Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8
Fast, faster, Aeroad: For the top version of the Canyon flagship this motto applies anyway, as it is currently one of the best aerodynamic road bikes. The tested low-cost version for just under 4000 euros also benefits from this. With the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 the Koblenz-based company emphasises maximum performance for the money and makes savings at the right end.
For the driver, this essentially means that he has to work with a mechanical Elffach Group must live instead of electric and with twelve pinions to change gear. But what does it matter if the gears still fit and the Wheel like a Arrow ahead: The proven Ultegra drivetrain shifts smoothly and precisely, and there is no lack of bandwidth either. But the most favourable Aero model already with 62 millimetre high DT Swiss carbon rimswhich are slightly heavier than those in the top model, but just as fast. The handlebar combination in the simpler version is also visually indistinguishable from the top model.
Other models in the test
- Giant TCR Advanced 1 vs. Giant TCR Advanced SL
- Lapierre Xelius SL 6.0 vs. Lapierre Xelius SL 75TH
- Merida Scultura 7000 vs. Merida Scultura Team
- Specialised Tarmac SL 7 Comp vs. Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL 7
- Wilier Zero SL vs. Wilier Zero SLR
- What distinguishes expensive professional racing bikes from cheaper models
Externally, only the cables running outside in front of the head tube reveal that this is the simple SL frame trades. The result is not only impressive on paper: the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 for 4000 euros is only a blink of an eye slower on flat terrain than the version that costs more than twice as much and plays in the league of expensive aero racers. The difference in weight is also not as great as with other manufacturers: at just over 8 kilos, the affordable Aeroad is just 800 grams heavier than the machine from Matthieu van der Poel - and the lightest of our low-cost variants.
Facts about the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8
- Price 3999 Euro
- Weight 8.0 kilos
- Aerodynamics 206 watts****
- Info www.canyon.com
Frame sizes** XXXS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Seat/top tube/head tube 535/565/142 millimetres
Stack/Reach/STR*** 562/387 millimetres/1.45
Wheelbase/caster 990/62 millimetres
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,096/448/53 grammes
Drivetrain/gear Shimano Ultegra (2x11, 52/36, 11-30 t.)
Shimano Ultegra brakes (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** DT Swiss ARC 1600 Dicut 62/Continental Grand Prix 5000 25/28 mm (f./h. 1,309/1,761 grams)
The expensive model: Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc MVDP
Also the Storey from Matthieu van der Poel can be bought - provided you have the necessary change. In comparison, the scarce 10000 Euro but still relatively cheap and are relativised by the included power meter.
The only difference are DT Swiss wheels instead of the Dura-Ace rims ridden by the pros. Even with the Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc, you won't get much faster; aerodynamically, the cheaper counterparts are on a par. Only on long climbs could you save significant seconds with the lighter CFR.
Facts about the Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc MVDP
- Price 9999 Euro
- Weight 7.2 kilos
- Aerodynamics 204 Watt****
- Info www.canyon.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 955/445/50 grammes
Drive/Circuit Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12, 52/36, 11-30 t.)
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Disc (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62/Continental Grand Prix 5000 25/28 mm (f./h. 1,233/1,562 grams)
*Weighed weights. **Manufacturer information, test size bold. ***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position. ****Aerodynamics Theoretical pedalling power required to overcome air resistance at 45 km/h, measured in a wind tunnel with a pedalling leg dummy. *****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
