Ever since a friend recommended Canyon for their fancy "Aero-Road" model, I have had my eye on them. Last year I received a Medium "Smurf Blau" SL 8 that I subsequently returned -- it was a bit small on my 5ft 11in frame for general purpose riding. For racing, I think that Medium may have worked -- but I am so far happier with the Black German Canyon CF SL8 that I have now received after weeks in transit.
Due to the slow reception at LAX Customs, USPS not being "aware" of where the bike was for weeks and general mayhem that follows trying to ship anything these days, I have but 1-2 days more to elect to return the bicycle -- I don't think that I will after today's ride.
Mass as tested with pedals, 1 bottle holder, seat-post etc. No saddle bag or air pump.
7.395 KG
Previous Specialized Allez Elite with C24 Dura-Ace Front & Rear + Saddle Bag and Air Pump & 2 Bottle Holders
9.385KG
So that is a net savings of approaching 1.5KG if I discount the extras still on my original ride.
I expect for the Canyon to be slightly more "Aero" given the cable routing and unified "Flight Deck" Handlebars. Width of my setup is 410mm.
Handlebar "Hood to Hood" distance is 440mm vs. 480mm - a comfortable transition so far.
Between DHL, Lufthansa, the USPS and LA Customs and the final "last mile" USPS carrier abuse, the bike came with a bent skewer. I was able to somewhat straighten this and center the front brake.
Also abused was the stack which had been completely pushed out of alighment. A unscrew, adjust and rescrew of the stack so far has worked. No CF damage seen and the bike is otherwise in decent shape.
For some reason, Canyon doesn't offer the CF SL 8.0 in Black to the US Market directly. My 1 month escapade in shipping was a direct result of this strange policy. Does German Canyon believe that all Americans desire "Smurf" colored racing bicycles? Perhaps the Teutonic Black color is reserved for in-region only. Regardless, I plan to test this out over the next 1-2 days before making a final call. The decision will likely be ""retain" for the Black Canyon CF SL 8.
