10 Best Endurance Road Bikes in 2022

Last updated 22. March 2022

Endurance bikes are specially made to withstand long distances and bumpy roads. If you are a beginner to the world of cycling then purchasing a bike that has been specially made to make riding long distances effortless can make all the difference to you. Endurance bikes are also known as sportive bikes due to the fact that those who typically ride them are active people on an all-day affair.

There is a great range of endurance bikes available all of which have their own unique features to make cycling long distances comfortable. As a beginner to the world of cycling, you may feel overwhelmed by your choices. Endurance bikes can be used by both beginners or experienced riders to make the whole experience more comfortable and safe.

View The Best Endurance Road Bike Below

We have researched the most popular brands and customer-rated models to find the ten best endurance road bikes in 2021.

1. Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike

This endurance road bike is made for comfort and efficiency making it ideal for long days in the saddle. The Merit 3 endurance road bike offers great stopping power, a smooth ride, and excellent responsiveness. It features Shimano 105 11-speed STI shifters that flatten out any hill and make riding on all terrains comfortable.

The wide specialist tires have great traction and feature puncture-protection underfoot. This endurance bike has an anti-shock stem and seat post that dampens vibrations and protects your lower body when riding. This endurance bike has been made to provide an effortless, safe and comfortable ride that can be appreciated by experienced or beginner cyclists.

Pros:
+ Great stopping power
+ Smooth ride
+ Excellent response
+ Good traction
+ Anti-shock stem

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike has been made for efficiency, comfort, and security for all-day rides.


2. Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen 1 Complete

The Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen 1 Complete is a women-specific endurance road bike that is aimed at long distance riders. It features specialist alterations to typical road geometry to make the frame incredibly comfortable and easy to ride. The endurance road bike provides a relaxed posture that makes riding long distances or on hard terrains effortless.

As this bike is made for women, it features size-specific handlebars, stem, crank, and saddle for great efficiency and comfort. The road bike wheels have been made to offer great traction and have a stiff, secure ride. The women-specific aluminum frame is durable and steady for a smooth ride.

Pros:
+ Women-specific
+ Relaxed posture
+ Durable frame
+ Stiff, secure ride
+ Comfortable saddle

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike has been specially made for women and features alterations for a comfortable ride


3. Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike

This endurance road bike has a lightweight frame that has been made for maximum efficiency when on the road. It features a responsive aluminum fork, disc brakes that have great stopping power, and stable wide tires. This endurance bike has been made to be light and fast, which is ideal during long distance rides.

The classic road bike design has been made for ease of control. This efficiency is furthered through the thru axle wheels which are stiff for precise steering and control. Merit 2 is a reliable and comfortable bike that can be used all day long.

Pros:
+ Lightweight frame
+ Responsive
+ Precise steering and control
+ Comfortable
+ Easily controlled

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike is incredibly easy to control and has stiff wheels for an efficient ride


4. Schwinn Fastback 1 700C Performance Road Bike

This endurance road bike has been designed to offer a smooth, light and fast ride on the road. As it is lightweight and available in a range of sizes, this bike can be easily controlled and allows you to push yourself further. The range of sizes also ensures that this bike can be used by men and women for long distance rides.

It has a platinum-grade aluminum frame and carbon race fork for a fast and agile ride, suitable for professional and experienced cyclists. The wheels are tall and narrow to offer a streamlined and fast ride on the road. This bike has a great response through the road alloy brakes that provide a crisp stop and speed control.

Pros:
+ Streamlined ride
+ Lightweight
+ Great range of sizes
+ Agile frame
+ Crisp stop brakes

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike has been made for speed and agile control with its lightweight frame and tall wheels.


5. Raleigh Bikes Women’s Super Course Endurance Road Bike

This endurance road bike is a lightweight and attractive model that can be used by a beginner, experienced and even professional cyclists who are training for their next big ride. It is designed with women-specific geometry that provides the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency.

