NEW Canyon Endurace CFR Review: Better than a Gravel or Race Bike? 

This is the most I've seen David annoyed with something - "Would I want my 9 grand bike to have something like a tv remote battery door on the top tube? Not so sure..."

He approached this from a strange perspective: do I want an endurance bike or or a gravel bike? Personally I want an endurance bike & I'm delighted to see the elements of lightweight and aero being incorporated into one. As a fit 56 year old I can't ride a race bike geometry for 100 miles so I need something more forgiving: but that doesn't mean I don't want it to be aero and lightweight too. Good for Canyon, well done!!

Sad to see so many people saying endurance bikes are dying. as a older cyclist I like endurance bikes and would choose them always ahead of gravel or road bikes as I'm doing most of my driving in roads and can't really handle race bikes positions. Still would choose some other one over this new Canyon after this review.

The shorter reach and higher stack on the Endurace enables me to get into an aggressive position and stay in it. Too many people buy race bikes like the Ultimate and then have to ride around on the hoods all day because they lack the flexibility and/or core strength to take advantage of the aggressive geometry. The reality is that they’d be faster on a slower bike. The Endurace (or its equivalent from other manufacturers) is the most appropriate bike for 90% of amateur cyclists, even those of us who like to ride fast.

Superb video David, thank you - great to see a bike “unveiling” release day video that genuinely analyses the bike

I love it, I still like to race but can't deal with the geometry of a race bike. It's actually exactly what I've been looking for.

I've been riding the same carbon race bike for over two decades. I just bought an endurance bike. I don't have a ton of money to throw at a bike and thought the latest Canyon Endurace CF at $2k with mech Ultegra was a good deal. And I wasn't wrong! What a great bike. I plan on putting better wheels on the bike and using what's provided as light gravel duty wheels, maybe next year. The bike is so much more comfortable than my ancient bike (yes I know, duh). The wide tires are comfy. The bike is lively climbing. I can't believe the value at $2300 all in with taxes. I'm old now and cannot handle race geometry. I didn't think it would matter but boy was I wrong. The endurance geometry makes all the difference for me. I should also mention that I bought, and returned, a Trek Domane Gen 4 back last winter. I returned it after a few days. I hated that bike. It cost too much for my budget and it was very sluggish. This one is none of that.

This light is awesome. Solves the light mount issue. The Ravemen FR160 Computer Mount COB LED Headlight is designed to sit between your Garmin/Wahoo mount and computer.

I run 30mm front and 32mm rear tires on my ADHX, with 303FC wheels. I can't say I felt a big difference going from 30 to 32 mm. But, the real advantage occurred the other day when I flatted, tubeless GP5000 STR's sliced, and the sealant would only seal below 30 psi. The extra width help me be able to ride 25 miles back home and not have to f@ck with tube or dart.

Last year, i visited Sardinia and hired an Endurance. I was blown away by how smooth the ride was. I put this down to superioe road quality (not difficult when comparing with Surrey). This year I'm back on the same Sardinian roads but I brought my own bike, an Ultimate. I'm getting PRs on the Strava segments, but the ride quality is notably harsher. I suspect that for shorter rides, the Ultimate is faster, but for long days in the saddle, the extra comfort of the Endurace would make it quicker. Last year I ran 28mm tyres, this year I've got a mullet setup 30mm at the back, 28mm at the front. The comfort comes from somewhere else ~ magic source mixed into the carbon.

Great review David, thoughts on this bike vs the Roubaix in terms of comfort? Seat post looks effective but wondering if the future shock on the Roubaix tips the scales at all?

David you sure get to review some cool bikes. It must be hard deciding on your personal bikes. That seatpost I can attest to, I recommend it.

Good vid man, yeah I agree, a gravel bike like my specialized Diverge with 38c panaracer sk tires is very good for all road. I do have carbon wheels with excellent DT Swiss hubs and a cobble gobbler seat post for maximum comfort. I inflate my tires to 40 psi for road and 35 psi for gravel, it’s all good!!

Great video. Thanks a lot David. What is that saddle bag?

