CyclistCanyons new Aeroad is very recognisable but lighter and fasterAnyone following the pro peloton over the past few months may well have noticed the quiet introduction of the new Canyon Aeroad. Its geometry is unchanged and the silhouette is almost indistinguishable, but look closely and there have been some slight modifications to the tubing and junction shapes, a new handlebar system and seatpost, and an overhaul of the frames carbon layup.According to Canyons testing, these changes make the new Aeroad 2.5 watts more efficient on average at 45kmh than the Cervlo S5, and its up to 3W more efficient than the previous Aeroad at certain yaw angles (though identical at others).Much of Canyons focus has been on the Pace Bar: a remodelled handlebar system that allows riders to switch between flared drops (which it calls Aero Drops) and non-flared (called Classic Drops) without any brake bleeding. The Pace Bar also offers an increased range of adjustment compared to the previous Aerocockpitused on the Aeroad, Endurance and the Ultimate. The so-called Gear Groove, a mounting point on the cockpit pioneered on the latestGrail, allows for the mounting of aero bars and other accessories.Elsewhere, there are improvements to maintenance, durability and all-round rider experience. The Aeroad now features an integrated rear light in an updated seatpost and universal Torx TX25 bolts for every fitting, complete with a mounted thru-axle lever.The frameset comes in two different layups, the CF SLX and the pro-level CFR, with stiffness and aerodynamics said to be consistent across the range. Weight has come down, with a painted CFR frame dropping 30g to a claimed 960g from the previous Aeroad. The CF SLX frame weighs 100g more at 1060g.The new Aeroad bikes are only built electronically: a SRAM Rival build of the CF SLX frameset is available from 3,949, while CFR builds start at 9,299with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Every build but one comes with a power meter installed.Canyon Aeroad key featuresAvailable at CFR or CF SLXframeset tiersIdentical geometry to existing AeroadAltered tube and fork profiles makes it up to three watts more efficient than previous AeroadAmended seatpost construction stiffens up back end960g Medium CFR frame is now 30g lighterPace Bar cockpit system aids with drop bar adjustabilityTorx TX25 bolts used throughoutBuilt with electronic groupsets onlyBike weights from 7.07kg (claimed) Related Posts Pro bike: Jasper Philipsens unreleased Canyon Aeroad Canyon Aeroad vs Ultimate vs Endurace: The best Canyon road bike in 2024 All the cycling tech leaked by the pros in 2024 including the new Canyon Aeroad, Pinarello Dogma F and Trek Madone/Emonda Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 review Doubling down on aeroSimon Gehr / CanyonUnlike Trek and Specialized, Canyon has no plans to amalgamate its trio of road bike models into one do-everything machine. The Aeroad continues to be redeveloped roughly every three years though the fundamentals remain consistent.Speaking to Lukas Birr, Canyons lead engineer, changes to the Aeroad have only been made where necessary, and stem from conversations with Canyons WorldTour teams Alpecin-Deceuninck, Movistar, Canyon-SRAM and Fenix-Deceuninck.This bike was defined by pro rider feedback. The big overall theme was to be the fastest bike, which it is, so we didnt need to change much there. And on the geometry, this was one of the points where the pros were totally content. We werent going to touch anything that wasnt requested.According to Canyons wind-tunnel data, the new Aeroad is ever so slightly more aero than its predecessor thanks to some tube shape alterations. Claims of an average 2.5-watt advantage over the Cervlo S5 were achieved using Canyons leg dummy stand in called Ferdie.CanyonCanyon claims additional wind-tunnel gains of up to 14 watts via the Aero Drop handlebars against the Classic Drops due to the narrower hood positions, with the Aero Drops advantage coming from rider position rather than the bike itself.Under the bonnet, the changes are more widespread, and Canyon hopes they are detectable in the ride quality and bike feel.The feedback we received from the pros was that the previous Aeroad was actually too comfy, claims Birr. With the rear triangle, we wanted to make it less comfortable. The feedback wasnt direct enough for the pros. We made a prototype and gave it to Mathieu Van der Poel and we couldnt get him off it.The carbon