Canyon bicycles originally began life as ‘Radsport Arnold’ in 1985 in the garage of founders and brothers Franc and Roman Arnold in Koblenz, Germany.
However, bikes with the name Canyon on them didn’t appear until the mid-1990s when they began selling bikes directly to the consumer. This was something that they believed ‘democratized performance’ by offering consumers a lower price for a similarly specced bike to the big players such as Trek.
Fast forward to today, and Canyon is one of the biggest German bike brands on the market. They expanded their operations to sell across most of Europe, and in 2017, Canyon USA was launched. A new headquarters for Canyon in Carlsbad, California was built, from which they operate their North American operations.
Although they had humble beginnings, Canyon now sells top-of-the-range mountain bikes, road bikes, and more and is one of the biggest bike brands in the world.
Canyon Bikes History
Although now known across the globe for their industry-leading bikes, Canyon began in more humble circumstances in Germany by the Arnold brothers as a bike parts supplier.
As the years went by the brothers realized there was a market for bikes, and began producing bikes under their new name of Canyon. Fast forward to the current day and the company has sponsored world-class athletes leading to Grand Tour and World Championship wins across a number of disciplines.
As one of the pioneers of the direct-to-consumer movement, they have received criticism from across the industry for cutting out the use of bike shops in their order process. However, the brand argues that the consumer benefits more from the price reductions from not showcasing their bikes in stores. Currently, you can only buy their bikes directly from them on their websites and the bikes arrive ready to be built.
They have also had an impact on the professional world of cycling, sponsoring top athletes and teams across all disciplines such as road, mountain bike, and cyclocross.
Read below for more important points in the company’s history.
- 1985 – Company founded by Roman and Franc Arnold under the name Radsport Arnold.
- 2001 – Company become a cycle manufacturer and changed its name to Canyon Bicycles.
- 2007 – Started to equip a team in UCI ProTour.
- 2014 – Nairo Quintana won Giro d’Italia with Canyon bike.
- 2017 – Canyon launched their first female-specific frames.
- 2018 – Canyon launched its first eBike.
Canyon Bikes Range
Road / Gravel / Mountain / Hybrid / Electric
Terminology
- AL – Aluminum
- CF – Carbon Fibre
- CF SL – Carbon Fibre Super Light
- CF SLX – Carbon Fibre Super Light Extreme
- WMN – Female specific frame
- Disc/Aero – Denotes componentry
- :ON – Electric Bikes
- CFR – Canyon Factory Racing. Canyon’s premium-quality sub-brand
- Di2 – (Digital Integrated Intelligence), is Shimano’s electronic shifting technology
- eTap – SRAM’s electronic shifting technology
Canyon Road Bikes
Canyon road bikes are among the most popular in the world.
It’s likely you’ll see at least one on your local club ride, and that’s because they are the product of years of engineering and testing, designed to build great value performance bikes. The brand has come a long way from their first bike back in the 1990s, and over the years has sponsored several WorldTour teams with great success.
Currently, the range of Canyon road bikes is split into endurance, race, aero, triathlon, and cyclocross bike categories.
AEROAD
Image source: Canyon.com
The flagship Canyon aero bike, the Aeroad is a purebred racing machine.
Well known in the professional peloton, the Canyon Aeroad is an aero bike built for every rider. There are many levels of pricing and variations to suit a range of budgets, and more recently the brand has included more sizes. This opens up the world of aero bikes to more riders, rather than just the professionals.
Prices start from $3,999 for the CF SL 7 Disc variants in both WMN and unisex fits. These come with a mid-range Shimano 105 groupset and a Reynolds AR58 DB wheelset. The highest-priced variation costs $9,000, the CFR Disc. This comes with a choice of either a SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9150, 11-speed groupsets.
Although this is primarily an aero bike which makes it ideal for flatter races and criteriums, Canyon has focused on bringing the weight down in their latest iteration. The range weighs between 7.26 – 8kg (16 – 17.6lbs), which puts them nicely in the lighter end of the aero bike spectrum.
Best selling Aeroad bikes:
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 Disc
- Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 WMN Disc Di 2
ENDURANCE
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon endurance category is made up of their Endurace bike.
