![]() ![]() I did find that my lower back ached towards the end of a long ride, and I'd put this down to the shorter saddle to bar reach on offer creating a slightly different position. Where some endurance focused bikes have made me feel a little slow (especially compared to some of the well rested legs joining the ride), the Endurace had me contesting the final few at the top of climbs, and leaning into the corners on the way back down. Weight isn't everything, though - the springy ride quality meant but I barely noticed any penalty when scooting over to Kent's Toys Hill.Īnother key test for the Endurace was a 120km winter outing with my cycling club. Hitting the teeth chattering section which I tend to use to assess compliance, I'd place the Endurace somewhere between an all-out sportive bike and a race machine: it didn't blur out all of the bumps, but did soften the blows.Īt 8.3kg, the Endurace is far from a heft - but it is heavier than many of the speedy (far more expensive) pro level race bikes I've taken up the Surrey hills. Powering the Endurace on my standard testing loop - Surrey's Crowhurst circuit - my initial impression was that of a quick footed companion. The $7,199 price might have you feeling like you’re buying two mid-level bikes at once, but the Endurace CF SLX 9.0 SL top-level spec and premium performance features are wrapped together in a single package that outshines the competition.Anyway, it was the unisex model that I had on test, and it put a smile on my face from the first pedal stroke. It’s a head-turning jack-of-all-trades that can replace a garage full of bikes. The kerosene red paint scheme is matched with smooth lines and stylish details. (SRAM’s wireless eTap system would also make for a slick package.) Photo: Brad Kaminski | ĭespite the front end untidiness, Canyon nailed the look of the Endurace CF SLX. An integrated stem that houses the junction box, wires, and hydraulic brake cables would tidy things, even if it did make setup and maintenance more involved. We were also disappointed to see Canyon’s sleek, integrated H31 Ergocockpit cluttered with Di2 wires and the junction box. Then again, the bigger rings are what you’ll want if you plan to jump into road races every now and again. We would have preferred a 50/34-tooth selection for the added versatility on long adventure rides. The bike’s 52/36-tooth chainring configuration is a bit aggressive for an endurance bike that begs to be ridden off-road. Shimano’s hydraulic disc brake performance is hard to match, and pairing them with the Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain makes it an incomparable package. The Endurace comes by such robust clearance because of its disc brake design, which also provides better braking performance and smoother modulation. Those gravel and dirt roads you’ve been eyeing are not just accessible now - they’re actually fun to ride with fat tires and a very non-endurance, aggressive riding position. This swings the door wide open for all-road adventure riding. Canyon specs the bike with 28-millimeter tires, but it can accommodate up to 33-millimeter rubber, with room to spare. It also keeps the rider in a low and aggressive position, with a short head tube (157 millimeters for a size 56), and ready for any sudden moves with a short, responsive 990-millimeter wheelbase.įurthermore, the massive tire clearance of the Endurace sets it apart from other endurance race bikes. The geometry actually leans closer to a typical racer, with a 73-degree head tube angle and a 73.5-degree seat tube angle. Still, we refuse to label the Canyon Endurance CF SLX as just another endurance bike. But the frame is tuned for compliance, with thin seatstays, a kinked seat tube, and a leaf spring seat post that absorb road vibrations before they reach your body. The stiffness numbers rival some of the best aero bikes on the market, like Specialized’s Venge ViAS, with bottom bracket (0.43 millimeters of deflection) and head tube (0.61 millimeters of deflection) numbers that create a responsive ride with impressive power transfer and quick handling. Photo: Brad Kaminski | Ĭanyon perfectly engineered this frame to bridge the gap between twitchy performance and all-day comfort. But this is, without question, the best do-everything bike we’ve ridden this year. Sure, we have some minor quibbles: The overly stout gearing isn’t ideal for steep back roads external cable routing disrupts the sleek cockpit. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!Ĭanyon’s new disc brake-equipped Endurace CF SLX endurance race machine is the answer to the question, “Which bike should I ride today?” Whether you’re hoping to climb through the hills, explore unknown roads, or even hit the local crit, the Endurace makes an excellent choice. ![]()
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