The Shimano Claris shifters offer 16 speeds and compact gearing to tackle the highest climbs and toughest terrains. The women-specific saddle contributes to the classic appearance of this endurance bike as well as being comfortable for long distance rides. The handles match the seat for an attractive and efficient design. This bike is super comfortable and easy to control even on long distance rides.

Pros:
+ Classic and cute design
+ Women-specific dimensions
+ 16 speeds
+ Compact gearing
+ Easy to control

Why We Liked It – This women-specific endurance road bike is attractive, lightweight and incredibly comfortable to ride. Looking to spend less? Check out these cheap road bikes.


6. Schwinn Fastback 2 700C Performance Road Bike

The Schwinn Fastback 2 700C Performance Road Bike has a triple-butted aluminum road frame and carbon race fork to provide a fast, agile and controlled ride. This endurance bike, as it is lightweight and streamlined, is best suited to athletic cyclists. It has an 18-speed drivetrain and shifters to offer optimal gearing control.

The front and rear caliper brakes and levers offer a crisp all-condition stop and speed control, making this bike suitable for all kinds of cycling. This endurance road bike has a five-year warranty making it a great investment for those who want to make the most out of their cycling and long distance riding.

Pros:
+ Triple-butted aluminum frame
+ Lightweight
+ Streamlined for speed
+ 18-speed drivetrain
+ All-condition stop

Why We Liked It – This professional standard endurance bike has a streamlined and lightweight frame to pick up incredible speed.


7. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

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The Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike is an affordable model that comes with a lifetime frame warranty for added value. This means that riding an endurance bike can be accessible to anyone of any ability. This bike features new technology and an updated crank, derailleurs and brakes to provide a high class, fast and stable ride.

The compact frame geometry offers a relaxed position for all riding styles, making this bike comfortable and secure even for long distance rides. All aspects of this endurance bike have been made for maximum comfort, control and efficiency making your return to long distance cycling effortless.

Pros:
+ Efficient and comfortable
+ Affordable
+ Updated features
+ Aluminum frame
+ Lifetime warranty

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike is affordable and still offers all the control, comfort and efficiency you’d expect.


8. Schwinn Volare 1300 Men’s Drop Bar Road Bike

Schwinn Volare 1300 Men's Drop Bar Road Bike

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This endurance road bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a rigid fork to provide quick and responsive riding. The Shimano shifters offer 14-speeds, and the rear derailleur is ideal for quick and precise gear changes. The alloy caliper brakes provide a crisp stop in all conditions, making this a safe and comfortable bike to ride.

The sport saddle and alloy seat post are lightweight and provide great performance. These features also contribute to the comfort of this bike, which remains even during a long distance ride. The 28C tires are fast and durable for a secure and precise ride.

Pros:
+ Lightweight frame
+ Responsive riding
+ 14-speed shifters
+ Quick and precise gears
+ Comfortable saddle

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike has a lightweight frame, precise gears and a comfortable saddle for a great performance.


9. 6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed

The track frame on this endurance road bike is lightweight and has been made to maximize rider control. It features smooth to the touch welds, and the Flip Flop Hub makes this bike ideal for either freestyle or fixed gear endurance cycling. It is one of the more affordable road endurance bikes that still remains high-quality.

The wheels are streamlined and durable, while still being light enough for a fast and precise ride. This endurance bike is great value for money and has been used by athletic cyclists, as well as those who ride their bike during their commute. It is comfortable and long-lasting.

Pros:
+ Lightweight frame
+ Great value
+ Precise ride
+ Streamlined tires
+ Long-lasting bike

Why We Liked It – This endurance bike is ideal for long distance rides as it is lightweight and precise.


10. KENT GZR700 Road Bike

KENT

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The KENT GZR700 Road Bike – B01CUUWXTI has been formed around the tig welded, high tensile steel frame and fork. These are incredibly durable and tough materials, while still remaining lightweight enough for maximum control. The stem shifters and rear derailleur provide reliable and smooth fluctuating through the 21-speed range.

