Help Picking an Endurance Bike
#26
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someone mentioned that the aluminum is different.
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#27
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I love my 2016 Synapse, which is now two versions old with the recent release of the current version with the integrated battery pack and lights.
True, but generally speaking, an aluminum frame is less comfortable than its carbon fiber counterpart, and that (and geometry) is one of the main points of having an endurance bike.
True, but generally speaking, an aluminum frame is less comfortable than its carbon fiber counterpart, and that (and geometry) is one of the main points of having an endurance bike.
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its not such a deal-breaker. Get a new stem when you get yours and just ride, don't worry about the steerer.
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If you can bump the budget to just over $3k, I’d take a hard look at the Domane SL5. Lots of benefits, primarily IsoSpeed front and rear, internal storage (really slick), better and more modern cable management, and carbon frame that is more vibration dampening than alu. Plus, the integration of the Blendr mountable light systems is really nice. I’m constantly asked about the bike when around other cyclists.
Worth noting the AL5 version has the Blendr compatibility; and it also has top tube lugs for a bento box and mount points for a rear rack - stuff the SL models don't have. May or may not matter to OP.
If I were to replace it, I would get the same thing (but with Di2 - no real reason other than “because”).
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#33
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So many things to consider when you say endurance.
Tire width. Depending on roads you'll travel and your preferences, this could eliminate some options. For me, I want room for at least 38mm.
Brakes. All are disc.
Fenders or no. Almost religion. If you want full coverage fenders, that's going to eliminate a lot of bikes.
You can just focus on the component levels and weight, but then you miss features that might make a big difference to how the bike suits your needs.
Tire width. Depending on roads you'll travel and your preferences, this could eliminate some options. For me, I want room for at least 38mm.
- Felt: max 28mm
- Canyon: 28mm stock, unstated max
- Trek: 32mm stock, max 35mm without fenders, 32mm with
- Cannondale: stock 30mm; max 35mm
- Giant: 32mm stock, max 38mm
Brakes. All are disc.
- All state hydro except Canyon, which does not say.
- Specs are out there; I'm not doing that for you
Fenders or no. Almost religion. If you want full coverage fenders, that's going to eliminate a lot of bikes.
- Cannondale: yes
- Trek: fender and rack mounts
- Canyon: no evidence
- Giant: no evidence
- Felt: no evidence
You can just focus on the component levels and weight, but then you miss features that might make a big difference to how the bike suits your needs.
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#34
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So many things to consider when you say endurance.
Tire width. Depending on roads you'll travel and your preferences, this could eliminate some options. For me, I want room for at least 38mm.
Brakes. All are disc.
Fenders or no. Almost religion. If you want full coverage fenders, that's going to eliminate a lot of bikes.
You can just focus on the component levels and weight, but then you miss features that might make a big difference to how the bike suits your needs.
Tire width. Depending on roads you'll travel and your preferences, this could eliminate some options. For me, I want room for at least 38mm.
- Felt: max 28mm
- Canyon: 28mm stock, unstated max
- Trek: 32mm stock, max 35mm without fenders, 32mm with
- Cannondale: stock 30mm; max 35mm
- Giant: 32mm stock, max 38mm
Brakes. All are disc.
- All state hydro except Canyon, which does not say.
- Specs are out there; I'm not doing that for you
Fenders or no. Almost religion. If you want full coverage fenders, that's going to eliminate a lot of bikes.
- Cannondale: yes
- Trek: fender and rack mounts
- Canyon: no evidence
- Giant: no evidence
- Felt: no evidence
You can just focus on the component levels and weight, but then you miss features that might make a big difference to how the bike suits your needs.
#35
beeballman
Try them all out on a ride, choose what feels comfy and lights your fire. What you like is what matters.
#36
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Looks like a winner and around the same price as the Canyon! Not familiar with either brand, but with Canyon the store is local. Couldn't find a Kestrel dealer in the USA, but my google ability may be lacking.
