Raised handlebars make the bars an easier reach which can help those who want an aggressive position, but struggle to find comfort. If your tires are the correct width, relatively smooth gravel roads should be no problem.Įndurance bikes are known for being much more comfortable than a race bike. Endurance bikes are much more versatile than a race bike. In addition to wider tires, more built-in compliance in the frame allows for shock absorption but makes the ride less efficient, meaning you have to work slightly harder for your miles.Ī slack head tube angle makes the bike very stable, and when combined with seemingly endless traction in corners thanks to wide tires, make for a fast descent. Generally specced with wider 32c tires, you can safely drop pressures and not need to worry about bumps or small holes in the road. The feeling of an endurance bike is much more plush than a race bike. An endurance bike won’t be as fast as your super-efficient race bike, but what it lacks in speed it can more than make up for in control and comfort. The components are generally slightly burlier but are better feeling. This means they absorb small bumps, fit more comfortably, and are built to take more abuse. An endurance bike can easily be a race bike with a few tweaks, but many prefer to utilize the benefits of owning one.Įndurance bikes are meant for long days in the saddle. These bikes are for those willing to trade a small amount of speed, for a large increase in comfort.Įndurance bikes tend to get a bad rap for being slow. Endurance bikes are very versatile and definitely not slow. Now that you know what a race bike is, we need to learn the other side of the story. VIEW ON TREKBIKES What is an Endurance Bike? Less versatile and slightly more fragile than an endurance bike.Not super comfortable and requires more flexibility.The downside however is that the max tire clearance is 28c. Carbon wheels, bars, and a “ride tuned seatmast” dampen vibrations to offer a smoother ride. This Emonda is a great example of how you can make a race bike more comfortable. Aero, stiff, aggressive, and light all work in favor of the rider. The Trek Emonda is a great example of a race machine. This configuration promotes greater speed and is particularly advantageous during fast, competitive races on flatter terrains where maximum pace and efficiency are paramount. Race bikes typically feature high gear ratios, equipped with larger front chainrings and smaller cogs on the cassette. The headtube angle is steeper than a traditional bike, which makes turning require less effort.Ī shorter, raised stem would make the bike feel more like an endurance bike if you’re looking for middle grounds. This allows for a more aero position and helps to put the power down. Race geometry stretches and lowers the front end of the bike. Race bikes are built on a stiff frame, which also adds to this responsiveness, but means you’ll feel more bumps on the road, and have a less comfortable ride. For crit racers however, tight consecutive corners on the course will be easier because of the increased responsiveness when cranking on the pedals and turning hard. On descents, you may feel less confident on narrower wheels, a steeper head tube, and a lighter frame, which may mean slowing down. For hills where aero doesn’t matter, the lighter race bike will outperform an endurance bike. Aerodynamics is a huge part of the speed gain on a race bike. If you don’t mind a more aggressive position, they offer the benefit of being very aero. Many people will choose race bikes for their feeling of agility. A wider tired, burlier endurance bike will handle harsh conditions but will be overkill on tame roads. Race bikes are generally made of lighter components and narrower wheels which are great for speed but make the bike less practical for the average rider.Īnother factor to consider is the quality of your roads. If you race, or just take KOMs seriously, then this may be the better option of the two. It is important to remember that the position can always be adjusted on bikes.Ī race bike is about squeezing out every drop of performance. Sometimes they are, but when you look at the specs, a race bike isn’t always incredibly aggressive, but there are certain traits that you’ll consistently find. Oftentimes the word “race” scares away consumers as it makes them think the bike is very aggressive. If you’re willing to sacrifice comfort and versatility for performance, then a race bike is the way to go. When you choose a bike, you need to find the one which fits your needs and preferences best. This post might contain affiliate links for which we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase.
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