The world of mountain biking is evolving, and the latest development is a curious one: drop bar mountain bikes. Canyon, a renowned bike brand, has taken a bold step by unveiling a revamped Exceed cross-country bike with a drop-bar twist. This move challenges traditional norms and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for endurance racing.
The Rise of Drop Bar Mountain Bikes
Drop bar mountain bikes have been a topic of intrigue and debate since their controversial appearance at the Leadville 100 race last year. While initially embraced, they were swiftly banned, leaving many questioning their place in the mountain biking world. However, Canyon believes in the potential of this unconventional setup and has decided to give it a shot.
Canyon's Vision for Endurance Racing
Canyon recognizes that endurance racing is evolving, with self-supported races like the Atlas Mountain Race gaining popularity. Ultra riders are pushing the boundaries, and Canyon has taken note. Their solution? The Exceed CFR Gravel, a bike that combines the best of both worlds - the grip, durability, and gearing of a mountain bike with the ergonomics and potential aero benefits of a drop handlebar.
Durability and Electronics
One of the key features of the Exceed CFR Gravel is its focus on durability. Canyon has opted for electronic, wireless shifting with SRAM's Rival AXS drivetrain. The brand argues that mechanical failures can be race-ending, and wireless shifting eliminates the risk of cable-related issues. However, I can't help but wonder if the complexity of electronic setups might introduce new challenges.
Practicality and Comfort
The bike rolls on Canyon's GR 30 wheels, chosen for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. Up front, a suspension fork provides the necessary travel, and Canyon's own CP0039 Double Drop bar offers an innovative 'Gear Groove' feature, allowing for a tidy cockpit with integrated light and computer mounts. A VCLS 2.0 carbon seatpost adds comfort to the rear end, ensuring a smooth ride.
The Regular Exceed CFR
While the drop-bar Gravel model will turn heads, Canyon hasn't forgotten its traditional flat-bar cross-country hardtail. The regular Exceed CFR is designed for marathon racing, offering efficiency and lightweight performance. It shares the same carbon frame as its drop-bar counterpart and features a RockShox SID SL Ultimate suspension fork with 100mm of travel. 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 (regular model) carries a price tag of £5,699, while the Exceed CFR Gravel AXS is slightly more affordable at £3,799. Canyon hasn't released detailed geometry specifications yet, but we can expect some differences between the two models, especially with the shorter travel fork on the Gravel version.
Final Thoughts
Canyon's move into the drop bar mountain bike realm is an intriguing one. It challenges the status quo and offers a unique blend of mountain biking and road cycling elements. While the initial reaction might be skepticism, Canyon's focus on durability and practicality could make this an appealing option for endurance racers. Personally, I'm excited to see how this experiment unfolds and whether drop bar mountain bikes will become a mainstream phenomenon.
