Help to choose new Gravel or Endurance? bike

Good afternoon!

First of all, sorry if I make any typo mistake. English is not my mother tongue. I am Spanish but living in Germany.

Well, I would like to buy a gravel bike, since is the perfect kind of bike for me, considering what I need it for.

Basically, I will be using the bike (not in competition) 75% on road and 25% out of road. Then, one of the important points for me is that the bike needs to be fast.

My budget is around 1500€ and 2000€ maximum. About carbon material or aluminum, I really don't know if it's worth buying a carbon one considering the difference in terms of price.

I am not an expert but I love cycling since I was a kid.

During the last weeks I have been reading posts about different opinions and visiting as well sites where I could find useful information. The biggest constraint I have found is the availability of some models and even the extremely long lead times.

Below are the bikes I consider more interesting for me:

- Canyon Grail AL 7.0 - Nice bike and specifications but not available at the moment in the web site.
- What about carbon model of Canyon? Grail CF 7.0
- Merida Silex 600
- Cannondale Topstone 105 - Topstone Apex 1 is nice but a little bit expensive...
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 - ALR5 the same... maybe expensive
- Specialized Diverge

As you see, I am thinking about many options...

One point as well important to me is that the brakes are hydraulic. The tires I will mount on the bike will be not too wide, specially because I will be mainly in road. What about Shimano 105 vs Sram Apex?

Thank you so much to all of you in advance for your messages. I hope I can get my bike soon to start enjoying.

Cheers!!
Raúl

Based on the fact you want a fast bike and it will be used 75% on road, have you considered an endurance road bike instead of a gravel bike?  My road bike is a Canyon Endurace CF and to me it would be the perfect bike for what you want.  It can fit 35mm tires so it works well for light gravel use as well.  The ride quality of the Endurace is amazing, it is super smooth over rough roads while still being stiff and fast. 

ljsmith wrote:Based on the fact you want a fast bike and it will be used 75% on road, have you considered an endurance road bike instead of a gravel bike?  My road bike is a Canyon Endurace CF and to me it would be the perfect bike for what you want.  It can fit 35mm tires so it works well for light gravel use as well.  The ride quality of the Endurace is amazing, it is super smooth over rough roads while still being stiff and fast. 

Thank you Ijsmith! Then my list of options is now growing... and more doubts! haha... Then when would you recommend a gravel instead of an endurance one? It is true that I won't be riding for very technical "out of road ways" but of course I want to avoid any puncture when I find a gravel road...

Thanks a lot!!

Agreed.  I have an Argon 18 Krypton Xroad that can take up to a 32c tire, which is enough to have a little off-road fun, but it's real strength/purpose is road riding.

Look for a road bike that has the tire clearance to let you dabble in gravel.  A full-blown gravel bike would likely frustrate you on paved roads.

teoblar wrote:Agreed.  I have an Argon 18 Krypton Xroad that can take up to a 32c tire, which is enough to have a little off-road fun, but it's real strength/purpose is road riding.

Look for a road bike that has the tire clearance to let you dabble in gravel.  A full-blown gravel bike would likely frustrate you on paved roads.

Wow... then I have maybe to change my mind about the model of bike I need... Yes, what I don't want to feel is that the bike is not fast enough on paved roads.. that is why I hate when I ride a mountain bike... 😃

If I finally decide to go for a Endurance model... Which are the ones you would recommend me?

Thanks!!
Raúl

balles88 wrote:Good afternoon!

First of all, sorry if I make any typo mistake. English is not my mother tongue. I am Spanish but living in Germany.

Well, I would like to buy a gravel bike, since is the perfect kind of bike for me, considering what I need it for.

Basically, I will be using the bike (not in competition) 75% on road and 25% out of road. Then, one of the important points for me is that the bike needs to be fast.

My budget is around 1500€ and 2000€ maximum. About carbon material or aluminum, I really don't know if it's worth buying a carbon one considering the difference in terms of price.

I am not an expert but I love cycling since I was a kid.

During the last weeks I have been reading posts about different opinions and visiting as well sites where I could find useful information. The biggest constraint I have found is the availability of some models and even the extremely long lead times.

Below are the bikes I consider more interesting for me:

- Canyon Grail AL 7.0 - Nice bike and specifications but not available at the moment in the web site.
- What about carbon model of Canyon? Grail CF 7.0
- Merida Silex 600
- Cannondale Topstone 105 - Topstone Apex 1 is nice but a little bit expensive...
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 - ALR5 the same... maybe expensive
- Specialized Diverge

As you see, I am thinking about many options...

