New Canyon Speedmax Disc 2021 – Watts it Worth?
New Canyon Speedmax Disc – Watts it worth? Well according to Canyon it’s 9 watts of extra power.
With five consecutive Kona World Championship victories, the Canyon Speedmax is claimed to be the world fastest triathlon bike. Built to order with specifications exactly the way you want them, this monster machine is ready to race as soon as it arrives.
The newly released Canyon Speedmax triathlon specific disc only bike is anything but entry level. A superlight frame with world-class aerodynamics, integrated storage for on-the-bike fuelling, and killer components to complete the package. Continuously honed and developed by Canyon’s designers and engineers, the Speedmax has taken some of the best athletes in the world to their biggest victories in the sport.
The range divides into three model groups – the Speedmax CF Disc, the Speedmax CF SLX Disc and the top of the range Speedmax CFR Disc
Got money to burn?
We take a look at what you get for your buck. From bars to gearing we overview the bike specifications of the revamped Cannon Speedmax that have carried Jan Frodeno and Patrick Lange to 5 Kona World Championship victories. The top of the range Speedmax CFR and SLX models in terms of aerodynamics, are reported to be 9-10 watts faster than the previous Speedmax. Canyon tout its lighter weight and stiffness, handling, and improved weight distribution – the result of the hydration system and toolbox being integrated into the carbon structure. Its top of the range models Speedmax CFR e-tap comes in at a stonking £12,399 with the Speedmax Di2 at a breath-taking £10,299.
The top of the range Speedmax CFR e-tap and Di2 come with:
Lightweight frames
CFR DISC eTap – £12,399
How does the new Canyon Speedmax CFR differ from the old version? Firstly, Canyon claims the frameset is around nine watts faster at 45kph. The high modulus carbon frame found on the Speedmax CFR e-tap weighs a mere 912g (* in size M), and the Speedmax Di2 at 914g due to the utilisation of super rare Toray M4OX carbon fibre. Multiple rounds of wind tunnel testing and CFD analysis have sculpted the frame for optimal aero efficiency.
An aero bar and riser set-up
You can adjust the cockpit in almost every way. Dial in your reach, height, width, and grip angle to get your individual fit. The Modular design lets you switch seamlessly from an aggressive slammed position to a relaxed +110 mm, perfect for long-distance efforts. There is now a fully-integrated bento box and hydration system are built into the top tube and down tube to eliminate any additional wind resistance.
BB-Box Storage Kit
A clever and fully integrated storage solution right above the bike’s bottom bracket, not only does the toolkit make supplies easy to reach, it also actually improves bottom bracket stiffness. It can be quickly accessed through a discreet, moveable cover.
Geared to scale a volcano
The Kona bike course is brutal, with over 1,500m of climbing and a make-or-break climb up to Hawi on the big island of Hawaii. So, you get what the champions get. Speedmax CFR is equipped with a SRAM Red Etap AXS TT groupset, with integrated dual-sided power meter, 2×12-speed, gearing: 50/37 and 12-28 cassette or the alternative Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9180 TT with integrated dual-sided power meter, 53/39 gearing and 11-25 cassette.
80mm deep section wheels
Kona’s winds are notorious for pummelling would-be champions from all directions. That’s where deep section Zipp 858 NSW Dp wheels on the Speedmax CFR e-tap come into play, slicing through the headwinds and holding fast against increasing crosswinds as the elevation creeps higher. The Speedmax Di2 comes with high-performance SINC ceramic bearings, the DT Swiss ARC 1100 as set of wheels, that many would choose over Zipp.
The winning saddle
One of the most vital parts you need to get right is the saddle: never underestimate how much a poor choice can hold you back. The Speedmax CFR models are topped with a TT specific Fizik Mistica which firmly fixes to your seat, enabling you to maintain that all-important aero tuck and comfortable enough to be ridden on for the full Ironman distance (112 miles). Seat choice is pretty personal, but this one is designed with the racing position in mind.
Below the CFR and SLX there are six models in the CF range, with the £6,699 Speedmax CF 8 Disc eTap sitting at the top of the CF pile. All six share newly sculpted tube forms, a new Bento box, a new toolbox above the bottom bracket, and an aerodynamically optimised fork with flat-mount disc brakes. Selected models have power metre and electronic shifting. In this range are two women-specific bikes – again with the same geometry ( in other words a size available in XS, rather than a bike built to fit a women’s physique- will they ever learn?)
It’s has been no secret how Canyon produced such well-valued superbikes. Their direct-to-consumer model lets you buy their bike directly from Canyon’s website and ships right to you – the customer – race ready.
All the goodness included in the revamped Canyon Speedmax CF means the price is not cheap enough to make it an impulse buy. Canyon always provides great value-for-money setups, and this superior value proposition was their key selling point, but these increases in price for the latest revamped versions leaves much to question we making price comparisons with other brands.
In terms of price, the Speedmax CF Disc will be available from £3,699-£6,699, the Speedmax CF SLX Disc comes in at £7,999-£8,999, and Speedmax CFR Disc bikes will be priced at £10,299 and £12,399. All eleven models in the line-up will be available from 17 November .
It’s highly unlikely anyone apart from people with keen interest in triathlon racing will consider buying the top of the range Canyon Speedmax CFR, but that’s okay. With the ten grand psychological barriers well and truly smashed in the last couple of years, Triathlon specific bike brands of this calibre are taking off into the financial stratosphere with ultra-high-tech frames and the latest electronic shifting.
Is it a worthy investment? – we’ll leave that for you to decide.
