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

[@connorparadis4804]

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!

[@PatrickLino]

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

[@FliskerX]

Frame is basically 4k :D plus u get free DT Swiss wheels and Rival groupset that you can sell to recoup some cost.

[@evanl7743]

@@FliskerX the Aeroad CF SLX frame is definitely not 4k, its 3k at most

[@FliskerX]

@@evanl7743 yea if u sell the Rival group and Wheels you will probably get under 3

[@jleau89]

​@@evanl7743$1k max

[@aneczka2114]

Yes!

[@user-ev3ex7ey6g]

Thanks for your detailed and straightforward videos David, appreciated

[@davidarthur]

Very welcome

[@n8torious309]

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.

[@davemellor4697]

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!

[@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.

[@Bike4Coffee-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.

[@abhimawa1]

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 👍

[@random8539]

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-bv4si]

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

[@s1ngularityxd64]

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

[@florenzebg]

The bar measurements are a complete disaster basically everywhere. If I would buy my size 60 frame I get 44 bars. Who the hell likes those??? We are lean cyclists not bodybuilders and care about aerodynamics and good handeling. In my opinion even those sizes should come with 38, smaller bikes with 36. That is in fact what most people would get in a bikefitting and bikes should come with what MOST people would need

[@s1ngularityxd64]

@@florenzebg same with crank length..

[@FliskerX]

100% the handlebar is insane, I would bet there is a lot of for whom this is massive selling point. It was for me, like I'm not going to be buying 10 500+ handlebars and spend days swapping them out. With this I just test the width super easy and then if I need to I will pay 200 euro or something once, to go up on down on stem length. Absolutely brilliant, so in the ned this is not beating the competition by 1500 or whatever, it's beating it by like 2000+ considering u will sure have to buy at least 1 new handlebar on the competitiors bike and pay for bike fit because just bling buying different handlebar is not gonna work for "random new rider". But, yes the gear groove is hideous... I would for sure buy non gear groove version the pros are riding.

[@Jeppelelle]

I really wish bike manufactures (especially direct to consumer brands) would let you choose: saddle (including without saddle), bar width & crank-length when ordering as those 3 are very personal & it wouldn't really add SKU:s since they can be built to order AND they already have the options in their build process for the size options. So a Large frame but choosing the crank-length that they have as standard for the Small frame option etc. Factor bikes have some customizations so i wish more brands did that.

[@florenzebg]

@@Jeppelelle 100%. I would be willing to pay an extra 500€ on top since changing all those things (maybe also gear ratio) is well over 1000€. Also considering most delivery times the bikes are built after the order anyway…

[@Flexo_l]

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

[@jms493]

What? You can change the stem on a one piece handlebar?

[@Flexo_l]

@@jms493 yes, it's not one piece.

[@Loekie-de-leeuw]

Well yes and no. It is not just the stem. it is the whole T-part. And I think it is more than €200.

[@jms493]

@@Flexo_l ahh your saying your can buy the junction part separately. On the US website there is nothing like that for sale for that CP00048 handlebar.

[@jms493]

Ok…found it on US site under support.

[@ketle369]

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

[@andrewwebb7370]

Great review thanx

[@eduardoschneider2010]

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.

[@julianwing7813]

The cube is a harsh ride and not keen on the looks

[@wheeling54321]

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

[@fajerebrahim7575]

Great review! What are those sunglasses you're wearing?

[@davidarthur]

Thanks. They are new Rudy Project glasses, these ones here saddleback.co.uk/products/rudy-project-astral-rp-optics-sunglasses?variant=40883442352213

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

Nice bike......And great review David.......thank you.

[@balazsujfalussy9698]

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.

[@hisdadjames4876]

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😏

[@michaelsherwin4449]

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?

[@davidarthur]

Probably a nice steel road bike with relaxed geometry and wide tyres for max comfort :) or an e-bike

[@johnsonmoogjohnson9452]

Is a Tarmac SL8 Expert worth the extra ££s?

[@williamgalbraith3830]

Cheers Dave👌 what's sunglasses?

[@davidarthur]

New Rudy Project glasses :)

[@dougb5012]

Overall the bike is great. I just find the front end a bit short and don't feel I get enough leverage in the steering because of the short stem. the front end just feels twitchy much more than other bikes i ride.

[@julianwing7813]

@@dougb5012 buy a longer stem

[@JosephNieto-o8r]

You actually can buy the stem part separately in different lengths

[@matthewlewis2072]

For €200+

[@DYCARBINE]

​@@matthewlewis2072How much do other brand's one piece stem and bar combo go for?

[@julianwing7813]

I have previous gen and I love it it's much better value for money and lighter than a trek madaone Cannondale most other makes. I also have the rimbrake from before again much lighter than it's competition and still super quick. Had some swalbe one s on my current aeroad when purchased but changed them for gp5000 I think this makes it a harsher ride and they are no faster than the swalbe one s which were so comfortable.