One point as well important to me is that the brakes are hydraulic. The tires I will mount on the bike will be not too wide, specially because I will be mainly in road. What about Shimano 105 vs Sram Apex?

Thank you so much to all of you in advance for your messages. I hope I can get my bike soon to start enjoying.

Cheers!!
Raúl

Don't go with Canyon, unless a bikefitter tells you a certain size exactly fits your body. 

Have a look at the Fairlight Secan if you value comfort and durability combined with bike handling and versatility.

droitaubut wrote:

Don't go with Canyon, unless a bikefitter tells you a certain size exactly fits your body. 

Have a look at the Fairlight Secan if you value comfort and durability combined with bike handling and versatility.

You don't need a bike fitter to tell you if you fit a Canyon, or any other bike.  Most people can use a geometry chart to find the right size.  I haven't test rode a bike in 20 years and haven't had any trouble getting a good fitting bike.  In the past I have had bike shop "fitters" try to tell me a certain bike fit me, just because they had that size in stock.  So its not like going to the bike shop and trusting them is a good formula for success.  

The Canyon Endurace CF SL 7.0 fits within your budget and is a great bike for the money.

ljsmith wrote:

You don't need a bike fitter to tell you if you fit a Canyon, or any other bike.  Most people can use a geometry chart to find the right size.  I haven't test rode a bike in 20 years and haven't had any trouble getting a good fitting bike.  In the past I have had bike shop "fitters" try to tell me a certain bike fit me, just because they had that size in stock.  So its not like going to the bike shop and trusting them is a good formula for success.  

The Canyon Endurace CF SL 7.0 fits within your budget and is a great bike for the money.

Actually with Canyon you can't always adjust the stem/bar easily, which means the package as a total has to fit you perfectly. This lack of being adjustable is what many bike fitters have against canyon, and sometimes certain stem length/bar width combo's aren't even available. Not sure about the specific model. But geometry charts are just the frame, you can have quite a good guess, though not everyone really knows what they need. And even if you have good geometry your body may change over time to such an extent that the frame still works, but you would want to alter stem length Then it's important that's possible without much hassle.

Thank for all the answers. I will have a look then to Endurance bikes as well... My only concern is that I could be more limited than with the gravel. But if I can mount tires of 35mm in case I need it, maybe I do not need a gravel... At what point should I consider the gravel then? If most of my rides are out of paved roads?

Thanks!!

You need to decide what your max tire size is, as you can't change that after you buy the bike.   That is Key.

Many bikes in the ultra high end have "fixed" stem and bars.  Canyon is just one of them.  but the more moderately priced bikes (specialized, Trek, or Canyon) have removable stems.  

I have a Canyon Inflite.  Probably more agressive than the Endurance.  Fastest bike I have ever ridden (its amazing).  Probably as fast as my track bike (although that obviously has a different venue) with similar tires.   IT takes 40mm tires.  The Grail, from what I have read - is not quite as lively.  May be a good thing for hard core gravel guys, but as a mixed mode bike, I like the Inflite.   Certainly the Canyon Endurance, or Specialized diverge are "endurance" bikes that can take a pretty plump tire...

I think I do not need a very plump tire... when I am out of the road, I use to be in gravel  but nothing complicated. Will be as well an endurance bike stable in these conditions? Could as well go through puddles and mud? 
I have been having a look to the Canyon Endurance AL 7.0 and is very nice. 
I guess there are many options in the market...

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-carbon-shimano-105/ 

Rose (Germany) also has a 105 carbon gravel model, but it is over your budget by 250.  

Have a look at the Scott range of gravel bikes also. 

Hi guys,

So to sum up, I should consider better Endurance model than Gravel. When would you recommend a gravel instead of Endurance? Sorry for insisting but I don't want to be limited...  I have read as well the Endurance bikes are more focused on long distances... I don´t know if I will ride 50 km. every time I go out! 😃
Maybe with an endurance and two different size of tires depending on the situation could be fine...
Then, do you consider important to get a bike with adjustable stem and bar?
Hydraulic Brakes I think are a must...  
Should I consider Carbon instead of Aluminium?
Any other model you may have in mind? What do you think about Canyon Endurance CF 8.0? 
Thanks to all of you 🙂

Have you looked at the Felt Breed 30?

Hi,

I have not heard about that bike before... but I will have a look for sure.
I think I am now more focused on Endurance ones... I need just to decide which model...
Canyon Endurance? Trek Domane? Specialized roubaix? Even Focus Paralane...
Of course with the maximum badget of 2000€. In case I need it, could I place a fender in endurance bikes? I know it is not typical...

Thanks!