The high-profile rim alloys don’t just look good but contribute to the great performance and reliability of this bike. This endurance road bike is comfortable to ride long distance due to the saddle seat and handlebars. It would be an ideal entry-level road bike due to how comfortable and easy to control it is.

Pros:
+ Hight tensile frame
+ Durable
+ Lightweight
+ Smooth shift
+ 21-speed range

Why We Liked It – This endurance road bike is incredibly durable and comfortable making it the ideal entry-level bike.


Endurance Road Bike Buyers Guide

Endurance road bikes can be such a beneficial piece of kit to both beginners and experienced cyclists. If you are a beginner to cycling long distance then having a specialist endurance bike can really save your lower body from the pain and damage that some bikes may cause. Experienced cyclists could benefit from the shift speed control, lightweight frames and smooth rides that endurance road bikes provide.

It can be quite tricky to maneuver through the cycling market, especially when you’re looking for something as specialized as an endurance bike. In order to find the best endurance road bike for your needs, there are some features that you need to look out for and consider.

Comfort

Endurance road bikes, also known as sportive bikes, are made to be ridden for long distances and for long periods of times. This means that how comfortable the saddle and general geometry of the bike is, should be something you consider. As they are made for long distances, endurance road bikes are likely to have a lightweight saddle and seat post that is incredibly comfortable to ride on.

In order to make the saddle and overall bike incredibly comfortable, different brands will use different features and technology. For example, the Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike has an anti-shock stem and seat post to prevent vibrations and make their bike comfortable to ride long distances.

The Schwinn Volare 1300 Men’s Drop Bar Road Bike has a sport saddle that has been specially designed for athletic use, and a lightweight seat post for maximum comfort. When looking into how comfortable an endurance road bike will be for you, it is important for you to also consider the height and shape that the bike is.

A lot of bikes have a specialized posture that makes you sit in a relaxed position. This means that when you ride bikes like the Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen 1 Complete your body is in a naturally relaxed and comfortable position, allowing you to perform your best and push harder even when riding long distances.

Frame And Stem

Endurance bikes are made to pick up high speeds and offer cyclists a smooth and controlled ride even when going long distance. Most of their power and technology is located within their frame, meaning it is important for you to consider the material and structure of your endurance bike.

Most bikes are made from some form of aluminum, which is a durable and lightweight material. This ensures that you can pick up good speeds while still having control of your bike. The Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike has a specialist lightweight frame that is designed to offer maximum rider control as well as being able to pick up great speeds.

Some other bikes throughout this review have specific frame features to make them suitable for their intended riders. The Raleigh Bikes Women’s Super Course Endurance Road Bike is a women-specific endurance bike which means that it has some adjustments to make it suitable for women riders. Women-specific bikes tend to be lighter, narrow and have easy to reach controls making their frames unique.

Wheels

Endurance road bikes need to have durable, tough and yet streamlined wheels in order to make them suitable for long distance rides and smooth control. Depending on what kind of endurance road bike you need, the kind of wheels and relevant features may differ. If you want an endurance bike for athletic purposes and are an experienced cyclist, then you will want streamlined wheels that can pick up great speeds.

The Schwinn Fastback 1 700C Performance Road Bike has thin and streamlined wheels to contribute to the speed and control this bike offers. With streamlined wheels, you can experience a smooth and fast ride as well as being more likely to have a crisp and controlled stop whenever necessary.

In most cases, endurance road bikes have longer wheelbases than any other bike available in the market. Having a longer wheelbase means that riders can have more stable handling of their endurance bikes when on the road, which also contributes to how comfortable it is to ride.

Specific Features To Note

As well as these general endurance road bike elements, there are some specific features that you can look out for. All of these features are present to contribute to the comfort of the bike, even when riding long distance. It is particularly important for you to pay attention to these details if you are a beginner to endurance cycling.

Padded Contact Points

It is important that the contact points of your endurance road bike are padded and within reach to make the ride even more comfortable. There are five main contact points on any bike: right hand, left hand, butt, right pedal and left pedal.

