Why Do These Two Canyon Aeroad Bikes Feel So Different?

Two Canyon Aeroads. Same size, same geometry, different specifications. So why do they feel so different to ride? Can wheels, saddle and frame material really make that much difference? We’ve got a Canyon Aeroad CFR and a Canyon Aeroad CF SLX, plus two different sets of wheels and different saddles to compare. So, can Si get to the bottom of this?

00:00 Intro
01:40 The Bikes
03:43 Differences
05:17 Baseline Test
06:25 Wheels
10:38 Saddle
12:53 Frame
14:34 Results

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Frame or components: what matters more to you? 🤔 Let us know in the comments below! 💬

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[gcntech]

Frame or components: what matters more to you? 🤔 Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[allanfoster]

This has been one of the most interesting videos Si has ever done. Lovely to see Si's no holds barred opinions.

[fredrik]

Biggest takeaway from this video is that you can run a Force cassette with Shimano 12 speed

[KS-goig]

I find when I swap the rider on my bike it not only goes faster but I also feel less fatigue.

[GeorgeD]

I haven't been able to ride two of the "same" bikes back to back, but there are several things I've noticed make an instant and noticeable difference when changed on the same individual bike in my experience:
- Swapping inner tubes. When I went from butyl to latex inner tubes, I really had to stop and check for a puncture a couple of times on my first ride, the bike felt just SO soft and smooth, despite everything else being the same (tyre pressure, tyres, wheels), apart from the inner tubes.
- Dry and/or dirty chain vs clean and well lubricated one. The clean one just feels so smooth that it really makes me feel more connected to my bike.
- Oddly enough, going from 50/34 to 52/36 chainrings. I don't know if it kind of gave me gear ratios in between the previous setup, or the fact that I am now more towards the middle of the cassette with a straighter chain line most of the time, but I find the slightly bigger chainrings smoother.
- Saddle - not just the rails, but the shape and padding - a saddle that does not fit you well will feel rough even though it might not hurt you per se either. Also a slight variation of the saddle height. I can feel a difference of about 5mm in saddle height when I change it on the same bike, but I doubt I could pinpoint it if I jumped off of one bike and immediately started cycling on another. As in it could work, but it wouldn't be perfect, and I assume most of us haven't had a proper bike fit, so saddle height can be off by a few millimeters without even realizing it.

[jamesmarshall]

1) If you are going to buy a bike on a review alone, it doesn't matter what it feels like. 2) If you buy a bike by test riding a number and choosing the one you prefer, then it doesn't matter what the review says.

[anthonyskrillex]

Without any doubt, si’s videos have some sort of superior level of production. Soundtrack is always fun and exciting. And of course his charisma for explaining things is always great to see and hear. Good job.

[rahulkota]

Simply super, love the way Si explain things, same detailing and focus as he has been over 10+ years… yay 🎉🎉

[lwittrock]

It's funny Si, that you made this video. This is something that I and my team mates have experienced and talked about for a long time. We do feel that the frame has the biggest influence on over bike feel, handling, etc. The individual components can add or take away from the overall feel and performance, but not to same extent.

[richcrompton]

Looks like I’d be up for the less expensive option then… more comfort = less fatigue = a faster ride…. Probably!

[BillyRappleye]

I bought the Aeroad CLX and subsequently bought the Aeroad CFR after it went on sale, and after riding the CFR, sent the CLX back to Canyon, so I experienced these differences first-hand! Great video!

[colinlittlewood]

People outside of the UK probably think this video was filmed in early Spring based on Si's clothing choice

[PercyTP]

Love the GCN videos, always full of amazing content, actionable takeaways, and most importantly....the English humour:)

[cxbkpmf]

Very interesting, Si! I have never ridden the CFR framed Aeroad but I have an SLX framed Aeroad... and, indeed, it is super smooth.

[adrianpav]

I was once lucky enough to ride a Pinarello Gan S back to back with a Gan RS and Dogma F8 all of the same model year and with the same wheels.
There was quite a difference between all three. The RS was fast stiffer and more responsive than the Gan S. The dogma f8 was only a little stiffer than the Gan RS but noticably more compliant at the same time.
I learnt that day that the frame is the most important choice you can make as it is the foundation of everything else

[SupernovaRallyteam]

Really like this vid. Great insight, and actually testing what these brands claim on their frame design and manufacturer for carbon lay up etc. Shows how frame and wheels makes a bike feel unique

[tawin]

This vid got a bit of “Top Gear” vibe to it. Great stuff

[yasinöztürk-wi]

I have a Canyon CF SLX Aeroad , with Sram and DT Swiss rim. I'm glad I bought Canyon CF SLX.

[flamesdivde]

Impressed you found two sticks to hold them. #bodge

[MattDamond]

Love this! Would be epic to see a follow up with the entry level Aeroad CF SL frame throw in the mix. Curios if all the components were the same, how different each bike would feel.