Tips
1. Intro & Test Context
I’ve ridden the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2 on numerous long rides in the Black Forest and Kaiserstuhl region, starting from Freiburg and climbing iconic local passes like Schauinsland or the Texaspass. These rides typically cover 120 km with about 1,800 meters of climbing—so a solid mix of climbs, rolling terrain, and high-speed flats. I tested the bike with a 52/36 crankset and an 11–36 cassette. It’s not Shimano-approved, but works flawlessly and gives me the gear range I need, especially since I’m on the heavier side. The tires were 32 mm Schwalbe Pro One with tubes.
2. Ride Feel & Handling
From the first kilometer, the Aeroad feels incredibly direct and fast. Every pedal stroke seems to translate instantly into forward motion. The front end is stiff and precise—steering input is razor-sharp. On smooth tarmac, it’s a dream: planted, fast, and confident at high speed.
However, this precision comes at a price. The Aeroad is not very forgiving on rougher surfaces. On older or patched roads in the Black Forest, I could feel the harshness, especially through the bars and saddle. Compared to the Bianchi Oltre XR4, the Canyon is clearly less forgiving—on the same rough descent, the Oltre filtered out vibrations better. But the Aeroad responds quicker, corners more aggressively, and feels more “race-tuned.”
It’s a bike that asks something of you: input, strength, commitment. And if you give it that, it rewards you with brutal speed.
3. Climbing Performance
With my setup (52/36 and 11–36), the Aeroad climbs better than I expected for a dedicated aero bike. On longer climbs like the Gießhübel or the Münstertal ascent, the slightly heavier frame never felt sluggish. Still, compared to the Oltre XR4, which feels a bit more agile on tight uphill switchbacks, the Aeroad is more of a steady climber. It holds momentum well and doesn’t flex under pressure—but it doesn’t dance up the hill either.
I’d say: it climbs like a freight train—not playful, but fast if you stay seated and keep the cadence up.
4. Descending & High-Speed Stability
Downhill is where the Aeroad truly shines. On the fast descent from St. Märgen or down the winding Kaiserstuhl vineyards, the bike feels like it’s on rails. It’s so stable at speed that I found myself braking later and pushing harder through curves than usual. The long wheelbase and stiff frame give you tons of confidence.
Compared to the Oltre XR4, the Canyon feels more composed at very high speeds. The Bianchi is slightly more agile in tight corners, but the Aeroad is calmer when the road opens up.
5. Comfort Over Long Rides
Comfort is not the Aeroad’s strength. Even with the 32 mm tires, I could feel every imperfection in the road after 3 or 4 hours. I wouldn’t say it’s punishing—but it’s not relaxing either. If your routes are mostly smooth or you ride with high average speed, it’s manageable. On chipseal or broken forest roads, it becomes fatiguing.
In direct comparison, the Oltre XR4 is simply smoother. Its Countervail tech really dulls vibrations in a way that the Aeroad just doesn’t. I could feel fresher on the Oltre after 120 km, even though the Canyon was likely faster overall.
6. Technical Setup & Component Notes
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Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra Di2, 52/36 front and 11–36 rear cassette. Despite Shimano not officially supporting the 36T, shifting was smooth and reliable—even under load.
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Wheels & Tires: Carbon aero wheels with 32 mm Schwalbe Pro One tires (tubed). Great grip and rolling resistance, though the added volume couldn’t fully mask the frame’s stiffness.
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Cockpit: The integrated Canyon cockpit is stiff and adjustable in width. I set it to the narrowest position for most of my riding—very aero, but harsh on rough roads.
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Brakes: Shimano Ultegra disc brakes. Strong and confidence-inspiring on descents, with good modulation even on wet days.
7. Comparison with the Oltre XR4
The Canyon Aeroad is the more aggressive bike. It’s stiffer, faster on the flats, and more stable at high speed. The Oltre XR4, in contrast, is a little more forgiving—especially on rough surfaces—and it feels more agile on steep climbs. On long rides in the Black Forest, I noticed I was a little less fatigued after 4 hours on the Bianchi.
Where the Aeroad pulls ahead is on rolling terrain and fast group rides. It holds speed effortlessly, and if you like to push the pace, it gives you an edge.
If the Oltre is a Ferrari with some suspension comfort, the Aeroad is a Formula One car—raw, firm, and brutally efficient.
8. Conclusion & Ideal Use Case
The Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2 is a superb machine if your focus is speed, structure, and efficiency. It’s a bike that excels on fast group rides, flat-to-rolling courses, and wide, sweeping descents. It climbs well, but in a steady, seated style. It’s less suited to poor roads or ultra-long endurance rides unless you prioritize performance over comfort.
If you’re a rider who likes to push hard and wants a race-ready bike that translates watts into speed instantly, the Aeroad delivers.
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