Great advice! Really interested in CF or a quality AL that is comfortable for long rides, Shimano 105 7000 group set is the minimum and the ability to run larger tires as you mentioned. Luckily live in SOCAL so no fenders really needed typically,
Last edited by JayhawkNavy02; 03-06-22 at 10:11 PM.
#37
Banned
What matters for long distance riding is the head tube angle and the amount of rake. My 2002 Trek 5200 is as good as any bike I can buy today at any price. It is stiff, climbs great, very stable at 50 mph on downhill runs, and weighs 17 lbs. The only thing I would change is to go with wider rims so I could run 700x28 tires.
The pre-aero bikes for triathalons were ideal. One thing to consider is that for longer rides it helps to have a slightly larger frame and be able to stretch out more. I would ride a 54cm and be OK but for very long rides I like larger frame.
The longer the ride the more time is going to be spend going up hills and so having a bike where the chainstays do not flex puts more of your pedal power to driving the bike forward. If I am really standing on it while going up a steep grade I do not want to hear creaks coming from anywhere on the bike.
The pre-aero bikes for triathalons were ideal. One thing to consider is that for longer rides it helps to have a slightly larger frame and be able to stretch out more. I would ride a 54cm and be OK but for very long rides I like larger frame.
The longer the ride the more time is going to be spend going up hills and so having a bike where the chainstays do not flex puts more of your pedal power to driving the bike forward. If I am really standing on it while going up a steep grade I do not want to hear creaks coming from anywhere on the bike.
#38
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Team Roubaix
Can't speak to other bikes on this thread but I can vouch for the Roubaix. The future shock technology does make the bike heavier yes... but also it makes a bit difference on long rides and you can always turn it off/down if you want a bit more stiffness for a certain segment. Seat post is a little different than Domane but also has lots of compliance. Specialize boasts that it's as aerodynamic as the Tarmac as well which may ease some of your weight concerns if you have them. No matter what you pick - endurance bikes are sweet and your butt/back will be thanking you :-)
I'd probably vote for the Synapse. I'm starting to look myself and the Synapse and Roubaix are my top two. The big problem is that I must have a light bike (under 17 lbs for sure) so I'll have to spend some serious money when it comes to an endurance bike since ones like the Roubaix are heavy(ish) compared to light road racer bikes. It will take me a while to come to grips with that (the $$).
#39
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Can't speak to other bikes on this thread but I can vouch for the Roubaix. The future shock technology does make the bike heavier yes... but also it makes a bit difference on long rides and you can always turn it off/down if you want a bit more stiffness for a certain segment. Seat post is a little different than Domane but also has lots of compliance. Specialize boasts that it's as aerodynamic as the Tarmac as well which may ease some of your weight concerns if you have them. No matter what you pick - endurance bikes are sweet and your butt/back will be thanking you :-)
#40
Banned
Or change out the wheels on your current bike. Wider tires support the load with lower PSI needed as the volume of the tire is greater.
700x23 at 100 PSI same load support as 700x25 at 85 PSI or a 700x28 at 65-70 PSI. Softer ride with negligible increase in rolling resistance for the tire.
700x23 at 100 PSI same load support as 700x25 at 85 PSI or a 700x28 at 65-70 PSI. Softer ride with negligible increase in rolling resistance for the tire.
#41
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Looking for a bike with more comfort than my Felt F75. Trying to keep the bike under $2500 if at all possible (1 exception - Canyon), but willing to spend a couple bucks more if I'm really getting a better product. Did a bunch of research for CF frames, with Shimano 105 components or above (1 exception - cannonade), and CF frame (2 exceptions - Trek and Giant). 11 speed would be nice as the area I'm at is pretty hilly, but I've managed on my 10 speed fine.
