There is no question that hardtails are only a marginal phenomenon in the Cross-Country World Cup. The surface is too rough and the modern track designs are too technical. Metre-high drops, rock gardens and steep descents captivate spectators, but also place higher demands on the equipment and the riders. More reserves and greater efficiency in the terrain therefore speak clearly in favour of the fully and push the hardtail to the sidelines or degrade it to a warm-up vehicle for the roller trainer.
In the video: BIKE checks out the new Canyon Exceed
Equipment Canyon Exceed CF 9
- Fork: Rockshox SID SL Ultimate
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, 1x12
- Bandwidth: 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Level Silver / 180/160 mm
- Seatpost: Canyon VCLS
- Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1501
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Ralph Super Race Addix Speed 29 x 2.35
- max. system weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Handlebar-stem unit with steering stop, storage compartment
From the test lab
- Total weight: 10.27 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 4159 g
- Impeller inertia: 3242 kg x cm²
But what will happen to the lightweight race hardtails that once dominated the racing circuit? Isn't it still too early to retire these bikes? This was precisely the question that Canyon developers asked themselves when designing their new Exceed carbon hardtail and dared to make a fresh start. Recently, more and more cyclists have felt the urge to live out their thirst for adventure off the beaten track. Gravel and bikepacking are all the rage and are among the few flourishing bike genres without a motor. However, narrow, albeit profiled tyres and road bike handlebars have their limits somewhere, at the latest when the fine gravel turns into a serious trail. This is where the latest version of the Canyon Exceed comes into play. The bottom line is that the hardtail offers significantly more comfort and a much wider range of use, not to mention much better control, with almost the same propulsion. Admittedly, not really a new realisation, but nevertheless true. So it's no wonder that even the off-road ultra scene prefers the hardtail to the classic gravel bike when it comes to covering long distances on unpaved surfaces against the clock.
Canyon Exceed CF 9: New features
But what makes the new Canyon Exceed CF 9 more versatile than before and therefore suitable for adventures? The most important innovation and the one with the greatest everyday use is certainly the storage compartment in the down tube. Thanks to the small flap above the bottle cage, the increased volume of the down tube can be used as a boot. A holder in the lid allows a CO2 cartridge to be attached within easy reach without rattling. There is now also space for a third bottle cage under the down tube. Canyon offers an optional frame bag for even more storage space on tour. The new frame thus scores points for versatility, but can no longer match the slim weight of days gone by. At 1562 grams, the frame of the new Exceed CF 9 weighs significantly more than its predecessor. However, it's not just the details that have changed, but also the geometry, which has a positive effect on the riding experience.
More confident off-road
The new Exceed rides more modern and confidently than its predecessor. The almost two-degree slacker steering angle makes the lion's share of the handling. This results in a wheelbase that is three centimetres longer, which has a positive effect on smoothness. The reach has also increased by 15 millimetres and is complemented by a stem that is ten millimetres shorter. So you sit slightly longer, with a slightly higher front end. The negative stem and the handlebar/stem unit still provide sufficient pressure on the front wheel and an ambitious saddle rake, especially without the spacers. At 75.5 degrees, the seat angle has remained almost the same. The same applies to the 427 millimetre short chainstays, which give the Exceed a nimble and agile character.
More length at the front centre for a smoother ride and a short rear end for playfulness. When it comes to comfort, Canyon relies on the patented VCLS leaf spring seatpost. At 7.33 millimetres, the frame in combination with the carbon seatpost achieves a good flex in our seat comfort measurement, but does not deliver the best value. Compared to its predecessor, there is even around 25 per cent less flex available. The explanation: the seat post diameter has been increased from 30.9 to 31.6 millimetres. Of course, the Exceed CF can also be optionally retrofitted with a dropper post and already has internal cable ducts for easy conversion. However, as the visually clean frame does not have any inlets in the head tube area, the cable would have to be routed through the headset.
Comfort optimisation
However, seating comfort is just one component that makes up the overall riding experience. Canyon specifies 2.35 inch wide tyres on 30 millimetre wide DT Swiss carbon wheels. Compared to a classic gravel bike, the wide tyres are a little slower to get going, but allow a much lower air pressure, which is reflected in a significant increase in comfort and higher traction. To further optimise the ride quality, the shape of the rear triangle, especially the chainstays, has also been redesigned on the new Exceed. The stays are very slim for more lateral flex and even offer space for 2.4 tyres. Our laboratory measurement of frame stiffness confirms Canyon's development goal: at 16.9 N/mm, the rear triangle offers more lateral flex than most hardtails we have measured to date.
The equipment variants
In addition to the top model we tested, the Exceed CF 9 for 4999 euros, there are four other models. The entry-level model is the Exceed CF 5 for € 1999. All models are available in five frame sizes from XS to XL. Canyon gives the total weight of the models as 10.1 to 12.3 kilos. Three colour options are available: black, blue and silver.
Conclusion on the Canyon Exceed CF 9
The new Canyon Exceed has lost some of its racing virtues thanks to its new design and no longer presents itself as an emaciated ascetic. However, details such as a storage compartment in the frame, optional frame bags and three mounting points for bottle cages increase the everyday use and increasingly target adventurers, who get a versatile carbon hardtail with a wide range of uses with the Exceed.
