Differences between aero, climbing, and endurance bikes: which one is ideal for you?

Diferencias entre bicicletas aero, escaladoras y gran fondo: guía para elegir la tuya

The enormous specialization of cycling in recent years has led to the emergence of specific bicycle models within each category to enhance certain qualities over others depending on their use. This is also the case with road bikes, which can currently be classified into three well-differentiated types according to their geometry and recommended use: climbing, endurance and aero. What are the differences? Which one should you choose if you are going to buy a road bike? These are two very common questions for those who are not very familiar with these terms. With the climbing bike, it seems clear from its name, but with the other two types, more doubts always arise. Below, we clarify them for you, detailing what characteristics define each type of road bike and for what type of cyclist they are recommended.

Climbing Road Bikes

It is possibly the easiest to identify. The climbing bike is an evolution of the traditional racing bike. A climbing bike features a frame construction, design, and components aimed at enhancing the qualities of the climbing cyclist and providing the best performance when ascending and descending mountain passes. To achieve this, it uses very stiff and streamlined tubes that facilitate energy transfer to the pedals and also offer less wind resistance. Likewise, the geometry is also designed for better energy transfer while pedaling to gain agility when climbing. The wheelbase is shorter, mainly due to the reduction in the length of the chainstays. At the same time, the head tube is higher than that of a pure performance bike like the aero, which favors a more comfortable posture. However, it is not higher than the head tube of an endurance bike, thus retaining certain competitive qualities. The climbing or lightweight bike, as many brands also call it, must stand out for its low weight and the selection of components that favor climbing mountain passes. Thus, the most common setup in this segment is compact chainrings (50x34) combined with a cassette with an 11-28 or superior range. On the other hand, the rims are usually low profile (less than 30 mm) or even nonexistent in some models, with the intention of saving grams on the scale at the expense of other aspects less important for this bike's use, such as aerodynamics.

 

Gran Fondo or Endurance Bicycles

Gran fondo geometry road bikes are the most balanced and best suited for touring cyclists. They have a stiff and durable frame, with tubing of a more classic design and less streamlined than climbing or aero bikes. The geometry is balanced, with a wheelbase slightly longer than a climber and a tall head tube. This feature provides the rider with a comfortable pedaling position, ideal for long-distance rides at moderate speeds. On the other hand, and speaking of carbon gran fondo bikes, the frame offers a lower degree of stiffness than pure climbers. These bikes usually use lower-density carbon fibers that have properties that absorb road irregularities, further reinforcing the idea of a stable and comfortable bike. This solution, as a trade-off, adds extra weight to the bike. Finally, gran fondo road bikes feature components that stand out for their versatility and durability rather than their lightness. The wheels have a low or moderate profile, while their standout gearing is based on compact chainrings (50x34) and an 11-speed 11-28 cassette, a very versatile combination. In addition, this is the road segment where rim brakes are still more common. A gran fondo or endurance bike is the ideal bike to start road cycling.

Aero Road Bicycles

The Aero road bike is, without a doubt, the ultimate competition bike, where the balance between weight and aerodynamics is the best possible. Generally limited to the highest ranges due to the greater sophistication of the frame, it features a design that prioritizes lower wind resistance. The frame tubes are flatter and thinner, almost squashed, so that friction with the wind dissipates easily. On the other hand, the wheel clearance is reduced to improve the aerodynamic coefficient and the head tube is lower. This allows you to ride in a more tucked position to increase speed. However, this type of design requires more material and, therefore, the bike will be somewhat heavier. The aero road bike does not stand out for its agility or maneuverability in corners. Nor is it practical for climbing steep hills or mountain passes. These bikes are designed to ride fast on flat terrain, sprint, or maintain a high average speed over a prolonged period of time. Manufacturers are increasingly bringing to market more versatile, lighter aero bike models with better climbing abilities. The assembly is also important to achieve that balance between weight and aerodynamics. The rims are high-profile, superior at 40 mm, and peripherals like the handlebar, stem, or seatpost are also flattened like the frame, using carbon fiber for this purpose.

  • Type of cyclist: rouleur.
  • Advantages: fast and aerodynamic.
  • Disadvantages: less comfortable and heavier.
  • Models: Merida Reacto, Orbea Orca Aero.

What type of road bike should I choose?

Once you understand the concept and characteristics of each bike and consider what type of cyclist you are—whether more of a climber, rouleur, or all-rounder—you will be able to choose between one type of road bike or another. However, the fact that each bike is recommended for a specific use does not mean that it cannot be used for other purposes. You can climb very well with an aero bike, sprint hard with an endurance bike, or even ride fast with a climbing bike. Simply, when buying a new or second-hand bike, you should consider your strengths as a cyclist, the type of terrain you ride on, and the duration of your rides in order to find the right design.