Endurance test performance: 4,014 km | 33,065 altitude metres
All good things come in threes. For the third year in a row, I chose a twentyniner for my long-term torture: this time Canyon's successful premiere 29er, as the BIKE test in issue 3/2012 promised. The high-quality, anodised aluminium frame of the € 1750 model was equipped with Fox's Terralogic fork, Avid Elixir 7 brakes and SRAM X9/XO components. In addition, the chain purred over a double crank with 36/22 gradation and an 11-36 sprocket set. The shortest gear ratio of 22-36 took the sting out of long, steep climbs. I got by perfectly on my Alpine crossing from Ruhpolding to Lake Misurina. For rougher terrain, as well as in the musty autumn and winter months, I fitted Conti Mountain King tyres to give me more traction.
The Fox fork with the self-locking Terralogic system did its job without complaint until the end of the test. I made friends with the fork because the locked-out fork still worked well over obstacles. The X9 shifters were a bit twitchy at temperatures around freezing and below. The crisp pressure point when downshifting was mysteriously lost. Cold-sensitive material? Probably. Although the derailleur cable linkage was protected by a cap, it needed frequent maintenance as it was constantly bombarded by dirt. The down tube protector integrated into the frame design was a nice touch. During the entire test period - one and a half years after all - there were no repairs apart from the usual wear parts such as brake pads, chain and brake discs.
Conclusion: Canyon's entry into the 29-inch league also stands up to the endurance test. Touring riders collecting metres in altitude will be delighted with it. An uncomplicated companion for over 4000 kilometres of touring.
Functionality ****
Shelf life ****
(max. 6 stars)
TUNING
- 25 km: Seat position adjusted
Ritchey WCS flat handlebars, Syntace Gripz Moto grips and Race Face Deus seatpost fitted.
- 150 km: Tyre change
Changed to Continental Mountain King 29x 2.2 tyres if necessary.
DEFECTS
- 1300 km: New brake pads
Rear brake pads replaced after the mud battle at the 24-hour race in Munich.
- 1700 km: New brake pads
Front and rear brake pads replaced after crossing the Alps.
- 2000 km: Worn tyres
Fitted new Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29x2.2 tyres at the rear.
- 2750 km: Wear service
Replaced the chain, front and rear brake pads and both brake discs.
