Carbon Road Bikes

Carbon or aluminium for beginners?

The short answer to this very common question: As a beginner, you can't go wrong with a well-equipped aluminium road bike. Combining lightness and stability, aluminium is a reliable and proven material choice for all types of road bike frames. Carbon, on the other hand, is more suited to those looking for a road bike with versatile handling capabilities and a sturdy, but lightweight frame. As a low-weighted material, carbon combines lightness with stability for versatile frame shaping and diverse aerodynamic qualities. Both types of bike frames have their advantages, so it really comes down to your personal preference and cycling requirements when deciding which type of road bike is best for you.

The advantages of a carbon road bike

When used in the construction of road bike frames, carbon is often characterised by its lightness, high rigidity, and excellent damping properties. Carbon fibre bike frames are generally constructed from multiple built-up layers of various thickness levels. This layering technique takes place in prefabricated carbon fibre mats (prepregs) and allows the frame thickness to be adapted for different parts of the bike. As such, different parts of the same carbon frame can be fine-tuned for optimum function and handling performance. Canyon is a market leader when it comes to layering carbon technology and has set new standards with its CF, CFR, and Inflite bike models. Whether Tour de France, a one-day road trip, or a gruelling cyclo-cross course: with our lightweight Ultimate CFR, Aeroad CFR, and Inflite road bikes, professionals can compete in some of the toughest races in the world. The advantages of a carbon road bike at a glance:

• The bike frame can be optimally adapted for use under specific circumstances
• A high level of rigidity in the bottom bracket bearing ensures for optimum power transmission and propulsion
• The strong damping effect of the fork and seat joint increases cornering stability and absorbs vibration
• The low-weight frame allows you to save energy in fast sprints and helps get you up to speed quickly

The advantages of carbon are so great that road bikes are often equipped with carbon forks and other carbon components regardless of the frame material.

What are the advantages of a road bike with a carbon fork?

Due to its fibrous structure, carbon is particularly apt at absorbing shocks. The difference can easily be felt as you cycle, even if you simply update your older bike with a carbon fork. The bike will be much more stable when going around bends and vibrations will be significantly lower.

What types of carbon bikes are available?

You're still not sure whether carbon is the right material for your road bike frame? Read more on the benefits carbon technology can bring to different types of bikes below.

Carbon Endurance Bikes

Scope of application: Long distances across a range of different road surfaces with a varied altitude profile. Endurance training. Is an endurance bike right for you?

• Geometry allows for a more upright seating position which relieves arms and the lower back on long trips
• A longer wheelbase results in smoother travel on rough surfaces
• Greater tyre clearance allows for use of tyres with wide rims and deep treads
• With disc brakes for reliable riding in all weather conditions

Carbon Aero Bikes

Scope of application: Sprints and time trials. Long distances with a relatively constant elevation profile. Speed training. Is an Aero Bike right for you?

• The aerodynamic tube profile of the frame reduces air resistance
• Components (brakes, cables, and wires) are integrated into the frame and cockpit
• Shorter head tube and narrow wheelbase ensures for flat seating position and optimal power transmission
• With wheels with large rim surface for sailing effect

In both groups, you will find additional special bikes for amateur and professional cycling, these include bikes, such as racing bikes and triathlon bikes. At Canyon, cyclists of all levels can find the right bike for them – one that is perfectly suited to meet their specific training demands and exceed their performance standards.

Whether aero, endurance, race, or triathlon: at Canyon you can always buy your carbon road bike directly from the manufacturer online. Every carbon bike comes with a 30-day return policy and a 6-year warranty. What’s more, carbon bikes come 95% pre-assembled, so you can start riding right away!

What does a carbon road bike weigh?

For the past few decades, carbon-framed bikes have continued to impress with their huge weight savings. To be specific: the average carbon road bike weighs between 7-9kg. You can also find high-end bikes in the 6kg range, as well as innovative Aero road bikes that weigh just over 9kg. It’s important to find the weight that works best for your cycling performance.

In general, a carbon-framed road bike weighs up to 500 grams less than a comparably similar road bike with an aluminium frame. Canyon offers up to eight frame sizes per model, so you can find a bike that perfectly matches your body weight and ensure not a single extra gram is added by the frame. In addition to the frame, components, such as wheels, gears, and the saddle also play a role in contributing to the overall weight of the bike.

What is the price range of a carbon road bike?

The individual components of your road bike will not only influence the weight of the bike, but also the price. When fitted with a basic level of high-quality equipment, a carbon road bike can be purchased for around 2,000 euro. As the price of your carbon bike increases, the weight will decrease, and the finish of the bike will become more exclusive due to the use of innovative materials and technology in the bike’s construction. As such, a high-tech carbon road bike for professional cycling can quickly attract a price tag of five figures or more.

At the end of the day, it's up to you: Is a gear set from a lower price range enough for you to start with? Or would you prefer a luxury gear set like the Dura-Ace or Campagnolo shift systems? Is a lower frame weight worth a higher price to you? Will you opt for accessories, and if so, which ones? Knowing the answers to these questions will make it easy to find the perfect carbon road bike that meets all of your cycling needs.