Canyon's updated Speedmax CF range brings pro-level features to a cheaper price point

Canyon has revamped its range of Speedmax CF triathlon bikes with the aim of delivering pro-level features at a lower price point.

The CF is the lowest tier in Canyon’s Speedmax line-up but the duo of new models are designed to close the gap to the top-tier by taking inspiration from the CFR range, which has established an enviable pedigree having racked up multiple triathlon world titles over the years.

More specifically, Canyon has focused on replicating the set-ups used on the CFR range through enhanced integration. This has led to the introduction of the new CP0041 cockpit, which offers complete integration with no wires in sight, while also seamlessly integrating with the silhouette of the frame.

The cockpit is also compatible with Canyon’s new hydration system that sits at the front of the headtube to provide a leading edge. It is essentially a way of providing functionality to an aero fairing, meaning riders “can benefit from rapid-access hydration with no aero penalties and without having to leave their aero tuck”.

The system connects to the cockpit through an integrated magnet and holds up to 750mm of water, which can be accessed using a straw.

© Canyon

The new cockpit for the Canyon Speedmax CF

“The benefits of integrated cockpit designs are significant and well established – they’re more aesthetic, they’re cleaner, and they save vital watts compared to a traditional design with externally routed cables and lines,” Moritz Hief, Junior Product Manager Road at Canyon, said in a press release.

“For years, we’ve used a fully integrated cockpit design on the Speedmax CFR raced by our pros. With the new Speedmax CF, our goal was to let even more athletes reap the rewards of those pro-driven developments by making them available at an unprecedented point in the market.”

• Read more: Canyon unveils its 'fastest ever bike' – the new Speedmax CFR Track

The rewards of this new approach are big, according to the German brand. It says that the new CF models are faster than the CF SLX bike used by Jan Frodeno during his Kona victory in 2019. Frodena, incidentally, was one of the riders who provided input while Canyon was designing its top-tier model.

“What’s really exciting is that with this kind of trickle-down design approach, you can trace a direct line from the input of athletes like Jan Frodeno who inform our development efforts, right down to the bikes that age groupers use at races around the world. It’s a vision we like to call democratising performance, and we’re proud to see that vision become a reality,” Hief continued.

© Canyon

The Canyon Speedmax CF is benefits from pro-level features

Enhanced integration plays an important role in the added speed, reducing drag and saving watts, but the carbon frames are also a vital part of the equation. These have been sculpted both in the wind tunnel and with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology, in a process that also takes learnings from the CFR range. CFD is a process of computer modelling how air flows over something, which means designers can test prototypes without producing a physical product.

There are two new models in the line-up, both of which take advantage of the new cockpit and aero carbon frame, as well as DT Swiss ARC 1600 Spline wheels. The first is specced with a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset and a 4iiii Precision Slim power meter, and will cost €3,999.

For those who prefer electronic shifting, the second option has SRAM’s Rival AXS groupset along with its integrated spindle power meter and SRAM’s Vuka Shift AXS wireless shifters that are designed specifically for aero handlebars. This option will set you back €5,499.

You can explore all of the options on Canyon’s website.

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