Buying From Canyon

I thought I’d share my experience of buying a Canyon bike as it may be of interest if you are considering buying from them.

As a re-engaged cyclist in (middle) middle age, I had a go at a couple of club TTs this year and was hooked. In my first cycling life, I wasn’t keen on riding against the clock, considering it to be inferior to massed start races. Now though, riding elbow to elbow or, most likely, being dropped early holds no attraction so testing is where the challenge lies. I do ride sportives, though, but that’s not real racing.

Anyway, I decided that the only thing standing between me and a new club record was my lack of a suitable bike; the old N+1 rule applying. My first stop was my LBS but it was pretty clear that I’d be forking out more than my home financial committee would allocate for something to get the juices flowing and my online research into top brands confirmed this.

So, I thought I’d have a look at Canyon, specifically the Speedmax CF. The same bike is raced by the Movistar and Katusha teams and has received great reviews, which seems to apply right across their range. Looking at their website, you can’t help but feel that Canyon bikes represent fantastic value. But, they are online only and based in Germany. Plus, not having a TT bike, I was concerned at getting the fit right.

Anyway, I couldn’t ignore the fact that for something a bit north of £3,000 I could get a pro frame with Shimano Di2. I’m already sold on Di2, having it on my road bike and it seems even more suited to TT bikes allowing gear shifts from both riding positions.

I decided that the sweet spot for me was the Speedmax CF 9.0 with Ultegra Di2 11speed and Reynolds carbon wheels. I couldn’t justify the jump to the same spec but with Dura Ace just to save 100g and, thereafter, the prices get away from me. But, it would be race ready, perhaps, needing a disc wheel later.

I followed the instructions about sizing, which I was a bit concerned about as it assumes you already have a TT bike. I just took measurements as best I could from my road bike and assumed I would have to make adjustments as I conditioned myself to the position over time. I dutifully placed my order. Payment is not taken until the bike is ready to ship, of which, more in a second.

I got an email straightaway confirming my order and saying that they’d be in touch in due course.

Being used to dealing with British companies where my emails, etc., are filed under B for bin, I twiddled my thumbs for a couple of days before impatiently getting in touch. I called the UK number first but, much to chagrin, they had elected not to work on the August bank holiday so I pestered the Germans direct. They patiently explained that, as per the email, they would be in touch in due course.

I then got an email asking for more measurements, which I returned but, not having received a response by return, I felt the need to pester the UK side of the business. Once I got through by phone, not that easy, a nice chap discussed my needs and said that he would push the button for my order to be moved along the line. I won’t embarrass myself by recounting the number of times I rang the UK line and Germany (easier to get through to) but suffice it to say that the Germans just did their thing and delivered it as they said they would, very efficiently. I’m just not used to things working that well.

I did have a heart stopping moment when my credit card company decided that the payment to Canyon I had been waiting for must be fraudulent but a quick call to UK HQ resolved that.

The bike arrived and needed less assembly that I feared. If you’ve never been near a bike and spanner at the same time, get someone to help. A quick spin round the block put a smile on my face but it’ll probably spend most of its time on the turbo trainer until April.

In short, I’m really, really pleased. I doubt I’ll break any records but it’ll be fun trying and this is a great piece of kit. I’d have had to spend this much on the frame alone to get close from another top-flight manufacturer.

I know I can't drop it into the shop if it goes wrong but I doubt it will and, if it does, I think Canyon will be no worse than the usual warranty problems we read of all the time.

I sort of wish I’d bought my road bike from Canyon and next time I probably will. The only downside is that you cannot truly tailor the spec but you pays your money and you takes your choice.