I'd agree that top-tube compartment seems a bit gimmicky - would rather just have a bolt-on top tube mount if anything. Other than that though, I hope they continue to exist as a category as I'm tall, long-legged and the geometry of the "endurance" bikes seem to suit me even with a reasonable drop to the bars from saddle. Yes, could get that from various gravel bikes - but I believe they have to pass more stringent strength tests, and as a result a little heavier?

Have the old Endurace. The fastest Endurance bike I have owned. Weight has not gone down but up a tiny bit. Nothing in the scheme of things but the price for the top end has gone up, which bucks the trend downward. Old €7500 v new €9799. This seems crazy given the USP of the CFR is weight but the old CF-SLX was lighter.

My friend has the 2022 endurace 8, and it has this exact same seatpost, saddle, integrated aero cockpit etc. Weight is equal. Only difference seems to be the new tube storage thingy and a different stack/reach. And of course the colours are different. If I recall the di2 ultegra version was cheaper than the di2 105 is now. Yeah I know, inflation and all that. If someone is concidering this bike, go for the cheapest slx. If you like to ride more aggressive, go for the ultimate(one of the best bikes I have had), or if you have deep pockets, go all in on the aeroad.

I rode a century last weekend, with a friend who was on a new CFR Dura Ace. It was perfect for him - first time out, and his weak ish back didn't grumble once. I was really impressed with the overall package, with a couple of caveats - storage would be better in the down tube (Diverge style) rather than the top tube - clearance is perfect - lack of mudguard mounts is pretty poor, albeit can be compensated for. - the gearing is not quite right. I'd spec 34/50 chainset, and 11-34 cassette, if given the choice. - crank length was 172.5 for a M - I'd have preferred 170. - lovely wheels, and tubeless ready, but came set up with tubes. It would have been great if they were tubeless out of the box (although, given the sales model / delivery direct to customer, I understand why it might be easier to ship with inner tubes) I'm still a fan of this kind of bike for 99% of riding. Whether "gravel" or "endurance", the above checklist is ideal. Manufacturers like Wilier and Look use the same frameset for both purposes. I've got an OPEN Upper, which for me is the perfect balance (NOT compromise!), with good road gearing and flexible tyre options.

Wow, most critical review I’ve seen from you. Refreshing to hear a spade called a spade. I’m a fan of Canyon, I have an Ultimate (2017). Great bike but their frames haven’t really changed much in 7+ years. Still, some models represent good value for money in their range though.

Amazing review.😊

They call it an endurance bike for a reason, for endurance rides. Lately I've been having fits getting g comfortable on my TCR, and i'm considering an endurance bike just for the relaxed geometry so i can actually get some miles in. I've hardly riden this year mainly due to comfort issues. I think k this bike will be perfect for someone who still loves speed, but can't quite deal with the race geometry.

I had the 2020 Endurace CF SLX. It came with a one piece handlebar and stem.

For comfortable and quick endurance riding mainly focused on streets and connecting fireroads etc. i would always get a sporty gravelbike theese days. throw a fast light tire between 35 and 40mm (depending on your needs) on and you have something that is super versatile yet not slower than an "endurance bike of old". a vitus venom evo for example. that is probably what the big majority of all recreational road cyclists actually needs.

@davidarthur what's the largest size tires you think you could fit on this bike? Canyon says 35mm max but they're always pretty conservative. I've yet to see a review with a decent shot of the tire clearance around the chain stays. Assuming no mud and assuming they measure correctly, do you think 38's could be an option? Thanks for the awesome review!

I'm about to pull the trigger on this bike. The Trek and Specialized equivalents are 50-75% more expensive. I over 50 and want to do weekend rides with my friends, usually 50-80 km and a 3-5 grand Fondos per year of 75-125 km. I'm currently riding an amazing Cervelo R5 RWD, but its so stiff and the geometry gives me shoulder pain after anything longer than 2 hours. Also my feet go numb from the vibration. I've tried gravel bikes but I find them to feel sluggish.

Just purchased a CF 7 after the last sale for $1799 here in the USA. I am super happy with it and ride it every morning. This bike looks like the exact upgrades I would want from my current bike down the road.

Great review David! Was wondering if you say, you are better off with a gravel bike, which bike would you recommend that’s almost as good on the road? Or commuting? Also how does the bike compare to your Giant TCR?? Thanks!