Contact points simply refer to any area of the bike that you physically touch and need for control. Most bikes throughout this review have padded or easy to reach contact points, which contributes to the comfort and ease of control.

Vibration Damping

Some endurance bikes throughout this review feature vibration damping frames, seat posts, and forks in order to keep the ride smooth. Even though endurance road bikes are made to be ridden on the roadside, which is a smooth terrain compared to most cycle lanes, there is often no preventing the vibration that runs throughout the bike.

Vibration can make riding an endurance bike uncomfortable as well as being potentially dangerous, as many cyclists find it distracting. If you are a beginner to endurance cycling, then you should undoubtedly consider vibration damping features.

Upright Position

Many bikes through this review have a tall seat post that replicates a relaxed position. The more natural your position is when riding an endurance bike, the more comfortable it will feel to ride – even when going long distance. You need to remember that you will be sat at the saddle for hours, sometimes all day long, so you want to protect your back, shoulders, and bottom.

Endurance Road Bike Questions

What is an endurance road bike?

An endurance road bike, which can also be known as a sportive bike, is a model that has been specially designed to remain comfortable all day long. Endurance bikes are ideal for those who cycle long distances and spend hours on the saddle. They make cycling feel a whole lot easier by having a supportive saddle seat and prevent vibrations or shocks from running through the bike.

This ensures that your back, backside, shoulders, and legs feel fresh and comfortable for longer, meaning you can push yourself and get more out of a ride. Endurance road bikes are those that have been specially made to be ridden on the roadside. This means that they are made for smooth and uphill terrains, so their wheels will be thin and long.

Who rides an endurance road bike?

Due to the fact that endurance road bikes are incredibly comfortable to ride they can be suitable for beginners into cycling. If you have never ridden a bike long distance before or perhaps you are breaking your cycling hiatus, then an endurance road bike is a great way to ease yourself back into the sport.

Athletic and experienced cyclists can also benefit from an endurance road bike. As endurance road bikes have thin and streamlined wheels, they can pick up incredible speeds and have a range of gears. They can make such a difference to your sport and keep you working harder for longer.

Conclusion

Finding the best endurance road bike for your needs can be quite tricky, due to the range of different models that are available. Many people use endurance road bikes to aid their long cycle trips, although they can also be used for more everyday purposes such as the work commute.

These kinds of bikes are designed to be comfortable to ride even for long distances which is why they are suitable for beginners. The frames are lightweight, for easy control, and the thin wheels can pick up good speeds even when going uphill.

There is a range of different features that you should consider when looking for the best endurance road bike for your needs. These kinds of features, such as padding, vibration dampers, and rigid forks, will differ depending on your ability on the road.

Did You Know?

Endurance road bikes are also known as sportive bikes due to how useful they are for athletic riders.

Expert Tip:

Look for vibration dampers, long wheels and padded contact points for an even more comfortable ride.

Key Specs

Endurance Road Bike Available Sizes Weight Men/Womens
Raleigh Bikes Merit 3 Endurance Road Bike – B01N25OOMN 52  – 62 cm 22.6 pounds Mens/Unisex
Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen 1 Complete – B06XDSQ8NM 48cm, 56cm 30.8 pounds Women’s
Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike – B01MSAS2KL 52 – 62 cm 22.6 pounds Unisex
Schwinn Fastback 1 700C Performance Road Bike – B01MCWLGXI 45 – 57 cm 21 pounds Mens/Unisex
Raleigh Bikes Women’s Super Course Endurance Road Bike – B01MZZHG9I 50, 54 cm 27 pounds Women’s

 

Schwinn Fastback 2 700C Performance Road Bike – B01M3SVCK6 44 – 59 cm 21 pounds Men’s
Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike – B01ACEYNYM XXS – XL 35 pounds Unisex
Schwinn Volare 1300 Men’s Drop Bar Road Bike – B079YYTDK3 18 inch 29.8 pounds Men’s
6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed – B018NVRCBM 47 – 61 cm Unisex
KENT GZR700 Road Bike – B01CUUWXTI 54 cm 31.2 pounds Men’s

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