Canyon has spent a great deal of time collecting over 60,000 of pieces of data to compile a data bank of female measurements in order to develop their new women’s range. What they discovered is that women are typically shorter and lighter than men with narrower shoulders and a shorter arm:torso ratio, amongst many other typical indicators.

With the data collected and the valued input of brand ambassadors, testers and the Canyon//SRAM pro team, Canyon has been able to build a women’s specific road bike from scratch to set a new and unprecedented benchmark for women’s cycling.

With this wealth of information and input, Canyon has introduced additional sizes to accommodate smaller women. The new women’s road bikes come in sizes xxx.small to medium, a range which they’ve found to fit a majority, if not all, female cyclists.

To better accommodate smaller riders, Canyon has introduced the 650b wheel size on all 3xs and 2xs models, thus enabling proportions to be kept close to the larger models, and providing extra comfort for the rider. Finally, it seems that a shorter rider doesn’t have to fit the bike, but the bike can fit the rider.

There are four build options for the women’s Endurace carbon road bike. Starting at €1,999, the models increase in value along with upgraded components with the top tier retailing at €5,899.

All four builds have the same high-quality aquamarine carbon frame and Canyon’s One One Four SLX carbon fork. Gear ratios remain consistent throughout builds with a 50/34 – 11-32 build on the x.small to medium frames, and 52/36 in the front on the  3xs and 2xs frames.

Canyon has kept true to its clean lines and minimalist design in order to achieve a beautiful endurance machine for even the longest of distances. The flat aquamarine frame coupled with stealth black wheels and components makes the Endurace a visually striking bike which both intrigues and excites.

Immediate features that catch the eye is the disc brake system, internal cable routeing and the compliant seat-post that provides comfort for the rider. So, let’s take a look at what Endurace builds are on offer:

Endurace CF SL 7.0 – €1,999

GROUPSET: Shimano 105
WHEELS: DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline DB 23
STEM: Canyon V13
BAR: Canyon H17 Ergo AL
SADDLE: Selle Italia X1 Lady Flow
SEATPOST: Canyon S23 VCLS

Endurace CF SL 8.0 – €2,499

GROUPSET: Shimano Ultegra
WHEELS: DT Swiss E 1800 Spline DB 23
STEM: Canyon V13
BAR: Canyon H17 Ergo AL
SADDLE: Fi’z:ik Luce
SEATPOST: Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF

Endurace CF SL 9.0 SL  –  €4,699

GROUPSET: SRAM RED eTap
WHEELS: DT Swiss E 1600 Spline DB 23
BAR/STEM: Canyon H31 Ergocockpit
SADDLE: Fi’z:ik Luce
SEATPOST: Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF

Endurace CF SL 9.0 LTD – €5,899

GROUPSET: SRAM RED eTap
WHEELS: Reynolds Assault LE
BAR/STEM: Canyon H31 Ergocockpit
SADDLE: Fi’z:ik Luce
SEATPOST: Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF

My first impressions of the Canyon Endurace were, “wow, this is light… and nippy!”

Having spent an all-too-quick 22 miles on this bike, I felt that I didn’t want to part with by the end of the ride. The Endurace is comfortable, compliant and it’s light enough to feel fast and nippy, something that I’ve often found a difficult balance to find between comfort and performance.

From the 8.0 model and up, the Endurace comes with the Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF split seat-post which helps reduce feedback from the road and provide greater comfort after many hours in the saddle.

The geometry of this bike has been carefully and extensively researched to ensure maximum comfort can be achieved without sacrificing performance. I was extremely comfortable on this bike from the start of the ride until the very end. No niggles, aches, pains or thought even came into my mind about my position on the bike, which can only be a good thing.

This was my first experience using SRAM’s RED eTap’s groupset, and once I had figured out which way to shift, I found the system responsive and smooth which was greatly tested on the undulating climbs on the route.

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc

If you’re looking for a stiffer bike that’ll have you flying along the roads, then the new Canyon Ultimate is for you. Dressed in the Canyon//SRAM colours this stunning bike is bursting with tech to make any rider jealous.

Available in sizes xxx.small to medium, the Ultimate is only available with a carbon frame and fork, but has four build options to choose from…

Ultimate WMN CF SLX 8.0 Team CSR – €2,999

GROUPSET: SRAM Force
WHEELS: DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline DB 23
STEM: Canyon V13
BAR: Canyon H17 Ergo AL

Ultimate WMN CF SLX 8.0 – €3,399

GROUPSET: Shimano Ultegra
WHEELS: DT Swiss PR 1400 DICUT DB 21
STEM: Canyon V13
BAR: Canyon H17 Ergo AL

Ultimate WMN CF SLX 8.0 Di2 – €4,299

GROUPSET: Shimano Ultegra Di2
WHEELS: DT Swiss PR 1400 DICUT DB 21
STEM/BAR: Canyon H31 Ergocockpit

Ultimate WMN CF SLX 9.0 Team CSR – €6,199

GROUPSET: SRAM RED eTap
WHEELS: Reynolds Assault LE
STEM/BAR: Canyon H31 Ergocockpit

All builds come with the standard set up of a lightweight carbon frame and fork, a 50/34 – 11-32 gear ratio on the x.small to medium sizes and 52/36 for 3XS and 2XS. The Selle Italia SLS Lady Flow saddle sits atop each model to further compliment the women’s specific charm of the Ultimate.

When riding the Ultimate, I could immediately feel the change in stiffness in comparison to the Endurace. Perhaps it’s the racier position on the bike or the buzz from the road, but whilst riding the Ultimate, I have to admit that I felt each pedal stroke transfer into a surge of power driving the bike quicker than I thought I was pedalling.

From a personal standpoint and with a background in mountain biking, I’m all in favour for disc brakes on road bikes. They provide increased stopping power and thus speed control, something highly noticeable when descending tight switch-backs on the route. Rim brakes have been deemed obsolete in off-road cycling and cross, so it would appear the road circuit is heading in the same direction.

If you’re looking for a long-distance road bike that offers comfort and compliance, the Endurace is for you. If you’re looking for a stiffer and racier steed then it’s the Ultimate that’s for you. However, with these models only being available with disc brakes, you may face issues securing one as your race bike given that disc brakes are still largely unaccepted on the road race circuit.

What I love about Canyon is their unwavering attention to detail across the full range of their bicycles. It’s undeniable the amount of research and development that has gone into their new women’s road range is certainly admirable, and the results speak for themselves.

Canyon has factored in the desire to have a bike that’s seemingly timeless with flat bold colour choices which are in-keeping with the Canyon//SRAM pro race team. Donning the colours of these elite riders gives you a feeling that no matter how big or small, you’re a part of the Canyon women’s family.

My first impressions are positive and excitable for both models, although I intend to carry out a long-term review to see how these bikes fair over time and in varying conditions.

You can find out more information on the new women’s road range from Canyon on their website here.