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Canyon 2018 road and cyclo-cross bikes – first look

Thinking about buying a Canyon bike? Our guide includes every bike in the line-up

German direct-to-consumer brand Canyon has developed a reputation for making WorldTour-standard bikes at non-WorldTour prices. Every time the brand launches a new bike or range, excitement abounds, so we’re intrigued to see what the 2018 line-up brings.

Canyon’s competitive pricing has always come down to its distinctive business model, which bypasses the middlemen (the distributor and bike shop), and sees riders buy direct from its website. It’s proved largely successful in recent years, to the point now that owning a Canyon has become something of a point of pride rather than a choice dictated by budget.

Has Canyon’s 2018 range caught your eye? Our comprehensive guide includes every bike in the line-up, from road to cyclo-cross

Canyon’s bikes include the Aeroad aero machine, the Ultimate lightweight all-rounder and the Endurace long-distance cruiser and cobble-basher, as well as Tony Martin and Alex Dowsett’s Speedmax time trial bike. You’ll also find the newly updated Inflite range, which now includes carbon cyclo-cross race bikes alongside the alloy machines.

We know the sheer number of bikes (91, in case you were wondering) and complexity of the naming structure can be a little overwhelming – but it’s not as difficult to understand as it might first appear. Before we take you on a journey through Canyon’s 2018 range, here’s a quick rundown of how to understand the various models, tiers and naming conventions:

  • Model family name [e.g. Ultimate, Aeroad or Endurace]
  • Gender specificity [‘WMN’ or no demarcation]
  • Frame material [‘CF’ for carbon, ‘AL’ for alloy]
  • Frame material tier [‘EVO’, ‘SLX’, ‘SL’, or standard with no demarcation]
  • Brake method [‘Disc’, or no demarcation]
  • Specification level [ranges from 10.0-6.0; represents groupset/build level]
  • Extra build information [‘LTD’ or ‘PRO’ for race-ready builds, ‘Di2’ or ‘eTap’ for electronic shifting, ‘AERO’ for deeper section wheels, ‘SL’ for lighter builds]

Armed with this info, we invite you to dive in to find out more about each model, and for a (very) comprehensive list of each of the 91 road bikes and 22 framesets available for the 2018 model year.

Canyon Aeroad and Aeroad Disc

Let’s start with the raciest bike of the bunch, the Aeroad. Where previously it’s been rated as one of the best aero bikes money can buy, in the past couple of years it’s made a name for itself as one of the leading disc-equipped aero machines, too.

Canyon’s Aeroad has developed a reputation as one of the fastest aero road bikes out there. This Shimano Dura-Ace Di2-equipped Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 Di2 will set you back £4,099

Central to both rim and disc brake bikes is the ‘Pro’ geometry, which is tailor-made for racing, maximising a low front end. Indeed, as the name suggests, aero performance is the name of the game here, with Canyon’s ‘Trident 2.0’ truncated tube profiles designed to increase stiffness, reduce weight and improve performance in a variety of wind conditions.

When a disc version was introduced last year, it turned heads because Canyon claimed that it only conceded 0.8 watts of drag in the wind tunnel. That’s impressive by anyone’s standards, while if you opt for anything above the base level bikes, you’ll also get the distinctive H11 integrated Aerocockpit to keep things tidy and aerodynamic at the front end.

The flagship Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 Ltd comes with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Mavic Comete Pro Carbon SL UST wheels for £6,349

A top-of-the-range Aeroad with rim brakes costs £7,299 complete with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and Zipp’s distinctive, whale fin-inspired 454 NSW wheelset, while the flagship disc brake Aeroad comes packaged with a SRAM Red eTap HRD groupset for £6,249.

Those riders looking to get nine tenths of the performance without the outlay can look at the other end of the range, with bikes starting from £3,199 fitted with a Shimano Ultegra R8000 drivetrain, while there are three bikes in a female-specific specification, too.

