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Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0 2020

8
£1,199.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Great all-round package backed up by a frameset that is fun to ride
Weight: 
9,230g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Endurace AL Disc 6.0 may be the entry point to Canyon's endurance bike range, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Its aluminium alloy frame is stiff but comfortable enough to deliver a fun ride with plenty of feedback, whether you are out for a blast or just enjoying the countryside. It's a great a package for the money too.

  • Pros: Comfortable ride; decent value for money
  • Cons: Saddle will be too firm for some

> Buy this online here

Ride

I think the aluminium version of the Endurace gives a more exciting ride than the carbon fibre version I tested back in 2015. I found the CF model a little muted when it came to the feedback, to the point where I didn't really enjoy riding it that much. The AL frame is stiff and tight and fun to ride, while still offering the same stable handling and geometry for longer rides.

Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0 - riding 2.jpg

It's engaging in a way that makes you really feel part of the bike if you want to get a move on. That buzziness you get from an alloy frame is often criticised, but as long as it is controlled – damped to leave just enough via tube diameters and wall thicknesses – it can create a machine that really speaks to the rider. You feel everything that is going on between the tiny contact patch of the tyre and the road, allowing you to react instantly.

Engagement between bike and rider is a great thing, but too much going on can detract from the ride and ruin the enjoyment. Here, I'd say Canyon has nailed the balance between feedback and cancelling out some of the high frequency road buzz, so it feels planted on the road.

Even with all of this stiffness the aluminium Endurace still offers a comfortable ride, helped by the carbon fibre fork up front and the amount of seatpost exposed thanks to the compact, sloping top tube frame design. I have to say, though, it isn't as refined as some of the newer alloy bikes in the marketplace like the Specialized Allez Comp, for instance, or the very good Fuji Roubaix 1.3 Disc.

Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0 - riding 4.jpg

Being an endurance bike, the geometry is a little slacker than that of Canyon's Aeroad race bike, with the most noticeable difference being the height of the head tube: 167mm in length on this medium, with a similar sized Aeroad measuring just 146mm.

Canyon Endurace AL - head tube.jpg

It doesn't feel like an upright position, though. With a 10mm spacer underneath the stem I could still make use of the drops easily and get into a decent enough tuck for descending or battling the wind.

When it comes to carving your way down through a technical descent the Endurace AL is a very confident bike and responds well to your input. Slight shifts in bodyweight have the desired effect on the handling and you can really carry some speed through the bends without feeling the need to cover the brakes.

The head angle of 73 degrees is only a few tenths slacker than that of the Aeroad, so you still have quite a precise, direct front end.

The disc brake-equipped Endurace has just a 5mm-longer wheelbase than a rim-braked Aeroad, too, so while there is a little bit of extra stability it's minimal and never feels ponderous through tight turns. The slightly higher stack from the taller head tube lifts your centre of gravity, though, and this is the only thing I'd say that just takes the sharpness off the steering when entering really fast, technical sections.

Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0 - riding 3.jpg

Admittedly, this is an endurance bike, so it's not a criticism, I'm just letting you know where we're at in relation to an equivalent bike in race geometry. The Endurace is one of the quicker-handling, more direct endurance bikes out there.

The taller front end and slightly shorter top tube make for a comfortable position to spend a lot of time in. Most bikes in this size would have a 110mm stem but Canyon specs a 100mm and it works, allowing you to sit a little more upright without affecting the steering speed.

Canyon Endurace AL - stem.jpg

You can climb easily in the saddle too, as you aren't stretched out on the bike, though the frame's stiffness also lets you get out of the saddle and really stamp on the pedals for those short, sharp efforts on undulating terrain.

On the whole the Endurace is a very nice place to spend your time and it works whether you are just trying to squeeze in a quick session or out for the long haul.

Frame and fork

Canyon claims a 1,350g weight for this medium frame and 400g for the fork, which for a disc brake model is pretty good.

