Aero tuning and storage compartment: First test of the new Canyon Endurace CFR

Almost ten years after its premiere, the German mail order company and bike manufacturer is rolling out an extensive update of the Endurace. The Koblenz-based company has left the basic virtues unchanged: A relatively upright riding position and the tried-and-tested leaf-spring seatpost arm the top-of-the-range CFR and CF SLX versions for the long haul. What is new is that the aero optimisation has now also arrived in the Koblenz-based company's popular marathon segment.

Canyon Endurace: Aero optimisations on the endurance racer

According to Canyon, the aero performance has improved by seven watts at 45 km/h compared to its predecessor. Canyon did not disclose how many watts the rider has to produce in order to overcome the aerodynamic drag of the CFR or CF SLX. The CP0018 cockpit, known from the Aeroad and Ultimate, integrated cables and slimmer tube shapes are said to play a major role in the improved aerodynamics. Thanks to the streamlined handlebar unit, the head tube could be made more filigree. In addition, the fork blades are longer and the down tube is slimmer.

To put this in context: the fastest Canyon Ultimate in the TOUR test to date, the CF SL 8 Aero, achieved an aero power output of 216 watts at 45 km/h. Despite consistent optimisation, the Endurace is unlikely to come close to this figure. Despite consistent optimisation, the Endurace is unlikely to come close to this value, as Canyon has kept a key component in the frame for reasons of comfort: the patented leaf spring seatpost. Although this is less aerodynamic than the post in the Ultimate, it offers significantly better suspension. Together with a 32 millimetre wide rear tyre, the new Canyon Endurace should once again be one of the most comfortable road bikes on the market. With the option of fitting tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, the road bike can be made even more comfortable and versatile. It is already scratching the surface of the all-road bike category, and can even be used for light off-road excursions.

Canyon Endurace: Many sizes, better customisation

The new Endurace comes in eight sizes to cover people from 152 to 200 centimetres tall. The two smallest sizes (3XS and 2XS) are fitted with smaller 650B wheels. All models also have a new handlebar unit that can be adjusted by 15 millimetres in height and 40 millimetres in width. The handlebar ends can also be removed, making it easier to pack the road bike in a box. In contrast to the more affordable Endurace CF SL, the cables are fully integrated into the cockpit on the SLX and CFR versions.

Another new feature is a storage compartment in the top tube of the frame; under a plastic cover there is space for a multitool, a puncture repair kit for tubeless tyres, a CO2 pump with cartridge and two tyre levers. These useful accessories are included with the bike as standard.

Canyon Endurace CFR: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: 7.2 to 7.3 kilogrammes
• Stack/Reach/STR: 590/378 millimetres/1.56 (size M)
• Tyre clearance: 35 millimetres
• Special feature: Storage compartment in the top tube for puncture kit
• Gearshift groups: Dura-Ace Di2, Red AXS, Super Record WRL
• Frame sizes: 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
• Prices: 8999 to 9999 Euro

Canyon Endurace CF SLX: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: 7.8 to 8.7 kilogrammes
• Stack/Reach/STR: 590/378 millimetres/1.56 (size M)
• Tyre clearance: 35 millimetres
• Special feature: Storage compartment in the top tube for puncture kit
• Gearshift groups: 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2, Rival AXS, Force AXS
• Frame sizes: 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
• Prices: 3699 to 5499 Euro

First driving impression

During our first test on the road, the Canyon Endurace impressed us above all with its exceptional comfort. The combination of the wide tyres and the leaf spring support makes the road bike literally float over bad roads - you could almost think you were sitting on a gravel bike. The only difference is that it moves faster on the road, as the tyres impress with top-level rolling resistance. The bike also rides as light-footedly as a competition racer on the climbs, as the lightweight carbon rims from DT Swiss are not only aerodynamically excellent, but also accelerate well. There is hardly anything to criticise about the details of the top version we tested, right down to the comfortable but grippy handlebar tape. The only thing that requires some practice is loading the storage compartment, as the recess in the top tube is relatively small. In addition, the neoprene bag, which the Koblenz company calls the "Tool Snake", does not hold just any mini tool and puncture repair kit, but only the slim, supplied parts. A chain riveter or a spare inner tube, which would be better to have with you on longer journeys, no longer fit inside.

Equipment and prices

The new Canyon Endurace is available in a total of eight equipment variants, three of which feature the high-quality CFR frame and five in the SLX version. The most important equipment details and prices of all variants, from expensive to inexpensive, in the picture gallery: