2024 Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Review - But are Aero Road Bikes Worth Buying in 2024?

My review of the cheapest Canyon Aeroad you can currently buy, and also a discussion about whether aero bikes are really worth buying in 2024

Content
00:00 Intro
1:12 Price and Rivals
1:44 Equipment and Weight
2:41 Frame details
3:18 Difference to CFR
4:09 Ride and handling impressions
7:30 Expensive wheel upgrade test
11:40 Likes and Dislikes
14:56 Verdict

Recommended products:

Join this channel to get access to perks:

Follow me:

[connorparadis]

David, a sincere THANK YOU for reviewing the more "affordable" bike in the range, which most of us here would be much more likely to purchase than the top spec. It is much appreciated!

[MarkLRandall]

I think it's actually a pretty good value. Personally, I like the gear groove, gives the option of their slick aerobars. Being able to adjust the bar width is terrific.

[ntorious]

I think the CFR advantage mostly comes down to weight – Rival AXS is a boat anchor in the cranks and cassette. The wheel swap helps (8 watts apparently) but it's still a concrete block vs. a top tier groupset.

[PatrickLino]

Shame they don't offer a frameset-alone option.

[davemellor]

I think its a good review...I like criticism and praise and it shows you are not shilling the product, keep this up David. I also just bought a Storck Aerfast 4 sram dt swiss its a very quick bike and came secong in Tour magazines test, i would love to see you review it!

[abhimawa]

About handlebar: the longer the stem / reach, the narrower the bar has to be. That’s biomechanics thing. Provided the fit is correct. So far as I know, there’s mix & match between components (just like audio equipment) to achieve the desired result. Nothing’s right or wrong. Just about taste. Nice video, David 👍

[AeroLuke]

Thanks for your detailed and straightforward videos David, appreciated

[BikeCoffee-Cake]

I struggle to see how an SLX with CFR wheels can be any slower than the CFR unless you are in high mountains - it’s identical shape, and only about 700g heavier.

So feels to me like all the results are within error margins for a quick non-scientific test.

I love the fact it is all Torx25 bolts everywhere, and I think the handlebar will work for some and not others (but this is the same for all bikes - no major brand allows you to choose the right size).
But the geometry is too aggressive for me.

[random]

The thing is, any other bike that has moved to the "aero cllimbing bike" category is just as heavy at the €/$/GBP 4000. There's hardly anything sub 8KG at that price point, so you might as well go for the most aero option (not that it matters that much but still).

[KenSmith-bvsi]

Nice bike and awesome review David. Call me old fashion but, I like my two piece cockpit.

[sngularityxd]

Don't agree on the cockpit. Adjustable in width and height, the cockpit is the best on the market at it's price. Many other brand providing 420's, which are a joke except you are very tall

[Mysiamesecatblue]

I’ve been rocking the 32mm tires and it’s comfy

[financeandpoliticstoday]

I’m really just waiting for the tech with the handlebar and the t25 thingie to drip down to the Endurace. 😅

[hisdadjames]

Could be the best value big-brand bike out there. Fast, well-made, attractive, adjustable, prestigious. I should have bought one but got tempted into SRAM etap and 28mms standard on a discounted Fuji Transonic. Its good, but heavy😏

[wheeling]

Very nice job on the review. Question - how bad is the toe overlap?

[eduardoschneider]

they got a bit better over the years. but their prices got much higher. For me it meand to change of brand. i got a CUBE bike from the 2025 models. they are soooo good for much less money.

[Flexo_l]

You can buy just a stem part separately for 200€ and you have a big range from 70mm to 140mm.

[balazsujfalussy]

Great and informative comparison for us, ordinary riders. However, I am really curious what would yours number be with cfr+dt Swiss wheels. Works as a "proof" of your conclusion.

[Mysiamesecatblue]

I was lucky and able to swap wheelsets so not sure how stock wheels are but it’s a clean bike

[michaelsherwin]

David, It is the future and you are 70yo. You are still quite fit except you weigh about 12 lbs more than you do now. What bike do you think you'd be riding if you were biking 50 km or more?