Canyon’s newest Aeroad CFR has made waves this season, with a number of Tour de France victories and a intelligent design philosophy cementing its place as one of many greatest street bikes accessible immediately.
It’s billed because the “quickest bike within the peloton,” with world-class sprinters already including stage wins to its résumé. The bike was designed with enter from riders like Mathieu van der Poel – the query is, will we see this bike painted in rainbow colors for an additional twelve months?
After testing it throughout varied parcours, I’ve discovered that the main points and usefulness upgrades make this bike stand out. However is it actually nonetheless good worth, and has it turn into my new benchmark bike?
Canyon Aeroad CFR: development
The Aeroad has all the time been a machine that’s clearly engineered with racing in thoughts, and that hasn’t modified with the brand new Aeroad CFR. The body’s concentrate on aerodynamics stays central to its design, however Canyon has launched some refined modifications to refine efficiency and ease of use.
Aero first although – one of the important updates is the reshaping of key body areas, reminiscent of a narrower, and elongated head tube and thinner fork blades, which enhance airflow and scale back drag. The slimmer seatstays, seat tube, and seatpost nonetheless characteristic a streamlined silhouette, although Canyon has barely diminished weight on the rear.
The modifications are slight in aesthetic, and slight on paper too, culminating in only a 1.6-watt acquire at zero levels of yaw. Greater than something, this reveals simply how tight competitors is on the prime for the perfect street bikes, which makes options aside from aero efficiency extra vital differentiating elements…
The brand new Aeroad is way narrower up entrance.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The star characteristic of the Aeroad is the ‘Tempo Bar’ cockpit system. It’s modular and customizable, with detachable and adjustable drop ends, permitting riders to optimize their bar width for aerodynamics. In its narrowest 35cm setup, Canyon claims it can save you 14 watts at 40km/h – a daring determine, however one which feels plausible after having examined it. In truth, evaluating the numbers to Biking Weekly’s very personal testing on ultra-narrow handlebars, the 14-watt saving actually passes the frequent sense verify.
Canyon’s Tempo Bar system allows TT-style extensions to be fitted too. Observe the flare on the drops.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The one draw back is the shortage of customized stem lengths or bar shapes on the level of buy. It appears virtually baffling to me that Canyon has complete management over its manufacturing course of and builds, but does not supply this customization possibility. In fact, it is no totally different to different manufacturers, however being a direct-to-consumer model, you’ll have to buy a brand new bar and promote the outdated one your self, whereas most retailers or idea shops might supply a like-for-like swap. That being mentioned, the adjustability of the cockpit is user-friendly, and swapping the drops at dwelling took me round half an hour from begin to end.
Cable routing is inside by means of the T-bar and exterior on the drops, making altering them over a lot simpler.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The remainder of the body is designed with on a regular basis riders in thoughts – and that is the place the bike is forward of virtually anything in the marketplace. Canyon has restored hope to the house mechanic group by making each single repeatedly used bolt a T25 head – hooray! With each bolt now T25, together with a bit cleverly hidden within the thru-axle, you’ll not want a multitool for day-to-day changes.
Canyon has ditched the outdated, finicky seat clamp for a extra conventional two-bolt setup too, making saddle changes a lot simpler. The headset has additionally been overhauled to incorporate hermetically sealed bearings, which ought to stand as much as strain washing and hard climate circumstances – perfect for the abominable climate we regularly have within the UK.
The seat submit is slimmer, and comes with an built-in mild mount, suitable with some lights on Canyon’s web site.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
As for the construct I examined, Canyon offered the bike outfitted with Shimano’s top-tier Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut wheels, and Continental GP5000 S TR tyres (25mm entrance, 28mm rear). The Shimano energy meter built-in into the crankset can be commonplace on the highest mannequin.
As for weight, Canyon has taken a minor hit in comparison with the outgoing mannequin, with the scale medium body coming in at 960g. Nonetheless, this additional heft is well-spent in including structural enhancements, and the entire bike nonetheless ideas the scales at a really race-worthy 7.07kg. By all means a lightweight bike, however keep in mind, it is a top-spec mannequin.
Dura-Ace Di2 appears to be like resplendent as ever paired with the gorgeous black and chrome paintjob.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
Canyon Aeroad CFR: the trip
Over the previous few weeks, the Canyon Aeroad CFR has been topic to my traditional testing and scrutineering. I’ve ridden the bike on all terrain from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to high-paced group rides, and the bike has continued to impress me all through.
It actually excels in environments the place pace and aerodynamics are important. On flatter terrain, this bike feels unstoppable, offering a serenely easy trip high quality. The stiffness of the body is straight away noticeable; whether or not accelerating out of corners or powering by means of sprints, the Aeroad CFR responds with razor-sharp precision. That is in no small half right down to the tangible enhancements made on the entrance and rear in comparison with the bike’s predecessor – the stiffer head tube actually makes a distinction if you descend with heavy-handed steering inputs. It’s the sort of bike that simply begs to be ridden quick, making it an absolute pleasure throughout aggressive group rides or criteriums.
The bike offered a easy trip on Calpe’s tarmac, and Oxforshire’s lower than pristine ‘roads’ too!
(Picture credit score: Canyon)
Climbing, nonetheless, is the place I began to note some compromises. On brief, punchy ascents, the Aeroad’s stiffness makes it a succesful performer, permitting you to muscle up small hills with ease. However on longer, extra sustained climbs, the bike feels rather less forgiving. It’s nonetheless responsive, however the added weight in comparison with lighter, extra nimble race bikes just like the Specialised Tarmac SL8 turns into obvious. The Aeroad can actually deal with the climbs, however it’s clear that its true calling is on the flats or in fast-paced racing situations.
One level of rivalry for me has been the brand new aero drop handlebars. Whereas I admire the slim 35cm width for the aerodynamic features, I’ve discovered the shallow drop a bit problematic. Throughout dash efforts, my wrists typically collide with the tops of the bars, making the place really feel much less pure. I’ve shared this suggestions with a number of using associates, they usually encountered the identical subject. Providing extra selection in handlebar drop shapes can be a easy repair that might improve the bike’s usability for a wider vary of riders. It is vital to notice although, that that is purely a private choice and never how the bike comes as commonplace. It is simply one thing to remember in the event you do determine to go for the aero drop package deal.
Canyon Aeroad CFR: worth
When evaluating the Canyon Aeroad CFR to different high-end aero street bikes, its worth proposition turns into clear. My take a look at mannequin, outfitted with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, is available in at £9,249 / $9,999 – considerably undercutting the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8, which retails at £12,000 / $13,000. The SL8 stays my benchmark for race bikes, notably for its nimble dealing with and superior climbing skill. Nonetheless, the Aeroad pulls forward when it comes to sprinting efficiency and stability on quick, flat roads. It’s among the finest aero bikes I’ve examined in that regard, however it doesn’t fairly match the all-around versatility of the SL8.
That mentioned, the Aeroad’s value is difficult to argue with. Canyon’s direct-to-consumer mannequin presents important financial savings over rivals like Specialised and Trek, however there are some caveats to contemplate. The adjustable Tempo Bar system, whereas revolutionary, comes with added prices. A brand new set of aero drops will set you again £229.95 / $229.95, and the T-bar stem retails for £199.95 / $199.95.
These aren’t insurmountable bills, however they do chip away on the worth that Canyon’s pricing initially guarantees. Furthermore, since Canyon operates direct-to-consumer, you gained’t get the identical stage of hands-on assist from an area bike store, which may very well be a downside for some consumers.