Nice review and almost the perfect 4 season clubrun bike, but the lack of fender mounts means I'm out 😆

Perfect bike for non pros everyday riding ….. also looking forward to the new Defy release. At the moment I have a TCR and a Propel … looking forward to selling them to get a new Defy.

agree 100%. I have a canyon grail with a subcompact to climb any hill and wide tires for comfort. i also have a canyon ultimate and that's purely for speed (relative to my fitness). like you, i rue the day i take it up the wrong climb because i'm not wout van aert.

Is this bike as comfortable as a trek domane? I’ve wanted a speedy feeling (responsive pedaling, stiff bb, etc) endurance geometry bike for a very long time

Nice review, thanks! If you would have to choose between the Endurace and the new Grail for approximately 90% road and 10% off-road riding (also occasionaly bikepacking)... which one would you go for? and why?

Good review and I agree with you: as someone who is planning to buy a bike for different kinds of touring, I lean more towards a gravel bike.

Hopefully new Giant Defy will drop any time soon with most of the features of this but for half the price and with mudguard mounts.

David what is your take on this bike versus the Cannondale 1 RLE

Generally a good bicycle with a major BUT. Those who ride for endurance would also appreciate the option to attach fenders. With the Ultimate/Aeroad, I don't need that, but here I would really like protection from the elements. The next point is the cockpit. Not a bad concept or design in general, but since the bike has become even shorter, I am certain that many would benefit from an adjustment in stem length. However, since these cockpits are not sold separately or you can't choose the length at purchase, this bike is only for those who are either very flexible in this aspect or know for sure that this geometry and stem length work for them. And then there's the price. With the previous model, there was still a version with a 'normal' stem/handlebar/seatpost for about 800-1000€ less. This price range (2000-3000€) is probably the most interesting for most people and, at least at the moment (maybe a 'cheaper' carbon frame' will come), it's not being served. Given the economic situation, this is somehow incomprehensible. If an aluminum frame is supposed to fill this gap, most customers then turn to Cube because here the price/performance ratio is even more distorted (carbon frame, 105Di2 for 2500€)

aero benefits achieved at the speeds is the wind speed, so it's a combination of your seed and wind, not how fast you alone are going. When you look at it that way, 45kph is very easy to achieve

very impressed with the weight of this bike. gimick top tube.

I understand the dismissal of aero claims at 45 kmh tests by amateurs like us, I used to think the same until I saw Josh from Silca explaining it. It is air speed. So if you ride at 30kmh (ground speed) into a 15kmh headwind, then you face a 45kmh air speed. At least that's how I understand it, I may be wrong 😊

Is it possible to replace the integrated cockpit with a third party stem + handlebar?

David have you rode the aethos would like a review from you on that bike

Are those dimples on the fork for aero tripping 🤷🏻‍♂️?

how does this compare to the Trek Domane (with a way more practical in-frame storage system, comparable comfort features, but a higher pricetag ?)

is it aero and lightweight?

Nice review. I have the new cheaper model, the Endurace CF SLX 8 in my basket right now but your thoughts on endurace vs gravel bikes is making me pause on the checkout 😅. How does the Canyon Grail geometry compare to the Endurace, would it be as comfortable ?

I"ll buy an endurace al if they ever add in eyelets for rear attachments, but they don't have that yet.

Any option for a normal seat post?

Why didn't they put the TV remote battery flap on the underside of the top tube? Would have kept the same practicality of having it, but hidden it from view!

Does anyone understand the angle of the seat tube? Why Canyon decided do put 72° ? I found it very very slack compare to any endurance bike, I'm afraid of being too far away from the bottom bracket. Currently on my bike i have a seat angle of 73.5 and i can't imagine to get more backward than that. That's a shame as i really like it otherwise but i think it's a deal breaker for me

If you should have only one 'do-it-all' bike, this bike is exactly that. I have both Giant revolt gravel and Canyon Ultimate; on the latter, I wish sometimes I could be more comfortable. On Giant, I wish I had to carry less weight.

I don´t get the idea behind the very slack seat tube angle in combination with the 13 / 25 mm offset seat post 🤔 . Even with a zero offset seat post the saddle will be too far back for some people.

