I have had 4 weeks and almost 1000 miles of riding to evaluate and make changes to this great racing bike. Note that I stress, a RACING BIKE. This model is not for the faint of heart and is the favorite of strong riders in my local area. This bike is fast and at high speeds, and does provide significant benefits. It is a bike that you can muscle. However, if you typically ride at less than 20 mph in a group ride and do not race, the Canyon Aeroad maybe not be for you. If you are experiencing a mid-life crisis and are overweight with thinning hair, this bike is not for you. However, in the event of a mid-life crisis, the Aeroad is cheaper than therapy and or a Porsche...so, GO FOR IT.
If you are a strong, aggressive rider or racer, the 2023 Canyon Aeroad in any of its forms and configurations may be just the perfect bike for you. If not, I would recommend the Ultimate. This is an excellent bike and like all Canyons, comes equipped to kill. I also have a few friends of whom own one and would strongly recommend it.
It is a very good Aero bike and, comes with an expensive DT Swiss wheelset. Note that the wheelset while fast, does suffer in cross winds and is very loud while coasting. I find it surprising that no other reviewer has mentioned the noise of the wheel set while coasting. Yes, while coasting, you will be THAT guy, so be aware of that if you purchase this bike with the DT Swiss wheelset.
The Sram force ETAP group set is buttery smooth and is responsive under load. The hydraulic brakes are to die for.... well, not quite.
The out of box setup is quite aggressive and is perfect for strong riding and racing. If you are not used to this and do not raise the stack height, you will be uncomfortable.
I found the excellent Selle Italia seat not to be to my liking. I spent 3 weeks trying to break it in. In the end, it broke me in, and I replaced it with a Fizik Antares VS R3 Adaptive as found standard on the Canyon Aeroad CFR with Sram Red group set. This is an expensive 3D printed saddle but is worth every penny.
As many of you know, I am not a fan of Continental tires and replaced them during setup at the shop with Vittoria clinchers. If I could do it again, I would stick with tires and go tubeless. Otherwise, I am completely satisfied with this bike and would recommend it to any strong, aggressive rider.
If I can answer any questions for you, please feel free to reach me at:
markzebr@gmail.com
