****Canyon enters aero road market for 2011
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/canyon-enters-aero-road-market-for-2011
The hourglass-shaped head tube houses a downsized (for Canyon, that is) 1 1/8"-to-1 1/4" tapered steerer tube…
the extra-wide bottom bracket now utilizes press-fit bearing cups (for which Campagnolo is apparently now offering fitments).
Cables have also been moved inside the frame to maintain undisturbed tube surfaces and a special Shimano Dura-Ace Di2-equipped Aeroad CF will feature its own internal wiring configuration and a dedicated battery mount beneath the non-driveside chain stay.
Rather than use exclusively carbon fiber in the construction, Canyon adds in more flexible basalt fibers into the Aeroblade SL fork blades and seatpost to provide more flex over rough roads. In addition, the seatpost setback is easily adjustable from 15-35mm (yielding effective 70.6-73.5-degree seat tube angles) and a clever interchangeable chip system in the fork tips allows users to choose between 39 or 44mm of rake,…
Size-specific tubing should maintain the intended ride feel across the range, and head tube lengths have dropped about 10mm across the board as a result of feedback from Omega Pharma-Lotto riders. Canyon says it also has a special integrated stem in development that will allow for extra-low handlebar positions.
Target frame weights for the Aeroad CF are 980-1,130g, depending on size – an increase of about 70-100g over a comparably sized Ultimate CF SLX. Thoma also admits that the Aeroad CF’s slimmer tube shapes produce lower stiffness test numbers than the ultra-efficient CF or CF SLX but stresses that its better aerodynamics will still make it a faster – and more comfortable – bike in certain situations.
Internal cable routing helps clean up the frame surfaces.
Canyon says it focused on reducing frontal area and smoothing transition areas on the Aeroad CF to help reduce drag.
Canyon continues to use a special German-made Acros headset that requires no top cap.
The very thin seat stays contribute to the noticeably good comfort of the Aeroad CF.
Cables make a brief appearance down at the bottom bracket before heading back inside the frame on their way to the derailleurs.
Canyon has passed over its usual Maximus asymmetrical seat tube design in favor of a relatively narrow and symmetrical one to reduce frontal area.
A mix of stiff carbon and flexible basalt fibers in the Aeroad CF’s new VCLS seatpost lends considerable vertical flex to the rear end. Setback is adjustable from 15-35mm.
Seatpost binder threads are integrated into the frame but Canyon says they’ll withstand over 12Nm of torque (the spec calls for only 5-7Nm) before any damage occurs - and even then it says the bolt head will snap, not the frame threads.
Canyon steps down its tapered steerer dimensions a notch to 1 1/8"-to-1 1/4" on the Aeroad CF to yield a narrower front end.
The top tube is dead-straight but slightly sloping.
Canyon frame designers perhaps could have maintained more top tube width on the Aeroad CF to gain front triangle stiffness.
Canyon says the Aeroad CF’s 20 percent reduction in frontal area reduces its aerodynamic drag relative to the Ultimate CF or Ultimate CF SLX.
The tapered 1 1/8"-to-1 1/4" head tube features an hourglass shape to help minimize the frontal area.
Canyon Bicycles launches into the aero road bike market with its new Aeroad CF.
The well bolstered bottom bracket area helps contribute to the good pedaling efficiency when in the saddle.
The bottom bracket shell is extra-wide with press-fit bearing cups - and new fitment options apparently include Campagnolo Ultra-Torque as seen here.
Canyon extends the down tube just a bit further past the bottom bracket shell on its new Aeroad CF.
A removable rear brake housing stop should make for easier routing through the top tube.
Chain stays are similar in size to those of the Ultimate CF and Ultimate CF SLX.
Canyon will offer the Aeroad CF in white or black plus team and special Erik Zabel-edition colors.
The Aeroad CF uses a new derailleur hanger that’s stiffer for better shifting and revised shaping for faster wheel changes.
The uniquely adjustable fork rake allows Aeroad CF users to tune the handling to their preferences, from as quick as the Ultimate CF range to just a bit more stable.
The new Canyon Aeroad CF wears a deep-profile head tube and down tube.
Front triangle torsional rigidity on the Aeroad CF is noticeably softer than the Utimate CF SLX or standard CF, but the bike is also more comfortable.
German cycling legend Erik Zabel provided Canyon with valuable test input during the Aeroad CF’s development.