Canyon Endurace AL.jpg

The frame follows a similar theme to how most carbon frames have developed: larger sections used at the bottom half of the frame and at the front – the head tube and start of the top tube – with everything narrowing down towards the seat tube and seatstays to promote flex.

Canyon Endurace AL - seat stays.jpg

Interestingly, Canyon hasn't gone for a tapered front end. The fork steerer is 1 1/8in from top to bottom, which is quite rare these days; going larger at the bottom does bring a slight increase in stiffness to steering and under braking loads from discs, but Canyon obviously hasn't felt the need to increase the diameter here. I certainly didn't notice a lack of stiffness when I was riding it, and only realised the lack of taper when I had the bike in front of me while writing the review.

Canyon Endurace AL - head tube badge.jpg

The down tube is a beefy looking affair, being a large box section rather than round, and while there are many arguments over which profile is best for resisting the various forces, the flat side sections do provide plenty of space for internal cable routing. Both gear cables and rear brake hose exit just in front of the bottom bracket, which does leave things a little open to the elements.

Canyon Endurace AL - down tube.jpg

For increased stiffness, the seat tube changes from a round tube at the top to a more oval shape at the bottom bracket, biased towards the non-drive side so as not to affect the front mech positioning.

Canyon Endurace AL - bosses 2.jpg

Purists will be happy to see a threaded bottom bracket too.

Canyon Endurace AL - bottom bracket.jpg

At the rear, Canyon has gone for a 12mm thru-axle for wheel retention and flat mount for the disc calliper mountings, bringing it fully in line with the latest fashion in the road bike world.

Canyon Endurace AL - rear disc brake.jpg

Overall it's a well-made frame; the welding isn't the most aesthetically pleasing in terms of smoothness but it does the job and I'd say is acceptable for a frame of this price.

Canyon Endurace AL - top tube.jpg

The fork also has internal hose routing for a clean look and employs the same 12mm thru-axle retention system as the frame.

Canyon Endurace AL - fork.jpg
Canyon Endurace AL - front hub.jpg

The bike is available in a range of sizes from 2XS to 2XL and the only colour option is this Airwave Blue which I think looks pretty nice.

Canyon offers women-specific geometry on some of its models, and you can get an Endurace WMN AL Disc 6.0 in five sizes, in either Stealth Black or Aero Silver.

Groupset

The AL Disc 6.0 comes with Shimano's latest Tiagra groupset throughout, with the highlight being the new R4720 hydraulic brake levers.

Canyon Endurace AL - shifter.jpg

Previous Tiagra hydraulic groupsets used the ungainly RS405 levers which I was never a fan of: the shape was odd, not only from an aesthetic point of view but also from an ergonomic one. The new R4720 mimics the general shape of the mechanical Tiagra shifters but with a bit of extra height for the hydraulic reservoir.

Canyon Endurace AL - bars and shifter.jpg

They are really comfortable to use, and the shifting performance is just as good, whereas the RS405s didn't offer as good a gear shift as their mechanical braking opposition. The braking power and control is spot on as well.

Canyon Endurace AL - front disc brake.jpg

Overall, Tiagra is really good when it comes to shifting and there is really very little difference to 105 R7000, apart from the fact that it's only 10-speed not 11.

Canyon Endurace AL - rear mech.jpg

Canyon has specced some pretty low gearing on this Endurace, with a 50/34 chainset and an 11-34 cassette, but it works well. I still had the top end when I needed it but with a 34x34 bottom gear I could stay in the saddle to climb the majority of climbs. It also helps offset the 9.23kg overall weight.

Canyon Endurace AL - drive train.jpg

Wheels and tyres

A lot of brands cut corners when it comes to wheels to save a few quid, but Canyon has specced a decent set of DT Swiss E1850s. They don't appear on DT Swiss's website so there is limited information available, but they look very similar to the E1800s found on the more expensive Endurace 7.0 albeit with a shallower and slightly wider rim.

