Endurance Road Bike – What it is and who it’s for

Riding long distances without sacrificing comfort – this is exactly what the endurance road bike was developed for. It combines the speed of a road bike with a more relaxed riding position and ensures that you can still pedal powerfully even after many hours.

But what exactly is an endurance road bike? Which advantages does it offer? And is it the right choice for you? Find out everything you need to know here.

What is an endurance road bike?

An endurance road bike is a special type of road bike designed for long distances and high comfort. It offers a more upright riding position, a vibration-damping frame geometry and often greater tyre clearance for better riding comfort.

Characteristics of an endurance road bike:

Comfortable geometry – You sit less stretched out than on a race road bike, which takes the strain off your back and wrists.
More tyre clearance – Often up to 32 mm, which absorbs bumps better.
Vibration damping – Specially moulded seat stays or integrated technologies reduce vibrations.
Stable riding propertie – Longer wheelbase and flatter angles ensure a smoother ride.

What does endurance mean on a road bike?
‘Endurance’ means resistance. An endurance road bike is designed to keep you relaxed and efficient on long rides.

For whom is an endurance road bike recommended?

An endurance road bike is particularly beneficial for you if:
✓ You ride long distances and prefer a more comfortable riding position.
✓ You value versatility and are looking for a road bike that remains stable even on uneven roads.
✓ You are not only looking for top speed, but also for endurance rides and cycling marathons.
✓ You have back or wrist problems and are looking for a more ergonomic geometry.

Why an endurance road bike?
✓ Comfort thanks to upright riding position and better damping.
✓ Less fatigue thanks to vibration-damping frame and wider tyres.
✓ Versatility – from fast tours to long bike marathons.
✓ Better control and safety than an aggressive race bike.

So if you are looking for a road bike that you can ride for hours without your body feeling the strain, an endurance road bike is an excellent choice.

Road bike endurance vs. aero road bike – What are the differences?

Many people ask themselves: How much faster is an aero road bike than an endurance road bike?

• Aero road bikes are optimised for speed and offer a lower riding position for less air resistance.
• Endurance road bikes are more comfortable and better suited for long distances.
• An aero road bike can be 5-10% faster on flat trails, but on long rides an endurance road bike can be more efficient because it causes less fatigue.

If you are racing and want maximum speed, an aero road bike is better. If you prefer comfort and long-distance capability, an endurance road bike is the right choice.

Endurance road bike vs. race road bike – the most important differences

People often wonder: How does an endurance road bike differ from a race road bike?

Feature	Endurance road bike	Race road bike
Sitting position	More upright, more relaxed	Stretched, aerodynamic
Tyre width	Up to 32 mm	Maximum 28 mm
Vibration damping	High, often special frame technologies	Low, focus on stiffness
Stability	Smoother ride on long distances	More direct handling for fast sprints
Weight	Slightly heavier (more comfort)	Very light (maximum efficiency)
Brakes	Disc brakes for safety	Usually also disc brakes, sometimes rim brakes
Intended use	Long distances, cycle marathons	Races, high speeds

Endurance road bike vs. gravel bike – How do they differ?

Is a gravel bike an endurance road bike?
Not quite! Both are made for long distances, but they have different areas of use:

Feature	Endurance Rennrad	Gravelbike
Sitting position	Comfortable, but sporty	Very upright, even more relaxed
Tyre width	Up to 32 mm	35–50 mm
Road surface	Asphalt, light gravel paths	Gravel, forest tracks, off-road
Speed	Higher on the road	More versatile, but slower on tarmac
Special equipment	Lightweight & aerodynamic	Stable, often with eyelets for pannier rack
Intended use	Long distances, cycle marathons	Bikepacking, adventure, commuting

Can I use an endurance road bike as a gravel bike?
Conditionally. It offers more comfort than a race bike, but it doesn’t have the off-road capability of a gravel bike.

If you mainly ride on tarmac, an endurance road bike is ideal. If you often ride on gravel roads, you should consider a gravel bike.

Technical aspects: Stack-to-reach ratio for endurance road bikes

What is a proper stack-to-reach ratio for an endurance road bike?
The stack-to-reach ratio indicates how upright the riding position is.

