Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 review

Canyon’s carved out a reputation for high-performance road and triathlon bikes at a good price, driven by both German precision and know-how and a direct-to-consumer (DTC) retail model that cuts out the middleman to keep costs down. 

Canyon’s popular in both triathlon and cycling thanks in part to its high-profile users Lionel Saunders, Jan Frodeno, Mathieu van der Poel and Katarzyna Niewiadoma. On paper, the Aeroad CF SLX 7 is a bike that’ll appeal to both triathletes and cyclists thanks to the PACE. But what about on the road? 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 geometry

The Aeroad is the fastest collection in Canyon’s road bike range, its aero credentials ticked off by slick tubing, while it possesses a more aggressive geometry compared to their Endurance range. 

“You have a relatively low front end and a longer wheelbase, so you can ease into a more aerodynamic position,” says Felix Fitting, technical product manager at Canyon. “You can also enjoy a narrower, more stretched-out position thanks to our neat PACE system.” 

PACE stands for Performance Adaptive Cockpit Ecosystem and is a modular set-up that’s designed for versatility. 

Triathlon-friendly cockpits

The Aeroad CF SLX 7 comes with a set of classic drops. You can also purchase the flared- out Aero Drops ($229.95 / £219.95) or the Aero Extensions (£479.95 / US pricing N/A), the latter of which will pique the interest of triathletes. 

Now, these aren’t standard clip-on aerobars. These are integrated and bolted onto the handlebars. Simply unscrew the cutout on the top of the bars and screw in the extensions. For regular Canyon users, these are the same extensions seen on the Canyon Speedmax and are incredibly adjustable. 

You can extend the length of the bars; you can adjust the angle of the bars; you can adjust the width of the bars; you can adjust the height of the bars and you can even change the position of the aero cups. In short, you should be able to find the position for you. 

That versatility stretches to the sizing guide, too (which is arguably needed for the DTC template). Just head online and input your height and inner-leg length. An algorithm then compares the ratio of your height to inner-leg length from the 15,000 data points in Canyon’s system to recommend frame sizing. 

Canyon’s idiosyncratic fit

With a little mathematic magic, you will find the bike for you. “It’s needed as we’re all different,” says Fitting. “If you have long legs and a short torso, you might want a taller stack and shorter reach so sizing down might work best for you. For people like me, who are built with sausage-dog legs, gorilla arms and a long torso, it’s better to size up.” 

For the unfamiliar, reach is the horizontal measurement from the steerer tube to an imaginary vertical line above the bottom bracket. This affects how long a bike feels. Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to an imaginary horizontal line off the steerer. This is how tall a bike feels. 

Canyon builds upon this idea with their ‘effective stack’ and ‘effective reach’ model, which is calculated based on the hand position when gripping the hoods rather than the steerer tube. 

“Ultimately, every manufacturer is different regarding sizing,” Fitting adds. “At Canyon, a size medium is often a large elsewhere. Sizing isn’t universal. If you’re on the fence, our system gives you two recommendations. If that’s the case, feel free to reach out to us.” 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 frame

That’s the sizing sorted. But how does this differ from the last incarnation of a range that first appeared over 10 years ago when aero road bikes rode into town? Well, there are a few but they’re relatively subtle. 

That includes the carbon downtube, headtube and fork blades presenting a narrower profile for a slight watts saving. 

The new seatpost is more streamlined, too, while there’s now tyre clearance for up to 32mm. 

Beneath its skin there’s also a redesigned headset and bearing system that purports to be more durable and deliver smoother steering than past incarnations. 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 ride impressions

Once unboxed, the first thing you notice is the obvious: its colourway. And I love it. Its colour and name, Dark Forest, harks of the gnarlier worlds mountain biking and gravel riding. That rawness really stands out in a sea of either black or more vivid road and triathlon bikes.

 It certainly grabbed many an onlookers’ attention during my test period. I split the testing between the classic set-up and the aero-extension set-up, which was easily ticked off thanks to easy-to-follow instructions and the integrated TX25 emergency key. The TX25 key is a nifty tool that also tweaks your seatpost and handlebars, and sits tucked away in the thru axle. 

This is an aero road bike. That means it’s all about speed. And that’s felt from the get-go in both set-ups. It’s fast – a few watts faster than the previous model, according to German magazine Tour’s respected wind-tunnel testing – albeit didn’t feel quite as lively as the admittedly significantly more expensive Ribble Ultra-Aero SL R Enthusiast tested last issue. 

I suspect things would be somewhat different if you went for the premium Canyon’s Aeroad CFR Di2. This uses a higher-grade of carbon and is used by the likes of van der Poel. You’ll have to dig deep, though, as prices start from over nine grand. 

