The world of mountain biking is evolving, and the latest development is a curious one: drop bar mountain bikes are making a comeback, and this time, they're here to stay. Canyon, a leading bike brand, has taken a bold step by unveiling a revamped Exceed cross-country bike with a drop-bar twist.
The Rise of the Drop Bar MTB
Drop bar mountain bikes have had a rocky road (pun intended) to acceptance. After the Leadville 100 drama, where they were initially embraced but then banned, these bikes have been viewed with skepticism. However, Canyon sees an opportunity and a need for this unique blend of mountain bike capabilities and drop bar ergonomics.
Canyon's Vision for Endurance Racing
Canyon recognizes that endurance racing is evolving. Self-supported races like the Atlas Mountain Race and Tour Divide are gaining popularity, and these events demand a different kind of bike. Canyon's Exceed CFR Gravel is their answer, offering a blend of mountain bike grip, durability, and gearing with the added benefits of a drop handlebar.
Durability and Innovation
One of the key features Canyon highlights is durability. The brand has opted for electronic, wireless shifting with SRAM's Rival AXS drivetrain. While this eliminates cable-related issues, it also introduces a new challenge: the complexity of fixing AXS setups. It's a trade-off, but one that Canyon believes is worth it for the reliability it offers.
The Exceed CFR Gravel: A Versatile Machine
The Exceed CFR Gravel is designed with versatility in mind. It boasts a suspension fork, a Fox 32 SC with 60mm of travel, and Canyon's innovative CP0039 Double Drop bar with the 'Gear Groove' feature. This bar not only provides ergonomic benefits but also offers a tidy solution for mounting lights and accessories. The VCLS 2.0 carbon seatpost adds comfort to the mix.
The Regular Exceed CFR: Efficiency and Lightness
While the drop-bar Gravel model steals the show, Canyon hasn't forgotten its roots. The regular Exceed CFR is a flat-bar cross-country hardtail designed for marathon racing. It shares the same carbon frame as its drop-bar sibling but features a 100mm traveled RockShox SID SL Ultimate suspension fork. SRAM's XX SL AXS drivetrain and DT Swiss's XRC1200 carbon wheelset complete the package.
Pricing and Availability
The Exceed CFR AXS (regular bike) carries a price tag of £5,699, while the Exceed CFR Gravel AXS is slightly more affordable at £3,799. Canyon hasn't released detailed geometry specifications yet, but we can expect some changes, especially with the shorter-traveled fork on the Gravel model.
Final Thoughts
Canyon's move into the drop bar mountain bike market is an intriguing one. It showcases their willingness to innovate and adapt to changing racing trends. While the initial reception to drop bar mountain bikes has been mixed, Canyon's expertise and attention to detail could make this a game-changer. Personally, I think it's an exciting development, and I can't wait to see how riders and the industry as a whole respond to this bold new direction.
