With the Exceed CFR Gravel, Canyon is opening a new chapter for its long-established hardtail platform. The uncompromising cross-country racer has been transformed into a drop-bar mountain bike developed specifically for ultra-distance rides and challenging off-road adventures. We have all the details on the new Canyon Exceed CFR Gravel.
With the brand-new Canyon Exceed CFR Gravel, the Koblenz-based manufacturer is responding to a trend that has been emerging in the international bikepacking and endurance scene for several years. Drop-bar mountain bikes are popular amongst the community’s ultra-racers for their off-road performance and reliability on any terrain. With the Exceed CFR Gravel, Canyon is responding to this development. Rather than simply adapting the tried-and-tested hardtail, the result is a standalone complete bike that combines the off-road capability of a mountain bike with the ergonomics of drop handlebars.
The Canyon Exceed CFR Gravel AXS in detail
- Intended use: Gravel
- Suspension travel: 60 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Tyre width: 2.4”
- Frame material: carbon
- Frame weight: from 1250 g
- Weight of the complete bike: from 10.2 kg
- Price: 3,999 euros
- Special features: frame storage compartment, integrated seat post clamp, 3 bottle cages
From the Cross-Country World Cup to the wilderness
For many years, the Canyon Exceed was regarded as the classic cross-country hardtail: lightweight, efficient and designed without compromise for high-intensity races in the XC World Cup. But off-road cycling has changed. Alongside classic marathon races, multi-day, self-supported ultra-distance events are becoming increasingly popular. Events such as the Atlas Mountain Race, the Tour Divide or the Silk Road Mountain Race place entirely different demands on equipment and riders than a two-hour cross-country race.
If you take a look at the start lists for major off-road ultra races these days, you’ll increasingly see mountain bikes fitted with drop handlebars. The reasons are obvious: wide tyres, robust frames, comfortable suspension and gear ratios suited to climbing ensure control and reliability on demanding routes, whilst the drop bars allow for more grip positions and a more aerodynamic riding position. Until now, such bikes have mostly been created as custom builds using various components. Canyon now offers this concept as a standard complete bike straight from the factory.
Greater comfort on long journeys
Particularly in races without technical support, speed isn’t the only factor determining success. Anyone on the road for several days or even weeks needs a bike that requires as little maintenance as possible and can be easily repaired in an emergency. The Exceed CFR Gravel’s spec reflects this philosophy perfectly. The SRAM AXS groupset, featuring an MTB rear derailleur, does away with mechanical shift cables – which can get dirty, corrode or be damaged by large frame bags – and changes gears via a wide-range cassette.
When it comes to the suspension, Canyon has also prioritised comfort on long rides. The Fox 32 SC Performance suspension fork offers 60 millimetres of travel and is designed to provide control, grip and comfort on rough gravel tracks as well as on the occasional trail. The specially developed CP0039 Double Drop Bar cockpit features the so-called Gear Groove interface, which allows for the integration of cycle computers, lights or aero attachments. The Canyon VCLS 2.0 carbon seatpost is also designed to provide additional comfort by reducing vibrations and minimising fatigue on multi-day rides.
The drop-bar MTB is complemented by fittings deliberately based on standard components, which are easier to replace or maintain whilst out and about. The Canyon GR 30 wheels, featuring carbon rims and a wide inner width, are fitted with 29 x 2.4-inch Maxxis Aspen ST tyres. Off-road, these tyres promise significantly more control and shock absorption than any standard gravel bike tyres. For Canyon, the Exceed CFR Gravel is the logical response to market developments. Product manager Bastian Langlitz explains: “We recognise the advantages of this type of setup and want to support riders as best we can – so we’ve built a bike to match.”
Price and specifications
Initially, Canyon is offering the Exceed CFR Gravel AXS in just one specification, priced at 3,999 euros. The complete bike is said to weigh 10.2 kilos and is equipped as follows:
- Fork: Fox 32 SC Performance 60 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM S1000 AXS Rival
- Bikes: Canyon GR 30 CF
- Tyres: Maxxis Aspen ST 2.4"
- Seatpost: Canyon VCLS 2.0
- Saddle: Ergon SPR20 TiNox
- Handlebars: Canyon CP0039
Conclusion
Canyon has finally taken the plunge with the Exceed CFR Gravel! I’ve long wondered why, until now, hardly any manufacturer has included the extremely popular category of drop-bar MTBs in their range. The Exceed CFR Gravel promises to be a fusion of a hardtail and a gravel bike. Wide tyres and aerodynamic benefits in a lightweight, attractively priced package: for me, that’s the future of the gravel bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE magazine
Jan Timmermann
Editor
