Canyon already has a pretty deep range of all-day riding road bikes in its Endurace stable, but now are stepping it up by bringing the premium frame tech from their pro team race bikes over to these everyman endurance rides. The existing Endurace line focuses on those of us cyclists who don’t really want to sacrifice a comfortable ride, but at the same time want a bike that we feel like we can race, even if it is just racing our riding buddies to the next city limits sign.
It’s no mistake to find the ‘race’ name in these bikes. Even if we are really just weekend warriors, everybody wants to ride a bike that make them feels fast. Canyon recognizes that, and these are the kinds of road bikes that most of us would probably ride. After 100km+ on a comfortable endurance bike, we still want (or maybe even we need more) a bike that feels like it jumps up those last hills. The Endurace CF SLX takes carbon fiber tuning that next step, merging comfort and race performance, so that at the end of those long rides we still have fresher legs and can hammer the late climbs, pin it through that last twisty descent, and sprint for the line as we roll back home…
Starting from sub 1000€ alloy bikes up through a carbon frame with build kits at nearly three times that price, the existing Endurace line-up is broad and presents a wide progression from entry-level road riding, through to some fairly high-end bikes. But that is kind of getting blown away with the new premium Endurace CF SLX, which takes Canyon’s endurance road platform to the pro level with a top notch component spec, weights in striking distance of the UCI limit, and… pricing that pretty much doubles the previous offerings at the top end.
While the biggest difference in the jump from CF to CF SLX might be assumed to be a more premium carbon mix and more refined layup dropping weight (it does get that too), what is important to note is that the move to the SLX frameset comes with a full switch to disc brakes only. While the existing 1040g Endurace CF frame and matching 325g 114 SL fork are rim brake only, this new premium frameset goes the other way. Interestingly, the bikes choose with 160mm rotors across the board, except for the smallest XXS frames which use 140mm rotors, presumably to either fit in the rear triangle better or just because of anticipated lighter riders? Another tidbit with the move to disc brakes is that the left side of the frames gets unique high-temp resins to withstand more extreme temperatures as a result of disc braking (although it sounds like that is limited to the left fork leg and left stays).
Even though the UCI and pros argue over how and why (and if) they should let disc brakes back into the peloton, amateur riders for the most part are welcoming more powerful braking, better modulation control, and consistent performance in all conditions. While there had recently been statements from the French and Spanish cycling federations threatening that disc brake equipped bikes would be banned even from amateur events and sportives, the UCI chimed in on the matter with a welcome voice of reason last week. The UCI Management Committee issued a ruling clarification stating that “the use of disc brakes – already widespread – is authorised in mountain bike, trials and mass participation (road) events” effective immediately, so that should nip that concern in the bud.
Back to the new Endurace CF SLX itself, the frame set does make some sizable weight savings even including the disc brake switch. The new CF SLX frame is claimed to drop more that 200g down to 820g, and the new disc fork is said to hit the same 325g weight. That said the complete bike builds actually do go up in weight. Until Shimano comes out with an actual Dura-Ace hydraulic brake groupset, the non-series mechanical RS-685 and Di2 RS-785 brakesets still add a good bit of weight over the standard D-A mechanical/rim brake setup, not to mention wheels.
The Endurace CF SLX uses the same Sport Geometry as the rest of it line. That amounts to ~10mm higher stack and 8mm less reach than the race Ultimate for a slightly more upright position. Chainstays also stay at 415mm, 5 over the Ultimate for a bit more stable handling.
The Endurace CF SLX gets the newest tech that the industry has to offer. Each of the bikes comes spec’ed with flat mount hydraulic disc brakes, and all roll on modern wide rims with high volume 28mm tires and 12 mm thru-axles front and rear. Both frame and fork are said to offer clearance for up to a 33mm wide tire.
Even though all-day comfort was a driving factor for the CF SLX, Canyon pulled from their experience working with their aero Aeroad and light Ultimate to bring wind tunnel-tested tube shapes to the Endurace for real, measurable aerodynamic gains.
A big part of the bike’s design comes from balancing aero performance with comfort. The leaf spring VCLS 2.0 seatpost and redesigned seattube shape that pairs more seatpost setback (for more flex) with an effectively steeper seattube keeps the saddle in the correct position while making for a more forgiving ride. Like on the Ultimate CF SLX, this new bike moves the seatclamp lower into the frame, again increasing effective seatpost length for more shock absorbing, tuned flex.
The bike uses a new H31 integrated bar and stem that drops weight, adds vertical compliance, and incorporates several ergonomic and aero improvements. It also gets a co-developed DT RWS QR axle to speed wheel changes, and a stiffer thru-axle linked rear derailleur hanger.
Canyon’s design philosophy for the Endurace line was that no two riders, roads, or even bikes were exactly the same. By adding the SLX to the existing CF and alloy bike offerings, they hope to give more choice to cover any type of road ride their customers can dream up and at any budget level.
The full six model Endurace CF SLX range, including one WMN spec, is available to order now. That includes the Ultegra mechanical CF SLX 8.0 for 3600€ and the lightest of the bunch 7.2kg CF SLX 9.0 with mechanical Dura-Ace for 4300€.
The rest all go Di2, with the Ultegra CF SLX 8.0 DI2 for 4300€ or the women’s spec Endurace WMN CF SLX 8.0 DI2 for 4300€ with Ultegra and a compact crank.
Two Dura-Ace Di2 build top out the line, with the 5200€ CF SLX 9.0 DI2 and a more premium CF SLX 9.0 SL for 6300€ which isn’t actually lighter but does get an upgrade to Mavic’s new Ksyrium Pro Carbon SL Disc clinchers.
