The Giant Defy, Canyon Endurace, and Lauf Uthald are frequently touted as speed-focused bikes. While many bikes claim speed, these endurance road bikes stand apart. Unlike aero road bikes designed for professional racers, these are built for everyday cyclists seeking performance on regular weekend rides, not just the World Tour. If we were choosing our next ride, which of these tarmac-conquerors would we pick?
2023 Endurance bikes comparison Canyon Endurace vs Giant defy vs Lauf Uthald
Giant promotes its new Defy Advanced SL as “the perfect companion for an all-day sportive, an ambitious gran fondo, or an epic solo day on challenging roads.” Canyon markets its top-tier Endurace CFR as the “fastest endurance bike ever,” and Lauf boldly states their Úthald was designed “to be fast!”
These are strong claims, especially from Canyon and Lauf.
So, which bike truly delivers on speed, and is speed even the most crucial factor for the Best Endurance Road Bike? We brought these three together to find out. Read on, and then let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Why Focus on These Endurance Bikes?
2023 canyon endurace cfr vs giant defy vs lauf uthald endurance bikes2
While 2023 might be the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, in the cycling world, it’s arguably the year of the endurance bike. Major manufacturers are releasing new models in this category. These three bikes are just the beginning. We’ll soon revisit this comparison, pitting our favorite against the Pinarello Dogma X and Specialized Roubaix SL8.
Endurance bikes are engineered for long-distance comfort, typically featuring a more relaxed geometry than race bikes. As highlighted in our Canyon Endurace first look video, endurance bikes are exceptionally practical. They are often a better fit for most riders compared to bikes designed for professional athletes. Many of us, after all, can’t even touch our toes!
2023 Canyon Endurace CFR and Lauf Uthald endurance bikes
Endurance bikes are characterized by wider tyre clearance, a more relaxed front end, and increased compliance compared to race bikes. Early endurance models sometimes gained a reputation for feeling sluggish, less refined, and slow. However, this perception is outdated.
The latest generation of endurance bikes, including these three, dispels that myth. With reduced weights, refined geometry, and high-end components, manufacturers claim these are the ultimate machines for amateur cyclists seeking the best endurance road bike experience.
Tyre Clearance: A Key Differentiator
2023 Endurance bikes comparison Canyon Endurace vs Giant defy vs Lauf Uthald front tyre clearance
Tyre clearance is a crucial factor, especially as bike categories become increasingly blurred. It often reveals a bike’s primary intention.
The Lauf Uthald isn’t strictly marketed as an endurance bike, but rather a reimagining of the road bike. However, its design prioritizes rider comfort and speed for non-professionals, fitting squarely within the endurance bike philosophy. With geometry and clearance for 35mm tyres, the Uthald is a worthy contender in this endurance road bike comparison.
The Canyon Endurace CFR matches the Uthald with 35mm of clearance. Visual inspection suggests the Canyon’s clearance might be slightly more generous than the Lauf’s.
2023 Lauf Uthald tyre clearance test
The Giant Defy offers the most tyre space, accommodating up to 38mm tyres. While this ventures into all-road or gravel territory, 35mm is typically ample for most road riding needs.
Notably, the Defy is the only bike in this test equipped with mudguard mounts, maximizing the utility of its wider tyre clearance in all weather conditions, a practical feature for an endurance road bike.
Geometry: Finding the Sweet Spot for Endurance Riding
2023 Lauf Uthald seat tube design
Some argue that accommodating wider tyres can compromise a road bike’s geometry, as components must be scaled up.
Consider chainstays: the Giant Defy’s measure 420mm, while the Canyon’s are 5mm shorter. The Lauf excels here with exceptionally short 405mm chainstays, thanks to its unique seat tube design. All bikes tested are size large.
Shorter chainstays contribute to a bike’s responsiveness on the road, a desirable trait even in the best endurance road bike category.
