Also looking for the very best endurance bike and not sure which way to go. LBS push Trek, Giant, and Specialized's offerings but I've owned higher-end Trek and Specialized bikes and found them overwrought, heavy, poor values. Bought a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9, makes the Treks/Specialized feel like junk in comparison and hoped to make it as comfy as possible with a raised stem and fatter tires but it is just so skittish and not confidence-inspiring.
Keep coming back to my OPEN UP which I think is just about the best bike in the world but want a backup bike, an endurance bike with slightly narrower tires for when I get the itch to crush some miles on tarmac. Obviously I'm considering the Endurace from Canyon as I'm sold on their build quality but would really like to step up into the ultra premium range. Considering BMC and Scott's endurance bikes.