Autocorrect has a habit of replacing Endurace with Endurance, which is grammatically understandable, and a correct description of the Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0’s intentions.
The frame’s straight lines look very workmanlike. The down tube and fork legs have Kamm tail profiles (shortened, or cut-off tail), as does the seat tube, but because of its curve around the rear wheel and need to match the round seatpost higher up, it's less pronounced.
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The slab-sided head tube is braced by the flattened and tapering top tube that ends with slim, lowered seatstays buttressing their junction with the front triangle.
Rather than tall, rectangular chainstays, the Endurace features asymmetric, almost square ones, designed to work with the slender seatstays and Canyon’s 27.2mm VCLS 2.0 split carbon seatpost to maximise compliance.
The post is also curved to flex more freely, giving 20mm setback, but this can be reduced by flipping the head around. The fork legs look almost dainty compared to the frame, unlike the one-piece integrated carbon aero bar and stem.
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 kit
Note: this review refers to the 2017 spec bike. The 2018 model comes with the new and improved Ultegra R8070 Di2 Disc groupset, DT Swiss ERC1400 wheels and a Fizik Aliante R5 saddle. It costs the same as last year's bike.
It’s dressed with Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 hydraulic groupset, which helps maintain the bike’s clean lines, save for the Di2 control box clipped beneath the stem.
Reynolds supplies the wheels. The Assault LE carbon clinchers have 40mm-deep rims that are a massive 30mm wide externally, ballooning the 28mm Continental tyres to a voluminous 32mm.
At just over 7.5kg, the complete weight of my medium example is impressive, particularly as it’s built to be tough.
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 ride impressions
Seeking to explore its endurance potential, I planned rides over mixed terrain. It’s no slouch, every component from rims, thru-axles to satisfyingly rigid frame efficiently convert watts to forward motion.
All the aero features contribute too, making the Endurace a fast bike that easily gains and holds speeds of up to 30mph on the flat, and gives nothing away in the hills.
Bigger tyres are a benefit, as with minimal added rotational mass, they decrease rolling resistance, increase comfort and multiply grip and confidence levels. With 52/36 chainrings and an 11-32 cassette, it’s geared for speed, but can also pedal quickly up the steep stuff, as having another bail out gear is reassuring.
Soon after the start of several kilometres of gravel road, I dropped tyre pressures from 85psi to 70 because it was too jarring. Vibration reduced, speed increased and the Canyon dealt easily with potholes, deep gravel and constant line changes.
Back on tarmac, I noticed that although the large tyre volume and still low pressures gave almost endless corner grip, I could feel more road vibration than expected.
The rear end employs a raft of passive compliance-inducing features, whereas the front relies on the tyre, slim fork and carbon layup.
Compared to BMC’s Roadmachine frame, which also has no active elements — unlike Trek’s Domane for instance — the Endurace is a harder ride, with sharp hits being felt much more through the front end.
It didn’t slow me down, and I still revelled in its speed, but if you’re looking for comfort above all else, this may not be for you. If you want a hard-charging, well-priced, fine handling hooligan for year-round training or sportives, then it’s ace.
Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 spec overview
- Weight: 7.53kg (M)
- Frame: Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc
- Fork: Canyon One One Four SLX Disc
- Gears: Shimano Ultegra Di2, 52/36, 11-32
- Brakes: Shimano RS805 hydraulic, 160mm rotors
- Wheels: Reynolds Assault LE
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 4000S II 28mm
- Cockpit: Canyon H31 Ergo cockpit CF integrated carbon bar and stem
- Saddle: Fizik Aliante R3