2023 lauf Uthald vs canyon Endurace vs Giant Defy geometry comparison
Geometry tables might seem daunting, but they reveal crucial insights into a bike’s rider profile and handling. The stack/reach ratio is particularly telling, indicating a bike’s aggressiveness. Lower ratios mean a more aggressive, potentially less back-friendly position.
The Giant Defy in size large has a stack/reach ratio of 1.52, significantly lower than previous Defy models. Prior to 2023, Giant’s Defy was closer to the Canyon Endurace’s 1.58. The Lauf Uthald, not explicitly marketed as an endurance bike, has an even lower 1.48 ratio. However, all three are less aggressive than World Tour race bikes; my Tarmac SL7, for example, has a 1.38 ratio – hence the back pain!
Geometry is undeniably important, but let’s move on.
Weight: Striking a Balance
2023 Lauf Uthald bike weight scales
Let’s delve into the numbers before discussing ride quality.
The Giant Defy not only feels lightest but also proves lightest on our scales, at 7.13kg. The Endurace CFR is slightly heavier at 7.32kg (after removing the top tube tools!).
The Uthald is noticeably heavier at just under 8kg (7.92kg). This is understandable, as even the top-spec Uthald is significantly less expensive than the other two and features a Sram Force groupset, adding approximately 350g.
Bike weight shouldn’t be an obsession, especially for endurance road bikes where comfort and smoothness are paramount. However, weight still plays a role in overall performance.
Quirks, Pros, and Cons: Distinct Features of Each Bike
2023 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 hero
Before price discussions, let’s examine the unique selling points, quirks, and differentiators – both positive and negative – of each bike in our best endurance road bike comparison.
The top-tier Defy boasts Cadex wheels with carbon fibre spokes. While seemingly impressive, carbon spokes on an endurance bike are debatable.
2023 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 cadex carbon spoke wheel
Carbon spokes increase cost and, arguably, stiffness. While the Defy’s compliance and wide tyres mitigate harshness, carbon spokes might be better suited for race bikes on smooth roads, not necessarily the best choice for an endurance road bike.
2023 Canyon Endurace CFR top tube storage
The Canyon Endurace has its own set of distinctive features. The fork’s textured paint, adjustable handlebar wings, and the top-tube storage compartment stand out.
The top-tube storage, while convenient for carrying essentials, has a somewhat plasticky feel. Relocating storage to the downtube might be a more practical and aesthetically refined solution.
2023 Lauf Uthald bottom bracket
Regarding bottom brackets, the Canyon and Giant use press-fit, while the Lauf utilizes a threaded BSA bottom bracket. This is a matter of preference and maintenance considerations.
2023 Lauf Uthald external cable routing front end
The Lauf is unique in featuring external cable routing. Lauf argues that internal routing offers minimal aerodynamic benefit (less than a watt at 45kph) and external routing simplifies maintenance, position adjustments, and reduces cost. While aesthetics are subjective, integrated bikes are readily available if you prefer a cleaner look.
Compliance and Ride Impressions: Comfort Meets Performance
2024 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 – riding 5.jpg
Our tech team has logged extensive miles on these bikes, including back-to-back comparisons. All three are impressive and would be excellent choices for a century ride.
“Compliance” is often overused and misunderstood, but these bikes exemplify its importance in road cycling. Compared to stiffer carbon bikes from a decade ago, these prioritize comfort, which ultimately translates to greater speed and endurance for most riders.
2023 Canyon Endurace CFR jamie road.cc kit
Speed isn’t the only goal, especially for endurance road bikes. Comfort should be a primary consideration. Fortunately, these three bikes achieve speed without sacrificing comfort, making them strong contenders for the best endurance road bike.
The Lauf feels most compliant at the rear, absorbing road imperfections effectively. The Giant is a close second and feels livelier, especially on climbs.
2024 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 – riding 4.jpg
The Defy’s liveliness stems from its low weight, stiff wheels, and steeper head tube angle. While not necessarily definitively faster, the feeling of responsiveness is significant for rider morale and enjoyment.
