The world of mountain biking is evolving, and the latest development is a curious one. Canyon, a renowned bike brand, has unveiled a revamped version of its Exceed cross-country bike, but with a twist - drop bars. This move has sparked intrigue and debate within the cycling community, and personally, I find it a fascinating development that warrants a deeper look.
The Rise of Drop Bar Mountain Bikes
Drop bar mountain bikes have been a topic of discussion and, let's admit it, skepticism. The Leadville 100 race last year brought them into the spotlight, only to have them banned shortly after. However, Canyon believes in the potential of this unconventional setup and has taken a bold step forward.
Canyon's Vision for Versatility
Canyon's Exceed is a well-known cross-country hardtail, having made its mark in top-level races. But now, the brand is expanding its horizons. With the Exceed CFR Gravel model, Canyon aims to bridge the gap between mountain biking and gravel riding. They recognize the growing popularity of self-supported endurance races like the Atlas Mountain Race and Tour Divide, and this bike is their response to the changing face of cycling.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Canyon's focus on durability. They've opted for electronic, wireless shifting, believing it reduces the risk of mechanical failures that can end a race. It's an interesting strategy, and one that I think could pay off, especially in the rugged conditions these bikes are designed for.
The Benefits and Challenges
The drop bar mountain bike offers a unique blend of benefits. It combines the grip, durability, and gearing of a mountain bike with the ergonomics and potential aerodynamic advantages of a drop handlebar. This creates a versatile machine that can tackle various terrains. However, as someone who's experienced the frustration of broken AXS setups, I'd argue that while wireless shifting reduces the risk of cable issues, it doesn't eliminate all mechanical problems.
Canyon's attention to detail is evident in the bike's design. The GR 30 wheels are chosen for their simplicity and ease of maintenance, a crucial factor for self-supported races. The suspension fork, while not specified in the pictures, is said to be a Fox 32 SC with 60mm of travel, providing a smooth ride. The CP0039 Double Drop bar features an innovative 'Gear Groove', offering a tidy cockpit with integrated mounting for lights and accessories.
The Regular Exceed CFR Update
While the drop bar model grabs the headlines, Canyon hasn't forgotten its traditional flat-bar cross-country bike. The updated Exceed CFR is designed for marathon racing, prioritizing efficiency and lightweight construction. It shares the same carbon frame as its drop-bar counterpart but features a 100mm RockShox SID SL Ultimate suspension fork. SRAM's XX SL AXS drivetrain provides the shifting, and DT Swiss's XRC1200 carbon wheelset completes the package.
Pricing and Availability
The Exceed CFR AXS, the regular flat-bar model, carries a price tag of £5,699, while the drop-bar Exceed CFR Gravel AXS is priced at £3,799. While we don't have exact geometry specifications yet, I expect some adjustments to accommodate the shorter-travel fork on the Gravel model.
Final Thoughts
Canyon's move into the drop bar mountain bike market is a bold one, and it raises interesting questions about the future of cycling. Are we seeing the beginning of a new trend, or is this a niche experiment? Only time will tell. But for now, I find it exciting to see a major brand pushing the boundaries and offering riders more options. It's a reminder that cycling is an ever-evolving sport, and innovation is key to its future.
