Canyon Endurace ridden and rated
Tested by: Rupert Radley | Miles ridden: 253 | Size tested: M | Weight: 8.3kg
The Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 Disc includes the same technology as its older, more expensive, carbon sibling but jams it into an alloy frame at a fraction of the price.
It’s a big claim but the German company has always managed to offer a staggering number of options at a mind-boggling number of price points.
Happily, though, the lower price point and aluminium frame don’t compromise either quality or enjoyment.
Frame
As the AL name denotes, this is the highest-specced aluminium version of Canyon’s Endurace bike. Made with 6000 aluminium, the frame is light — the whole bike comes in at 8.3kg, which is actually lighter than some carbon bikes we’ve tested.
In terms of geometry, the frame’s angles are in the ballpark of one my favouritehandling bikes, the Cervélo R5.
The relatively lengthy 994mm wheelbase allows the bike to feel planted, while the handling feels assured thanks to the 73° head angle.
Of course, the Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0 isn’t trying to operate at the same level as the Cervélo R5. For starters, it’s aluminium and it’s not a race bike, but that
doesn’t stop it being one hell of a fun ride.
Specification
As we’ve come to expect from Canyon bikes, you get a lot of bang for very little buck.
The drivetrain is Shimano Ultegra 6800, which already pushes the bike’s performance beyond what most £1,500 bikes can offer. It’s a perfect performer and a great match.
The real charm of the ride, though, is the pairing of the disc brakes with the excellent Continental Grand Prix 4000 II S 28mm tyres. The oversized rubber provides ample grip and control while the disc brakes give you the on-tap power and reassurance you need to send you grinning down descents like a madman.
Canyon’s partnership with DT Swiss continues with the aluminium R24 Spline DB wheels. They’re a great option for bikes at this price point, which traditionally might see companies skimp a little on wheels. With an inner rim width of 18mm and an outer of 23mm they’re well suited to the 28mm Continental tyres specced, even if they do balloon over the rim walls just a little.
Lastly, the Fizik Ardea saddle was pleasantly comfortable, with plenty of scope to shift your bodyweight around when laying down the power.
Ride
Despite its alloy frame and the modest price point, the Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 Disc has an undoubtedly performance-orientated ride. It doesn’t feel out of its depth on long rides, and it’s not cumbersome on climbs.
The ride is silky smooth, no doubt a result of the quality aluminium frame as well as the 28mm rubber. It just irons out any nastiness in the road’s surface, relieving any fatigue that might arise from road chatter.
It goes without saying that the best bikes are the ones that make you want to get out and ride, and the Canyon does exactly that. It’s comfortable without being sluggish, and efficient without compromising ride quality.
The beefy rubber and the powerful brakes fill you with confidence to attack the descents, while the efficient frame lets you really go at it on the ups. It’s a bike that will have you grinning, wanting more at each turn.
Value
It’s hard not to get hung up on carbon, and £1,500 could buy you a carbon-fibre Canyon Endurace CF 7.0. But rather than the Ultegra groupset here, you’d get Shimano 105 and Mavic Aksium wheels.
Perhaps even more tempting is the fact that £100 more can buy a Shimano Ultegra-specced carbon-fibre Canyon Endurace.
It’s clearly a congested sector of the market, and Canyon has always proved keen to offer a staggering number of options. But if you’re not a carbon-fibre fan or if you prioritise ride quality over super-light weight, this Canyon with its alloy frame, big rubber and disc brakes is a standout option.