NBD: Canyon Aeroad CFR — First Impressions

Just picked up the new Canyon Aeroad CFR in the Sparkle Stealth colorway and I'm absolutely blown away.

Specs:

• Frame: Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed
• Wheels: Zipp 404 Firecrest
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018 integrated bar/stem
• Weight: 7.1 kg as built

First ride impressions (80km):

The stiffness is immediately noticeable — power transfer out of the saddle on climbs is a step above my previous Supersix Evo. The aero position feels natural despite the aggressive geometry. Crosswind stability with the 404s is surprisingly good for 58mm deep rims.

The integrated cockpit looks clean but I'm already dreading the day I need to adjust cables. Comfort is better than expected for a pure aero road bike — the seatpost has some nice compliance.

Only negative: the stock saddle is terrible. Swapped it for my Fizik Argo Tempo R1 on day two.

FTP test this weekend — will report back with numbers vs my old bike!

I've been on the Aeroad CF SLX for about 6 months now. The CFR frame is worth the upgrade — I tested both back to back at a demo day. The stiffness-to-weight ratio is noticeably better.

Only negative: the stock saddle is terrible

This is Canyon's eternal problem. Their stock saddles are always mediocre. Great bikes, bad saddles.

That colorway is stunning! I was between this and the S-Works Tarmac SL8 — how would you compare the ride quality? I've heard the Tarmac is slightly more comfortable on longer rides.

Also curious about the cockpit — can you still fit a Wahoo mount cleanly?

@Sarah — The Canyon CP0018 cockpit has a Garmin mount integrated into the front. Works perfectly with my Edge 540. For Wahoo you'd need the adapter plate but it sits clean.

Ride quality vs Tarmac is hard to compare without back-to-back, but I'd say the Aeroad is stiffer laterally and slightly harsher on chipseal. On smooth tarmac it flies.

@Bjorn — Agreed. I've now owned 3 Canyon bikes and swapped the saddle on all three within the first week.

Gorgeous bike! I'm running the same Zipp 404 Firecrests on my Cervélo S5 and they're the best all-round aero wheels I've tried. How are you finding the tubeless setup? Mine were a pain to initially seal.

@Jake — Tubeless setup was fine actually, used Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR 28mm and they seated first try with a track pump. Running 65psi front / 68psi rear at 73kg and the grip + comfort is incredible.

@Emma — With Shimano SPD-SL pedals and two Elite Vico cages: 7.45 kg. Pretty wild for a full aero bike with disc brakes. The F9 is also an amazing bike though — can't go wrong either way.

This just made my decision harder. I was all set on the Pinarello F9 but that red Canyon is calling my name...

Have you weighed it with pedals and cages? Curious what the real-world weight lands at.