Mathieu van der Poel and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot were actually supposed to fight for gold on the new Exceed at the World Championships in Albstadt on 28 June. But then came corona. And the World Championships were postponed to October in Leogang. Now Canyon is letting the cat out of the bag and sending its new Exceed race hardtail to the starting block. The development team at the Koblenz-based direct mail order company spent two years working on the new bike with professional feedback from its World Cup riders. The result is a light, stiff carbon hardtail that stands out with its detailed solutions and lots of system integration. In future, there will be three quality levels of the Exceed frame: the new, super-light CFR version with a frame weight from 835 grams in the top models, the CF SLX version with 1015 grams in bikes for 3700 to 4700 euros and the Exceed CF chassis with 1312 grams in five models from 1700 euros. For comparison: the predecessor CF SLX frame weighed 991 grams in the BIKE lab, the CF SL in size L weighed 1224 grams.
Exceed CFR - the benchmark for starting block A
To reduce the frame weight of the CFR version, Canyon uses a special carbon fibre. These Toray M40X fibres are said to be characterised by particularly high tensile strength and stiffness. As it is very expensive, it is hardly ever used in bicycle construction. By using this material, the frame requires fewer reinforcement layers and is lighter. The painted frame in size M should weigh in at 835 grams including the chainsuck plate, chainstay protector, derailleur hanger and seat clamp. This should bring Canyon close to the Stoll R1 frame (size M), which we measured at 829 grams in the BIKE test lab. We were already able to weigh the slightly heavier, white painted Exceed CFR Team in size L. According to BIKE measurements, this weighs 962 grams with thru-axle and small parts.
In terms of geometry, Canyon has given the Exceed a moderately modern update. The head angle has stabilised at 69 degrees, the reach has increased by ten millimetres and the rear triangle has been shortened by two millimetres. Canyon has kept the stem length at 80 millimetres across all five frame sizes (XS to XL) and models.
Integrated saddle clamp, steering stop limiter & Co.
As with the road bike models, Canyon integrates the seatpost clamp into the seat tube. This is not only a visual advantage, but should also protect the clamp from splashing mud. For the same reason, the Exceed rear triangle doesn't have a bridge between the seat stays, the tyre clearance is also generous and allows tyres up to 2.4 inches wide to be fitted. The well-known steering stop limiter ("Impact Protection Unit"), which sits on the top tube, has also been integrated into the upper headset shell of the new Exceed for the first time. Nothing has changed in terms of functionality. Canyon has also gone one step further with the cable routing. The cables now disappear directly under the stem in the newly developed headset, and there is also space for a seatpost remote. As a result, there are no holes for cable entries on the Exceed head tube, which has a positive effect on the frame weight.
The rear brake mount has also been slimmed down and now clamps disc brakes with flat mount standard. The familiar Quixle thru-axle is used in the rear wheel axle, the lever of which has been lengthened for better handling. In future, the rear derailleur will sit on a UDH derailleur hanger, which many manufacturers now use on their newly developed bikes.
When it comes to the componentry, two things stand out in particular: From the Exceed CF SLX 8 to the top-of-the-range CFR LTD model, Canyon uses its own carbon handlebar/stem unit. The 740 millimetre wide cockpit with the name "CP 0008" weighs 334 grams (BIKE measurement) and has a stem length of 80 millimetres. The carbon cockpit will also be available separately at a later date. Canyon also equips some of its Exceed models exclusively with the D 232 vario support from DT Swiss from. It has a 60 millimetre stroke and is available in a 390 gram carbon version and a 420 gram aluminium version.
Canyon Exceed 2021 - models and prices
The two top models come with the lightweight CFR frame. The CFR Team for 5699 euros in the Alpecin Fenix team design, which at 8.87 kilos is also the lightest bike in the Exceed range. The most expensive model is the CFR LTD with Sram XX1 AXS, Rockshox SID SL Ultimate and DT Swiss D 232 One for 6500 euros (8.9 kg). Canyon supplies these two models as standard with 80 gram lightweight Tubolito tubes on the 30 millimetre wide carbon rims.
There are two models of the Exceed CF SLX: the 8 model for 3700 euros with the Sram X01 Eagle, Fox 32 SC Performance Elite and DT Swiss XRC 1700 wheels. Weight: 9.9 kilos. The 9 model (9.73 kg) then shifts electronically for 4700 euros and absorbs shocks with the Rockshox SID Select+. Both models have the carbon cockpit and the DT Swiss D 232 dropper post on board.
You have to pay € 1700 to enter the Exceed world. For this, you get the Exceed CF 5 with Sram NX Eagle, Rockshox Recon Silver fork and Race Face AR25 wheels. There is also a women's model (Exceed CF WMN 5). The weight is said to be 12.25 kilos. Above this, Canyon offers the Exceed CF 6 for 2200 euros and the CF 7 for 2700 euros. The new Exceed family is now available at www.canyon.com available. The CFR models are likely to be added a little later.