Canyon Aeroad and Aeroad Disc 2018 bikes

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 LTD – £7,299
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 Di2 – £5,799
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 – £4,499
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 Di2 – £4,099
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8.0 – £3,199
Canyon Aeroad WMN CF SLX 8.0 – £3,199

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX frameset electric – £2,449
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX frameset mechanical – £2,399

The most affordable Aeroad comes with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Reynolds Strike SLG wheels for £3,199

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 – £6,349
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 LTD – £6,249
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL – £5,999
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 – £4,499
Canyon Aeroad WMN CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 – £4,499
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 8.0 – £3,599
Canyon Aeroad WMN CF SLX Disc 8.0 – £3,599

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc frameset electric – £2,549
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc frameset mechanical – £2,549

Canyon Ultimate and Ultimate Disc

If the Aeroad is the aero race machine of Canyon’s range, then the Ultimate is the lightweight race bike. This is the one you’ll spot under Movistar’s Tour de France runner-up, Nairo Quintana, and the top-level SLX frame has victories at the Giro d’italia and Vuelta a España to its name. Not a bad palmares, we must say.

The SLX machines received an update a couple of years ago which added smoother lines to the frame, improving aero efficiency on the flat, while maintaining the ‘Sport Pro’ geometry. It’s a little less aggressive than the Aeroad’s ‘Pro’ layout, with a slightly elongated headtube and stack, but it’s still fully capable of meeting the needs of pro racers and sportivistas alike.

The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX is available with rim brakes or disc brakes. This £5,899 bike with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and DT Swiss PRC 1400 aero wheels tops the line-up

The carbon fibre Ultimate frame is available at three levels. The uber-light Evo has a scant claimed weight of 665g (yep, 665g!) and is available as a complete bike weighing just 5.1kg in a medium size frame (yours for a cool £8,999 – and there’s an even pricier bikes at £11,799). It’s a strong message to the UCI rule makers that the current 6.8kg weight limit has arguably become outdated.

Meanwhile, the SLX chassis used by Quintana and co comes in at 790g. Both the Evo and SLX, available from £3,199 to £5,899, share the same up-to-date tube profiles but the more affordable SL, which weighs a claimed 940g, is based on the previous-generation Ultimate frame. That brings the price down to anywhere from £1,499 with Shimano 105 to £3,599 with SRAM Red eTap.

While the disc-ready Ultimate CF SL is based around Canyon’s latest design, the rim brake Ultimate CF SL uses the previous generation frame. This mid-range Shimano Ultegra bike, the Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0, costs £1,999

There are disc brake versions of the Ultimate, too, with both the SLX Disc and SL Disc featuring the same aero-enhancing tubing, stiff bottom bracket and chainstays, and comfort-enhancing dropped seatpost clamp as the top rim brake bikes.

If you’re set on an aluminium frame, then Canyon also make the Ultimate AL SLX frameset that provides the high-rated Sport Pro geometry in alloy form. With two high-spec builds to choose from, alongside a frameset only version for £749, it’s an appealing option for riders who value the low weight and high stiffness that alloy can provide, at a more competitive price than carbon.

Canyon Ultimate and Ultimate Disc 2018 bikes

Canyon Ultimate CF EVO 10.0 LTD – £11,799
Canyon Ultimate CF EVO 10.0 SL – £8,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Di2 – £5,899
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 LTD – £5,199
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 PRO – £4,399
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 – £4,349
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 Di2 – £3,799
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 eTap – £3,599
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 – £3,199
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 Di2 – £2,649
Canyon Ultimate AL SLX 8.0 Aero – £2,449
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 – £1,999
Canyon Ultimate WMN CF SL 8.0 – £1,999
Canyon Ultimate AL SLX 8.0 – £1,649
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7.0 – £1,449

Canyon Ultimate CF EVO frameset electric – £2,999
Canyon Ultimate CF EVO frameset mechanical – £2,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX frameset electric – £1,749* (any starred frameset is a reduced 2017 model, to be replaced with a 2018 version in due course)
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX frameset mechanical – £1,749*
Canyon Ultimate CF SL frameset electric – £1,099
Canyon Ultimate CF SL frameset mechanical – £1,099
Canyon Ultimate AL SLX frameset mechanical – £749