It’s a bike built for long-distance riding, prioritizing comfort over race speed. That’s not to say these bikes aren’t fast, but their slightly more relaxed geometry means you can ride for longer in less of a racey position. Canyon claim this bike shouldn’t be limited to the road, and that it can handle light off-road. This may be due to the slightly wider (28mm) tires that come equipped with the bike, along with the powerful disc brakes.
Prices for the Endurace bikes start at an affordable $1,449. This model is the AL Disc 6.0 and features a Shimano Tiagra groupset, weighing 9.04kg (20lbs). The most expensive model in this range is the Endurace CF SLX Disc 9.0 eTap at $7,999. This comes with a SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset and weighs in at 7.17kg (15.8lbs) thanks to its carbon fiber frame.
Although these aren’t designed to be race bikes per se, they’re still pretty quick and make perfect training bikes for those long rides where you’re in the saddle for a long time.
Best selling Endurance bikes:
- Canyon Endurance CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2
- Canyon Endurance WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 Di2
- Canyon Endurance CF SL Disc 7.0
ULTIMATE
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Ultimate is one of their race bikes, designed to be a lightweight all-rounder.
Many look at the Canyon Endurance vs Ultimate, but the Ultimate is designed as a race bike, whereas the endurance bikes are for longer and more casual riding. The Ultimate is a bike that’s won plenty of big bike races, including World Championships and Grand Tours. Using a carbon fiber frame, they have innovated to create a bike that is supremely strong yet incredibly lightweight – ideal for climbing.
Currently, there are only two models of the Canyon Ultimate available for purchase. These are the CFR Disc Di2 and the CFR Disc eTap. The only difference between the two (besides the price) is the groupset. The Di2 model is slightly cheaper at $9,000 compared with $9,500 for the eTap model.
The biggest selling point of these bikes is the weight – or should we say lack of. The bike barely scrapes the UCI legal minimum weight, coming in at 6.52kg (14.4lbs) for the eTap model and 6.59kg (14.5lbs) for the Di2. This combined with the super stiff frame makes it one of the most enjoyable climbing bikes on the market.
Best selling Ultimate bikes:
- Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9 Disc eTap
- Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc
- Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc Di2
INFLITE
The Canyon Inflite is the brand’s cyclocross bike.
You may have seen it winning the World Championships thanks to Mathieu van der Poel who has won just about every cyclocross race possible on it. This bike comes in a variety of models to suit all budgets, which is great for those who can’t afford (or perhaps don’t want) a full-on carbon fiber racing model.
It’s also one of the most recognizable cyclocross bikes in the world, thanks to its unique design. The rear of the top tube where it meets the seat post is curved ergonomically to make running with the bike on your shoulder more efficient and more comfortable.
There are currently four models available in the Inflite range. The cheapest is the Inflite AL SLX 6.0 Race, which costs $1,699 and uses aluminum as its frame material. The most expensive model is the Inflite CF SLX 9 Team which costs $4,499 and uses high-tech carbon fiber as its frame material. This is the model that’s used by Mathieu van der Poel and former cyclocross world champion Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado used in their races.
The bike weights vary across models, ranging from 8.85kg (19.5lbs) for the aluminum model to only 7.8kg (17.2lbs) for the team edition. Canyon has built an agile and lightweight race bike in the Inflite. It’s proven itself across many world-class races, and the budget options mean the technology is available for more people to use.
Best selling Inflite bikes:
- Canyon Inflite CF SL 8.0
- Canyon Inflite CF SL 7.0
- Canyon Inflite AL SLX 6.0 Race
SPEEDMAX
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Speedmax is the brand’s triathlon and time trial bike.
The culmination of years of wind tunnel research and development, the Canyon Speedmax has dominated the Ironman races as well as professional cycling time trials. It won five years in a row at Kona, the host of the Ironman World Championships, and most recently won the women’s time trial gold medal at the 2020 Olympics.
