Canyon launches Roadlite flat bar road bike

Canyon has launched the revamped Roadlite flat bar road bike, a range of three bikes that aim to combine the performance of a road bike with the increased accessibility of flat handlebars, that the company says makes this the ideal bike for “a day-to-day ride or a new way to explore at the weekend.”

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The Roadlite name used to be found on an aluminium-framed drop bar road bike in the Canyon range a few years ago, but it’s now repositioned as a fitness bike in the company’s growing range, or what we would normally call a hybrid bike.

We can definitely see the Roadlite appealing to people that might be keen to get into road cycling but are put off by the drop handlebars, and it would make an ideal commuting bike with the easier control the flat bars provide when weaving through traffic. 

“Whether you cycle as part of your fitness regime or just enjoy a weekend ride in your local park, it’s important that the bike you use gives a superb ride with comfort and control. Our new Roadlite range combines our industry leading technology knowledge with our renowned design credentials to produce the very best all-rounder bikes at a great price,” says Canyon’s Nick Allen.

There are three models in this updated range, the 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0, costing £649, £799 and £1,049 respectively, with women-specific models available. Each is based around an aluminium frame, carbon fibre fork and equipped with Shimano gears and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. Pedals are included.

The most affordable Roadlite AL 5.0 (£649) comes with a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset with Mavic Crossone wheels and Continental Grand Prix SL tyres. Shimano’s M355 hydraulic disc brakes bring the 10kg bike to a speed halt. A women’s version is available with sizes down to a 2XS and a Selle Italia Marco Era Dynamic Open saddle.

Step up to the Roadlite AL 6.0 (£799) and you get a Shimano 105 11-speed groupset with a compact 50/34 chainset, Mavic Crossone wheels and Continental Grand Prix 4000S II tyres, and a claimed weight of 9.2kg. Again, a women’s version is available too. 

At the top of the ladder is the Roadlite AL 7.0 (£1,049) which pushes the total weight down to just 8.5kg thanks to a Shimano Ultegra groupset, M396 brakes, DT Swiss R 24 Spline DB wheels and Continental Grand Prix 4000S II tyres. This model also benefits from the comfort-boosting VCLS 2.0 split seatpost.

Each bike has a frame made from aluminium with a carbon fibre fork, with internally routed gear cables and brake hoses. There are eyelets for fitting mudguards, a useful addition in the winter (and this summer) as well as a rack if you wanted to use it for lugging stuff to the office or gym.

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There are no shortage of good flat bar road bikes, but Canyon is bringing its direct-sales approach, which offers very good value for money if you don't mind getting your bike delivered in a box, to this market.

The new Roadlite bikes are available now to order direct from www.canyon.com/en-gb/fitness/roadlite/