CANYON INFLITEAL SLX6.0RACE

It’s an Inflite

This is the aluminium-framed equivalent of the carbon-fibre Inflite, which we think is one of the best ’cross bikes we’ve ridden. It shares the same 360g fork as its carbon-fibre stablemate and, aside from a few subtle differences (a slimmer down tube, less prominent top-tube kink and seatstays that are dropped lower), is constructed around the same geometry.

It’s value for money

If the Inflite AL cost £500 more, we’d still think this was a good build. Alongside its stellar frame and fork, you get a complete SRAM Apex 1 groupset, a DT Swiss wheelset, Schwalbe X-One Allround tyres and a Selle Italia saddle. The bar and stem are good too.

Its performance

Comparing the Inflite AL to other aluminium ’cross bikes is almost unfair. It’s lighter than its competition and far better specced for the price. It’s even lighter than some carbon-framed bikes that cost twice the price. Its weight alone doesn’t make it better, but its speed and ’cross ability does. The ride is superb and it handles so precisely that light touches are all that are needed for accurate and immediate direction control. It flows swiftly across bumpy ground, responds quickly to accelerations and feels utterly stable, even in technical, slow-speed turns.

ONE THING WE’D CHANGE The need for inner tubes

The Inflite AL is hard to better at this price, but we’d like to see tubeless-compatible wheels for greater lowpressure reliability and performance gains off-road.