Road bike or endurance bike?

Road bike or endurance bike – what are the differences?

It used to be simple: a road bike was a road bike. Today, there are race, endurance, and aero road bikes – and it's not always clear what you really need. Especially if you're getting back into cycling, planning longer tours, or simply looking for more comfort on your bike.

Maybe you've ridden before—competitively, with a club, or solo. And now you want to get back into it: get fitter, ride regularly, maybe even plan your first cycling trip.

But: Which racing bike suits your style today?

Here we'll give you an overview – simply explained and to the point. So you know before you buy whether you're more of a classic road bike rider or whether an endurance bike would be more enjoyable for you.

Road bike geometry vs. endurance geometry

First, there are two main categories:

• Classic racing bike (Race)
  
• Endurance road bike (long distance)
  
  

Road bikes like the Merida Scultura or Reacto offer an aggressive riding position, are lighter, and designed for maximum efficiency. This makes them ideal for racers, sporty group rides, or tough climbs.

Endurance models like the Merida Scultura Endurance focus on comfort and stability. Ideal for long days in the saddle or on changing terrain.

Advantages of classic racing bikes:

• Sporty, aggressive geometry
  
• Lower weight
  
• Agile, reactive handling
  
• Aerodynamically optimized (especially in the Reacto)
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Less comfort on long journeys
  
• Limited tire clearance
  
• Not ideal for trips with luggage or on bad roads
  
  

Advantages of endurance road bikes:

• More upright sitting position
  
• Comfort-oriented geometry (longer wheelbase, higher stack)
  
• Larger tire clearance (up to 35 mm)
  
• More stable handling, especially downhill or on poor roads
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Slightly higher weight
  
• Less aerodynamic
  
• Somewhat slower to start under high load
  
  

Geometry details in comparison

Geometry plays a key role in handling and comfort. Here's an overview of two popular 2025 Merida models:

👉 Tip: You can find an interactive geometry comparison of the common models here:
Open geometry comparison on 99Spokes

For example, what does “stack” mean?
Stack refers to the height difference from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. A higher stack = a more upright riding position = more comfort on long rides.

Decision-making aid in bullet points

Sculpture (Race):

• Do you ride competitively, in groups or races?
  
• Do you prefer a low position and maximum efficiency?
  
• You want low weight and direct response?
  

→ Then the classic Merida Scultura is perfect for you.
For pure performance rides, you can also check out the Reacto – Merida's most aerodynamic model, ideal for flat, fast routes.

Sculpture Endurance:

• Are you planning longer tours or everyday trips?
  
• Do you value comfort, safety and versatility?
  
• Would you also like to ride wider tires (e.g. 32–35mm)?
  
  

→ Then the Merida Scultura Endurance is perfect for you.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as the perfect road bike. There's the one that best suits your style:

• If you are looking for performance, speed and sportiness, the Scultura is the right choice.
  
• Anyone looking for touring comfort, versatility, and everyday usability will be happier with the Scultura Endurance .
  
• And if you're looking for maximum aerodynamics for fast use, you can take a closer look at the Reacto .
  
  

You don't have to be a pro—or know everything about geometry. You just need to know what's important to you.