Aluminium isn’t only for entry-level bikes, as this £2,449 Canyon Ultimate AL SLX 8.0 Aero proves

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 Aero – £5,649
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 – £5,899
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL – £5,499
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 – £4,899
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 – £4,449
Canyon Ultimate WMN CF SLX Disc 8.0 Aero – £4,449
Canyon Ultimate WMN CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 – £3,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 – £3,799
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2 – £3,799
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 Aero – £3,249
Canyon Ultimate WMN CF SLX Disc 8.0 – £3,199
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 – £2,549
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 7.0 – £1,999

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc frameset electric – £1,899*
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc frameset mechanical – £1,899*
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc frameset electric – £1,169*
Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc frameset mechanical – £1,169*

Canyon Endurace and Endurace Disc

As the name might suggest, the Endurace bike is the endurance bike of the German manufacturer’s range, but still with a heart that will stand up to equal amounts of aggressive riding. It’s based around the ‘Sport’ geometry, which sits the rider up a little more than the Ultimate’s Sport Pro layout. However, geometry and disc brakes (which we’ll come on to) aside, the Endurace is very similar to the Ultimate, with aero-influenced tube profiles designed to offer both stiffness and comfort.

The Endurace is Canyon’s long-distance endurance bike, but it’s got a racy edge to it, too

The SLX and SL-spec carbon bikes are disc-brake only, an indication that Canyon sees these bikes most at home away from the cut-and-thrust of racing, while this naturally means the frames are easily capable of sporting wider tyres, coming supplied with 28c rubber. Also, unless you go for the bottom-level 7.0 SL machine, you’ll get Canyon’s innovative split VCLS 2.0 carbon seatpost, which is said to maximise comfort.

There are also standard Endurace CF bikes that hark back to a previous generation, and while these don’t feature the latest tube profiles of the SLX and SL frames, you do get the Sport geometry as well as a healthy dose of carbon knowhow from Canyon’s engineers, with VCLS compliance technology integrated into the frames. These are rim brake only, while there are also alloy frames featuring the same geometry with both disc and rim brake versions.

The entry-level carbon Endurace is based on the previous frame design. This Endurace WMN CF 7.0 with Shimano 105 costs £1,349

The range of bikes here is truly staggering, with a top of the range CF SLX Disc 9.0 LTD bike with SRAM red eTap costing £6,249, all the way down to the cheapest Endurace, an AL 6.0 available in both standard and women’s-specific models, and coming with a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain for £799.

Canyon Endurace and Endurace Disc 2018 bikes

Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 LTD – £6,249
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 – £5,899
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL – £5,649
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 9.0 LTD – £4,999
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 – £4,499
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 – £3,899
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 Aero – £3,799
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Aero – £3,399
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2 – £2,999
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2 – £2,999
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 SL – £2,699
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 SL – £2,699
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 – £2,349
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 – £2,349
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc 7.0 – £1,799
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 7.0 – £1,799
Canyon Endurace AL Disc 8.0 – £1,649
Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 8.0 – £1,649
Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0 – £1,349
Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 – £1,349

The Endurace is also available in aluminium, with either rim or disc brakes. This Endurace AL Disc 8.0 with Shimano Ultegra costs £1,649

Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc frameset electric – £2,349
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc frameset mechanical – £2,349
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc frameset electric – £1,349
Canyon Endurace CF SL Disc frameset mechanical – £1,349

Canyon Endurace CF 8.0 Di2 – £2,449
Canyon Endurace CF 8.0 – £1,749
Canyon Endurace CF 7.0 – £1,349
Canyon Endurace WMN CF 7.0 – £1,349
Canyon Endurace AL 8.0 – £1,299
Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 – £999
Canyon Endurace WMN AL 7.0 – £999
Canyon Endurace AL 6.0 – £799
Canyon Endurace WMN AL 6.0 – £799

Canyon Endurace AL frameset mechanical – £649
Canyon Endurace AL Disc frameset mechanical – £599

Canyon Speedmax

We’re into time trial (and, whisper it, triathlon) territory here. The Speedmax is Canyon’s go-to bike for nearly all races against the clock, and has featured under Tony Martin at Katusha this year, while it’s also got serious cred over in the Ironman series thanks to Jan Frodeno’s two victories at the World Championships in Kona in 2015 and 2016.

