The Aeroad is one of the most successful racing bikes of the recent past. On the one hand, this was due to a certain Mathieu van der Poel (Team Alpecin-Deceuninck), who led the Canyon to significant victories in cycling monuments and last year's World Championships. On the other hand, the previous generation is one of the best production bikes in the world. Aerodynamics, weight, stiffness and comfort: the bike from Koblenz sets standards. But how do you make a fast bike even faster? Canyon responds with a moderate update.
The frameset has been aerodynamically enhanced. Almost every carbon tube has a new profile. The head tube and down tube are slightly more filigree, the fork is slightly longer and the transition between the seat tube and seat stays is smoother. To be honest, you can hardly see this at first glance. There is no difference in the wind tunnel either. The new Aeroad needs 204 watts to overcome its own air resistance at 45 km/h. This makes the setup just as fast as its predecessor and earns it a straight A in aerodynamics.
The measurements with the reference wheelset show that the new frameset (205 watts) performs better than the old one (207 watts). In the professional peloton, only two bikes can currently keep up with the Canyon: the Cervélo S5 and the Cannondale SystemSix. In the GST wind tunnel, we found both bikes to be slightly better in the wind, but the difference of one to two watts is within the measurement tolerance.
Both competitors are also significantly heavier and have the edge over the Aeroad on the climbs. At 7.0 kilograms, the new model comes a little closer to the UCI weight limit despite aero optimisation. The new model saves 150 grams compared to the old one. This is mainly due to the lighter, flatter DT Swiss wheels.
As with last year's soft update of the Aeroad, the integrated seatpost clamp has been moved from the seat tube to the top tube. According to Canyon, this was a request from the pros around van der Poel, who described the rear triangle as too soft. Problems with noise and abrasion of the seatpost flexing inside the seat tube, which we had also reported on, may also have been a reason for this change.
On the TOUR test benches, the Bolide scored with very good stiffness values. Although the coupled system stiffness of the frame and fork does not quite match the excellent bottom bracket stiffness, it is more than sufficient for both professional and amateur riders, as our practical tests also show. A few crank pedals are enough to get the Canyon up to speed. Speeds above 30 km/h can be maintained almost effortlessly. The bike, which tends to be rather smooth-running, steers fast corners precisely. To summarise: The bike constantly encourages you to go fast.
For demanding climbs or epic mountain stages, some might be tempted to choose a slightly lighter bike over the Aeroad. Although the new generation is approaching the UCI weight limit, it is still 200 grams heavier than the Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8which fills its character as an all-rounder with even more life. Canyon still offers the Ultimate for those who like to collect metres in altitude. For professionals who have enough watts in their legs, however, the lightweight model should only be used in exceptional cases, such as mountain races.
Unlike amateur riders, van der Poel and Co. are not bothered by the low suspension comfort. As with comparable aero racing bikes, the seat post is quite stiff. A 3D-printed saddle and 28 millimetre wide tyres on the rear wheel make the ride over bumpy roads a little more bearable. However, we recommend wider tyres for more comfort. The fork and frame are approved for tyres up to 32 millimetres wide in accordance with the ISO standard.
In addition to the first-class riding behaviour in a sporty but not overstretched riding position, the Aeroad impresses with well thought-out details. Our highlight is the reduction to one screw standard. All adjustments can be made with a single Torx spanner (TX25). As this is integrated into the thru-axle lever, you don't even need a mini-tool on the road. The only thing you can't do without is a hexagon socket for changing the wheel.
Another special feature of the new Canyon is the handlebar. On the so-called pace bar, the handlebar brackets can be removed without separating the cables. This allows the handlebar-stem unit to be converted into a more streamlined cockpit. The inwardly inclined shift brake lever puts the rider in a more aerodynamic position. With the optionally available aero drops (€229), the handlebar width can be adjusted to the UCI minimum dimension of 350 millimetres. A total of three widths are possible for both handlebar versions, and the height can be adjusted by up to 20 millimetres without separating the cables.
Other "Smart Solutions" include a recess in the centre of the handlebars known as the Gear Groove. As with the Grail gravel bike, a computer, smartphone or time trial attachment can be mounted here. In addition, the saddle clamp has been rethought; the angle and position can be adjusted with two screws instead of one. The threaded eyelets on the aero seat post are actually intended for a rear light, but as this does not have StZVO approval, it is not available in Germany.
Canyon Aeroad: Equipment and prices
The new Aeroad is available in six equipment variants and six frame sizes. The flagship models, recognisable by the abbreviation CFR in the model name, are based on a lighter frame. We measured a weight of just over 1000 grams in frame size M, while the fork weighed in at around 400 grams on the TOUR scales. The top-of-the-range racing bikes cost 10,000 euros with Shimano's Dura-Ace or 10,500 euros with the new SRAM Red.
The SLX versions, which also change gears electronically and are built with carbon wheels, are significantly cheaper. The price ranges from 4200 to 6500 euros. According to Canyon, you have to factor in an additional weight of between 400 and 1000 grams compared to our test bike. With the exception of the basic model, all bikes are equipped with a power meter. The SL versions are no longer available.
Conclusion: New bike, old dream grade
The new Aeroad is not a revolution. But it doesn't have to be, as the previous model was already one of the best road bikes in the world. Canyon is continuing this story with the new Aeroad. Thanks to the combination of low weight and strong aerodynamics, it feels at home on many terrains. The result: together with the S-Works Tarmac SL8 from Specialized, the top model shares the title of best road bike in the TOUR test. Both racing bikes achieved a dream result with an overall score of 1.5.
Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2
- TOUR grade: 1,5
- Price: 9999 Euro
- Weight: 7.0 kilos
- Frame sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top tube/head tube 534/570/142 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR 565/389 millimetres/1.45
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+ 625/563 millimetres/1.11
- Wheelbase/caster 990/53 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.) Grade 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Continentral Grand Prix 5000S TR 25/28mm (eff.: 25/28mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1100 50
- Impeller weights: 1141/1489 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Driving stability: 8.3 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Rear comfort: 173 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
- Comfort front: 73 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 69 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: First-class aerodynamics, top equipment, a screw standard
- Minus: Low spring comfort
Aeroad CF SLX 7 AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-30 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1600 50
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR (25/28 mm)
- Weight: 8.1 kilos (size M)
- Price: 4199 Euro
Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t, power meter)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1600 50
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR (25/28 mm)
- Weight: 7.9 (size M)
- Price: 4799 Euro
Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t., power meter)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1400 50
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR (25/28 mm)
- Weight: 7.5 (size M)
- Price: 6499 Euro
Aeroad CF SLX 8 AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-30 t, power meter)
- Impellers: Zipp 404 Firecrest HL
- Tyres: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR (28 mm)
- Weight: 7.9 (size M)
- Price: 6999 Euro
Aeroad CFR Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t., power meter)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1100 50
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR (25/28 mm)
- Weight: 7.0 kilos (size M)
- Price: 9999 Euro
Aeroad CFR AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-28 t, power meter)
- Impellers: Zipp 545NSW
- Tyres: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR (28 mm)
- Weight: 7.2 kilos (size M)
- Price: 10499 Euro
How TOUR tests
Julian Schultz
Editor