fabrication of the new Aeroad has changed significantly according to Birr. We completely overhauled the production process. The main change is moving to use mandrels made from polypropylene instead of silicone, which allows for greater repeatability of production quality, and better consistency.Canyon insists that the CFR uses a superior layup compared to the CF SLX frame, and indeed the latter weighs a claimed 100g more in a size medium, but not a huge amount of detail is provided. Birr says the CFRs carbon is best in class while the CF SLX is focussed on robustness.Hes unsure though whether its an element that moves the needle for prospective owners, Its a completely different carbon layup and production process but you dont sell a bike from the inside. Thats a shame because it looks super-nice on the inside: tighter tolerances and better build quality.He says this has been achieved thanks to state-of-the-art mandrels, which have helped to improve the build quality. Plus, we have an even more comprehensive set of gauges to control the tolerances in the frame.The new Aeroad frame weighs a claimed 960g in medium, with a fully-built Dura-Ace CFR build the lightest available, tipping the scales at 7.07kg.Pace Bar and the Gear GrooveOne important development is at the front end of the Canyon Aeroad, with an improved version of the Aerocockpit that featured on the 2021 Aeroad. It is very similar to previous Canyon bars and hard to distinguish visually (the CP0048 model number helps here), but the differences will be important for riders who prioritise a tuneable fit. Its likely to be an area of some scrutiny after the high-profile failure of Van der Poels Canyon bars in 2021.In the same way as before, what is now called the Pace Bar splits into three parts: the T-shaped stem/cockpit area and two slot-in bar wings, comprising the drops and the outside half of the tops. These wings are straight in the Classic Drops profile or flared in Canyons new Aero Drops shape. The Classic Drops ship fitted to the Aeroad, with the Aero Drops available as an aftermarket upgrade.Canyon claims a potential 14-watt saving when riders fit the flared barsand adopt the necessary aerodynamic position. There is a 20mm narrower width at the shifters and a progressive 19 flare. The drops are 25mm shallower with a 10mm increase in reach to the shifters.Simon Gehr / CanyonThis increases the aerodynamic postures possible on the bike and should help with initial shipping and subsequent transportation of the bike too.To switch between different sets of drops, the bar tape needs to be removed, followed by the TX25 screws on the underside of the central T-shaped stem. Then, once the hoods have been loosened off, the wing slides out horizontally and the levers remain plumbed into the brakes via the stem. It is then a case of sliding the new wing into place, positioning the brake hoses correctly, and reattaching the hoods. Rewrapping the bar tape is the final step. No brake bleeding is necessary.Additional conventional adjustment is possible, with three different bolt positions allowing for 50mm worth of width alteration, plus 20mm of height change in 5mm increments.This is due to Canyons continued use of the quill-stem arrangement, which Birr says has been slightly modified. We use a modern adaptation of the quill stem to allow riders to raise or lower their position without cutting the fork or unwiring internal cabling thanks to split spacers.Most riders will use the recessed Gear Groove (an attachment point in the centre of the bars, already launched with the Canyon Grizl), for an out-front-mounted bike computer. It can also be used for proprietary Canyon aero bar extensions, with a bike computer then mounting onto those.Altered tube profiles and unchanged geometrySimon GehrSimon Gehr / CanyonWith Canyon happy to keep claiming ownership of the fastest bike in the peloton, the Aeroad has had a haircut rather than a total makeover since last time around. The geometry is identical except for a couple of size-specific alterations to chainstay length to keep the handling universal.An increase in the length of the fork profile is most apparent, with shortened tube profiles at the rear end contributing to claimed aerodynamic gains over its predecessor. Depending on the yaw angle, Canyon says this difference hovers between the zero and three-watt mark.The frontal surface of the head tube is smaller, and a reinforced top tube has allowed for a frontally narrower down