An inexpensive bike, a perennial favourite and a high-end model: This year's best list for the most comfortable bike in the TOUR test is a colourful mix. The top three also shows that you don't necessarily have to spend tens of thousands of euros to enjoy very good suspension.
The Canyon Endurace CF 6, one of the most affordable test bikes in 2024, came third in our comfort ranking. Unusually for a € 2000 bike, the Koblenz-based company has equipped the marathon model with high-quality carbon components on the cockpit and seatpost - and this pays off. The rear suspension travel (11.2 millimetres) is only topped by the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO (13.3 millimetres). The partially integrated handlebar/stem unit on the Endurace is also flexible enough to take on gravel tracks with the Canyon.
Neither the Canyon nor the Schmolke can match the fabulous performance of the Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL 8. After all, the top-equipped marathon bike from the Americans benefits from a new version of the well-known Future Shock system. With a test load of 40 kilograms, we determined a suspension travel of almost 15 millimetres. Such a value is technically impossible without a damping element.
As our measurements and riding impressions are always based on the original setup, it should also be mentioned that Canyon and Specialized can be set up much more comfortably. The Endurace can take tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, while the Roubaix is even approved for tyres up to 40 millimetres wide. On the Schmolke, on the other hand, the limit is probably 30 millimetres.
Schmolke Leggerissima TLO
- Comfort rear/front (grade): 76/70 N/mm (1.1)
- Price: 16500 Euro
- Weight: 5.4 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (1x12; 50, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 (25 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Specialised S-Works Roubaix SL 8
- Comfort rear/front (grade): 95/28 N/mm (1.2)
- Price: 14000 Euro
- Weight: 7.4 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-33 t.)
- Impellers: Roval Terra CLX
- Tyres: Specialised S-Works Mondo (32 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Canyon Endurace CF 6
- Comfort rear/front (grade): 90/76 N/mm (1.5)
- Price: 1999 Euro
- Weight: 9.2 kilos
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Fulcrum Racing 900
- Tyres: Schwalbe One (30/32 mm)
- Click here for the detailed test report
Julian Schultz
Editor