[@s3cr3td00rindar00m]

5:27 is that the bottom bracket?

[@CClarke_fitness]

How tall are you and what’s your inseam David? I’m trying to see if id be a small or medium. 178cm and 82cm inseam. Thanks

[@1998nickel]

Which rear light is used on the bike in the video and how is it mounted on the seat post?

[@notsoenduro]

I have the new slx .. the wheels are ok, just unfortunately they have an OEM 350 hub with what could be a heavier shell. It really let down a v good package. So unnecessary why DT would send junk out.. their patent ended, so wouldn’t you want to improve now with higher grade finishing etc ?..

[@itsianwood]

I bought a CF SLX 8 just before the gen 3 came out this year and thank god! I was horrified by how they'd ruined the handlebars/cockpit with that ugly cut-out and bolt! What were they thinking??? OK, the gen 3s are 200g lighter but I'll keep mine, thanks! 😆

[@BasvanOmmen-q8i]

Hey David, when is the propain Terrel review scheduled?

[@davidarthur]

It's going to be a little while I'm afraid, few other bikes to finish first and flat out trying to get my new studio up and running

[@aniutiube2011]

It seems that no matter what there is always more cons than pros, like in any other brand of bike. However, the specs, components and wheels at this price has no equal in the industry. For similar spec bike you will pay a lot more. You buy it because you probably live in flat lands and want to ride fast that’s it

[@julianallen515]

What do you attribute the 14w saving to, the bars?

[@SRizza-i9c]

How does it compare with a Winspace T1550 gen 2?

[@julianwing7813]

@@SRizza-i9c jasper Phillipson tour du France winning bike is how it compares

[@playandteach]

I'm heavier than ideal. 5' 7'' over 12 stone. Does an Aero bike make sense of that, as the system weight is less important, or as I love hill climbing, should I save weight on the bike, when I can't on my body? I currently ride aluminium bikes with decent aluminium wheels. E.g. Cube Attain Race, with Hunt all season wheels.

[@user-d32658]

Prices are insane. Especially considering they dont have a local store around the corner. Cut out the middleman, bump up the price and make 50% margin.

[@julianwing7813]

Prices are insane with DT swiss wheels and SRAM axs you wouldn't get that on a specified or a trek and it would cost you £1500 more and you would get 30 mm rim rubbish wheels also

[@oppje6188]

Resident Canyon hater

[@user-d32658]

@@julianwing7813 No, I can buy a Specialized or Trek with the same specs for the same price at my local shop. And it comes with a free of charge bikefit + customization, an espresso and a conversation with the friendly shop owner.

[@user-d32658]

@@oppje6188 Why do you hate them?

[@Clemenstigator]

Is the road from Slow Horses?

[@davidarthur]

Ooh close but not that series, but recognise all the roads they used, lots around Castle Coombe which is miles away from Stroud where they also filmed

[@s7r1d3r7]

Hi David, i don't it's comparable to the lowest price in the range of aero road bikes as i think some brands has a 105 mechanical 12-speed which canyon doesn't such as the Giant Propel Advanced 2. Anyhow best compare both these bikes for absolute value for money.

[@atgnicyclist]

David, see if you can get the new Winspace T1550 Gen 2. Personally, I think it could be the perfect bike. Great geometry, inexpensive and looks brilliant.

[@julianwing7813]

@@atgnicyclist by the time you've built it up with the same components as you buy them and a frame it wouldn't. Be cheaper

[@atgnicyclist]

I was just wanting David to compare the bikes. Also, I think I could build the Winspace lighter, cheaper and with a better spec. There are some bargains to be had out there.

[@gamecat1923]

DT Swiss wheels all seem about 5 years out of date with respect to rim width. Good for hubs though.

[@RyonBeachner]

That’s pretty accurate. They seriously need to update their wheels.

[@yanlinghan5382]

Actually I'm serious considering about get this cheapest version then change a wheelset and groupset, maybe DA C60 and I really love the new red, but I'm not sure when Im done, the cost is quite similar to the most expensive aeroad😢

[@williamwalmsley2940]

Please review the Factor Ostro Vam🙏

[@davidarthur]

I'll see what I can do

[@ericandeddy]

I don’t like you can you use only 20mm of spacers. That’s crazy

[@Millicente]

Wish they still offered the sl tier. It was really good for the money but maybe that’s why they got rid of it. They want people to pay for the more expensive models.

[@Perillustris]

Due to the reduction of development costs. They will sell them all anyway, there is no point in tying up the capacity with a weaker model. But sure, this is not good for buyers who can spend less money. The Lapierre eliminates an entire line: it combines Xelius and Aircode to Xelius DRS and no more Aircode.

