The bolts have been tightened and the glue is dry. So here it is, our Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 race bike unveiled in all its glory. And what an awesome machine it is.
Now all 15 race bikes have rolled out of our service course, we thought it was high time we talked you through the key components we are racing in 2017.
While our riders had the choice of going into battle with the Ultimate CF SLX or the Aeroad, the overwhelming majority went for the latter and pictured is Rory Townsend‘s slick steed.
FRAME
We are riding the Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 frame with a custom black and white paint job. Stiff, light and boasting unrivalled aero efficiency, it really is the complete race bike. The riders had a choice of size, from XXS to XXL, with team leader Chris Opie, who is 178cm tall, opting for the small.
COCKPIT
Developed in-house, Canyon’s integrated H11 Aerocockpit looks the real deal. It has a reach of 70mm and drop of 125mm, while our riders have been able to choose from a range of sizes, from 90mm to 130mm in stem length and 390mm to 430mm in bar width. They also have the option of a regular stem and bar set-up, if preferred. The bars are wrapped in Arundel Bicycle Company‘s Gecko Grip tape, courtesy of Saddleback. The rubbery grip is thinner than its cork rivals and doesn’t absorb sweat as easily, making it easily wiped clean. Canyon offer a 30-day exchange policy with stems/aero cockpits to help customers get dialled in.
GROUPSET
Shimano are supplying our groupsets for the campaign and we are proud to be riding their new Dura-Ace 9100 model. We reckon it is a work of art. Crank selections range from Max Stedman at 165mm to the likes of Rob Partridge and Harry Tanfield at 175mm. As you would expect, they are on 39/53 chainrings, with an 11/28 cassette. The Aeroad frame incorporates the 9100 direct mount brake calipers, while the Ultimate uses a standard mount.
WHEELS
We are thrilled to be joining forces with Sussex-based marque Hunt, who have provided us with two exciting wheelset options. The first is the 45Carbon Wide Aero Tubular, with 45mm rims front and rear. The second is a sprinting set-up, seen on Rory’s machine in the picture. The 5580Carbon Wide Aero Tubular wheelset is 55mm at the front and 80mm on the rear. We can’t wait to race test these super-stiff, cutting-edge designs.
TYRES
Wrapped on our Hunt wheels are Maxxis‘ race-specific, triple compound Campione tubular tyres. We have also ridden their Padrone tubeless range in training and during our first few races, including Chris Opie’s Perfs Pedal success. The feedback so far has been fantastic.
SADDLE
Our race bikes boast Astute Italia saddles, supplied by Saddleback. A vibrant, young, Italian company, they blend more than 40 years of saddle-building experience with cutting edge maufacturing techniques and the results are superb. Each rider has their own choice from the Astute range, although most have chosen the Skylite SR.
BOTTLE CAGES
Our Aeroad is finished off with Arundel Bicycle Company bottle cages and bar tape, once again supplied by our friends at Saddleback. The range-topping Mandible cages weigh 28g and have weathered Grand Tours, Spring Classics, World Championships, you name it.