The brand sells different versions to suit UCI or non-UCI restrictions, as well as expanding the range to suit more budgets. The prices start from $3,799 for the CF 7 Disc, which comes with a Shimano 105 groupset and Reynolds AR58 DB wheels. The most expensive model is the CFR Disc eTap at $12,000, which comes equipped with a full SRAM Red eTap AXS 12-speed groupset and ZIPP 858NSW Db wheels.
Although weight isn’t typically as much of a concern in triathlon or time trial bikes as the focus is more on aerodynamics, Canyon still lists the weights of their Speedmax models. The weight ranges from 9.12kg (20lbs) for the CFR DISC eTap to 9.35kg (20.6lbs) for the CF 7 DISC. It’s not a massive difference between the two, even with the price difference. The main differences lie in the aerodynamic benefit and equipment that comes with the models.
Best selling Speedmax bikes:
- Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 LTD
- Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8.0 SL
- Canyon Speedmax CF 8 Disc Di2
Canyon Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are still a somewhat recent development in the cycling world.
Once the place of hardtails and cyclocross bikes, gravel has become a discipline in its own right, with hundreds of gravel-specific races and events now being held across the globe. In fact, even the pros seem to be turning their attention to gravel, with former WorldTour rider Ian Boswell winning the biggest gravel race in the world, Unbound this year.
So what are the bikes like? Typically they are drop-bar bikes and are made from aluminum or carbon fiber. They accommodate much wider tires than road bikes which helps riding over rough terrain and they are usually accompanied by powerful disc brakes.
Canyon was one of the early adopters of gravel and thus has a range of bikes on offer.
GRAIL
Canyon Grail:ON – electric version of Canyon Grail gravel bike. Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Grail bike range is designed to blend the speed of a road bike with the capabilities of a mountain bike.
There are currently three main models in the range, the Canyon Grail:ON, their electric version, the Grail CF SLX, the brand’s gravel race bike, the Grail CF SL, a more affordable carbon fiber option, and finally the Grail AL, their aluminum option. The German brand offers plenty to choose from whether you’re a racer or just looking to dabble in gravel riding.
Prices start from $1,699 for the Grail 6 and Grail 6 WMN. These are built with aluminum, making them an affordable and durable option for those looking to get into gravel riding without spending thousands and thousands. The most expensive model is the Grail:ON CF 8 eTap at $6,999, partially due to the inclusion of the motor. The most expensive unassisted Grail is the Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 at $5,299 which comes with a Shimano Di2 groupset.
Weight is something Canyon is conscious of across all their bikes. The aluminum options weigh 9.5kg (21lbs), whereas the top-of-the-range carbon fiber model weighs 8.44kg (18.6lbs). The Grail:ON electric bike weighs in at 15.9kg (35lbs) which isn’t light nor heavy considering the onboard equipment.
Best selling Grail bikes:
- Canyon Grail:ON CF 8
- Canyon Grail CF SL 8 Di2
- Canyon Grail CF SL 8
GRIZL
Canyon women’s bike Grizl CF SL WMN 6. Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Grizl is their newest model of gravel bike and it doesn’t disappoint.
It’s designed to be a do-it-all bike, one that you can ride on bikepacking trips as well as use in gravel races or just for quick blasts around the local woods. It’s dropper post and suspension fork compatible so you can really build it the way you like it. It has plenty of storage mounts so you have options for bikepacking bags.
Prices start at $2,299 for the Grizl CF SL 6 (and equivalent WMN version), which comes equipped with a Shimano GRX RX400 groupset. At the other end of the scale sits the Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2 at $4,999 which comes with a Shimano Di2 electronic groupset.
The weight difference between the models is quite extreme, with the cheapest version weighing 9.81kg (21.6lbs) versus 8.7kg (19lbs) for the most expensive.
Best selling Grizl bikes:
- Canyon Grizl CF SL 7
- Canyon Grizl CF SL WMN 6
- Canyon Grizl CF SL 6
EXCEED
Image source: Canyon.com
Although the Canyon Exceed looks and acts like a mountain bike, its adaptability makes it perfect for very rough gravel as well as more typical singletrack.