[@9023gregb]

I may be crazy, but I think they use the CFR carbon for the front fork on all the models. The fork on my entry-level Grail is noticeably different than the rest of the bike.

[@Millicente]

@ I think a lot of brands do that to save on costs. Another common area I’ve seen brands do that on is seat posts. Makes sense to me that the profit from selling matching tier seat posts and forks wouldn’t be big enough to offset the cost of offering 3 different seat posts and forks.

[@DYCARBINE]

David where are you getting your weight figures from? The Aeroad is lighter than the Madone, Propel, and Supersix Evo with equivalent groupsets. The tarmac is the only all rounder you mentioned that's lighter. Plus have you tried to actually switch handlebar widths when buying these other all rounders? Its nearly impossible to find stock of other sizes and in all instances you have to buy them outright. Please do better to not misinform your audience next time!

[@Jesseduijg]

I totally agree, even the SL8 Tarmac expert in a size 56 (M) with the same groupset is 7,77 kg according to the Specialized website, which is close to identical to the Canyon Aeroad.

[@julianwing7813]

And the Aeroad looks nicer faster and half the price

[@mr.z2618]

Propel 2024 adv pro 0 size M weighs 7.3kg without pedals. I have this bike. Same Aeroad on same group set 7.45kg size M from the website. I found post on reddit with people reporting they propel weight even less, 7.25kg. Depends of paint jobs.

[@theotheroneb1548]

"Nearly impossible to find stock" and "you have to buy the outright" are both false for the madone. Stock is available in virtually every size to be swapped in project one at no cost to the buyer. You pick crank size, tires, wheel depth, saddle, handle bar size, and any of the 5 base paint jobs at no additional charge.

[@DYCARBINE]

@@theotheroneb1548 From what I can see project one is only limited to Madone SLR. I'm not seeing any customization options for Madone SL 6 Axis, which is equivalent to the Aeroad version David is reviewing.

[@davidbernardsantana8976]

Is Peaky Blinders?

[@Andy_ATB]

Unless you're racing at a fairly high level, then worrying about aero/ weight is pointless......

[@9023gregb]

Obsessing about it yes, but it's fun to consider those things. Everyone can benefit from a lighter set up and a better ability to deal with headwinds.

[@Brookes79]

Great value performance bike, but no good for me & my Peak District rides, not with a 10-30t rear cassette 😢

[@davidarthur]

Even with the smaller chainset rings? But agree 10-36 is my preferred setup

[@mariosimas]

it alwasy wiorth if you like the bike. i buy my bikes with the hearth not with my head :)

[@jleau89]

i dont get the results. He showed power but not lap times. did he go faster, slower or the same for those power figures?

[@HDDTX]

Did you not see the video? The test is 30km/h around his local test track and compare watts. What’s so hard to understand? At the end of the day, he can’t test all variables so he selected one variable to test.

[@sylvainbernaers]

just another bullshit internal bike.good for pros; misery for the rest

[@SolidxSnakexDuke]

The reason wy i dont buy a new bike is innerroting cabels 🤬😡

[@tonyd5111]

It's heavy.

[@nationsnumber1chump]

bumper stops to keep from scratching it but a cheap screw to keep the stem in line. FAIL

[@dustinsanders2175]

Thank you for sharing! The handlebar and stem ruin the bike for me. I heavily considered buying an Aeroad, but not being able to get a handlebar and stem to my specification killed it. I instead bought a Factor Ostro VAM with a 140mm stem and 360mm bars. I'm very happy with it.

[@julianwing7813]

And paid twice the price

[@FaiscaaaH]

So a 8kg bike with carbon frame, carbon wheels, carbon cockpit, wireless gears is the new thing ?? No, thank you !!! I will stay with my old bike :) and save 4000€

[@spinnetti]

Nice. Too bad bikes are so unreasonably priced these days. I can get a nice used car for that money. If you are not racing, why bother with an expensive bike? As long as it works well, exercise is exercise isn't it? Cheap set of Chinese carbon wheels are transformative on a basic bike and would get you close.

[@brunomfduque]

The best brands for quality / price nowadays are Van Rysel and Cube ONLY

[@mruedar]

Yeah, the Aeroad is not a good gravel bike lol

[@saracen888]

Another boring SLX paint job

[@dosserkelly]

Its not the entry level - there's the sl too. This is mid tier

[@shiznit76]

Sl was done away with

[@julianwing7813]

They don't do the cfsl anymore

[@davidarthur]

Yes sadly there is no SL anymore, hopefully they'll bring it back one day

[@julianwing7813]

@@davidarthur the cfsl was only £100 pounds cheaper and had mechanical 11 speed and no integrated stem so the slx 7 is much better value

[@Bike4Coffee-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.