Still, it’s fast, with that speed deriving from stiffness. Generally, the payback is a comfort hit. It’s the same here but it’s definitely not a harsh ride, even on more gravelly roads. 

Electronic shifting

Shifting is immaculate. Plaudits there to the Shimano 105 groupset that might be the lowest-tier Di2 model in the Shimano range but doesn’t mean sub-par performance with swift shifts through the 12-speed double chainring set-up swift and reliable. It also features new, sculpted ergonomic levers. 

I know many of you are electronic converts. If you’ve not yet taken advantage of cable-less shifting, why should you? One of the biggest wins is that you don’t have to spend hours trying to tinker with your gears when the cables stretch or fray. Another big win is that speed of shifting, which is particularly useful when ascending a hill of oscillating gradients. Here, the 105 performs impeccably. 

Unlike the actual bike itself, which was a little laboured. Why is arguably down to its overall weight, which comes in at around 17.6lbs / 8kg. That’s not heavy by any means but if your training rides are peppered by hills, this may be an issue; if you live in East Anglia, crack on. 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 build

As mentioned, where Canyon leaves many of its rivals in its wake is value for money. It’s explicitly seen here with the addition of a power meter, in this case the 4iii Precision 3 power meter that’s integrated into the Shimano crank arms. I hadn’t spent too much time with 4iii’s range of power meters before but was impressed with the Precision 3. 

It syncs seamlessly to your bike computer or smartphone and is ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible. And, most importantly, the information is accurate and reliable, which is exactly what you’re after if you’re training by power and in search of specific physiological adaptations. (It’s amazing how accuracy can be ignored by training-tool manufacturers, a seemingly never-ending feature list deemed more important.) 

There’s also a neat addition for Apple users with the FindMy feature that allows you to locate your bike even when the power meter’s not turned on. It’s like tagging your bike in case it’s nicked. 

Solid wheels and tyres

The wheels are another Shimano addition, this time the 105 RS710 C46. Its rather clumsy name is overlooked thanks to a solid, albeit no-frills performance. It borrows the same rim profile from its higher-spec Ultegra and Dura Ace carbon triathlon wheels, and features a 46 mm-deep rim profile. Its carbon lay-up is slightly heavier than its stable mates, which could be another reason for the slightly laboured climbing performance. They’re certainly slower than the Zipp 454s seen on last issue’s Ribble’s Ultra SL R Enthusiast. Which is hardly surprising as they cost a third of the price. 

The 105s are fitted with Continental’s GP5000s impressive tyres. They’re fast and durable thanks to the BlackChili rubber compound, which provides solid puncture protection. If you’re planning to ride over terrain that’s notorious for roughness the frame and fork is wide enough for 32mm tyre clearance.

As for chamois cradling, that’s pretty impressive thanks to the Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow saddle. It features a cutout to relieve perineum pressure and is extremely comfortable. That said, you might want to swap in one of the best triathlon bike saddles if you add the extensions. Something like Selle Italia’s Watt Kit Carbonio Superflow, as used by Kona winner Patrick Lange, would work well here, albeit it’s another £200-plus spend. 

Other neat features include an easy-adjust carbon seatpost with a new clamp allowing independent setback and tilt adjustment, and the forks’ bumper pads, which ensure you don’t scratch your carbon best friend when you’ve removed the wheels. It also comes with a six-year guarantee. 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 bottom line

Where does that leave us? All in all, the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 performed admirably both with and without the aero extensions. In both guises, there’s a versatility of sizing that maximises your power output while hopefully reducing the chances of injury. That adjustability’s particularly appreciated in tri-bike mode where you inevitably have a run to follow and are seeking as efficient a ride as possible. 

Of course, that comes at an extra outlay of nearly £500. It’s one fast bike that is slightly let down by its climbing prowess. A lighter, swankier set of wheels would really help here, albeit you’re then further erasing the value aspect that Canyon maximises. But overall its impressive ride and spec, plus road and triathlon versatility, and that stunning colourway, means this is one bike that is worth the impressive price tag. 

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2 specs

Price	$4,999 / £3,949
Weight	17.6lbs / 8kg
Frame and fork	Canyon Aeroad CF SLX; Canyon FK0137 Disc
Gears	Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed
Brakes	Shimano 105 R7170 Di2 Hydraulic Disc
Wheels	Shimano WH-RS710 C46 TL
Finishing kit	Continental GP 5000 S TR tyre, Canyon one-piece carbon cockpit, Canyon SP0077 carbon seatpost, Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow S saddle

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