Canyon Endurace AL - rim adn tyre.jpg

Wrapped around them are Continental's Grand Prix SL tyres in a 28mm width; looking at the clearance of the frame and fork you could probably go a little fatter.

Canyon Endurace AL - clearance.jpg

They are a beautiful set of tyres, with loads of grip thanks to their tacky compound. They're really confidence-inspiring when cornering and probably make you push the Endurace much harder into the bends than you normally would. You can't beat a good set of tyres to gain a bit of a performance edge.

Canyon Endurace AL - tyre.jpg

It is hedge cutting season around here and coupled with wet roads that can often mean a visit from the puncture fairy, but so far so good.

Finishing kit

The cockpit is Canyon's own, with both the stem and handlebar being alloy offerings. It's nothing flash but does the job, especially with the shallow-drop bar being very accessible for anyone to use regardless of flexibility.

Canyon Endurace AL - bars 1.jpg

The seatpost is also alloy and like the components up front it does a decent job. It's easy to adjust with no slippage issues at all.

Canyon Endurace AL - seat tube junction.jpg

One thing I didn't get on with is the Selle Italia X3 Canyon Edition saddle. It's a pretty flat profile with minimal padding and I found it harsh. Saddles are very personal, though, so you might get on with it, but for big mile rides I'd be looking for something with a little more shape, such as Fizik's Aliante range.

Canyon Endurace AL - saddle.jpg

Value

Canyon continues to offer excellent value for money with its bikes and that is no different with the Endurace AL.

At £1,199, this 6.0 Disc model is £200 less than Trek's endurance offering, the Emonda ALR 4 Disc, which comes with an alloy frame, carbon fork and Tiagra hydraulic groupset for £1,400. Mat was very impressed with the Emonda ALR 5 he tested, which sits at the top of the alloy range.

> road.cc Bike of the Year 2019/20: Best under £1,000

Ribble offers the same direct to customer model as Canyon and its R872 Disc Tiagra model looks to be very good value too. It's 100 quid cheaper than the Canyon at £1,099 but it does only get mechanical disc braking rather than the full hydraulic found on the Endurace, definitely worth the extra bit of cash.

Conclusion

For a bike that is designed to cover the miles and provide a position that is less extreme than a race bike, the Endurace AL still has that performance edge. I do feel that the frame could do with a bit of a refresh, though, as it doesn't offer quite as much refinement as the latest alloy frames that are starting to be released by other brands.

Verdict

Great all-round package backed up by a frameset that is fun to ride

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Canyon Endurace AL Disc 6.0

Size tested: Medium

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Canyon lists:

Frame: Canyon Endurace AL Disc, Aluminium 6061

Fork: Canyon FK0042 CF Disc Carbon

DRIVETRAIN

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 4700 GS

Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra 4700

Cassette: Shimano HG500 11-34 10s

Crank: Shimano Tiagra 4700

Chainring size: 50/34

Bottom bracket: Shimano BSA BB-R60

Chain: KMC X10-93 10s

Shift/Brake Lever: Shimano Tiagra R4720

Brake Rotor: Shimano RT70 160mm

Disc Mount: Centerlock

Wheels: DT Swiss E 1850 Spline DB

Tyres: Continental Grand Prix SL 28 mm

Stem: Canyon V15

Handlebar: Canyon H17 Ergobar AL

Handlebar Tape: Canyon Ergospeed Gel

Handlebar Tape: Canyon Plug

Saddle: Selle Italia X3

Seatpost: Iridium

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Canyon says, "Endurace AL Disc 6.0 - This build pairs disc brake control with a high-end aluminium frame with impressive performance. Fitted with best-in-class components, get everything you need for your most ambitious road tours."

It is a very nice bike to ride and fun too, although there are more refined alloy frames coming through.

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

There are three disc versions of the aluminium Endurace, this 6.0, the 7.0 which has the same frameset but comes with a 105 hydraulic groupset, and the 8.0 with Ultegra. All are available in women-specific geometry too.

