![]() It has been a benchmark for all other endurance bikes to aspire to since it’s launch in the mid-2000s and remains one of the best options available to distance-hungry riders today. Taking its name from the infamous cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, the Roubaix from Specialized is one of the machines that started the endurance-bike party in the first place. The only reason it’s not our best buy is it’s rather eye-watering price-tag. Plus, buying from an independent brand like Mason means there won’t be ten other riders there with the same bike. Armchair levels of comfort with beautifully balanced handling and timeless looks that will make you the envy of everyone on the group ride. It is, quite simply, the best aluminium bike we’ve ever ridden. However, there are plenty of other off-the-shelf build options, or just get in touch with Mason and they can spec the bike according to your personal requirements.Īt the core of it all is Mason’s not-so-secret weapon: a high-end, Italian-made aluminium frame, boasting beautiful craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that puts it firmly in the “premium” category. ![]() The one we tested came equipped with electronic shifting courtesy of a SRAM force AXS groupset, a set of hunt wheels, and some beefy 32mm Continental GP 5000 tyres which really helped to take the edge off poorly surfaced roads. Suffice to say it was a baptism of fire, but the bike didn’t disappoint. ![]() Our first ride on Mason’s definition road bike took us 140 miles from Newcastle to Dumfries and Galloway via the Solway Coast. You can even opt for a gradient finish, pick the colour of the decals and choose to have your cockpit painted to match the frame. Everything from the wheels to the stem can be changed, and you’ll also be given the option of a custom paint job, where you can choose from a matte, gloss or sparkle finish and no less than 15 different colour options for the frame. ![]() Perhaps this is why it’s the bike of choice for the Ribble Weldtite pro team, who are no strangers to pushing bikes to their limits.Īnother feature we’re big fans of is Ribble’s “Bikebuilder” service, which allows you to mix and match hardware and componentry for a bike that’s perfectly suited to your requirements. It looks and feels racy, but even after 108 miles and 10,000ft of Yorkshire’s toughest climbs we still found it comfortable. From the sleek integrated cockpit to the custom colour options, everything about this bike’s appearance screams premium, and after putting it through its paces on Struggle Dales, Yorkshire’s hardest sportive, it’s clear there is more going on here than just good looks.īalancing nimble handling, stiffness and speed with comfort and reliability, the endurance SL R really does challenge ideas of what an endurance bike can be. If there are still people out there who think of Ribble as a budget bike brand, the endurance SL R disc should convince them otherwise. We were looking for a good balance of comfort, speed, durability and sure footedness on less-than-favourable roads, all of which we found in the following machines. This stood us in a good position to put some of the best endurance road bikes through the wringer and see how they performed. We’re partial to a big day out, and our tester’s local roads in rural Northumberland aren’t exactly known for their smooth, rolling tarmac. If your local roads are littered with bumps and potholes, these may be the bikes for you. These historic landmark events are known for shaking bikes (and riders) to bits with rougher-than-rough road surfaces, and endurance road bikes were designed as a solution. This category of bike was born out of the cobbled streets of Northern France, home to several of the “Classics” races. Their slightly upright riding position makes them far more comfortable than purebred race bikes, but they can still go fast when they need to.Īnother key benefit is durability. If you’re the type of rider who leans towards longer stints in the saddle, an endurance road bike is going to be a better choice.Įndurance road bikes are geared towards tackling long days and smoothing out rough roads. Super-aggressive, super-aero racing road bikes look the business, but comfortable they are not.
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