Review of the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2

The Canyon Endurace CF SLX is an endurance bike that stands out for its balance between comfort, performance, and technological innovation. Designed for long distances, this bike offers a combination of high-quality components and a carefully thought-out design to maximize efficiency and riding pleasure.

Today we’re talking about the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2, the model we chose to test the trails of The Grand Escape, a road bikepacking event with routes of about 600 km in Slovenia, Germany, Austria, and Tuscany. The routes included secondary paved roads, bike paths, and only occasional short sections of well-maintained gravel roads.

We made some adjustments to the bicycle from the original configuration.

As you can see from the pictures, we replaced the 30 mm tires with 28 mm tires to improve smoothness on the road. The rims chosen are Fulcrum Wind 42 Carbon rims, comparable to the standard DTSwiss rims in order to review them separately. In addition, we applied a transparent film to the frame to protect it from rubbing against bags during long rides.

Let’s look specifically at the features of this bike and why, in our opinion, it is a very good choice for bikepacking.

Main features of the Endurace

One of the key features of the Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 is its geometry, designed to provide exceptional comfort even during long rides. The riding position is less stressful on the back due to a slightly higher handlebar elevation, which promotes a more upright posture. This, along with the ability to fit tires up to 35 mm, makes the bike ideal for tackling both smooth asphalt and rough roads such as those found during a bikepacking trip.

With a weight of about 8.08 kg, the Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 is relatively light for an endurance bike equipped with disc brakes. This weight, combined with the well-balanced geometry of the frame, allows for excellent handling and remarkable responsiveness, making the bike perform well both uphill and downhill. The Shimano 105 Di2 wireless groupset ensures smooth and accurate gear changes, enhancing the riding experience even further.

Riding safety

Another crucial aspect is the driving safety. Even during fast downhills and with the bike loaded, there is a sense of extreme stability. This is due to the well-balanced geometry of the frame that keeps the rider in a comfortable and safe position, andthe ability to fit wider tires that increase grip and safety on different types of terrain.

When I tested the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2, the feeling of comfort was immediate-the first thing I thought was “it’s as comfortable as a couch!” The mix of geometry, S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost and wider tires make it extremely comfortable even after many hours spent riding and therefore perfect for facing a bikepacking trip. This is immediately clear after just a few rides: the frame is designed to soften the impact of irregular ground surfaces, while the S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost is designed to provide natural shock absorption, helping to reduce lower back pain, but let’s discuss this in more detail in the next section.

Comfort over Long Distances

Components and Technologies

The CF SLX 7 Di2 features high-quality components, including the wireless Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, which offers efficient and reliable electronic shifting. The Aluminum DT Swiss Endurace LN wheels add strength and lightness. In addition, the bike also features Canyon’s integrated handlebar and S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost, designed to improve shock absorption and increase comfort while riding even on long rides.

The Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 incorporates several design innovations, such as hidden cable routing and an aerodynamic geometry that does not compromise comfort. In addition, the storage area on the top tube provides additional space for essential tools, making the bike even more practical for long-distance adventures.

The S15 VCLS 2.0 Seatpost

Canyon’s S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost is designed to improve rider comfort by absorbing road vibrations. This component uses a double-sheet carbon design that functions as a leaf spring, known as “VCLS” (Vertical Comfort Lateral Stiffness). This design allows up to 20 mm of vertical movement, similar to a suspension, which further contributes to shock absorption. This is especially useful for cyclists riding mixed terrain and long distances, providing comfort and maintaining cycling efficiency.

Bikepacking Bag Impact

An under-seat bikepacking bag can negatively affect the operation of the S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost. In fact, the rear weight can reduce the flexibility of the seatpost, preventing it from effectively absorbing vibrations. In addition, a particularly heavy bag can tilt the saddle upward, compromising the riding position and overall comfort.

The Electronic Groupset

The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 model features the wireless Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, a choice that raises questions about reliability and durability of the electronic shifting system. The lack of mechanical shifting options in the Endurace CF SLX model can be a critical issue for bikepackers or adventurers, where simplicity and reliability are often preferred over advanced performance. In fact, an electronic groupset introduces the need for an additional charging cable, something that may not be ideal in remote surroundings or during long rides.

The Benefits

The Shimano 105 Di2 system offers faster and more precise gear shifts than mechanical shifters. This is especially useful in racing situations or when you need fast, reliable shifts over variable terrain. The precision of the electronic shifting system allows you to maintain a constant performance without the need for frequent adjustments.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Di2 system is a key aspect to consider. Under normal conditions, a single charge can last up to a month, but this can change significantly depending on several factors. Heavy use of the gearbox, such as on routes with frequent changes in gradient, can significantly reduce battery life. Extreme temperatures can also negatively affect battery performance. To better manage this variable, it is advisable to install the Shimano E-TUBE app, which allows you to monitor battery status and plan recharges accordingly.

Comments for the Adventurers

For those going on long adventures or traveling to remote areas, reliability and ease of maintenance are crucial. An electronic shifting system such as Di2, although advanced, requires more careful management than traditional mechanical shifters. It is essential to have a charging cable and perhaps a spare battery with you to avoid inconvenience. In addition, the durability of electronic components can be challenged in extreme conditions, so it is essential to carefully consider your needs and the type of adventures you intend to undertake.

A Multi-purpose bike

Comfort on Different Terrain

The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 performs well on a variety of road surfaces, including paved roads, bicycle paths, and short stretches of well-maintained dirt. This is especially relevant for those who plan to use the bike in variable settings such as those offered by The Grand Escape (Escape Collective) (Canyon).

The bike also offers the option of mounting tires up to 35 mm wide, but it is important not to misunderstand this feature as an indication that the bike is designed to tackle dirt or gravel terrain. Although it can handle short stretches of unpaved roads, the Endurace is not a gravel bike by definition. Its geometries and frame are not set up to absorb vibration like a true gravel bike.

Geometry and Frame

The frame of the Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 is designed to maximize comfort and performance on paved roads. The relaxed geometry and S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost provide excellent vibration damping, but are not specifically optimized for gravel terrain. This means that although the bike can tackle well-maintained gravel roads, it will not provide the same level of comfort and control that you would get on a dedicated gravel bike.

Larger Width Tires

The option of fitting tires up to 35 mm wide is designed primarily to improve comfort and safety on low-quality paved roads. Wider tires can better absorb asphalt irregularities, providing a smoother and more stable ride. This is especially useful when carrying a lot of luggage or taking long routes where road conditions may vary.

Use in Varied Contexts

During The Grand Escape, which includes rides on back roads and cycle paths but also on less-than-perfect asphalt, the Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2 proved to be very versatile, providing optimal comfort without compromising performance.