The world of mountain biking is evolving, and the latest development is a curious one. Canyon, a renowned bike brand, has taken a bold step by introducing 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.
The Rise of Drop Bar Mountain Bikes
Drop bar mountain bikes have been a topic of fascination and controversy. After the Leadville 100 race last year, where these bikes were initially allowed but then banned, they became a bit of an enigma. Canyon, however, sees potential in this unconventional setup and has decided to embrace it.
Canyon's Vision for the Exceed
The Exceed, Canyon's flagship cross-country hardtail, has proven its mettle in top-level races. Now, Canyon aims to expand its horizons by offering a drop-bar equipped model, the Exceed CFR Gravel. This move is a response to the changing face of endurance racing, with self-supported races like the Atlas Mountain Race gaining popularity. Canyon has observed how ultra riders modify their bikes, and the Exceed CFR Gravel is their answer.
Benefits and Durability
Canyon highlights the advantages of this hybrid: the grip, durability, and gearing of a mountain bike, combined with the ergonomic benefits and potential aerodynamic gains of drop bars. A key focus is durability, and Canyon has opted for electronic, wireless shifting with SRAM's Rival AXS drivetrain to minimize mechanical failures. While this technology is a step forward, I believe there's still room for improvement, as fixing AXS setups can be a challenge in itself.
The Exceed CFR Gravel's Features
The Exceed CFR Gravel features Canyon's GR 30 wheels for ease of maintenance, a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with Flight Attendant, and a Fox 32 SC fork with 60mm of travel. The cockpit boasts Canyon's CP0039 Double Drop bar with the 'Gear Groove' for integrated mounting of accessories. Comfort is enhanced with a VCLS 2.0 carbon seatpost.
The Regular Exceed CFR
Alongside the Gravel model, Canyon has also updated the regular Exceed CFR, a flat-bar cross-country hardtail designed for marathon racing. 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, and DT Swiss XRC1200 carbon wheels. While specific geometry details are yet to be released, we can expect some adjustments, especially with the shorter-travel fork on the Gravel model.
Pricing and Availability
The Exceed CFR AXS (regular model) is priced at £5,699, while the Exceed CFR Gravel AXS comes in at £3,799.
Final Thoughts
Canyon's decision to venture into the world of drop bar mountain bikes is an intriguing one. It showcases their willingness to innovate and adapt to the evolving landscape of endurance racing. While the Exceed CFR Gravel may raise eyebrows, it represents a unique blend of mountain biking and road cycling, offering a fresh perspective on what a versatile endurance bike can be. Personally, I find this development exciting, as it challenges traditional norms and opens up new possibilities for riders seeking a blend of performance and comfort.
