Is this bike a good spec (for the money)?

[Phooey]

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/fitness-bikes/onroad-...

I shouldn't, but feel like blowing the budget on something like the above bike. I know nothing about bikes apart from owning a Specialized hardtail which I've done a few 10 mile rides in the countryside this last week. I got home last night and came to the conclusion a mountain bike is hard work if you want to get a bit of a bat on..

So, must haves -

Flat handlebars.
Puncture proof (thorns) tyres. I'm useless at maintenance and wouldn't know how to fix a puncture at the roadside.
Light
Fast
Road only. (I'll keep the mountain bike for places like Sherwood Pines etc)
Future proof. i.e overspend so hopefully won't need to upgrade / swap etc

Cheers

[Captain Smerc]

That's a good looking bike!
But I decided I needed a 'lefty' in my life...
https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/active/urba...

[moonigan]

Looks smart but the saddle to bar drop in the pictures makes my back ache looking at it.

[FredClogs]

As above, it's probably done to make the bike look better but flat bars don't mean comfier, telhe reason for flat bars on city bikes is increased control/leverage at slow speeds.

Also no such thing as puncture proof tire.

Also its a lot of money for a push bike if you're not particularly into push biking, there's loads of perfectly useable bikes sub £1k that will last for yonks.

[Phooey]

Damn. Good point re saddle to bar drop - thanks for pointing that out.. would of probably just gone and ordered it! I have a hip issue - operation when I was a kid which has resulted in reduced hip and lower back flexibility, hence normal bike of choice is a mountain type. So what I need to do is find something with a similar riding position to my hardtail which is suited to road use only. I think I'll wait till the bike shops open up again

[GravelBen]

You could try putting some road style tyres on the mtb in the meantime, would be faster rolling and less resistance?

[BOR]

I have a Canyon Roadlite.

It has been discussed here before if you do a search.

That bar drop does look exaggerated, mine is completely fine.

A recommendation from me.

[z4RRSchris]

get a canyon endurace and some gatorskins, and learn how to change a puncture, because although they are about as puncture proof as you get, you will always get flats.

you can set up the endurace to a nice relaxed position, will come with a load of stack n the fork and can always get a new stem if needed.

canyon are v good bike for the money.

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road-bikes/endurance-...

[cml24]

GravelBen said:

You could try putting some road style tyres on the mtb in the meantime, would be faster rolling and less resistance?

I'd try this first if you like your current bike. I switched to Schwalbe city jets. 1.5" wide and ran them at a high pressure, 65psi maybe. They make a huge difference.

[moonigan]

Giant do a similar kind of bike but the frame geo is more MTB like so easier to ride. My wife has the Liv version and its really well equipped and rides well.
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/road-bikes/gi...

I'd be suprised if Boardman dont do something similar for a lot less cash.

[Captain Smerc]

This is all you need, rides lovely very comfortable, belt drive hub gears, light and responsive. Grab a test ride and see

[Sa Calobra]

I like Canyons, great bikes. Cant go wrong in my opinion but what would you be using it for?

I would do serious mileage on that. If it's to knock about on a commute etc you are overbiked.

[Phooey]

Thanks again for replies. As for use - yeah just to pootle around on really. I'm not going to be doing any 50+ mile rides, probably 10-15 max. I want something that will do some speed, but also be comfortable (for me) like a mountain bike.

Captain Smerc said:

This is all you need, rides lovely very comfortable, belt drive hub gears, light and responsive. Grab a test ride and see

Mmmm, that's different. Looks kinda cool. Apologies if difficult to answer question but would that be faster and better on the road than my Specialised Hardrock hardtail bike? It was about £800 5 years ago from memory so not sure what running gear it's got on it.

Edited by Phooey on Thursday 9th April 20:28

[sociopath]

Those flat bars make that bike look ugly as sin.

Quite an expensive bike for someone who just wants to pootle about

[Captain Smerc]

I had a Spes Hardrock, good bike! The bb1 flies on the tarmac, it just rides really well. Quality bit of kit.

Edited by Captain Smerc on Thursday 9th April 20:48

[Brads67]

Ok where to start.?

That bike is basically a road bike with flat bars, which makes less sense than just buying a road bike with proper road bike bars.
Far more position options in order to get comfy on the road.

Also, the drop, don't rule it out. Once you get a bike fit, you'll realise that getting further forward and lower at the front will actually alleviate back pain.
Upright bikes are the absolute worst for anyone with back issues, especially lower back pain. You're putting more weight through it in an upright position.

Get a bike fit whatever you buy. Budget for it as it will make your new bike 10 times better to use.

The last thing is don't discount your local bike shop. Getting measured for a bike that actually fits you is pretty valuable and can't be bought online.

Think about the following if you hate maintaining bikes.

You can run tubeless nowadays and never have to fix a puncture again, although Park patches and CO2 inflation tools make fixing punctures easy.

Press fit bottom bearings. Canyon do not have a great reputation for building great fitting BB frames.
A bike with an external BB can be much easier to work on and will likely last longer , and won't creak !

Hydraulic brakes. You won't be able to work on them.
Rim brakes are easier to work on, even for hack handed gimps.

I'll likely add more but Baileys and Cutty Sark sharpeners are calling.

[Sa Calobra]

I'd buy a decent steel touring bike.

Great for 10-15 miles but also pub rub, shops, knocking about/general purpose.

Pearson or Hewitt?

Do they still exist?

[Brads67]

I had a custom built Rourke made last year, in 853 steel using 11 speed 105 and Mavic open pro, Nitto, Brookes etc etc

Rides like a magic carpet, was custom made just for me and came in at £2400

[wobert]

I have an Endurace.



I’ve done several 100 mile days on it and it’s built with those that have slightly less flexibility in the back area. The stack to reach ratio is 1.55.

Once set up it’s faultless in terms of road vibration absorption, the VCLS seat post taking a lot of credit for that.

I would echo that drop bars offer more variation in hand position than flats.

Highly recommended and I had faultless service from Canyon when I bought.

I’d recommend using the “fit” calculator to select the frame size. Canyon offer a stem replacement service so you can tweak the bar position without risk.

I think they still offer VFM when comparing specs can cost.

Not had any BB issues despite the post above

Edited by wobert on Thursday 9th April 23:18

Edited by wobert on Friday 10th April 15:17

[Jockinthebox]

Also riding an old canyon, plenty comfortable for my ability.