CANYON ENDURACE WMN CF SL DISC 7.0

£1799 > Value-for-money bike that doesn’t skimp on comfort, spec, performance or looks

Available in a wide range of sizes, the new Canyon Endurace is the first of a new generation of bikes from Canyon to feature bespoke women’s specific geometry.

We found this bike really comfortable. The compliance in the frame and carbon seatpost, combined with cushioning from the 28mm tyres, allowed us to almost glide over the road surface without fatigue.

Despite being a few millimetres shorter than the unisex model, the position doesn’t feel more upright, but does feel more fitted and comfortable over longer rides.

The geometry changes were designed by Canyon based on data it has collected from its online sizing system, which guides customers towards the correct frame size based on body measurements they input. Canyon says that the geometry changes mean that women now achieve a similar body position on the Endurace WMN as men have on the Endurace. Sizing has been expanded at the lower end, with the range now offering an XXXS up to a M, covering a rider height range of 152cm to 186cm.

The Endurace WMN CF 7.0 comes with full Shimano 105 groupset including hydraulic disc brakes. Canyon has opted to go full-disc across the new range, with no rim-brake options.

The braking power over previous non-disc models is immediately noticeable, allowing smooth braking control and the ability to shave of a little speed here and there in a controlled manner. One niggle was the chunky hoods of the Shimano RS505 levers. For smaller hands, they can make reaching for the brakes awkward over long descents, but there is some scope for adjustability in the reach.

The bolt-thru-axle design on the wheels feels more secure and direct than the skewer system used by older disc brake bikes, and handling feels secure, stable and surprisingly fast.

Gearing comprises of a 50/34 chainring paired with a wide 11-32 11-speed cassette, though both the XXXS and XXS frame sizes have a bigger 52/36 chainset which compensates for the smaller rolling diameter of the smaller 650b wheels fitted to those frame sizes. Cranks are also size-specific. This setup provided ample gearing for hills, as well as for powering along the flats.

The DT Swiss E 1800 Spline wheelset has a tubeless-ready setup with Schwalbe Pro One tyres, which cuts down overall weight and reduces the risk of puncturing.