Canyon is a renowned brand in the cycling world and supplier to the Movistar Team. Among its most outstanding road bike models are the Canyon Aeroad and the Canyon Ultimate, with which Alejandro Valverde achieved the world title. In the Gran Fondo segment, the Canyon Endurace stands out for its comfort and efficiency over long distances. After riding more than 15,000 kilometers with a Canyon Endurace Aero, I can confirm its reliability and comfort, although the 2019 model is not without some details that could be improved. If you are looking for a bike balanced between aerodynamics and comfort, explore our selection of road bikes and Aero road bikes.

Highlights of the Canyon Endurace

The version I tested is the Endurace CF SL 8.0 Aero. It comes standard with the complete Shimano Ultegra R8000 groupset, integrated carbon handlebar and stem, 41 mm profile Reynolds carbon wheels, and the famous Canyon S15 carbon seatpost. With this level of equipment, it has a starting price of 3,399 euros. This is a good price, considering that other similar Gran Fondo bikes, such as the MMR Miracle, have a superior sale price with similar assembly.

H31 Handlebar and Stem from Canyon

The only negative point that can be made about the integrated handlebar and stem set of the Canyon Endurace is its cost. But only if you buy it separately. Other than that, this H31 from Canyon wins hands down over conventional handlebar and stem sets, even the aero types. The superior grip offers extreme comfort, accompanied by the Ergospeed gel tape from Canyon. The Ultegra levers offer the same ergonomics as in the 2018 model, and the "drops" grip gives greater comfort, since the curve is somewhat tighter than on the handlebars we can find on typical Gran Fondo bikes.

Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 Seatpost

It is really comfortable and an essential investment. A seatpost for a Gran Fondo bike should be, at least, carbon. The partial absorption of road irregularities is something the cyclist will appreciate from the very first kilometer. Let's not forget that we are not talking about a racing bike, but rather a model designed to ride for hours and hours seeking fun as the main goal, even though training and cycling events are always present.

Reynolds AR41 DB Wheels

This is a negative point of the Canyon Endurace CF SL 8.0 Aero. The Reynolds carbon wheels it comes with are comfortable for climbing, and given their rounded 41-millimeter profile, they do not suffer too much with crosswinds.

However, they do suffer from excessive torsion. This has a clear consequence. The lateral stresses derived from efforts, such as climbing a hill while gripping the brake hoods at full speed, are distributed from the hoods and tire to the spokes. This is where these wheels fall short, since the aero lacing is more sensitive in this model than in other Gran Fondo bikes, and these spokes snap despite proper maintenance. In the first 6,000 kilometers I rode with the bike, I had two broken spokes and the corresponding scares. It should be noted that this conclusion was reached after discussing the issue with two trusted mechanics. They are comfortable, light, and elegant wheels, but they present a reliability problem that, while it may be occasional, must be mentioned.

Ultegra R8000 Groupset

Guaranteed success, there is no doubt about it. The quality and durability of this groupset, both in terms of shifting and braking, is undeniable. A best-selling groupset, which, although it may not seem to offer much more to the average cyclist compared to the acclaimed Shimano 105 in terms of performance, does provide an interesting weight reduction and much more comfortable shifters. The operation of the disc brakes is simply perfect. The gear ratio on this model is 52-36 for the chainrings and an 11-34 cassette. More than enough to tackle descents pedaling at 60km/h, and climbs comfortably up to a 20% gradient.

Continental GP 4000 II Tires in 28mm

In this case, we're talking about a highly commercial and well-known model, although my personal experience is not very good. Several punctures in the rear wheel and a side cut in the front wheel, in nine months of use. While it's true that 100% reliable quality control doesn't exist, my experience was bad. This paragraph should be taken more as an anecdote than as advice, but right now my intention is to try other models, such as the Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless. As for the famous 28mm, we'll talk about that in another post. It's a topic that deserves separate analysis, although I can already say that I am completely satisfied.

Weight is Not Its Strong Suit

Brands usually don't like to talk about weights because comparisons between models from different manufacturers, with different builds and different frame qualities, are unfair. This is not the case with Canyon, which states in the technical sheet for this bike that its weight is 7.9 kilos without pedals. It's certainly not a low weight, but this is not a figure that would make a potential Endurace CF buyer change their mind. The focus is on comfort, reliability, and aesthetics, not performance.

Conclusions about the Canyon Endurace

In short, the Canyon Endurace is a model recognized for comfort and performance, which, while leaving weight aside as a selling point, plays to its strengths in aesthetics and quality/price, where it seems unbeatable given its builds. The Endurace CF SL frame has been on the market for several years now, and this shows how the German brand has committed to it, without the need for major changes or extravagant inventions. It's a beautiful and robust frame, which, when paired with the right components, makes this Canyon Endurace CF a bike for many, many years of fun.

About Gran Fondo Bikes

The Gran Fondo bikes , starting with the Specialized Roubaix, have changed road cycling in recent years. These are bikes with a more relaxed frame geometry, and for this reason they have managed to reach a wider audience, especially among cycle tourists who take advantage of the weekends to go on long road rides without the demand of pushing themselves on mountain passes or beating the clock in tight sprints. They are aimed at enthusiasts who simply want some leisure and sport time with their friends and group mates. They value the comfort and aesthetics of the bike above other features such as responsiveness or weight. Nevertheless, this type of Gran Fondo road bike has evolved in recent years in search of high performance. And precisely one of the models that best represents this evolution is the Canyon Endurace.

Canyon Endurace 2019 Range

The Canyon Endurace 2019 Range is made up of 16 different versions, with aluminum and carbon frames, both mechanical and electronic gear systems from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo, and rim and disc brakes.