It’s a rare cross-specialty bike, in that it’s just as at home at a rough gravel race as it is at a mountain bike XC (cross-country) race. How? Because the lightweight carbon frame and 29er wheels chew up obstacles and the stiffness of the frame means you maintain efficient power transfer through the pedals.
Prices start at $2,299 for the Exceed CF 7 which comes with a SRAM NX Eagle groupset. The most expensive model is the Exceed CFR LTD at $6,999 which comes with a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset.
Weight is important to Canyon, particularly with this XC/gravel race machine. The CF 7 weighs 12.25kg (27lbs) whereas the CFR LTD weighs 8.9kg (19.6lbs) which is a large difference. Canyon has once again created a range that’s accessible for all budgets, and they use trickled-down technology so that even the cheaper bikes use similar designs and technologies as the professional-grade bikes.
Best selling Exceed bikes:
- Canyon Exceed CF SLX 9
- Canyon Exceed CF 8
- Canyon Exceed CFR LTD
Canyon Mountain Bikes
Whether you’re a hardcore hardtail fan or love a full-squish MTB, there is a Canyon mountain bike for you.
They are well known across the professional and amateur scene, with Mathieu van der Poel famously winning XC World Cup rounds on their XC models. Currently, the brand sells a wide range of mountain bikes, from Enduro to Downhill to Jump and E-MTBs.
Like with most Canyon ranges, their prices are reasonable due to their direct-to-consumer business model. Without the need to pay for an intermediary shop to sell their products, they can offer more competitive prices directly to the consumer online.
STRIVE
Canyon Strive CF 8. Image source: Canyon.com
The Strive is one of Canyon’s full suspension mountain bikes and is in the Enduro category.
Designed as a bike to ride all types of trails, its unique ability to switch geometries depending on whether you’re climbing or descending has been applauded by riders. Canyon’s Shapeshifter technology uses a switch on the handlebars and it changes the geometry of the bike. So if you’re riding uphill, it can change to steeper angles for more traction when climbing, and for descending, flick the switch again and it reverts back to more relaxed geometry for more descending stability.
It comes with 29″ wheels and 170mm front and 150mm rear suspension travel. Prices start from $4,299 for the CF 7 and rise to $6,999 for the CFR model. The CFR weighs 14.25kg (31lbs) and the CF 7 weighs 15.61kg (34lbs).
Best selling Strive bikes:
- Canyon Strive CF 8
- Canyon Strive CF 7
SPECTRAL
Image source: Canyon.com
The Spectral is one of Canyon’s trail bikes and comes with a choice of 29″ or 27.5″ wheels.
Designed to tackle the trails at speed, the German brand has produced two options depending on your wheel size preference. This also means there’s a choice between 150mm or 160mm of front suspension travel, depending on the model chosen. This is more than enough travel for a typical trail bike and depends on whether you prefer to roll over obstacles at speed or take on technical terrain with more agility. In addition to the two wheel choices, Canyon also makes a Spectral electric bike, the Spectral:ON. It comes with a mullet wheel setup of 29er on the front and 27.5″ on the rear.
Price wise, the Spectral:ON is the most expensive Spectral variation, starting at $6,299 and rising to $9,000. For the unassisted versions, their prices start at $3,099 and rise to $6,299.
Best selling Spectral bikes:
- Canyon Spectral 29 CF 8
- Canyon Spectral 7
- Canyon Spectral 6 WMN
- Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8
TORQUE
Canyon Torque CF 9. Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Torque blurs the lines between Enduro and DH, setting itself in the Gravity category.
With 180mm of front suspension travel, this bike is destined for DH laps without the added weight of a triple crown fork and traditional DH setup. Prices start at $2,799 for the Torque 5 and rise to $5,899 for the Torque CF 9.
The weight ranges from 15.08kg (33lbs) to 16.14kg (35.5lbs) making it ideal for descending but not so much for the climb back up the hill! There are four bikes in this category, as well as the electric version, the Canyon Torque:ON 8.
Best selling Torque bikes:
- Canyon Torque 5
- Canyon Torque CF 9
- Canyon Torque CF 7
- Canyon Torque:ON 8
NEURON
Canyon Neuron CF 7. Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Neuron is a lightweight trail bike with 130-140mm suspension.
