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TECH NEWS
inflite_al_slx_6.0_race.jpgCanyon launches £1,299 Inflite aluminium cyclocross race-ready bike
You might be enjoying long summer rides at the moment, but cyclocross racers will be thinking about the upcoming season which is only a few months away now. Which explains why Canyon has just launched its 2019 range of Inflite CX race bikes, which now includes an aluminium version bringing the entry price down to just £1,299.
I tested the carbon fibre Inflite CF SLX last year and despite its jarring looks (which do grow on you) I was impressed with its performance, being incredibly fast, very responsive and everything I’d expect of a CX race bike.
- Review: Canyon Inflite CF SLX 8.0 Pro Race
For 2019 the Inflite range includes five carbon models and one aluminium model. The aluminium Inflite AL SLX 6.0 Race shares identical geometry to the carbon Inflite, and Canyon has even attempted to mimic the kinked top tube of that bike. The idea behind it is to create a larger front triangle for easier shoulder.
For your £1,299 you get a SRAM Apex 1x11 groupset with an 11-36t cassette and 40t chainring and hydraulic disc brakes. It's a good combination and works well for the rigours of cyclocross racing, with all the range you need and the taller hoods are actually a bit of a bonus on technical and rough tracks.
DT Swiss C 1850 Spline DB wheels are shod with Schwalbe X-One 33mm tyres and Canyon branded aluminium handlebar and stem and carbon post, plus a Selle Italia X1 saddle, complete the build. Canyon claims a complete bike weight of 8.7kg for a size medium.
- 12 of the best cyclocross bikes — drop-bar dirt bikes for racing and playing in the mud
Choose a Shimano-equipped model and you'll get the new Ultegra RX rear mech
Of the carbon fibre Inflite models, three feature SRAM 1x groupsets and there are two Shimano 2x11 builds, both of which use the new Ultegra RX rear mech. It’s the first road-specific rear mech that features a clutch-style mechanism that helps to eliminate dropped chains being increasing the tension on the chain.
- Shimano reveals Ultegra RX chain stabilising rear derailleur
It’s a common technology in the mountain bike world and found on SRAM’s 1x rear mechs on the other Inflite bikes in the range, but the first time Shimano has introduced it to the road market. Expect to see it fitted to a lot more bikes in 2019.
See the full range at www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/inflite/
David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes.
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15 comments
What frame size would You recommend? I am 179cm and my inseam is 84 cm. I wonder if I should go 56 or maybe 54... ? (my road bike is 54)
Canyon's size guide is comprehensive and accurate. Follow the instructions carefully, getting help with measurements if necessary, and it will unfailingly lead you to the correct frame.
Most Canyon owners I know were convinced the recommended size was too small, but found it to be correct when the bike arrived. I guess their small is everybody else's medium.
Anybody who has an inflite able to comment on tyre clearance? The reviews say there are larger clearances, but Canyon told me 33mm max, and pointed me towards the abomination that is the Grail. I know this is a race bike, (and I don't intend to race), but the value towards the lower end of the range is quite hard to ignore.
How wide do you want to go?
Probably up to a 38 or 42
If you're interested in quite big clearances have a look at the Vitus Energie range. I'm running 42c WTB resolute tyres on mine and I reckon I could get away with 45c, especially in a slick (for when I use it on club runs).
If you swap to 650b it'll take 47c easily.
I spoke to Canyon about the Red eTap rear mech on that bike, and they say it's all fine. Here's their reply:
As others have noted, a clutch mech isn't absolutely essential to a 1x drivetrain but it's certainly a good thing to have along with a narrow/wide chainring to maximise chain retention when riding over bumpy ground
Looks like the upper-range 1x bikes have narrow/wide chainrings fitted (X-Sync in SRAM speak) so that would reduce the need for a clutch mech - still useful to have one given the intended usage perhaps.
Now I have a problem. A real problem. I want one in red and black to match my Katusha spec Aeroad. But they only offer that colour scheme with Shimano and I want a SRAM gruppo (to match the Aeroad, and because SRAM is way better than Shimmano, obviously).
don't give it a dirty stare, it'll probably crack at the welds #canyonbuildquality
What?
I notice the top end Carbon Fibre version (SLX I think) comes with a single front chain ring (1x) linked to a Sram Red eTap rear derailleur. Wouldn't there be problems with the chain falling off withouth a clutch style mechanism? I don't think Sram have released an eTap with a clutch? Am I wrong?
That is a good question, I'll go ask Canyon. There's nothing actually wrong with using a regular non-clutch mech on a 1x setup, lots of mountain bikers, roadies and cyclocrossers I know have done it just fine, but as you say you run a higher risk of the chain dropping off on really bumpy ground, but it can be done.
SRAM has been spotted working on an eTap version of its 12-speed Eagle mountain bike groupset so I reckon there must be something in the pipeline soon
Yes, you don't *need* a clutch rear mech to run 1x, and many Shimano equipped CX riders have been doing so for years. They key is chain length. You need the chain *just* long enough when on the biggest rear sprocket so the mech spring can work as much as possible when on smaller sprockets. The mistake many people make is to leave the chain length as it would be for a double.
Whether you love or hate the look of the Canyon CX bikes, there is no denying they are great value. They also seem to ride/race very well, as everyone I've seen on one at local CX races is flying!
Seriously though, they are great bikes.