Appreciate any thoughts/inputs, warnings, great ideas, etc.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Canyon Endurace CF SL 7 (18.7 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2599
Giant Contend AR 1 (21.2 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $1950
Felt FR 30 (19.8 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2029
Trek Domane AL 5 (22.2 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2179
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 (20.9 lbs, Shimano Tiagra, 10 speed) - $2400
Appreciate any thoughts/inputs, warnings, great ideas, etc.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Canyon Endurace CF SL 7 (18.7 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2599
Giant Contend AR 1 (21.2 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $1950
Felt FR 30 (19.8 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2029
Trek Domane AL 5 (22.2 lbs, Shimano 105, 11 speed) - $2179
Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 (20.9 lbs, Shimano Tiagra, 10 speed) - $2400
#42
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I agree, I can try one, and it appears to be the only thing close to what I want to spend.
#43
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That's true component-wise but they still come with a PF BB and that is ultimately why I chose the Cannondale Synapse 3L. Yes it's more money but aside from the Smart Sense (which I'm going to strip out and remove) it looks to be the bike that I want to ride and upgrade over time.
Last edited by KJ43; 03-10-22 at 09:28 PM.
#44
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Thread Starter
From reading the Giant Defy Advanced 2 has a press fit bottom bracket. The Rose Reveal also has the BB86 bottom bracket.
The Trek Domane SL 5 has a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
Not sure is the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is threaded or press fit.
#45
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Out of ignorance, it looks like the Endurance CF SL 7 Disc comes with the Token Ninja Lite BB4124 PF86.5 Thread-Fit bottom bracket, then it mentioned BB86 Road standard, compatible with 24 mm axles. What is the disadvantage/advantage of press vice thread fit and is that a concern?
From reading the Giant Defy Advanced 2 has a press fit bottom bracket. The Rose Reveal also has the BB86 bottom bracket.
The Trek Domane SL 5 has a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
Not sure is the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is threaded or press fit.
From reading the Giant Defy Advanced 2 has a press fit bottom bracket. The Rose Reveal also has the BB86 bottom bracket.
The Trek Domane SL 5 has a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
Not sure is the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is threaded or press fit.
The '22 Cannondale Synapse is a threaded BB. I prefer a threaded BB mostly because I do a lot of my own wrenching at home and I find them easy to work with in general. I'm sure people have beat the topic to death on the forums and you could do a search here to see just how bloody the corpse of that horse is.
#46
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It is believed that press fit BBS can develop creaking noises over time. Threaded is supposed to be more stable.
lots of arguments on both sides.
lots of arguments on both sides.
#47
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Canyon Home in Carlsbad is on the way to my office but Canyon would not do a delivery there; the bike must still be shipped.
#48
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Out of ignorance, it looks like the Endurance CF SL 7 Disc comes with the Token Ninja Lite BB4124 PF86.5 Thread-Fit bottom bracket, then it mentioned BB86 Road standard, compatible with 24 mm axles. What is the disadvantage/advantage of press vice thread fit and is that a concern?
From reading the Giant Defy Advanced 2 has a press fit bottom bracket. The Rose Reveal also has the BB86 bottom bracket.
The Trek Domane SL 5 has a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
Not sure is the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is threaded or press fit.
From reading the Giant Defy Advanced 2 has a press fit bottom bracket. The Rose Reveal also has the BB86 bottom bracket.
The Trek Domane SL 5 has a T47 threaded bottom bracket.
Not sure is the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 is threaded or press fit.
#49
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Absolutely! I've done just that, however, my spouse wants me to get a new bike. There is some sentimental value to the old one and I plan on retiring it as an indoor trainer.
Looks like an awesome bike, but the Specialized Roubaix Sport is about $3200 so pretty far above my budget, but agreed, amazing bike.
I agree, I can try one, and it appears to be the only thing close to what I want to spend.
Looks like an awesome bike, but the Specialized Roubaix Sport is about $3200 so pretty far above my budget, but agreed, amazing bike.
I agree, I can try one, and it appears to be the only thing close to what I want to spend.
FWIW, I think the new Endurace model (4,000 w/ Rival ETap) clears 35mm and looks like a solid bike.
Can also get a regular Caledonia w/ Rival ETAP for 4400
#50
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This is great advice. Get the bike that fits and you like and ignore the BB standard. I’ve had a number of bikes with a PFbottom bracket and only one ever creaked, and that was the quality of the SRAM BB, not the bike itself or the shell.