You should focus on good wheels rather than a brand name on the frame. I built my bike for approx. 1500€ and it's fast and offroad capable. I now run it with two wheelsets (cost me about 400€ more): 700C with 44mm tires for fast rolling and gravel and 650B with 48mm threaded tires for offroad. Both sets are DT Swiss rims and hubs and I run the best tires money can buy: Compass/Rene Herse. PM me if you want to know more.  

1500-2000 lb. is a pretty hefty budget. I might be different but I would buy the lightest gravel bike I could afford and then run slicks on it for the road. I know there is a gravel bike sold in Europe Raleigh rxo or something like that isn't sold in the USA. I for sure would go Shimano 2x. Good luck

Zman

balles88 wrote:Hi guys,

So to sum up, I should consider better Endurance model than Gravel. When would you recommend a gravel instead of Endurance? Sorry for insisting but I don't want to be limited...  I have read as well the Endurance bikes are more focused on long distances... I don´t know if I will ride 50 km. every time I go out!
Maybe with an endurance and two different size of tires depending on the situation could be fine...
Then, do you consider important to get a bike with adjustable stem and bar?
Hydraulic Brakes I think are a must...  
Should I consider Carbon instead of Aluminium?
Any other model you may have in mind? What do you think about Canyon Endurance CF 8.0? 
Thanks to all of you

1) A gravel bike is needed if you want tires above 40mm in size.  32 is a large tire for an endurance bike (some bikes may take it, others not).
2) Endurance bikes are more "relaxed"   You are not leaned over so far, and the bike may be less agile (more stable).  This means you will be comfortable on a 150km ride, but it is not a negative for short rides - unless you prefer an aggressive bike style (bent over, aerodynamic, agile).
3) generally, most people do not adjust their stem and bar once they get it to fit.  One exception for me is a very old "quill" stem, that takes about 5 seconds to adjust the height.  I love being able to do that, but its just not worth the time on other bikes.
4) hydraulics are a must, agreed.
5) carbon can be lighter, stiffer, more compliant.  It is also easier to chip and scratch, and costs a lot more.  I'm happy on aluminum, but a well made carbon bike can be special.  
Canyon Endurance (especially in Germany) is a great bike.  

However, I would only choose it if I was never going to go somewhere rocky or where the ground (dirt/sand) is soft.  It can not take 40mm tires.  If you decide you need this in the future you can't do it.  But, with a bike like the grail, you can go big or small (say 40mm to 28mm).  

Really, with all the riding I have done in Germany (Saarland/Luxembourg) - 32mm is fine and would probably be my choice.  Still, I kind of hate not being able to use 40mm tires when I'm in the mood for it.  

chas wrote:

1) A gravel bike is needed if you want tires above 40mm in size.  32 is a large tire for an endurance bike (some bikes may take it, others not).
2) Endurance bikes are more "relaxed"   You are not leaned over so far, and the bike may be less agile (more stable).  This means you will be comfortable on a 150km ride, but it is not a negative for short rides - unless you prefer an aggressive bike style (bent over, aerodynamic, agile).
3) generally, most people do not adjust their stem and bar once they get it to fit.  One exception for me is a very old "quill" stem, that takes about 5 seconds to adjust the height.  I love being able to do that, but its just not worth the time on other bikes.
4) hydraulics are a must, agreed.
5) carbon can be lighter, stiffer, more compliant.  It is also easier to chip and scratch, and costs a lot more.  I'm happy on aluminum, but a well made carbon bike can be special.  
Canyon Endurance (especially in Germany) is a great bike.  

However, I would only choose it if I was never going to go somewhere rocky or where the ground (dirt/sand) is soft.  It can not take 40mm tires.  If you decide you need this in the future you can't do it.  But, with a bike like the grail, you can go big or small (say 40mm to 28mm).  

Really, with all the riding I have done in Germany (Saarland/Luxembourg) - 32mm is fine and would probably be my choice.  Still, I kind of hate not being able to use 40mm tires when I'm in the mood for it.  

Thanks a lot for such good response.

I think I will not use tires larger than 32... Most of the roads I will be out of the road would be like the photo below.

 

Do you think it would be enough with 32mm tires? Even less?

And about brakes... Should I take disk brakes? I know there are a lot of discussions about this... maybe I could find bikes with more clearance on those which are mounting these diak brakes. 

Yes definitely the Canyon Endurance seems to be a good bike. I have heard as well about the Trek Domane and Specialized Roubaix.. any advice?

Thanks a lot

Go with discs, they are powerful and predictable, pads last a long time and are easy to replace. I can't come up with a lot of reasons, or any, to not use discs.

BS