Reputation secured, there’s serious innovation here in the Speedmax SLX. The frame itself is designed to shape fast-moving air around it, evidenced not least with the deep profiling off the headtube and downtube, as well as the filled shrouding around the rear wheel. You also get integrated brakes inside the fork blades and at the bottom bracket too.

Canyon offers the Speedmax CF in a range of builds, starting with this £2,099 Shimano Ultegra build

The SLX frame comes specced with a specially-developed (in partnership with Ergon) carbon basebar and ergonomic extensions, while you get Profile T4 extensions with the SL-spec frame. On that note, while the Speedmax SL shares the wind-cheating tube profiles of the SLX, the integrated brakes are swapped for direct-mount calipers. Still, while you may be giving up some aero efficiency, they are a whole lot more accessible for maintenance.

Builds start from £2,099 for the CF SL 7.0 machine complete with a Shimano 105 drivetrain for those just starting out in time trialling on a specific TT machine. The range then goes right up to the top-line SLX 9.0 LTD bike kitted out with a Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain and Zipp’s latest Sawtooth 858 hoops for £8,599. Four ‘WMN’ bikes are also available, ranging from between £4,499 to £2,099.

Canyon Speedmax 2018 bikes

Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 LTD – £8,599
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 SL – £8,399
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 – £7,499
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8.0 SL – £5,899
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8.0 – £4,999
Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 LTD – £4,999
Canyon Speedmax WMN CF 8.0 LTD – £4,499
Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 Di2 – £4,099
Canyon Speedmax WMN CF 8.0 Di2 – £3,799
Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 SL – £3,199
Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 – £2,699
Canyon Speedmax WMN CF 8.0 – £2,699
Canyon Speedmax CF 7.0 – £2,099
Canyon Speedmax WMN CF 7.0 – £2,099

Canyon Inflite

The Inflite is the latest bike in Canyon’s range to get a refresh, and we were there when the brand launched the Inflite SLX carbon cyclo-cross race frame. Where the previous models (which are still available) straddled a middle ground between all-weather road and cyclo-cross, the new SLX bikes are tailored specifically for the ‘cross race market.

The Inflite CF SLX frame weighs in at 940g in a medium according to Canyon, and features a kinked toptube that opens up space for riders to be able to more easily shoulder a bike when the course gets too tough to ride. Canyon has also shaved off material in areas key for mud-shedding and additional tyre clearance, while details include a seatpost clamp set away from the firing line of gunk.

The Inflite CF SLX is Canyon’s first carbon cyclo-cross race bike. This £2,499 machine with a SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain opens the range

The frame is available in eight sizes, the two smallest of which sport 650b wheels, while you also get mountain bike-inspired wider bars, short stems and long wheelbases to increase rider control. Interested? Check out our first ride review of the Inflite CF SLX.

There are three versions of the new Inflite, ranging from £2,499 with a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain and alloy DT Swiss wheels, up to £3,599 with upgraded Reynolds carbon hoops. In the middle you’ll find a Shimano Ultegra-specced machine for £2,899.

The aluminium Inflite range includes both cyclo-cross and all-weather road builds. This Inflite AL 9.0 S with mudguards and 28mm tyres is ready for winter

As we mentioned, the alloy version of the frame remains with three cyclo-cross builds, ranging from £1,449 to £1,799, as well as a winter road build with pre-installed mudguards, 28mm tyres and reflective decals for £1,649.

Canyon Inflite 2018 bikes

Canyon Inflite CF SLX 9.0 Pro Race – £3,599
Canyon Inflite CF SLX 9.0 – £2,899
Canyon Inflite CF SLX 8.0 Pro Race – £2,499
Canyon Inflite AL 9.0 – £1,799
Canyon Inflite AL SLX 8.0 Pro Race – £1,649
Canyon Inflite AL 9.0 S – £1,649
Canyon Inflite AL 8.0 – £1,449

Canyon Inflite CF SLX frameset – £1,799

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