Canyon Road bike comparison
Which Canyon road bike should I buy?
This is one of the questions we are asked most often. We could answer with the favorite Canyon bike of our co-founders (tip, if you want to apply and make a good impression: it's the Ultimate CF), but it's not that simple. That's why Nic has prepared a YouTube video with all the information you need to decide on a Canyon road bike. In this blog article we compare the Aeroad, Ultimate and Endurace bikes to help you find your dream bike. You can find Nic's YouTube video right below this paragraph and if you haven't already, don't forget to leave him a follow as well. As for the blog post - here goes: Which Canyon road bike suits you best?
1. geometry
The Endurace has the most relaxed geometry with the longest stack and the shortest reach. It offers an upright riding position for more comfort on long distances and thus protects your lower back. However, it doesn't lack speed, as it's still sportier than a typical endurance bike. The wheelbase and chainstays are also significantly longer, making it more stable at high speeds and off-road, but making the handling less responsive and thus throttling the speed in corners.
The Ultimate and the Aeroad are very similar in terms of their frame geometry. The stack and reach are identical and both offer a sportier and more aerodynamic riding position than the Endurace. Both are also more nimble and precise in handling, the Aeroad even more so than the Ultimate, as it has slightly shorter chainstays and a shorter wheelbase. However, this also makes the Aeroad less stable than the Ultimate.
2. tire clearance
The latest Endurace AL and the CF version have a tire clearance of up to 35 mm and have mounts for bags on the top tube, which further increases the comfort and versatility. But the latest Ultimate is not inferior in terms of comfort, after all, the mounting of a tire up to 32 mm wide is possible.
Both are thus true heroes even on light gravel, although the Endurace handles the edge better.
The Aeroad allows a tire width of 30 mm, which is still pretty versatile for a pure aero bike.
Speaking of aero, all the bikes are aerodynamically optimized in their own way, with all cable routing at least partially integrated (on the Ultimate and Aeroad they're fully integrated). In terms of pure geometry, the Ultimate offers top tier aerodynamics, but as you can see from the thicker tubes and the curved seat tube that protects the rear wheel, the Aeroad offers absolutely minimal attack surface to drag and performs best among the three in this regard.
3. groupsets and components
There is not much to discuss in terms of the shifting groups, as all three bikes in the same price range are similarly equipped in each case. It is worth noting, however, that the Endurace is the only model that is still offered in a version with rim brakes.
As for the other components, there are variations depending on the model that are meant to support the main purpose of each bike. The Endurace features fairly standard road wheels, round handlebars and a carbon seatpost. On the CF SL and SLX versions, the shock-absorbing VCLS seatpost is installed, as well as a carbon Ergo cockpit and aero wheels with a maximum rim depth of 45mm for even more comfort and speed.
You get the Ultimate with the new D-shaped seatpost for improved aerodynamics, the wheels are even more aerodynamic with a maximum rim depth of 50 mm and it has the same aero handlebar as the Aeroad. The fully integrated aero cockpit is foldable and adjustable in width and height, allowing you to adjust the handlebars accordingly for specific races and making the bike easier to transport. To further improve aerodynamics, all Aeroad bikes feature 62mm deep wheels and the lightweight, low-profile seatpost cuts through the air as if it were butter.
4. weight
How much the three models each bring to the scale, depends heavily on the respective version and the installed components. All in all, however, the Ultimate is ahead in this category, because the lightest version(Ultimate CFR Di2- €10,499) weighs 6.32 kg in size M and is thus ideal for climbing. Not far behind is the Endurace, whose most expensive version weighs 6.88 kg(Endurace CF SLX 9 Di2- €7,799). The heaviest model is the Aeroad, which weighs 7.20 kg(Aeroad CFR Disc Di2 €9,199), but that's to be expected since aero bikes usually use more material for increased aerodynamics. For an aero bike, however, the Canyon Aeroad is still very light...
5. price
The last and most crucial point is the price tag of the bikes. Here we can talk about the different price ranges and tell you that the Endurace starts at €999 and is therefore the cheapest, but that doesn't really help us: it makes the most sense if we compare three bikes in the same price range. That way, you'll get a good idea of what you're getting for your money. So let's compare the Ultimate CF SL 7 Di2, the Endurace CF SL 8 Di2, and the Aeroad CF SL 8 Disc. All three cost €3,999.
With regards to groupsets, the Endurace performs best in our opinion, after all, the ingenious Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed shifting is installed. But the Endurace only has an aluminum wheelset and also weighs the most.
The Aeroad offers you the mechanical Ultegra group, but also a high-quality, lightweight aero carbon wheelset and weighs the least.
The Ultimate, on the other hand, offers the 105 Di2 12-speed groupset, has an aluminum wheelset and features the new fully integrated adjustable aero handlebar.
So, as is all too often the case, it comes down to what you really want from your bike: If an electronic group is a must, then the Endurace is the best option for you. If you're looking for aerodynamics, the Aeroad is your bike, and if you want the best of both worlds, the Ultimate is perfect. But more on that now, because after this Canyon road bike fact marathon, the question remains:
6. which is the best for you?
If you're new to cycling or just looking for a very versatile bike that offers great comfort for long distances and can handle light gravel, then you should reach for the Endurace.
If you're rather ooking for a pure road bike that's optimized for flat terrains and wins the gold medal among the three in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, the Aeroad fits the bill.
And if you crave a well-balanced bike that rides very fast, climbs easily and offers solid comfort, the Ultimate is for you!
The best? These three Canyon road bike models are so popular that it won't be difficult for you to find a used one and save a lot of money. Of course, your Endurace, Ultimate and Aeroad search will be even easier on buycycle.com - nowhere else can you find your new used dream bike so quickly, safely and easily! If you have any questions about Canyon road bikes or bikes in general, our team is always there for you, but until then we wish you: Happy browsing, happy cycling!