Is canyon aeroad good for climbing

Canyon Aeroad is a popular aero road bike that has been around since 2014. It is known for its speed, stiffness, and aerodynamics. But is it also good for climbing? In this post, we will look at some of the features and performance of the Canyon Aeroad that make it a suitable bike for both flat and hilly terrain.

The new Canyon Aeroad 2021

In October 2020, Canyon launched the new version of the Aeroad, which claims to be lighter, faster, and more comfortable than the previous model. The new Aeroad has a redesigned frame that uses less material and has improved airflow. It also has an integrated cockpit that allows for height and width adjustment without cutting the steerer tube or handlebars. The new Aeroad comes in three versions: CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, with different carbon layups, weights, and prices.

The weight factor

One of the most important factors for climbing performance is weight. The lighter the bike, the less energy you need to overcome gravity. The new Canyon Aeroad 2021 is not the lightest bike on the market, but it is still very competitive in its category. According to Canyon’s website, the lightest version of the Aeroad 2021 is the CFR with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Zipp 454 NSW wheels, which weighs 7.2 kg for size M. The heaviest version is the CF SL with Shimano Ultegra groupset and DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels, which weighs 7.8 kg for size M.

To put these numbers in perspective, let’s compare them with some of the best climbing bikes available. For example, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Roval Rapide CLX wheels weighs 6.7 kg for size 56. The Trek Emonda SLR 9 with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels weighs 6.8 kg for size 56. The Scott Addict RC Ultimate with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Syncros Silverton SL wheels weighs 6.9 kg for size M.

As you can see, the Canyon Aeroad 2021 is about half a kilogram heavier than these climbing bikes, which is not a huge difference, but it can be noticeable on long or steep climbs. However, weight is not the only factor that affects climbing performance. Aerodynamics, stiffness, comfort, and geometry also play a role.

The aerodynamics factor

Aerodynamics is another important factor for climbing performance, especially on rolling or windy terrain. The less drag you have, the faster you can go with the same power output. The new Canyon Aeroad 2021 claims to be one of the most aerodynamic bikes on the market, thanks to its optimized tube shapes, integrated cockpit, hidden cables, and disc brakes. According to Canyon’s website, the new Aeroad 2021 saves up to 7.4 watts at 45 km/h compared to the previous model.

To put these numbers in perspective, let’s compare them with some of the best aero bikes available. For example, the Specialized Venge with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Roval Rapide CLX wheels claims to save up to 8 watts at 40 km/h compared to the Tarmac SL7. The Trek Madone SLR 9 with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 wheels claims to save up to 19 watts at 40 km/h compared to the Emonda SLR. The Scott Foil RC with SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset and Syncros Capital 1.0 wheels claims to save up to 6 watts at 45 km/h compared to the Addict RC.

As you can see, the Canyon Aeroad 2021 is very close to these aero bikes in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, which means that it can compensate for its weight disadvantage on flatter or faster sections of a climb.

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The stiffness factor

Stiffness is another important factor for climbing performance, especially on short or punchy climbs where you need to accelerate quickly or change pace frequently. The stiffer the bike, the more responsive and efficient it is. The new Canyon Aeroad 2021 claims to be stiffer than the previous model in both bottom bracket and head tube areas. This means that it can transfer more power to the wheels and steer more precisely.

To put these numbers in perspective, let’s compare them with some of the best climbing bikes available. For example, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 claims to have a bottom bracket stiffness of 113 Nm/° and a head tube stiffness of 71 N/mm. The Trek Emonda SLR claims to have a bottom bracket stiffness of 108 Nm/° and a head tube stiffness of 65 N/mm. The Scott Addict RC claims to have a bottom bracket stiffness of 100 Nm/° and a head tube stiffness of 60 N/mm.

As you can see, the Canyon Aeroad 2021 is stiffer than these climbing bikes in both bottom bracket and head tube areas, which means that it can offer more acceleration and handling on steep or technical climbs.

The comfort factor

Comfort is another important factor for climbing performance, especially on long or rough climbs where you need to maintain a good position and avoid fatigue. The more comfortable the bike, the more enjoyable and sustainable it is. The new Canyon Aeroad 2021 claims to be more comfortable than the previous model. It also has an adjustable cockpit that allows you to fine-tune your fit and posture.

To put these numbers in perspective, let’s compare them with some of the best climbing bikes available. For example, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 claims to have a vertical compliance of 13 mm at the saddle and 4 mm at the handlebars. The Trek Emonda SLR claims to have a vertical compliance of 12 mm at the saddle and 5 mm at the handlebars. The Scott Addict RC claims to have a vertical compliance of 10 mm at the saddle and 6 mm at the handlebars.

The Canyon Aeroad 2021 is a compliant bike that can handle uneven surfaces well. It has more feedback and control at the handlebars than some climbing bikes, but also more vibration.

The geometry factor

Geometry is another important factor for climbing performance, as it affects your stability, agility, and aerodynamics. The new Canyon Aeroad 2021 has a slightly relaxed geometry compared to the previous model, with a longer wheelbase, a lower bottom bracket, and a slacker head angle. It also has a shorter reach and a higher stack than most aero bikes, which means that it offers a more upright and comfortable position.

To put these numbers in perspective, let’s compare them with some of the best climbing bikes available. For example, the Specialized Tarmac SL7 has a wheelbase of 993 mm, a bottom bracket drop of 74 mm, and a head angle of 73.5 degrees for size 56. The Trek Emonda SLR has a wheelbase of 986 mm, a bottom bracket drop of 72 mm, and a head angle of 73 degrees for size 56. The Scott Addict RC has a wheelbase of 982 mm, a bottom bracket drop of 69 mm, and a head angle of 73 degrees for size M.

The Canyon Aeroad 2021 is a stable and smooth bike that combines aero features with a comfortable position. It has a longer wheelbase, a lower bottom bracket, and a slacker head angle than climbing bikes, which make it faster and more confident on descents, corners, and flat sections.

Conclusion

The Canyon Aeroad 2021 is not only good for climbing, but also for all kinds of terrain. It combines the advantages of an aero bike with the advantages of a climbing bike. It is light enough to tackle long or steep climbs with ease. Also it is aerodynamic enough to save energy on flat or windy sections. It is stiff enough to respond quickly on short or punchy climbs. It is comfortable enough to ride for hours without discomfort. In addition to that it is stable enough to descend safely and confidently. It is adjustable enough to suit your personal preferences.

The Canyon Aeroad 2021 has some drawbacks that may matter to you. It has its own cockpit system, so you can’t use other handlebars or stems. Also it has a 28 mm tire clearance, so you can’t use wider tires. It has a higher price tag than some rivals, so you may have to pay more.

The Canyon Aeroad 2021 is a great bike for climbing, but it is not the only one. There are other bikes that may suit your needs better, depending on your preferences and budget. You should always test ride different bikes before making your final decision. The best bike for climbing is the one that makes you happy and motivated to ride more. 😊