2016 aluminium vs carbon test: Canyon - Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 vs Endurace CF 7.0

Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 (photo above)

The extremely pronounced comfort geometry is the unique selling point of the Endurace AL. It makes the bike particularly interesting for riders who want a back-friendly posture. The straight-lined frame made of neatly welded tubes is extremely stable. Impact-resistant anodised aluminium protects its surface, all cables run on the outside and the cranks rotate in screwed-in bearing shells. Details that frequent riders appreciate. The equipment also promises many carefree kilometres. The Ultegra drivetrain with 50/34 teeth at the front and 11 to 32 teeth at the rear has the right gear for every terrain. Top Conti tyres roll easily, last a long time and are very puncture-proof; they are the main reason why you feel like you're on a much more expensive bike. The handlebars are perfectly shaped and the carbon seat post offers slightly better suspension than the usual aluminium seat posts in this price range. The combination of a short front triangle, 175 mm cranks and 25 mm tyres means that the tips of your shoes can protrude into the pivot area of the front wheel even on a size 43. With smaller frame sizes, the space is even tighter.

CONCLUSION Above-average equipment for the price. Marathon racer with an unusually upright riding position. Extremely stable, many sizes. Limited legroom

OVERALL SCORE 1.7

Price 1,299 Euro
Weight 8.0 kilos
Info www.canyon.com
Available via mail order

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,414/353/48 grammes
Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Seat/top tube/head tube 565/550/192 mm
Stack/Reach*** 603/372 mm/1.62

Equipment

Drive Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Aksium/Continental Grand Prix 4000S II 25C (v/h: 1,209/1,644 grams)

Canyon Endurace CF 7.0

Like the aluminium Endurace AL model, the Endurace CF is also aimed at riders who prefer to sit upright. However, as the frame is just under a centimetre longer, you sit a little more sportily than on the aluminium version, which is almost extreme in this respect. But this is not the only reason why the Endurace CF should appeal to more riders. The carbon frame, which is quite light for the price range and very stable, saves a good 400 grams compared to the aluminium model and looks much more modern with internal cables, a press-fit bottom bracket and a tapered steerer tube. The fact that in return for the more expensive frame only a 105 groupset is used instead of Ultegra is irrelevant in practice. There are no significant differences between the groupsets in terms of braking and shifting behaviour or ergonomics. The only relevant difference is the higher weight of the 105, but the lightweight carbon frame more than compensates for this. In the end, the carbon bike is almost 200 grams lighter. Typical for Canyon, the well thought-out add-on parts and easy-rolling, puncture-proof 25 Continental tyres are impressive. Due to the slightly longer front end, the footwell is not quite as tight as on the aluminium bike.

CONCLUSION Stable frame, riding position suitable for long distances. Very light for the price range. Wide gear range. Many sizes

OVERALL SCORE 1.7

Price 1,399 Euro
Weight 7.8 kilos
Info www.canyon.com
Available via mail order

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 993/353/59 grammes
Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Seat/top tube/head tube 570/555/176 mm
Stack/Reach*** 592/381 mm/1.55

Equipment

Drive Shimano 105 (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano 105
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Aksium/Continental Grand Prix 4000S II 25C (v/h: 1,209/1,671 grams)

*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

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