Canyon Exceed CF 8 carbon hardtail review: The clever alternative to a gravel bike

Mountain bike hardtails, such as the Canyon Exceed CF 8, are currently going through a bit of a crisis. In cross-country and marathon sport, they have largely been replaced by lightweight full-suspension bikes and are increasingly being displaced by trendy gravel bikes for all-round use. Yet the carbon hardtail from Canyon could be a very serious option for long tours through varied terrain. We check out what bikers need to know before buying the Canyon Exceed CF 8.

Canyon Exceed CF 8 in detail

• Application: Tour / Bikepacking / Cross Country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 100 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame weight: 1562 g (BIKE measurement, size L)
• Complete bike weight: 10.9 kg (BIKE measurement, size M)
• Maximum system weight: 120 kg
• Price: 3599 euros (currently reduced to 3199 euros)
• Special features: Down tube storage compartment, three bottle cage mounts, optional frame bag

Equipment

• Fork: Rockshox SID SL Select+
• Drivetrain: Sram S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission (1 x 12)
• Brakes: Sram Level SLV Stealth, 180 / 160 mm
• Wheels: DT SWiss XRC LOG
• Tyres: Maxxis Ikon Exo MaxxSpeed, 29 x 2.35"

The new hardtail class

Canyon is no longer positioning the Exceed in the Cross-Country World Cup, but wants to open up the fascination of off-road tours with the bike. Compared to the gravel bike, the hardtail combines almost the same high efficiency in propulsion with noticeably more comfort, significantly better riding control and a much wider range of use. Although these advantages are not new, they have lost none of their validity. It is therefore hardly surprising that even athletes from the off-road ultra-distance scene often choose a hardtail for races on unpaved trails when maximum speed over many kilometres is required - and not a classic gravel bike. The Canyon Exceed CF 8 can therefore kill two birds with one stone: the concept works equally well as a lightweight mountain bike and as an all-terrain gravel bike.

Equipment and space miracle

Instead of focussing exclusively on maximum racing performance, the Canyon Exceed CF 8 places greater emphasis on everyday usability. The most visible example of this is the integrated storage compartment in the down tube. A small flap above the bottle cage conceals additional storage space for tools, spare parts or other important utensils. A special holder in the lid holds a CO₂ cartridge securely in place and prevents annoying noises while riding. A third bottle cage can also be fitted under the down tube. If you want to carry even more luggage on longer tours, you can also use a specially developed frame bag from Canyon.

At a reduced price of € 3199, the Canyon Exceed CF 8 is fitted with high-quality parts. The Sram S1000 Eagle AXS drivetrain changes gears electronically via radio and comes with the stable transmission standard. The short-travel Rockshox SID SL delivers solid performance in the Slect+ version according to our test experience. As an equipment highlight, the Canyon hardtail even comes with a carbon wheelset from DT Swiss. Only the Sram Level brakes are no longer up to date. A Motive brake system would look better on the Exceed.

The MTB hardtail weighs around 1.5 kilos more than a gravel bike in the same price category. The detailed Exceed chassis is heavy for a carbon frame. Overall, the Canyon Exceed takes a step back from the uncompromising orientation of many of its peers as a pure race bike. Instead, it presents itself as a versatile companion with practical features such as integrated storage space, optional luggage solutions and numerous mounting options that appeal specifically to riders looking for a wide range of uses from fast training laps to extended bikepacking adventures.

Modern hardtail geometry

The Exceed CF 8 conveys a modern riding experience and provides a good level of safety at higher speeds. The steering angle, which is almost two degrees slacker than its predecessor, is largely responsible for this. Together with the wheelbase, which has grown by around three centimetres, it ensures greater stability and smoothness. At the same time, the long reach and relatively short stem create a fairly stretched riding position with a slightly raised front end. Thanks to the downward sloping stem, there is still sufficient pressure on the front wheel. Riders who do without spacers also benefit from a sporty cant between the saddle and handlebars. The short chainstays with a length of 427 millimetres give the hardtail its agile and playful handling.

Focus on comfort

Canyon supplies the Canyon Exceed CF 8 with 2.35 inch wide mountain bike tyres. Compared to a classic gravel bike, these tyres require a little more energy when accelerating, but allow significantly lower air pressures. This noticeably improves both the damping properties and the traction on loose surfaces. According to our laboratory measurements, the carbon chassis of the Exceed is one of the more comfortable hardtail frames. However, the CF 8 version does without the leaf spring seatpost of the top models and uses an aluminium seatpost with a large diameter, leaving further comfort potential untapped.

Conclusion

In my opinion, everyone should have a hardtail like the Canyon Exceed CF 8 in their garage. With its versatile concept, it's a real go-to bike and is ideal for everything from a quick training ride to a bikepacking trip. It's a shame that the scene seems to have forgotten the added value of the category. In any case, the Canyon Hardtail offers a lot for its price. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Strengths

• Sophisticated carbon frame with luggage solutions
• Attractive price-performance ratio
• Very wide range of applications

Weaknesses

• High frame weight
• Stiff seat post

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