Sizes M-XL comes with 29″ wheels while S comes with 27.5″ wheels. The Neuron is designed to be agile and lightweight so you can stay out on the bike all day without being limited with some rises in the trails. Whether you prefer bike parks or natural trails, the Neuron will keep you comfortable and fast throughout.
Prices start from $2,299 and rise to $5,199. The weight of the bike varies between 14.06kg (31lbs) and 15.2kg (33.5lbs).
Best selling Neuron bikes:
- Canyon Neuron CF 7
- Canyon Neuron 5
- Canyon Neuron 5 WMN
STOIC
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Stoic is a modern geometry hardtail designed to get the most fun out of your riding.
It’s a versatile bike that’s great at the bike park, pump track or even trail riding. The slacker headtube means it’s more planted downhill while the lack of rear suspension means it climbs well. You can choose from two models, of which one comes with a dropper post and the other without, as well as some other component differences.
Prices start from $1,199 for the Stoic 2 and rise to $1,999 for the Stoic 4. The weight also varies between 14.1kg (31lbs) for the Stoic 4 and 14.89kg (32.8lbs) for the Stoic 2.
Best selling Stoic bikes:
- Canyon Stoic 2
- Canyon Stoic 4
LUX
Canyon Lux CF 7. Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Lux is a super-fast XC full-suspension race bike.
As used previously by multiple-time World Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, it’s a bike that’s got some racing pedigree. It comes with a handlebar-mounted lockout so you can change your settings on the move, and is one of the lightest XC racing frames in the world.
Prices start from $4,599 for the CF 7 and rise to $7,799 for the CF SLX 9 LTD. This model weighs an astonishing 10.13kg (22.3lbs) with a frame under 2kg of that. Whereas, the CF 7 weighs 11.94kg (26.3lbs).
Best selling Lux bikes:
- Canyon Lux CF 7
- Canyon Lux CF SLX 9
SENDER
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Sender is the brand’s Downhill racing rig.
It features a full carbon frame, with 200mm of front suspension travel which can be easily tuned to suit your riding needs. It’s raced in the World Cups and it’s also a choice bike for professional freeriders. There are currently three models for the Sender, the Sender 6, the Sender CFR FMD, and the Sender CFR. Each of these has different component levels and paint colors so you can choose one suited to your needs.
Prices start at $3,399 for the Sender 6 and rise to $5,799 for the Sender CFR. The weight of the bikes also varies between 15.8kg (34.8lbs) for the CFR and 17.36kg (38.2lbs) for the 6.
The Canyon Sender is a beast of a bike and can tackle any downhill trails or freeride slopes with ease, and at a reasonable price tag considering the all-carbon frame.
Best selling Sender bikes:
- Canyon Sender 6
- Canyon Sender CFR
STCHD
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon STCHD is their Freeride World Tour Championship-winning dirt bike.
It’s ideal for jumps and pump tracks as well as competition slopestyle courses. This bike can take a lot of abuse and produce some quality air time if you’ve got the skills to match it. It uses an alloy frame which is how it can stand up to the tough demands of jumps and freeriding.
Currently, there is one model in this collection, the STCHD 360 and it costs $1,299. It weighs 12.2kg (27lbs) and comes in a Scar Black paint job and has 100mm of front suspension travel to soak up the landings.
Best selling STCHD bikes:
- Canyon STCHD 360
DUDE
Image source: Canyon.com
The Dude is Canyon’s fat bike offering.
They use a full carbon frame and fork to keep the weight down without compromising on strength or durability. Interestingly, they have also used a rigid carbon fiber fork rather than suspension. This is presumably due to the width of the tires offering their own suspension against the terrain.
There is one model in this range, the Canyon Dude CF 8. It costs $2,699 and comes in a Deep Forest colorway. It weighs 13.8kg (30.4lbs) and comes with a 12-speed 1X drivetrain to tackle tricky climbs as well as cruising on the downhills and flat.
Best selling Dude bikes:
- Canyon Dude CF 8
Canyon Hybrid Bikes
Canyon hybrid bikes are designed to help you ditch the car and take back control of your journeys.
