Canyon Aeroad: The stage is set for the fourth generation!

At first glance, the new Canyon Aeroad looks very similar to its predecessor, which was presented in 2020. But upon closer inspection, many small details We were able to test the Koblenz-based company's new race bike extensively and took a closer look at the new work tool used by the professionals at Alpecin-Deceuninck, Movistar and Canyon//Sram.

• new cockpit “Pace Bar” with individual drops
• up to 14 watts faster
• uniform screw heads for TX25
• new seat post SP0077
• up to 32 mm tire clearance
• from 4199 euros
• 7.15 kg in top spec

Confident announcement from Canyon: According to their own wind tunnel measurements, the Koblenz-based company the fastest bike in the peloton It is said to cut through the wind 2.5 watts faster than the second-placed Cervelo S5. The new cockpit is said to make an important contribution. It is called the “Pace Bar” and offers the same Gear Groove Interface for accessories such as the bike computer mount or the time trial trailer, which can also be mounted on the Grail presented in 2023.

Canyon is now going one step further with the Aeroad: The Pace Bar is available in two versions, namely with classic drops or so-called aero dropswhere the upper link is two centimetres narrower than the lower link. Up to 14 watts savings According to Canyon, this should be included. The drops are individually interchangeable and the handlebar width can be adjusted to the desired width using two small screws under the upper handlebar, just like on the previous Aeroad, without having to reroute the brake lines.

Canyon has also tinkered with the frame and designed the shape to be a little slimmer than the predecessor. According to Canyon, this should result in savings of between one and two watts. Nevertheless, up to 32 mm wide tires in the new Canyon Aeroad – by the way at the personal request of Mathieu van der Poelwho also wants to use the Canyon Aeroad in the spring classics such as Paris–Roubaix.

All screw points on the frame are only with a Torx TX25 This is practical because theoretically you only need one tool to make adjustments to the bike while on the go or at home. Smart solution: The 25mm Torx is conveniently located in the thru axle lever, which can be easily removed and used for screwing. Nevertheless, a versatile multi-tool should of course be in the saddle bag, for example if adjustments need to be made to components such as the gears or brakes – because these do not come from Canyon itself and are therefore equipped with various screw heads.

More information and impressions of the new Canyon Aeroad you can see in the video (small note to all deputy sheriffs: it was filmed on a traffic training area 😉

The screw points on the new aerodynamic seat post SP0077 of the Canyon Aeroad – for example, a Canyon rear light such as the Flash Rear Light can be attached there. The pros also attach the start number holder here. The seat post on the Canyon Aeroad is also impressive because it is easy to handle. Loosening the side clamping screw allows you to adjust the saddle offset, i.e. the horizontal alignment. The saddle angle can be adjusted using the screw at the back under the saddle. This makes it child's play to set the optimal sitting position or correct it if necessary.

Maximum 10,499 euros are called for the top spec with Sram's new Red AXS, Zipp's 454 NSW wheels and Pirelli's P Zero Race TLR. In this spec we have our test bike in frame size XL and without bottle cage, pedals or Gear Groove mount with 7.25 kilograms in frame size M it is 100 grams lighter according to Canyon. The Lower price limit is 4199 euros with Sram's cheaper Rival AXS, and builds with Shimano components from 105 to Dura-Ace are also available in various price ranges. Canyon does not offer bikes with mechanical groups on the Canyon Aeroad, also because of the full integration of all lines and cables.

How does the new Aeroad drive? In short: sporty and agile. The Aeroad rolls quickly, pulls precisely into the curve and hits the golden mean of handling and smoothnessThe seating position is less stretched out than on many other aero racers – this may appeal to less agile athletes, but thoroughbred racers may wish for a few centimeters more reach.

When pedaling out of the saddle, the bike quickly gets up to speed and the power used is efficiently converted into propulsion. This means that the aerodynamic bolide is not only suitable for people riding on the flatlands of Tyrol – the Aeroda also likes to keep up the momentum on the mountain and is therefore fun even on double-digit gradients.

Maximum comfort is naturally not the core competence of the new Aeroad. Nevertheless, the damping is absolutely fine for a race bike designed for propulsion and, due to the not too stretched seating position, should also be suitable for long distances or cycling marathons. And with slightly wider tires than the standard 28 mm tires, it is relatively easy to get a little more comfort.

The only criticism of the new Aeroad: The bottle holders are optimized for Canyon's own bidons, which are slightly thicker than most other models. the bottles of other manufacturers rattle in the Canyon bottle holders, which is a bit annoying when riding. On bad roads, the bottle can sometimes fly out of the holder. If you ride with Canyon bottles, the holders won't bother you. But if you want to use other bidons (as well), it's best to replace the holders – then Canyon's own bottles won't fit so well in the holder due to their more generous shape.