The Canyon bikes thread

ddraver

You decision is basically a Shimano v SRAM one - note that the SLX has Gripshift gears which would put a large amount of people right off.

I don't know about the DT Swiss wheels but I ve got the Crossmaxes on mine and they re fantastic wheels.

Fox v Rockshox is a personal thing, there are good things about both of them. I have both...

Personally I'd go for the slightly lower grade XT over XO becasue of the trigger shifters, which would also give me the much better formula brakes and spend the extra 300 on a biking trip.

Everything else is much of a muchness

jimmm

So...Grand Canyon CF SL 8.9 (2014) 2 - 0 Grand Canyon CF SLX 9.9 (2014)!

I'm not too fussed with grip shift over trigger shifters. I've used both SRAM and Shimano and never had a real preference to be honest, so again not too much of a problem! The brakes is the only issue I can see with the SLX 9.9 - so it may be something that would have to be upgraded straight away if I sided with that bike. I therefore need to take in account that cost as well. Shame you can't change certain components on the Canyon website!

Another thing to take into consideration is 0.7kg difference between the bikes, which is quite a difference. According to what I've read, the only difference between the SL and SLX frames is the weight of the carbon used.

Will probably end up flipping a coin!

Maro

I'm pretty sure Canyon will swap a few bits for you if you contact them.

ddraver

It states on their website that they won't Maro, it's part of their deal...

I ve got avid brakes on my SLX and they re far from bad, they can just be a bit unreliable, I certainly wont be changing mine for a while...

If you like gripshift and you want to proper race XC then go SLX, if you re just using it for weekend trail riding then i think the SL is better...

jimmm

Thank you for the advice.

Do you think the SL is better for weekend trail riding over the SLX due to the lower cost, better brakes, and the fact that weight isn't as big of an issue? Although I won't be XC racing from the off, it is a longer term plan definitely.

I haven't tried the XO grip shift, but the more I read into it, the more I am leaning to it over a trigger shift. If it wasn't for the brakes on the SLX, I would have made my mind up already. But if they aren't as bad as some people make them out to be, I think the SLX is the sensible choice. I've always been advised to go for the better frame, as components are cheaper to upgrade. The brakes can be replaced at a later date (to Formula R1s most likely!), if I don't get on with the Avids.

ddraver

Honest answer to that is that if you re about to drop thousands of pounds, go and find a bike shop where you can test the gripshift and make sure youre a fan...

jimmm

I've used grip shifts before - just not the SRAM XO grip shift. I've always enjoyed using a grip shift as you can go through multiple gears in one movement. I also like the fact it makes the cockpit look cleaner/simpler!

From what I've read the XO grip shift is a lot better than any grip shift I've ever used, so I'm sure I'll love it!

jimmm

Maro wrote:

I'm pretty sure Canyon will swap a few bits for you if you contact them.

I emailed Canyon asking (as you never get anything without asking), and they emailed me with the answer from their FAQ page:

Canyon bikes are only available as shown on the web or in the Canyon catalogs. Therefore, no changes are possible.

We decide every autumn which models and equipment combinations we will be offering the following year. We determine the number of units to be produced of any particular model and order components from the relevant manufacturers accordingly. The price advantages are then passed on to our customers. Therefore, no changes are possible.

The exception is, of course, changes which are made to the gear ratios on the cassette, handlebar width and stem length. We undertake these changes for a small charge.

ddraver

the only thing slightly concerning me about the SLX then are the wheels, maybe do a bit of research into them.

I would nt worry about the brakes, but I would nt throw money at them if they start playing up either

Mojo_666

ddraver wrote:

the only thing slightly concerning me about the SLX then are the wheels, maybe do a bit of research into them.

I would nt worry about the brakes, but I would nt throw money at them if they start playing up either

DT Swiss are good wheels, the only issue is they need a special tool to remove the bearings so you are forced to take them to the LBS......or buy the tool.

jimmm

Argh this is a tough decision! I've made a list of plus points for each bike (over the other bike) to try and help make my mind up, but still stuck with my decision:

Grand Canyon CF SL 8.9 (2014) - £2,209
+ Cheaper by £340
+ Better brake-set
+ Easier maintenance for wheels (and brakes from what I have read)
+ Acid Storm is personally my favourite colour scheme (slightly over the team replica)

Grand Canyon CF SLX 9.9 (2014) - £2,549
+ Lighter full build by 0.7kg
+ Higher quality carbon frame
+ Higher end groupset
+ Grip shift (personal preference)

It's not even as if I can decide based on when the bike will be ready to ship - as they are both CW47!

Giorgos

hey guys,
i am going to buy Grand Canyon AL SLX 7.9 2014 http://www.canyon.com/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3173

and i want a neopren chain protector.
can you tell me which one is the right for me?? they got three. and the one saying pure cycling i think. (i prefer one saying "Canyon") http://www.canyon.com/_en/shop/?type=accessories#tab-accessories



i emailed Canyon but i will have to wait till Monday and i wanna order it tommorow.

Mojo_666

Giorgos wrote:

hey guys,
i am going to buy Grand Canyon AL SLX 7.9 2014 http://www.canyon.com/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3173

and i want a neopren chain protector.
can you tell me which one is the right for me?? they got three. and the one saying pure cycling i think. (i prefer one saying "Canyon") http://www.canyon.com/_en/shop/?type=accessories#tab-accessories



i emailed Canyon but i will have to wait till Monday and i wanna order it tommorow.

You get one free with the bike.......or at least you used to.