• Endurance road bikes have values around 1.45 – 1.55 (more comfortable).
• Race bikes are usually around 1.35 – 1.45 (stretched position).

The higher the value, the more relaxed the riding position, which is crucial for long distances.

Can you ride a cycling marathon on an endurance road bike?

Yes, you can easily ride a cycling marathon on an endurance road bike – and for many riders it is even the best choice for long distances.

Why not a race road bike?

A race bike is lighter and more aerodynamic, but after several hours in the saddle, the stretched seating position can become tiring. Many marathon riders therefore appreciate the ergonomic position and comfort of an endurance road bike.

For which cycling marathons is an endurance road bike particularly recommended?

• Everyman races and Gran Fondos – Perfect for events with long distances and mixed route profiles.
• High-altitude races – The comfortable geometry helps you stay fit even after long climbs.
• Long-distance events and brevets – When you’re riding 200 kilometres or more, comfort counts more than aerodynamics.

Is an endurance road bike good for cycling marathons?

Yes, an endurance road bike is one of the best options for cycling marathons because it offers the perfect balance of comfort, control and efficiency.

So if you want to ride long distances without feeling tired early on, an endurance road bike is just the thing for you.

However, most riders in cycling marathons use an aero road bike because they are looking for maximum speed. Ambitious riders in particular, who ride in the front groups or aim for the best times, rely on the aerodynamic advantages.

Why do many riders use an aero road bike for marathon cycling?

• Less air resistance – An aero road bike reduces air resistance by up to ten per cent compared to an endurance road bike.
• Higher average speed – An aero bike can be two to four km/h faster, especially on flat stretches and descents.
• Stiffer frame – Power transmission is more direct, which helps when sprinting or in fast group rides.
• Lighter overall weight – Many aero bikes are lighter than endurance bikes, which brings advantages on climbs.
• Appearance – For some, the sporty, aggressive design also plays a role.

But… Aero road bikes also have disadvantages

• Uncomfortable riding position – The stretched posture puts more strain on the back and wrists.
• Greater fatigue – If you are not trained, you will lose strength more quickly on long distances.
• Less comfort on bad roads – Narrow tyres (maximum 28 mm) and a stiffer frame make you more aware of bumps.
• More strenuous in headwinds and climbs – Without an aerodynamic groupset, an endurance road bike can be even more efficient.

Which road bike is actually the fastest in a bike marathon?

• On flat routes and short races, an aero road bike has the advantage.
• For long distances (150 to 300 kilometres) and mountainous routes, an endurance road bike can be better in the long term due to its comfort and reduced fatigue.
• At the top of a race, almost all professionals ride aero bikes.

Why do most people ride an aero road bike?

An aero road bike is faster – but only for riders who are fit enough to maintain the aggressive riding position.

For many amateur or long-distance riders, however, an endurance road bike is the better choice because it is less strenuous and allows for more consistent performance over many hours.

• Do you aim to win? Then an aero road bike is the right choice.
• Do you want to reach the finish line relaxed and efficiently? Then an endurance road bike is the better option.

Is an endurance road bike right for you?

✓ Do you want a road bike that is still comfortable even after hours?
✓ Are you looking for a sporty but not too aggressive bike?
✓ Do you want a high-quality road bike for long tours?

Then an endurance road bike is the perfect choice! It offers you the optimum combination of comfort, speed and versatility – ideal for cycling marathons, training rides and long tours.

Which is the right road bike for you?

An endurance road bike is the ideal choice for long distances with a high level of comfort. However, depending on your riding style and intended use, a different model may suit you better:

• Are you looking for a classic endurance road bike? The Cube Attain offers a relaxed riding position and high riding comfort for long tours and bike marathons.
• Do you want more aerodynamics but still want comfort? The Cube Agree combines the advantages of an endurance road bike with aerodynamic properties for fast long-distance rides.
• Are you seeking maximum speed and competition performance? The Cube Litening is a race and aero road bike designed for maximum efficiency and speed.
• Are you looking for an alternative for road and gravel? Then gravel bike is the best choice for versatile riding on different surfaces.

Your choice of bike depends on your goals and your favourite terrain. Whether comfort, speed or versatility – there is the right model for you!