Hi everyone – looking to check my decision process before pulling the trigger.
I’m new to road bikes, and focused on value for money endurance models around $2k that I won’t want to upgrade in less than a few years’ time. I’ve inevitably narrowed it down to Canyon Endurace, and have been wrestling with what spec to go with since.
I’ve decided to go with the [AL 8](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/al/endurace-8-disc/2854.html?dwvar_2854_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBU&dwvar_2854_pv_rahmengroesse=XS) over the the [AL 6](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/al/endurace-6/2732.html?dwvar_2732_pv_rahmenfarbe=R074_P05) and [CF 7](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/cf/endurace-cf-7-disc/2855.html?dwvar_2855_pv_rahmenfarbe=RD) for the following reasons;
* High quality aluminum frame > entry level carbon frames (as per guidance from this sub and reputable articles like [this one](https://www.bikeradar.com/features/this-is-why-its-time-to-stop-buying-cheap-carbon-bikes/))
* 105 > tiagra for the obvious performance/weight/quality/durability reasons, so well worth the extra $300
* take the extra $400 not spent on the CF 7 and spend it on quality pedals/shoes
I guess my biggest concern at this point is that the ride quality in the CF7 is markedly better than the AL 8. Is that true, or am I overthinking it and just need to pull the trigger on the AL 8?
Thanks in advance for any feedback, this sub has been super helpful in my decision process.
At a minimum, I hope this post is helpful for anyone gong through the same decision process I did in this budget range.
by giakas4