45 km/h doesn't refer to You needing to ride at 45km/h, it refers to a windspeed of 45 km/h, so riding into a headwind, 45 km/h windspeed is doable for most people.

Wow I am really impressed of the weight! Pretty damn light for an endurance oriented bike. Agree with handlebar tape observations (if comfort is the objective then the bar tape is insufficient as is) and the top tube "storage" compartment (gimmicky at best). I would be interested in hearing your thoughts, if you compare this bike to other options available in the market, particularly the Trek Domane SLR?

They should have implemented downtube storage like we've already seen on their gravel prototype.

I like the Canyon brand but wish they would incorporate a threaded BB instead of the press fit.

Could I have more of your thoughts about the seatpost? Do you feel like its a major improvement if you ride on bumpy roads? Any loss of power output? Thank you

Will Canyon go to threaded bottom brackets at any point? Hate seeing pressfit on a bike like this. I also am not impressed by the top tube storage. My Domane uses the downtube for storage which allows me to not only have a multi tool attached to the door of the storage but the internal roll can hold CO2, levers, an inflator and a tube. The size of the storage compartment can also allow a small pump if one chooses (I don't) and some additional snacks if need be (I don't as I carry in my jersey). Using the top tube is pretty much a waste IMHO.

I'd like a top tube compartment big enough to hold a 6 pack of beer.

Nice bike and a good weight. I can see the appeal of the endurance bike not so much the compartments. You could race that bike

Where is the bell fitted?

That trap door is just where we drop sweat 💦😮not good...how do you wash it out to avoid corrosion 🤔, should be on the down tube

I hope Giant will respond with a new Defy at the end of this year🙏👍

if anyone has ridden both models - would you rather go for the endurace or the ultimate from Canyon? I am looking for my first road bike. so far, I have ridden a CUBE gravel bike, but I am looking for something faster and more aggressive for the road. I wonder if the endurace is not "too close" to a gravel bike when it comes to seating position? Is the ultimate much "less comfortable" for longer rides? I noticed when riding the gravel bike that I often wish I could have a lower body position, which is why I am leaning towards getting the ultimate over the endurace as I believe the endurace's seating position is too close to the gravel's relaxed one. Thanks for any comments!

Marketed as the fastest endurance aero race bike of all time, but missing out on the option to put on aero/tri-bars. Big fail for ultracycling events like the transcontinental race where this bike could shine. Well Canyon...next please.

I love it too. I have an Aeroad CFR which is just a comfortable rocket ship. But looking to replace my old endurance Synapse HiMod which is my every day / winter ride. This looks perfect - apart from the cassette - which should have gears to climb mountains. Gravel is gravel - you can’t cross Endurance with Gravel - it’s just a nonsense.

Where did you get the 3d printed mount? Just ordered this bike and wanted to get one.

I wonder if Trek has a patent on having a storage compartment in the down tube. It just seems so obvious to put it down there since the top tube is so skinny there's barely room for anything useful.

The current CF SL already has onepiece stem and bar.

This is so nearly an excellent bike. Lack of fender mounts is a big negative, if Canyon had sense not only would they would include fender mounts but they would offer over priced fenders as well! I rather like the tool locker in the top tube, but as David said to offer that and not include the tools is just take the p*ss particularly at the price point. But it does look good. Possibly one for a rich casual long distance rider although I agree with David that the gravel bike is probably a better choice

I have a 2017 CF SLX 8.0di2 which I paid £3500 during a TDF discount promotion. I love this bike despite having issues over the years and other than allowing for wider tyres wouldn’t change anything else. Why have they moved away from the H31 bar - I really don’t understand that, integrated storage - no thanks Canyon.

I like that bottle cages, what is it?

Where is the 3d printed mount for the cockpit from? Thanks

Does this model have the snap apart/adjustable handlebars or a 1-piece setup?

The bike looks pretty nice! Do you guys think it makes sense as a addition to XC mtb? I've been recently looking for a bike for longer rides (up to 80-100km) and been considering some racier gravel bikes with the idea of having around 35-40mm tires so that I can go pretty much anywhere if I need to. But maybe this Endurance can cover it better?

