I am looking to get a new road bike and am wondering if there will be a difference in speed between an endurance geometry bike like the Fuji Sportif or Specialized Diverge, and a race geometry bike like the Fuji Roubaix or Specialized Allez. I am looking to go as fast as possible but I also plan on going on 50+ mile rides so comfort is also a factor for me. I also do not plan on doing many hardcore road races. Other info: I am 140 lbs.
asked Sep 11, 2016 at 14:01
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5If you're not a serious racer, chances are the bikes won't really be a limiter in speed, but your training and conditioning will be. Diverge will be more comfortable than Allez probably, but you need to ride them to pick which one you like and what fits better.– BatmanCommented Sep 11, 2016 at 15:55
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350 miles isn't really an "endurance" distance, unless the terrain is hilly or the temp 95f.– Daniel R HicksCommented Sep 11, 2016 at 18:43
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4On the other hand, actual bicycle racing is endurance sport with events up to 200 km and the racers don't use what is advertised as endurance bikes.– ojsCommented Sep 11, 2016 at 19:57
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@Daniel 80km @ 35°C = 3 bidons– andy256Commented Sep 11, 2016 at 22:58
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Since you mentioned fast and comfort, it seems a mid-drive motor pedelec ebike fit you requirements. It also help you to train and maintain your cadence.– mootmootCommented Sep 12, 2016 at 15:46
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4 Answers
The main difference will be increased drag on the endurance model, as it is likely that you will have a higher handlebar position and this will increase your frontal area and in turn drag. However, if it is more comfortable in the more upright position, you may be faster as you are more efficient in putting down the power.
If you are not racing regularly, my suggestion would be the endurance model, as you will be more comfortable, and if you want the low aggressive position that can be achieved by moving the stem/spacers around on the steerer tube.
If cranks, saddle and bars are in the exact same relative positions on both bikes and all other factors remain the same - then there will be in theory - no discernible difference at all. Bicycles labelled as endurance road bikes are not necessarily any slower than a full-on race bike. And the lines become blurred when you consider endurance race bikes.
In general (very general), an endurance bike will have tweaks to the geometry & design features leaning towards comfort.
- taller head tube
- shorter top tube
Both of these can provide a more upright ride. But fit a longer stem and remove the spacers and you're in the realms of an outright race position again. More importantly, an endurance bike may have more compliant ride characteristics built into the frame. Such as thinner seat stays which flex and absorb the road buzz. Take a look at the Scott Solace or Specialized Roubaix for examples. Raced on the cobbles but endurance road bikes nonetheless. This is just two examples of many endurance race bikes.
I should also add an endurance race bike will maintain the close clearance geometry on rear and steeper head-tube angle. Which will keep the bike responsive.
Moving away from endurance race - then the bikes may take on more of a touring geometry also - with longer chain stays, slightly slacker head-tube also. They may also allow for bigger tyre clearance, disc brakes and mudguards.
If you're looking to go as fast as possible with consideration for comfort - than it is an endurance race bike you should be looking at.
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2Looks like op doesn't ask what differences I geometry are, but if those differences will make one bike faster Commented Sep 12, 2016 at 11:11
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The assertion about tire clearance on endurance bikes is likely no longer correct in 2020. I’m not sure it was totally correct in 2016, but that’s a minor point. To my recollection, many current endurance bikes have clearance for as much as 32mm tires, maybe even larger. (e.g. the Trek Domane clears 38mm, but it’s an outlier) performance road bikes may clear 28mm officially, slightly larger if you’re willing to push it. Commented Mar 17, 2020 at 15:35
Apart from the different geometries, tires, weight etc, etc there is a main difference between endurance & a pure sport/race bike. It is the stiffness regards bike flex under pedal load. A sport/race bike will flex less because it is designed to flex less in the carbon layup plus usually it is shorter with less tire clearance so again less flex. Will not have a flex seatpost etc as any frame movement between riders backside & pedals translates to torque loss. Basically the stiffer the bike the more torque can be transferred to the back wheel & again the stiffer wheel can then transmit that torque to the tire. Same again for big tires, they flex rotationally under load which is torque loss which is why on a moderately smooth surface the smaller tire is more effecient, leaving out rolling resistance. I personally have an endurance bike with big tires, high front end, high end tripple gears, flat bar etc but i do not race, i value comfort. If you race then you will notice a sizeable pedal torque effeciency difference between a race & endurance bike.
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1If you actually look at the stiffness measurements (e.g., Velonewa) there is probably a bigger stiffness difference between brands within a type (i.e., endurance vs race) than between types. At some point additional stiffness will not improve pedal efficiency. We probably hit that for most brands.– Rider_XCommented Mar 17, 2020 at 14:43
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1@Rider_X the linked podcast has a couple of bike engineers on it, and they seem to agree with you: frame stiffness (within the ranges that performance bikes offer, anyway) doesn't seem to matter at all. cyclingtips.com/2017/06/… Also, I suspect that you need a suspension seatpost to have a detectable effect of seatpost flex on pedaling efficiency. Commented Mar 17, 2020 at 14:50
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Anyway, welcome to the site! I upvoted your answer despite disagreeing with it. It is relevant to the original question and is based on logical thinking. So, it’s not a bad answer, but I respectfully don’t think it is correct: some discussion can be found on the podcast I linked, Commented Mar 17, 2020 at 15:14
Not to focus on those particular makes and models listed by the OP as it would be difficult to show the differences using those specific bike models.
Yes, a race bike is characterized by riding position. Traditionally with a slammed stem - steerer tube cut short and long stem angled downward. Seatpost set to near longest limit. Narrower width bars. Head tube is short and head angle steeper and a shorter rake fork making for faster more responsive steering. Tighter rear angles keep the rear wheel neatly tucked.
Modern race bikes are now showing more consideration to aerodynamics. Early aero bikes being super stiff but latest ones designed with more compliance and comfort. But they have a pretty focused look about them and may not be the ideal tool for the 90% of the riding you do.
So in summary, a race bike is a combination of the bike and riding position. Bear in mind - the ideal race position may not be ideal for you. It's a pretty extreme and brutal riding position but maximizes for all out speed if you can sustain that position.
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It's possibly worth noting that some current generation higher-end endurance bikes also have aerodynamic features. The "ideal race position" is a bit ill-defined, but I assume you meant a professional road racer position with an immense amount of handlebar drop (i.e. how far below the saddle is the handlebar). I agree that's too extreme for most riders, but you can still run a performance road bike with a more mortal handlebar drop. Commented Mar 18, 2020 at 20:42
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Agreed. I was highlighting to the OP - a race bike is a combination of the bike and riding position because the OP had placed an emphasis on bike models only and outright speed.– OraNobCommented Mar 21, 2020 at 7:35