Whether you’re riding to work, running errands, or picking up the groceries, a hybrid bike is a fantastic way of getting to your destination without the need to drive a car. Thanks to their wider-than-average tires and comfortable flat bars, they are versatile and can be used off as well as on the road.
Currently, Canyon has a varied selection of hybrid bikes available to suit your needs. Let’s learn about them below.
ROADLITE
Canyon Roadlite 5 WMN. Image source Canyon.com
Marketed as a city fitness bike, the Canyon Roadlite is a comfortable hybrid ideal for urban exploration.
Available in both carbon fiber and aluminum, the Roadlite caters to a wide variety of budgets, and they all with powerful disc brakes as standard. Internal cable routing maximizes the pared-back aesthetic of the Roadlite, and they sell both unisex and WMN frames to suit most riders’ physiologies.
Prices start from $899 and rise to $1,399 making this a relatively affordable bike. The weight of the bike varies between 9.2kg (20.2lbs) for the Roadlite 7 and 9.9kg (21.8lbs) for the Roadlite 5.
Best selling Roadlite bikes:
- Canyon Roadlite 5
- Canyon Roadlite 5 WMN
- Canyon Roadlite 6
PATHLITE
Image source: Canyon.com
The Canyon Pathlite is a hybrid bike with a suspension fork, ideal for leisure rides both in and out of the city.
It features a comfortable upright geometry with flat handlebars and added fork suspension to smooth out bumps while you’re riding. Wider tires mean you can go off the beaten path and ride on trails, while the wide ratio of gearing complements this application. Canyon has used aluminum for the frame to improve the bike’s durability, and they have released the bike in sizes 2XS to 2XL so everyone can ride.
Prices range between $1,199 and $1,499, while the weight ranges between 12.04kg (26.5lbs) and 12.7kg (28lbs).
Best selling Pathlite bikes:
- Canyon Pathlite 6
- Canyon Pathlite 7
Canyon Electric Bikes
Image source: Canyon.com
The e-bike market has seen exponential growth in recent years, and Canyon has certainly not missed out on the boat, in Europe at least.
Although in Europe almost every Canyon model has an electric version, in the United States they provide only 2 models of e-MTB and 1 model of e-gravel bike. Depending on the bike, Canyon uses either Bosch or Shimano Steps motors in their electrically assisted bikes. These are two of the biggest names in e-bike motors so you know they’re reliable and will allow you to get the most out of your e-bike.
Although it’s difficult to identify individual battery ranges, both Bosch and Shimano are known for long battery lives and plenty of program options on the bike.
On Canyon bikes European website they have:
- ENDURANCE:ON and ROADLITE:ON models in e-road section;
- GRAIL:ON in e-gravel section;
- GRAND CANYON:ON, NEURON:ON, SPECTRAL:ON, and TORQUE:ON in e-mountain section;
- ROADLITE:ON, COMMUTER:ON, and PRECEDE:ON in e-city section;
- PATHLINE:ON, GRAIL:ON, and GRAND CANYON in the e-touring section.
On Canyon bikes USA website they have:
- GRAIL:ON in e-gravel section;
- SPECTRAL:ON and TORQUE:ON in the e-mountain section.
Canyon Bike Sizing
Canyon bike sizes are not like others, so while you may be an S in one brand, with Canyon you may be another.
They use something called a Perfect Positioning System (PPS), which can help you identify which bike size is best based on your height, physiology and ride style. Each bike is sized individually based on its geometry, so even within the brand, you may size differently depending on the bike.
You can use their online size chart tool to determine which is best for you.
Every bicycle type and model has its own size chart:
There are different size charts for every Canyon bike model. You can find Canyon bike size charts when you have chosen a specific bike model. Image source: Canyon.com
Where Can You Buy Canyon Bikes?
Image source: Canyon.com
Canyon is a pioneer of direct sales in the bike industry. They sell bicycles directly to the end-user and have cut out middlemen and dealers to keep the prices down. Therefore, there are no physical Canyon bike dealers and you can only buy Canyon bikes from their official website.
