German company Canyon will unveil a raft of new and improved road and mountain bikes at the 2013 Eurobike trade show, including a new Grand Canyon CF SL 29er frameset and updates to the good value Roadlite AL.
Crucially, 2014 prices will remain largely consistent with those of 2013 models from the direct-to-consumer brand, although European buyers should expect to see prices changing with the fluctuating Sterling/Euro exchange rate for the time being. There’s no word yet on when Canyon will start selling to the US market, although BikeRadar have been told the company are continually investigating the opportunity.
Roadlite AL updates
On the road, Canyon’s top-specced aluminium Roadlite AL will be fitted with a high pedigree 11-speed Shimano Ultegra groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels. With a price tag of £1,119 it’s an extremely attractive proposition and goes toe to toe with the equally well-kitted 2014 Focus Culebro SL in the value-for-money stakes. The frame will also be fitted with a straight blade full-carbon fork and carbon seatpost. While geometry is unchanged, the new AL has slightly thinner seatstays.
Down the range, the £869 6.0 SL has an identical Roadlite AL frame fitted with a SRAM Apex groupset. The entry level 6.0 – also £869 and aimed at first-time road riders – is fitted with a Shimano 105 groupset. Both come with Aksium wheels, good all-rounders.
Canyon say the 2013 Roadlite is "all but sold out" in the UK, although some models from the new range could be available by the autumn.
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29er mountain bikes
Most of Canyon’s mountain bike updates occur in their hardtail 29er range.
At Eurobike, Canyon will debut the Grand Canyon CF SL 29 frameset, made in the same mould as the range-topping Grand Canyon CF SLX 29 – itself only released last year. The difference between the bikes, say Canyon, lies in the use of a slightly heavier carbon fibre. It means ambitious cross-country and trail riders can opt for race bike geometry at prices ranging from £1,469 to £2,239 depending on final spec.
Canyon are also extending the Grand Canyon 29er range down to entry level for 2014, with the AL 29 bikes replacing discontinued Yellowstone models. The AL 5.9 costs £689 for a blend of Shimano components including an XT rear derailleur, SLX front derailleur and Acera brakes – extremely good value. The pricier AL 6.9 (£869) is fitted with Avid Elixir 5 brakes and levers and Mavic wheels.
Engineers have also tweaked the standard Grand Canyon AL 29 frame found on the AL 5.9 and 6.9 and turned it into the lighter and stiffer AL SLX 29 for next year. It will be offered in three builds, starting at £1,119 and going up to £1,549 for the high-spec 9.9, which uses Shimano Deore XT throughout, as well as a Fox 32 Terralogic fork and DT Spline M1700 wheels.
The brand will unveil further changes to other models in the range at Eurobike.
Sam started as a trainee reporter on daily newspapers in the UK before moving to South Africa where he contributed to national cycling magazine Ride for three years. After moving back to the UK he joined Procycling as a staff writer in November 2010.
