Road bike recommendations

no-one yet mentioned that Canyons are notoriously 'firm' (made for Germany, where they have proper roads) - the Alu Canyons are pretty unforgiving / harsh by all accounts.

THIS is the reason to buy carbon, the weight difference is negligible, but the comfort difference after 100+ miles won't be

Orly?

:)

I'd guess the carbon will be slightly more forgiving, when ridden over long distances. Its not a difference you'd expect to imediatly feel with a quality alu frame, up against a stiff carbon one though.

My thinking was that German carbon has always been known for its rigid ride. So the difference would be less, than perhaps expected.