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
7/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

A solidly built frame that'll take plenty of knocks, although I have seen smoother welding for this money.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

Canyon uses 6061 grade aluminium alloy and looking at the tubing I'd say it is hydroformed to create the shapes, and double or triple butted to create the feel.

The fork is full carbon fibre.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Compared to the Aeroad race model, the Endurace has a higher stack height and a shorter reach to create a less extreme position. Full details are on Canyon's website – follow the link up top.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

This size Endurace has a stack to reach ratio of 1.53. Most race bikes are around the 1.4 mark.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

On the whole yes, but some newer frames from Specialized and Fuji deliver the same amount of feedback while being able to reduce the level of road buzz.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Yes. It responds very well to hard efforts in or out of the saddle.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

It's decent enough, with a stiff frame and sensible gearing for all sorts of terrain.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

Yes, not really an issue once you know about it though.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Just on the quick side of neutral.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

Very planted through the bends and a solid, stable bike to ride in all conditions.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

I'd change the saddle straight away, but other than that it's a good package.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The alloy cockpit is stiff enough for out of the saddle efforts.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The tyres offer loads of grip, which means you can really push hard through the bends without braking.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
7/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
7/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
7/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
8/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

The latest Shimano Tiagra groupset is a massive improvement over previous versions, both in the way it works and how it feels in your hands.

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

The DT Swiss wheels are solid performers and decent quality for a bike at this price.

Rate the tyres for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?

A quality set of budget tyres that really inspire confidence in the bends thanks to their grip.

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

A decent selection of kit for the money: basic alloy components at the front which offer plenty of positions for the rider, though swapping to a carbon post might bring a smidgen more comfort.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Possibly, but there are better alloy frames out there.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Canyon continues to deliver good value for money through its direct to customer model, especially against some, like Trek and its Emonda for £200 more.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
7/10

Use this box to explain your overall score

With this bike Canyon has nailed an excellent balance of a fast-handling machine that still puts the rider in a comfortable position. The frame, though still as good as it was when I rode the AL 7.0 in 2018, isn't as comfortable or refined as some new alloy frames being brought out by other brands, but the Endurace AL Disc 6.0 is still a great package for the money.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

Add new comment

3 comments

Avatar
AliceInChains | 4 years ago
0 likes

Yeah, I echo the comments regarding mudguards, would make it an easier decision to buy this.

Also agree on the reviewers comments on the stock saddle, it was the same (or similar?) saddle as specced on my 2019 105 version of this same bike (with Mavic wheels though), awful perch.  Swapped straight out for a Spesh Toupe Sport (under £30 and suits my derriere nicely).

Regardless of the lack of mudguard mounts, I'm very glad I bought the 2019 105, it's a superb bike with SKS Raceblade Pro XLs added as the compromised mudguard solution.  It went well in the Pyrenees this summer, comfortable ride in the UK winter, good descender, seems to sprint OK on the club run signpost tear-up and a nice geometry for me.  I know colour shouldn't matter, but the blue paintjob is lovely and gets lots of postive comments from club-mates.

My original "red lines" were aluminium frame, carbon fork, 105 hyrdos, thru-axles, threaded BB, mudguard mounts, conventional seatpost clamp, wheels that didn't weight 4 metric tonnes, not too spenny, cornwall-friendly gearing and a nice paintjob.  Basically, all boxes ticked apart from the mudguard mounts, so that was the compromise.  But, overall, glad I did compromise, a great bike.

Avatar
gonedownhill | 4 years ago
3 likes

Dear Canyon,

 

Mudguard mounts please.

 

Ta, 

 

GD.

Avatar
Joe Totale replied to gonedownhill | 4 years ago
2 likes
gonedownhill wrote:

Dear Canyon,

 

Mudguard mounts please.

 

Ta, 

 

GD.

 

100%

If it had mudguard mounts I'd seriously consider one of these bikes as a winter/audax/long commute machine. Without them I'm not buying one. 

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