Giorgos

aye thats what they told me. they answered the email.
thats great!

ddraver

jimmm wrote:

Argh this is a tough decision! I've made a list of plus points for each bike (over the other bike) to try and help make my mind up, but still stuck with my decision:

Grand Canyon CF SL 8.9 (2014) - £2,209
+ Cheaper by £340
+ Better brake-set
+ Easier maintenance for wheels (and brakes from what I have read)
+ Acid Storm is personally my favourite colour scheme (slightly over the team replica)

Grand Canyon CF SLX 9.9 (2014) - £2,549
+ Lighter full build by 0.7kg
+ Higher quality carbon frame
+ Higher end groupset
+ Grip shift (personal preference)

It's not even as if I can decide based on when the bike will be ready to ship - as they are both CW47!

I think honestly for that I'd go with the SL...

weeve

for what its worth I would definitely go with the better frame. All the shiny stuff hanging off it can be swapped, changed, up and down graded as you like and it makes a difference sure .. but not as much as you think. Ive raced both good and super good carbon frames (I now ride a self built merida big nine team frame) and I have to say I can tell the difference - maybe its psycological - but really I think I can. My road frame is the same - was a top quality look 585 built in 2006 and I have gone through a set of wheels and multiple drive train parts. I could afford to upgrade but I wont - Thor Hushhovd did the Paris Roubaix on it so a 71kg fxck wit from Devon isnt going to kill it until its crashed

weeve

one other thing - I race on the groupset on it (XO) and if you go to the alps and race the Transalp or just want to do an extended tour you can buy 36/22 replacement chainrings for 100 quid and simply swap them over so you can go for days and days up the hardest of inclines. I have done that and just left them on and sold the 38/24's on ebay
This is a key reason for buying the SRAM as I havent seen any chainrings on high end shimano this small - so if you ever think you might like to do a transalp race or a long personal tour across the mountains or you just want to prevent grinding up hill this is great. Sure you spin out sooner on the downhill but thats irrelevant in the alps as your braking not pedalling.... FYI in case didnt know its similar to riding 22x34 on a 26" bike (triple) - ie makes life pleasant. As well as racing the Mrs and I toured both germany black forest and alps this year with this set up on a 29er carrying our stuff in a 5kg bag each and it was awesome

TimR74

jimmm - did you make a decision on the bikes?

Just spotted this thread, I was in exactly the same position as yourself a week or two ago, emailed Canyon about replacing components and got an identical reply. My ideal situation would have been a mixture of the 2 bikes but ended up going for the SLX 9.9. The better frame, SID XX world cup fork and lighter overall weight swung it for me. I'm buying it with a view to XC/marathon racing and longer day rides next year.

As has been said, the other bits can be swapped and sold on fairly easily. I wasn't too fussed on the gripshift but will keep an open mind and try them out. I also didn't want the Fox terralogic fork on the SL, nothing against Fox just didn't want the terralogic bit. The Rockshox SID XX world cup is a bit lighter with the carbon crown and steerer but more importantly for me was the manual control of the lockout from the bars.

jimmm

Thanks for the feedback guys ^

I think I've decided on getting the more expensive SLX. As has been stated above, it is better to go with the better frame and swap out components as and when needed. However, before I press the order button I'm waiting to see the prices and specs of the Lux CF 29 range. I'm 95% certain I will go with a hardtail - but am a little curious to see the what the Lux has to offer. Quite a few people riding in the same area as I are riding full suspensions, due to comfort on the longer rides.

Giorgos

Hello there guys.. i am pretty happy owner of a grand canyon al slx 7.9

while i am inspecting the bike i found those signs at the crankset.

1 small scratch at the left side
signs of use at the place you put the bolts for the pedals
and lastly the crankset's teeth arent all black, many are silver, like they have been used before.

i post photos.
anyone ever received a bike with signs of use??
(i have read siomewhere that canyon's peripherals are B'grade but i wouldnt believe him, now i saw this and i am a bit confused..

i gonna email canyon.

cooldad

Seriously? The teeth are probably where it was held whilst painting, and there were probably blanks in the pedals at some point.
I'm sure no one has ridden your bike.

mcnultycop

I'd suggest whilst Canyon set the gears up that they used them.

Just get out on it.

Giorgos

its the scratch that annoyes me the most tbh...

cooldad

It's a mountain bike. It will get scratched. And worse.

mcnultycop

My Canyon had a scratch. I contacted them, they offered to swap it, I said on its fine and they credited me with £50. I've since crashed it repeatedly and it's covered in scratches.

mamba80

id go for the SL every time - very similar in spec to the CF slx 2013 i ve got and the XT with the crossmax wheels are perfect and ultra reliable.

As for scratches - Canyon told me that i can use the bike for a few miles, they said 7 to 10km on a dry road and if i dont like the sizing i can return at their expense, they told me that the bike would then be re conditioned and sold on again.

jimmm

The whole 2014 range is up now guys!

adamfo

The reds most un-canyon like !
I like the raw and stealth options...

gpgalanis

Hi everyone. I am planning to order either a Strive or a Torque but what really bothers me is the too high standover that is around 82 - 83 cm when in other bicycles like Trek is around 74-75 cm. OK obviously you ride the bike and not stand on it but when you ride off road the lower the standover the safer it is. So for example people with 83-84 inseam are you OK or do you get in contact with the toptube?

SoaringPanda

Has the strive frame been improved for 2014? It's a stunning spec for the money but I know a few people that keep cracking the frames.