.
Only those that I have owned: A 2011 Specialized Elite Compact, a 2013 Cannondale Supersix, and a 2023 Canyon Endurace. Unfortunately it is quite unlikely that I will be able to test those mentioned.
I have only tried the S, and when I went to a fitter he basically confirmed my feelings: perfect size, but a bit short. I have hated the Cannondale for how long and uncomfortable it felt, it took me three saddles, a shorter stem, and quite a bit of adjustments on saddle height and spacers to find a decent fit.
I’m using the Canyon’s (S) reach and stack as a guide, but the fitter gave me “ideal” numbers to look at and will be available for suggestions if I’m undecided between two different bikes/geometries.
I’m currently looking at the Attain SLT or Attain Race and have added it to the mix of options. The bang for the buck ration with Cube is insane compared to other brands. I’m considering going with the top option, which for 400 euros more than a Giant would leave me with Di2 Ultegra and Carbon wheels.
Sounds like you did your research. Regarding sizing, yeah, if you have ridden a few bikes, you know what size you need. I learnt that “my” size was 56 cm/L, and that has worked across manufacturers.
I have had three Cube bikes from 2005 all the way till 2022. The price/performance was great, and they did exactly what was on the tin. The 2016 Attain GTC SL was not the lightest (at around 9 kg), but it had stock aluminum wheels, aluminum seat post, etc. It was a great bike, except that I personally did not get along with the bike’s geometry. (I got it for a bargain, the deal was too good to pass up.)
The handlebar was very flexy, though, and completely round. I replaced those with 3T aluminum handlebars. I also got a nice saddle with carbon rails. If I had like the bike’s geometry, I would have gotten a carbon seat post and better wheels, too.
Especially if you are in Europe, Cube is a really good option I’d say. Another brand I really like is BMC, their bikes are really good. In a sense, they are the opposite of Cube, because they are expensive. But the geometry and quality is bang on. Their Roadmachine AL X One costs 3,000 € (German MSRP), so that should be within your budget. The X means it is their gravel bike (with up to 45 mm tire clearance.)
If you saved up, you could consider their Roadmachine Five with a Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain. The Roadmachine is a more aggressive endurance bike, the 2018 (?) model I test rode felt a lot livelier than the Cube. A good middle ground.
I know it’s not on your list, but a Cervelo Caledonia is great. I’ve had one for the past 3 years and it’s been amazing. The only knock I have on it is that it’s a lil portly. Mine comes in a 18.1lbs…that’s with 32mm tires and 50mm deep wheels.
Feels very stable and capable in all areas. I even used it for BWR San Diego two years ago. It’s a really do it all kind of rig.
You can find on used to make it fit your budget, I’m sure.
The new Defy geo is supposed to be a good blend of “racy” and comfort.