Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap - perfectionist with a lack of detail
The Aeroad from Canyon is an old acquaintance in the field of aero road bikes and has already won the test several times in the past. The Koblenz-based company has always managed to put a model on the tyres that is among the best in terms of both aerodynamics and weight. The CF SLX 7 eTap is no exception. The racer scores particularly well in terms of aerodynamics and is one of the best in the wind tunnel with 206 watts at 45 km/h. fastest road bike modelsthat we have measured so far.
In addition to the aerodynamically optimised frame with narrow carbon tubes, the bike benefits from the very fast wheels, which are on a similar level to the reference wheel Zipp 404 - and with 62 millimetre high rims also look good. However, at 3224 grams, the DT Swiss wheelset puts a noticeable strain on the overall weight. The Aeroad weighs more than eight kilos because the inexpensive electric drivetrain from SRAM is also relatively heavy.
The high-quality carbon frame, the second-best quality level in the Canyon cosmos, is one of the lightest in the field at 1100 grams. On the road, however, the Bolide is able to conceal its weakness well and presents itself as a versatile companion. Thanks to the short wheelbase, the Aeroad can be steered nimbly around bends, while the relatively stretched seating position emphasises its racing character. The good suspension comfort is further enhanced by the 28 millimetre wide rear tyre.
The downside: at the time of going to press, none of the Aeroad models were available to order on the Canyon website. As reported (TOUR 11/2022), the Canyon puts a stop to salesafter the clamping of the Aeroad seatpost continues to cause problems. Although a rubber sleeve is supposed to prevent the ingress of dirt, owners are reporting creaking. According to Canyon, the safety of the seatpost is not jeopardised and a solution is being worked on.
Facts & measurements of the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap
- Price4999 Euro
- Weight: 8,3 Kilo
- Aerodynamics: 206 Watt
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1094/432/48 grammes
- Frame sizes** XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 540/575/144 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 564/389 millimetres/1.45
- Wheelbase/caster 980/58 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit SRAM Rival eTap AXS (2x12, 48/35, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes SRAM Rival (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss ARC 1600 Dicut 62/Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 25/28 millimetres (front/rear: 1389/1835 grams)
Strengthsstrong aero performance, good price-performance ratio
Weaknesses: cannot be ordered due to problems with the seat post
The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap achieved an overall score of 1.8 in the 2023 TOUR test of competition road bikes.
More competition road bikes in the test:
>> Benotti Fuoco Aero
>> Cervélo Soloist 105
>> Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race
>> Giant Propel Advanced 1
>> Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0
>> Merida Reacto Rival Edition
>> Ridley Noah Disc 105
>> Rose XLite 04 105
>> Storck Aerfast.4 Comp Disc Ultegra
The test results in detail
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
