Aero road bikes for around 5000 euros: The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 on test
Julian Schultz
· 11.04.2024
The Aeroad in eye-catching neon paintwork was barely in the online shop before Canyon had to announce that it was "sold out" again. In addition to the reputation of the Aero bike, which superstar Mathieu van der Poel piloted to the World Championship title in top equipment, the high demand is probably also due to the attractive price-performance ratio. The second cheapest bike in the test primarily outperforms most of the competition in terms of aero performance: Only 206 watts are required for the CF SLX 7 Di2 to overcome air resistance at 45 km/h. A value that is currently only undercut by half a dozen faster bikes - for considerably more money.
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2: Always available?
The frame set with flat tube shapes forms an almost unbeatable combination with the fast DT Swiss wheelset, which is rounded off by a fully integrated handlebar/stem unit. The tribute to the aero optimisation is the average total weight, which is primarily due to the heavy wheels. The high-quality carbon frame weighs around 1100 grams - a good value for a streamlined racer. Speaking of the frame: After the integrated clamping of the carbon seatpost had caused numerous (creaking) problems in recent years, the Koblenz-based company quietly and secretly introduced a new clamping system last year.
The knot between the seat tube and top tube is therefore slightly more pronounced, and the rubber sleeve to protect against dirt and moisture is no longer used. The suspension comfort remains unaffected by this, and overall the Aeroad is one of the more comfortable racing bikes thanks to its high-quality tyres. The short wheelbase makes it nimble and manoeuvrable. The riding position is not too extreme, as the integrated stem is relatively short. But when will the bike, which Canyon has also given a crank-based power meter, be available again? When asked by TOUR, the Koblenz-based company announced that a few bikes in all sizes will be rolling into the shop every week.
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2
- TOUR grade: 2,0
- Price: 4499 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.2 kilos
- Aerodynamics: 206 watts
- Frame sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 535/575/144 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 571/396 millimetres/1.44
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 630/570 millimetres/1.11
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/58 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Conti Grand Prix 5000 S 25/28 mm (eff.: 25/28 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1600
- Impeller weights: 1295/1849 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: strong price-performance ratio, top aerodynamics, power meter
- Minus: chronically sold out, heavy wheelset
Julian Schultz
Editor
