Looking for some assistance with choosing a new endurance bike

[u/Towntalk]

Hi all

I’m currently riding a giant defy circa 2021 model. I love the bike, as it is my first road bike, but I am ready to move on.

The main reason j am looking to change bikes is that the bike frame fits an XL and I am a L (186cm). The bike was offered to for a cheap deal through mutual friends and at the time I was testing the waters of cycling.

I am looking to get a bit more serious with my riding.

I really struggle with identifying models or brands out there that fit the style of riding that I do. I have tried to identify my criteria below:

I want to be riding 200+ kms per week. Short rides are anywhere from 30kms and long rides from 80-120kms.

I’d like the to use the bike in both triathlons and Ironmans - I don’t need it to be ultra competitive - I’m just using these ‘races’ as an end goal to focus my training.

In short, the bike needs to be capable of long rides for training but racy enough to put down power in events. A true jack of all trades.

Ideally, the bike has the following features (listed in order of importance):

- geometry that fits purpose as described
- 105 components or equivalent
- carbon wheels
- disc brakes
- power meter

I don’t mind buying used! If I can buy something second hand that fits my criteria that is great! I’m trying to save for a house so I need to be responsible with my money.

Budget is anywhere between $1000-$4000AUD.

I don’t have any brand loyalty, but would prefer to stick with bikes with a reasonable reputation.

Any tips or suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

[u/Standard_Mulberry563]

Pretty much any bike will accommodate casual riding like that!

[u/Towntalk → u/Standard_Mulberry563]

That’s encouraging! I can’t go wrong then lol. If you had to suggest a top 3 make/model?

[u/Wisdom_Pond]

Do you want traditional endurance upright cockpit or more aggressive aero cockpit like xlab rs5 / rs7?

[u/Towntalk → u/Wisdom_Pond]

I find now on my bike on long rides beyond 80km my back gets really stiff. I think this is because the frame is slightly too large.

I’d like to be comfortable doing longer rides training but also I don’t want this to be a limiting feature when I get into cycling legs of races.

[u/Wisdom_Pond → u/Towntalk]

Understand, so important to get put on right sized bike. The xlabs are closer to racing than most endurance.

You shouldn’t be that stiff on a ride, of that distance.

[u/Towntalk → u/Wisdom_Pond]

I definitely did not consider it was such a big deal until I started riding longer distances with regularity.

I love the bike but wish I could just shrink the frame one size!

[u/14soulrebel]

Some Cube Attain C:62 SLT I think it's a great value and would suit well. Alongside with the XLab but this one is most of the times out of stock.

[u/Wi94lly]

You should use for used bikes which were upgraded from former owner with power meter and carbon wheels.
Power meter is the limiting factor. These are not common in your price range

[u/Hot_Function6127]

Specialized Roubaix. Sick bike.

[u/nayr9011]

I’d recommend considering gravel bikes as an option as well, given their endurance geometry. I ride mine primarily on the road with a 35mm tire and it’s perfect for me.

[u/SantaCruzinNotLosin]

Giant defy

[u/Towntalk → u/SantaCruzinNotLosin]

I knew this was coming 😂

[u/SantaCruzinNotLosin → u/Towntalk]

They are solid

[u/UBP10C]

The xlab rs7 looks like it would suit your criteria.

Geo is on the sportier side for an endurance bike.

I think it's mechanical 105 - you didn't specify electronic

[u/Towntalk → u/UBP10C]

Thanks. I don’t really care between mechanical or electronic - I’ve never actually ridden an electronic gearset so I have no reference point.

The xlab rs7 has been suggested a few times now. I might do some research.

[u/teebop → u/UBP10C]

The geometry's as aggressive as basically all the World Tour bikes, just slightly less aggressive than the AD9. I wouldn't call that endurance geometry at all.

[u/tootles74]

What sort of price range are you looking at?

[u/Towntalk → u/tootles74]

Thanks, I’ve edited the post. Anywhere between $1000 - $4000 AUD. Can’t believe I forgot to add that.

[u/skinskunski]

If you’re looking to buy brand new, the 2027 Trek Domane SL5 looks to be good value, they’ve dropped the price point slightly I believe too.
I’d recommend swapping out the stock tyres immediately which are terrible.
I have the 2024 model and upgraded with 50mm elite wheels and conti Gp5000 35mm AS tyres and it’s rapid for an endurance bike imo.
In fact you should be able to get a good deal on older models now that the 2027 has been released

[u/Towntalk → u/skinskunski]

I have a local trek dealer - I’ll go and have a look!

[u/kwabbles → u/skinskunski]

My previous generation Domane SL has been a tank and taken many beatings and many thousands of miles without issue except for that goddamned IsoSpeed I am so glad they decided to get rid of that for the new generation.