Review of the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap

The Canyon Aeroad, in this version released in late 2020, is widely recognized as a fast and versatile bike, offered—as always with this German brand—at an extremely competitive price. The Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap is no exception to the rule, offering 12 speeds, wireless electronic shifting, an integrated cockpit, and a carbon wheelset—all for less than €5,000. By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©Vincent Lyky

The Canyon Aeroad comes in three versions, each using different types of carbon fibre. The Aeroad CFR is the frame currently used by professional riders on the Alpecin-Deceuninck and Movistar teams at the world’s highest level, and on virtually any terrain by a champion like Mathieu van der Poel, for example. Admittedly, this season’s winner of Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix is riding a slightly modified Aeroad that previews the next version of this successful model, but in principle, this bike—with its aerodynamic tubes—is designed to handle almost any terrain.

=> SEE ALSO: Canyon Aeroad CFR Review Following this top-of-the-line model, Next comes the Aeroad CF SLX with a frame that’s only slightly heavier, listed at around 990 g—which is still an impressive feat given the size and shape of the tubes designed to slice through the air, and especially given the full integration of the brake hoses. Prices start at €4,999 for the model tested here and rise to €6,499. Next is the Aeroad CF SL, with a slightly heavier frame and less integrated design.

The CF SLX 7 Disc eTap is built around a high-quality frame kit, a wireless SRAM Rival AXS electronic groupset (SRAM’s entry-level 12-speed option), the same integrated cockpit as found on the top-of-the-line Aeroad and Ultimate models, and high-quality DT Swiss carbon wheels, which are among the most efficient on the market for cutting through the wind. The bike tips the scales at 8.03 kg without pedals in size XS, with a drivetrain and wheelset that are far from the lightest on the market. The overall performance, considering the bike’s price, is remarkable for Canyon.

More Versatile Than It Looks

Aerodynamic bikes are appealing for many reasons, especially when performance is a priority. However, they suffer from several characteristics that can prove difficult for the average cyclist to manage on a daily basis, such as excessive stiffness and reduced comfort, aggressive geometry, excess weight that can be a hindrance for less athletic cyclists, and integrated components that can make maintenance and transport complicated.

Despite its heavily profiled and oversized tubes, the Aeroad SLX overcomes some of these drawbacks, thanks in particular to a frame that weighs less than 1 kg—hardly excessive. It also features a unique cockpit design that offers not only full integration but also easy height and width adjustments. The Canyon Aeroad and Ultimate bikes, starting with the SLX model, are currently the only ones on the market to offer a three-part cockpit, with the two side bars that can be opened and folded along the head tube, making it easier to transport the bike in a bike bag or in the trunk of a car, for example. These two bars can then be secured to the central section by adjusting the width from 390 to 430 mm (axle-to-axle). This ingenious system, which we first encountered with the release of the Aeroad CFR in 2020, has now been reinforced for greater stiffness and reliability.

In terms of geometry, this Aeroad adopts the same design already used on the Ultimate, offering a less extreme riding position than its predecessor, particularly in terms of length and the distance between the saddle and the handlebars. The front and rear angles also promote a riding position geared not toward pure endurance, but at least toward long-distance efforts. The head tube stays lively enough that you don’t need the strength of a mover when accelerating out of the saddle, yet stable enough that the bike doesn’t become too difficult to handle in crosswinds.

The precise tube shapes were designed in part to complement the DT Swiss ARC DiCut wheelset, which features a 62 mm-high rim in the rear and a 50 mm-high rim in the front, and tyres measuring 28 mm wide at the rear and 25 mm at the front. These wheels are often cited as among the most aerodynamically efficient on the market, and here they feel perfectly in tune with the frame—even in terms of the bike’s overall handling—despite their pronounced profile. It’s worth noting that Canyon never skimps on tires. The Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap comes equipped with the excellent Continental Grand Prix STR Tubeless Ready tires. They come with the bike in two different widths—to enhance aerodynamics at the front and comfort and traction at the rear—and with entry-level inner tubes. Converting the tyres to tubeless with sealant can shed another hundred grams or so from the overall bike weight.

The SRAM Rival AXS groupset is the entry-level offering from the American manufacturer, but only its materials and higher weight set it apart from the much more expensive Force and Red groupsets. The drivetrain offers the same features, and it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference in real-world use when it comes to shifting speed and braking performance compared to the higher-end models. The Aeroad also comes with a Quarq power meter integrated into the Rival crankset, which is quite an impressive feature at this price point. Despite this somewhat heavy groupset, wheels that aren’t the lightest in the DT Swiss ARC lineup, and tubeless tires supplied with inner tubes, the Aeroad CF SL7 7 eTap still tips the scales at 8.03 kg without pedals in size XS—a figure you’ll find on bikes costing up to €2,000 more.

=> SEE ALSO: SRAM Rival AXS Groupset Review Accessible Performance

On the road, the Aeroad SLX performs exceptionally well in many areas. It’s particularly efficient on flat terrain and in rolling hills—stiff enough to handle sharp accelerations without losing efficiency or to tackle climbs, yet comfortable enough to rack up the miles without excessive fatigue.

While it’s impossible to judge its actual aerodynamic efficiency, it’s clear that it exhibits excellent positive momentum once it’s up to speed, allowing you to save quite a few watts when trying to maintain a high cruising speed on long straightaways. On descents it feels precise and reassuring, while taking advantage of the frame’s excellent vibration absorption to stay in constant contact with the road surface, which prevents unpleasant bouncing even on roads with rough pavement. In sprints, it demonstrates excellent responsiveness, and its cockpit shows no weaknesses when riding with hands on the lower part of the handlebars—unlike the previous version of the cockpit.

The bike does struggle on the steepest climbs—those steeper than 8%—where it becomes a bit clunky due to the stiffness of its wheels and its overall weight. Similarly, it can feel a bit demanding at low speeds—in the city and in traffic—when you have to make frequent accelerations from a very slow pace. Once again, its weight puts it at a slight disadvantage compared to higher-end bikes that weigh over a kilogram less and feel just a touch more responsive. But that’s nitpicking. Overall, the Aeroad remains very well-balanced and surprises with its maneuverability for a bike of this caliber.

The SLX version of the Aeroad thus confirms that Canyon’s aero bike is one of the most versatile on the market, and that it’s not just for the most athletic and experienced riders. Equipped with the SRAM Rival AXS groupset, it also doesn’t break the bank, which is good news for those on a tighter budget. It just goes to show that you don’t always have to pay more to get a bike that’s both high-performance and affordable.

The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap at a glance…

Rating: ***** Pros: overall balance, handling, efficiency, comfort for this type of bike Cons: access to the seatpost clamp

Frame: Aeroad CF SLX Disc – Fork: Canyon FK0060 CF Disc – Handlebar/stem: Canyon Aerocockpit CP0018 – Brakes: SRAM Rival hydraulic 160/160 mm – Front derailleur: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed – Rear derailleur: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed – Shifters: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed Cassette: SRAM Rival 10-30; Chain: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed; Crankset: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed 48-35 (with Quarq power meter) Wheelset: DT Swiss ARC 1600 50/62 mm – Tires: Continental GP 5000 TL 700×25/28 – Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow – Seatpost: Canyon SP0046 – Weight: 8.03 kg in size XS without pedals – Number of sizes: 8 – Price: €4,999 Contact: www.canyon.com