The Canyon Roadlite may look unspectacular at first glance, but that is precisely what makes it so special. You won’t find any elaborate suspension innovations or over-the-top designs here. It is an aluminium bike with a rigid fork and gravel tyres, but with straight handlebars. The Canyon Roadlite 8 doesn’t try too hard and doesn’t make a fuss. Its core strength lies in the symbiosis of simplicity and versatility. That’s why it could be exactly the bike that so many people are looking for.
Canyon Roadlite 8 in detail
- Intended use: Touring / Everyday use / Gravel
- Wheel size: 28”
- Tyre width: 38 mm
- Frame material: aluminium
- Rigid fork material: carbon
- Price: 1,499 euros (currently reduced to 1,399 euros)
- Weight: 11.5 kg (BIKE measurement, size M, including pedals)
- Special features: Mounts for mudguards, luggage rack and side stand; tool and top tube mounts
Facilities
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT / Deore (1 x 12), 40; 10–51
- Brakes: Shimano MT 200, 160/160 mm
- Wheels: Alex Rims GX26P on Shimano TC500
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance Race Guard, 28 x 1.5”
The Lightness of Being
The Canyon Roadlite 8 features a lightweight carbon rigid fork. For most everyday rides and day trips, a suspension fork isn’t strictly necessary. A bike with a rigid fork can handle not only tarmac cycle paths but, with the right choice of tyres, gravel tracks too. The Canyon Pathlite avoids the extra weight and cost of a suspension fork. This is one of the main reasons why the bike weighs in at 11.5 kilos – a good figure for a bike in this price range. A lightweight aluminium frame and a carbon seatpost contribute to its low weight. The latter promises greater riding comfort thanks to its flex, which filters out vibrations from the ground more effectively than a stiff aluminium model.
Schwalbe’s 38-millimetre-wide gravel tyres accelerate quickly and get the Canyon Roadlite up to speed in no time. This gives the bike a sporty feel and makes it a joy to ride, not only during sprints from traffic lights on the way to work, but also on many a ride. To ensure the ride doesn’t end at the next hill, Canyon has fitted the Roadlite with a 12-speed cassette from the mountain bike range. Thanks to this wide gear range, the lightweight aluminium bike can easily tackle the odd few metres of elevation gain. Whilst the rear derailleur comes from the high-quality Shimano XT range, all other drivetrain components are from more affordable groupsets. So when comparing it with other options on the market, don’t be misled.
The beauty of flat handlebars
Gravel bikes are all the rage. Whilst the Canyon Roadlite shares their narrow tyres, it does without the so-called drop bars. The aerodynamic grip position on the lower part of the handlebars isn’t really necessary in this type of riding anyway. Instead, the flat handlebars promise a slightly more upright, comfortable riding position and straightforward handling. With the flat handlebars, even inexperienced cyclists can always keep a clear view of the road, and there’s less risk of feeling like you’re going to tip over on steep descents. Shimano disc brakes provide the stopping power. All cables run through the headset into the frame, creating a particularly clean look. Canyon fits the Roadlite 8 with ergonomic grips from Ergon as standard.
Fully equipped on request
The Canyon Roadlite was designed as a nimble companion for everyday rides and scenic tours. To this end, the frame has been fitted out to accommodate all manner of accessories. In addition to two bottle cages, a bag for small items can also be securely bolted to the top tube. A mount has been provided beneath the top tube for a spare inner tube or a lock bracket. To ensure stability, the Canyon features a mount for a side stand. Mudguards and a matching rear rack can also be fitted. Canyon offers a full range of compatible accessories from its own brand.
Conclusion
The Canyon Roadlite 8 is an elegant, straightforward bike whose lightness appeals to riders, whether for everyday use or a day out. In my experience, agile, competitively priced bikes with rigid forks are usually a smart alternative to over-engineered designs. The Roadlite focuses on the joy of a brisk ride and leaves complexity behind. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- lightweight, straightforward chassis
- a wide range of accessories
- Seating designed with comfort and safety in mind
- high-speed propulsion, wide-range drive
- a fair price
Cons
- Narrow tyres and a rigid fork limit use off-road
- no links to the specialist retail network
Jan Timmermann
Editor