At the front end, the Giant and Lauf offer more forgiveness, likely due to their handlebars. The Lauf Smoothie bars incorporate glass fibres, and Giant’s bars are designed for vertical flex, enhancing comfort when leaning on them.
2023 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 head tube and bars
The Endurace feels like a less aggressive Canyon Ultimate. While not negative, the Defy and Uthald feel more naturally suited for long-distance mile-munching.
Costs and Builds: Options Across Price Points
2023 Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 logo downtube
Despite sharing the goal of speed and comfort, these bikes vary significantly in price for the top-end builds tested:
Canyon Endurace CFR Dura-Ace Di2: £8,599
Giant Defy Advanced SL 0: £11,499
Lauf Uthald Race Wireless: £3,885
While we tested range-topping models, more affordable builds are available.
Lauf Uthald Builds
2024 Lauf Uthald road bike obsidian black
The Lauf Uthald currently offers two builds, both featuring Sram groupsets.
The Race Wireless model we tested includes Zipp 303s wheels, a Sram Force AXS groupset, and carbon components, a compelling package for under £4k.
The Uthald Weekend Warrior Wireless is more affordable, swapping deep-section carbon wheels and Sram Force for Sram Rival AXS. Both share the same carbon frame and fork, saddle, seatpost, and cockpit, but the Weekend Warrior is approximately 800g heavier and significantly cheaper at around £2,788.
Premium colors are available at an extra cost, and Lauf plans a higher-spec Uthald in the future.
Giant Defy Builds
2023 Giant Defy Pro 1 Shimano 105 Di2 endurance bike
The Defy range is extensive. The Advanced SL 0 features the highest-grade carbon layup, but the Advanced SL 1 offers the same frame for £3,000 less, featuring Ultegra Di2, a Giant power meter, and lower-spec carbon wheels.
More accessible Defy models start at £2,299, albeit without the Advanced SL carbon.
With nine models spanning various price points, a standout option is the £4,599 Advanced Pro 1 with 105 Di2, carbon wheels, and the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fork.
Canyon Endurace Builds
2023 Canyon Endurace CF SLX – 1.jpeg
Canyon offers multiple carbon layups and an aluminium Endurace option. The CFR and SLX models are recently updated, with lower-tier models featuring a different design. The CFR tops the range at £8,599, available with Sram Red AXS, Shimano Dura-Ace, or Campagnolo Super Record WRL, the former two including power meters.
The SLX frame, visually identical, uses a lower-grade carbon, adding approximately 100g of frame weight. The SLX range starts at £3,849 and offers eight frame sizes.
2023 Canyon Endurace top tube storage – 1.jpeg
All three brands offer models across price ranges, but Giant and Canyon provide greater choice. The Lauf offers excellent value, particularly among the high-end models tested. However, the Defy, Endurace, and Uthald all represent good value compared to competitors like the Specialized Roubaix SL8 and Pinarello Dogma X, which carry significantly higher price tags.
The Verdict: Choosing the Best Endurance Road Bike for You
2023 Endurance bikes comparison Canyon Endurace vs Giant defy vs Lauf Uthald logos
The Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 and Canyon Endurace CFR are premium options, but they are designed to make most riders faster than race bikes. It’s commendable that bike companies are catering to everyday riders, not just professional racers.
If price were no object, the Giant Defy is exceptional, earning a 9/10 review. The Canyon Endurace, while competent, feels less engaging and received a 7/10. Considering value, the Canyon is slightly overshadowed by the other two.
2023 Lauf Uthald lauf logo
However, if budget is a concern, the Lauf Uthald stands out for its value. While its geometry might require adjustment and its feel differs from typical race bikes, it delivers comparable speed. Aesthetics are subjective, but its value proposition is undeniable.
Read our full reviews of the Giant Defy and Canyon Endurace. The Lauf Uthald review is coming soon.