I’m sure it rides well but it looks a bit ‘off’ to me. Not sure if it’s the tall head tube or space around seat tube but it looks a bit dated or something. Could just be that we see a lot more aero / race / gravel bikes getting reviewed these days I don’t know - I can’t quite figure it out!

I used to love Canyon, but feel they look dated and a bit behind the top brands. They used to be great value for money, but not so much anymore. Would rather a Domane or Roadmachine.

I agree 45kph sounds like a lot, but this is airspeed as opposed to road speed. Riding 30kph into a 15kph headwind can ce quite realistic, though not that common

I always think to myself a brand new bike hasn’t had a good seeing to until it has been thoroughly reviewed by David of JustRideBikes 👍

Con freni rim c’è?

Novice question alert. What are you supposed to do if you have lights (dont seen to fit the bars). Or am i missing something?

Compact ring or SRAM groups would have made a lot more sense here. Look at Specialized Aethos for a better executed option.

Great video David!! Question for you; if your battling a 30k headwind and your travelling at 30k are you getting the full aero benefits of the components as if they were tested at 60k?? 🤔

David, looks like the non Aero SLX version gets a 50/34.

Thank you for this review! Are you happy with size M? How tall are you or crotch in cm? I'm 182cm and not sure to buy size L or M 😮

Finally an OBJECTIVE bike review. Thanks Dave.

Why not put the compartment in the down tube?? Much more space and you can fit whatever tools you want. Seems dumb to me..

I would imagine there is a quite large 'use case' of people riding on the road 90%+ of the time, but would like the capacity to do some offroad where it features in routes. Wouldn't this kind of bike better fit this use case than a gravel bike??

How does a couple of watts of aero make a difference compared to the relatively huge cyclist on top, maybe wearing sub-optimal clothing etc. Agree the hatch is awful. I have a Diverge with the downtube hatch that is really good - opportunity missed. Be interested in a comparison with a Synapse.

This bike is like $12,000 CAD. I bought an Endurace CF SL 8 a couple years back that was $3800 (okay, not Di2 and 11s) which came with a standard handle bar. So glad I bought it when I did.

Good bike for my kind of cycling❤

I love it

It's weird when an allround road bike becomes a 'niche model'. I would probably get an ultimate. I don't get why the made the Endurance shorter and higher. To differentiate it more from the Ultimate? It would have made more sense to go towards gravel geometry. Or keep it where it was. And go for a more touring oriented set up (compact crankset, normal steerer+stem, wider tyres). Cheaper versions probably will. Then it will be a perfect allround road bike for the most of us. I agree that the storage in the top tube makes no sense.

Why not review the slx for half the price? When is the new grizl or grail used at unbound etc coming out?

I wonder if they were able to carry over the creak from the previous bikes 😂

As much as I want to like the bike, I am sceptical of its use. In my opinion, the Endurace range is something for the everyday cyclist, and for fun, a true do it all bike. But the CFR? That should be for the TOP in the endurance range, and by that I mean Ultra-endurance, Orbits, Race across *random country*, Radonneurs with ambition. So why the proprietary top storage, where a top tube bag is perfect? Why not design a handlebar with the possibility to attach Aero Top Bars? (The Bars are an upgrade compared to the fixed bar from last year though). This bike is nice for ultra endurace if you don´t add anything to it, but its not enough to actually set itself apart from last years model for 1,6k less (!) while adding half a kilo. The new endurace slx, although more expensive, is nice and a good upgrade. But the cfr? A missed opportunity

The low weight and aero frame could possibly clinch the deal for me. Show me a gravel bike that would be as fast and light as this!

Why get this when there’s the Vitus you reviewed recently?

What was the gravel bike you were riding at the start of the video

Mathieu is an awesome rider and Canyon rep and mortal like each of us, tho' he may have felt like a mere mortal in that mountain bike race, arg.

This is probably the one bike you get, if for some strange reason you can't have 5 or 6. It's a roadbike, gravelbike, commuter, probably there's a way to make it a tt bike as well. For sure the only bike you need, if you are being honest to yourself and not a very specialized rider who needs a specific "tool" like competetive hill climbing.