tube, which Canyon says helps create smoother airflow. Birr says, The thickening of the top tube allowed us to regain some stiffness there too.The top tubes larger profile is lengthened by the ridged connection to the head tube. The seatpost, seat tube and the chainstays that make up the rear triangle all have shallower depths.Birr claims the area has been made stiffer thanks to changes to the updated SP0077 seatpost. This offers more direct feedback for the rider, he says. This comes mostly from the seatposts construction, because it is clamped at the top tube and not at the backside of the seat tube anymore.CanyonWe wanted to raise the seatpost bolt to increase feedback and stiffness take some of that flexibility out. But this actually slowed the bike down at the rear, tightening up that rear triangle.Canyon has also focussed on improving the durability of the seatpost, which experienced wear issues in previous generations.Its now clamped at the top tube and not at the back of the seat tube, Birr explains. Plus, the internal construction of the new seatpost does not have to be split at the lower part, where the backside of the seat tube bolt recess once sat. This improves the strength of the clamping force on the seat post.Equally important for comfort is the 32mm tyre clearance that Canyon says was requested by Van der Poel himself to help with days on the cobbles.Simon Gehr / CanyonCanyon has also closed off the drive-side thru-axle bolt hole to minimise ingress of water and dirt.A medium CFR frameset weighs a claimed 2.07kg painted, including the fork, seatpost, cockpit and headset. The frame alone weighs 960g.Everyday improvementsSubtler than the new handlebars are the changes Canyon has integrated into the day-to-day workings of the bike. With the inclusion of the TX25 thru-axle lever, and all 13 bolts on the bike now taking that same Torx tool bit, the Aeroad is serviceable without a multitool and riders shouldnt ever be caught short. The CFR model benefits from titanium screws in the cockpit to improve durability and help with adjusting bearing play.In addition to the closed drive-side drop out, a small foot has been built into the bottom of the fork to prevent paint chipping during maintenance. At the steerer, the bearings are now titanium and the whole unit has been sealed to supposedly withstand everything a pressure washer can put out. Inside the headset, Acros ceramic stainless hybrid bearings have been fitted and sealed.With safety in mind, the seatpost includes two holes that host a proprietary rear light that is included with the bike. Or racers can fit a number instead. Setting the saddle position requires the adjustment of two screws: one for angle at the rear, and another for setback in the centre.The front derailleur hanger is removable too, which allows for 1x aftermarket builds.For more information on the new Canyon Aeroad visit canyon.comCanyon Aeroad 2024 RangeCanyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 AXSCanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7Groupset: SRAM Rival AXSWheels: DT Swiss ARC 1600 SplinePrice: 3,949 / 4,199Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 Di2CanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 w/ 4iii powermeterWheels: DT Swiss ARC 1600 SplinePrice: 4,499 / 4,799Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2CanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 w/ 4iii powermeterWheels: DT Swiss ARC 1400 DicutPrice: 5,999 / 6,499Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 AXSCanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8Groupset: SRAM Force AXS w/ Force AXS power meterWheels: Zipp 404 FirecrestPrice: 6,499 / 6,999Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2CanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CFRGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 w/ Dura-Ace power meterWheels: DT Swiss ARC 1100 DicutPrice: 9,299 /9,999Canyon Aeroad CFR AXSCanyonFrameset: Canyon Aeroad CFRGroupset: SRAM Red AXS w/ RED AXS power meterWheels: Zipp 454 NSWPrice: 9,749 / 10,499 Related Posts Pro bike: Jasper Philipsens unreleased Canyon Aeroad Canyon Aeroad vs Ultimate vs Endurace: The best Canyon road bike in 2024 All the cycling tech leaked by the pros in 2024 including the new Canyon Aeroad, Pinarello Dogma F and Trek Madone/Emonda Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 review The post Canyons new Aeroad is very recognisable but lighter and faster appeared first on Cyclist.