A popular endurance road bike: The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2 put to the test

​The launch of the Endurace range to coincide with the spring classics in professional cycling initially caused some confusion: The top-of-the-range CFR model, which served as something of a forerunner for the completely revamped model range, was positioned as a dedicated competition bike with correspondingly aggressive geometry and equipment that was not particularly suited to touring. A little later, the … brought a sense of proverbial relaxation. Release of further models. There are now three very different platforms; the one in the middle, the CF SLX, is taking part in our comparison as a mid-range model. Essentially, the only things it shares with the cobbled-road racer are the model name and the shape of individual frame tubes; apart from that, it’s in a completely different category.

A touring specialist with aerodynamic styling

This bike epitomises, as it were, the fundamentally new direction Canyon is taking with its marathon bikes: the aerodynamic design, carbon handlebar assembly and aero seatpost are reminiscent of popular professional racing bikes. Nevertheless, the bike is consistently geared towards being beginner-friendly and suitable for long distances. This is evident not only in its different geometry and riding position: in contrast to the more expensive CFR, the riding position on the CF SLX is distinctly upright; even when compared with other bikes in its category, the handlebars on the Endurace CF SLX sit relatively high above the front wheel. Added to this is a new handlebar design developed specifically for the Endurace, which, with a slightly shorter reach and minimal drop, makes the riding position even more comfortable. If that’s a bit too much of a good thing, you can make the position a little sportier by fitting different handlebar ends, which can be mounted onto the base handlebar without disconnecting the brake lines.

Storage compartment and mudguard option

Another difference compared to the sportier CFR: a storage compartment beneath the bottle cage on the down tube, which houses a puncture repair kit including a CO₂ cartridge; mounting points for clever mudguards, available as accessories, round off the package. The high-end version offers neither of these features. The CF SLX also features a gear ratio suitable for touring and tyres of the standard width for this class, although these are, surprisingly, narrower than those on the race-ready CFR: Compared to the 35-millimetre-wide tyres fitted to the CFR, the 32-millimetre tyres on our test bike seem almost conservatively narrow. There would, after all, be room for up to 38 millimetres, which would make the bike a highly versatile companion for all types of terrain.

Typical high-quality fittings

On the road, the bike demonstrates the qualities that have always characterised the Endurace. Despite its upright riding position, it’s no less fun to ride; the handling is lively and responsive without feeling overly twitchy. On fast descents, it holds its line confidently and can be guided predictably through fast corners. Its comparatively low weight also adds to the enjoyment: The simple yet robust carbon wheelsets from DT Swiss and an Ultegra Di2 are by no means a given at this price point, as a glance at the competitors’ pricing shows. Usually, in this price range, you’ll ‘only’ find Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival.

Unusually firm suspension set-up

The only area where existing Endurace riders might be disappointed is the suspension performance of the new range: anyone familiar with and appreciative of the suspension comfort of the previous Endurace range will need to upgrade to the new CF SLX with wider tyres. This is because, despite a recess designed to allow for greater flex, the bike – with its aero seatpost – is tuned to be significantly stiffer than its predecessors. The suspension comfort is on a par with good competition road bikes, but a far cry from the soft leaf-spring seatpost that made the Endurace the clear winner in comfort tests for years. Anyone wishing to continue using this technology will have to opt for the more affordable CF variants of the Endurace – it is still fitted in a revised version on some models. This rather classic carbon frame can also be built with mechanical groupset, with prices starting at €1,699. However, the round-tube frame does not offer the modern aero look, nor does it feature a storage compartment.

The CF SLX shown here starts at 3,999 euros with Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS; the option for mechanical groupset is no longer available on this frame. The premium for the Ultegra model tested seems more than reasonable, as it also includes the 4iii power metre. A top-of-the-range version with Shimano’s Dura-Ace groupset costs a fair €6,999.