Test: As a slightly cheaper alternative, the Canyon Exceed CF SL feels a bit overshadowed by the premium model Exceed CF SLX. However, as our test shows, weight is not everything and the Exceed CF SL is also an excellent XC hardtail with a high-quality frame and well thought-out equipment.
Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.9 Di2: frame and geometry
The frame of the Exceed CF SL, which at first glance looks confusingly similar to the Exceed CF SLX presented in 2015, was unveiled for the first time at last year's Eurobike. No wonder, since it is basically the same frame - the SL version only has a few grams more on the tubes, since a slightly cheaper carbon fiber is used. However, the frame of the CF SL is by no means heavy: at just over 1.000g in size M, it can still keep up with one or the other top model from the competition.
Features, geometry and orientation remain natural: the Exceed is an XC weapon for racing, for marathonists or simply for those who want maximum propulsion off-road. A lot of time was spent developing the frame beforehand, and you can tell - the carbon workpiece makes sense, modern features give proven developments a hand. The internal routing of cables and cables is now standard, but the exchangeable cable outlets on the head tube and the well thought-out routing also make it possible, for example, to install a corresponding XC dropper post - a topic that will certainly be even more in focus in the coming years.
The processing is impeccable, the frame shape is pleasing. We really had nothing to complain about here. At the very beginning, the seat post drew attention to itself with sporadic creaking and cracking – but after we applied a little more carbon paste, the box was quiet. Another nice detail is the Impact Protection Unit on the top tube: A rubber buffer behind the headset prevents the handlebars, brake lever or shifter from smashing into the top tube in the event of a fall. Aluminum protection is also installed in the area of the front chainstay, which prevents unsightly chain marks in the carbon in the event of a chainsuck.
The geometry of the Exceed is interesting in several respects. Technology-savvy readers will probably notice the chainstay length, which varies depending on the frame size - a real rarity on the MTB market. In this way you want to ensure that the bike remains as agile as possible, but that the front wheel does not climb on steep ramps. It is also worth mentioning that the size XS has 27,5″ wheels. The long top tube and the relatively slack steering angle of less than 70° for a bike in this class are in keeping with the spirit of the times. Undoubtedly a result of the always demanding tracks in the XC circus.
Canyon Exceed CF SL Geometry
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 350 | 395 | 440 | 485 | 545 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 539 | 568 | 600 | 620 | 650 |
head tube (in mm) | 90 | 90 | 100 | 115 | 145 |
chainstay (in mm) | 422 | 427 | 427 | 432 | 437 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1040 | 1070 | 1103 | 1130 | 1167 |
Steering angle (in °) | 69,5 | 69,5 | 69,5 | 69,5 | 69,5 |
Seat angle (in °) | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Reach (mm) | 375 | 395 | 425 | 441 | 463 |
Stacks (in mm) | 574 | 603 | 611 | 625 | 653 |
Canyon Exceed CF SL: models and prices
There are a total of seven models of the Canyon Exceed CF SL in 2017 – the prices range from the €1.999 entry-level model to the Di2 version tested here for €3.399. However, the equipment is of high quality in all variants and there are no real entry-level models with this high-performance frame. Also interesting are the two dedicated women's models with suspension forks specially designed for lower weight and saddles and grips that fit the female anatomy.
Drive: Shimano XT Di2
suspension fork: FOX 32 Performance Step Cast
impellers: DT Swiss XR 1501
Weight: 10,1kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 3.399
Drive: SRAM X01 Eagle
suspension fork: RockShox SID RL
impellers: DT Swiss XR 1501
Weight: 9,6kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 2.899
Drive: Shimano XT
suspension fork: Rock Shox SID WC Light Tune
impellers: DT Swiss XR 1501
Weight: 10,2kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 2.899
Drive: Shimano XT
suspension fork: FOX 32 Performance Step Cast
impellers: DT Swiss XR 1501
Weight: 10,0kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 2.699
Drive: SRAM GX
suspension fork: RockShox SID RL
impellers: DT Swiss X1700
Weight: 10,0kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 2.299
Drive: SRAM GX
suspension fork: FOX 32 Performance Step Cast
impellers: DT Swiss X1700
Weight: 9,8 kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 2.299
Drive: Shimano SLX
suspension fork: RockShox Reba
impellers: Mavic Crossride
Weight: 11,2kg (manufacturer information)
Price: € 1.999
Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.9 Di2: Equipment
frame | Canyon Exceed CF SL |
suspension fork | FOX Performance 32 Step Cast |
Suspension shocks | - |
Wheels | DT Swiss XR 1501 Spline One |
Tire VR | Continental X-King RaceSport 2,2 |
Tire HR | Continental X-King RaceSport 2,2 |
derailleur | Shimano XT Di2 |
Gear levers | Shimano XT Di2 |
Crank | Shimano XT 28/38 |
Front derailleur | Shimano XT Di2 |
Brake | Shimano XT |
Brake discs | Shimano XT 180/160mm |
Seat post | Canyon S29 VCLS CF |
Saddle | Selle Italia SLS |
Stem | Canyon V14 |
Links | Canyon H12 Flat AL |
As you've come to expect from Canyon, the high-quality and well thought-out equipment is always one of the big plus points of the Koblenz-based direct seller. The Exceed CF SL 7.9 Di2 is no exception here either, but has a few special features up its sleeve that deserve special mention. This also includes the Fox suspension fork at the front – the slightly cheaper performance variant is used here, but with the Step Cast Casting presented last season. This is very compact with distinctive recesses in the hub area, which give the fork (Step Cast) its name. This reduces the weight to well below 1.500g. The grip damper can be adjusted to the route profile and needs in three stages using the handlebar remote (open – medium – firm). Unfortunately, the remote is quite bulky and not always easy to reach while riding - no matter where and how you attach it to the handlebars.
But the big, eponymous special feature of the Exceed model we tested is of course the XT Di2 circuit from Shimano. In recent years, the triumph of 1x drivetrains has undoubtedly been one of the big issues in mountain bike gears: SRAM now only uses gear groups without front derailleurs and uses cassettes with a very wide range. The Japanese competition is taking a slightly different approach, using the expertise that has been acquired over the years with Di2 gears in road cycling.
A sober look at the numbers shows on the one hand that 1x drivetrains have come close to systems with front derailleurs in many respects, but at the same time it also becomes clear that there are still some differences that are decisive for one or the other purchase could. With a total of 2%, the bandwidth of the XT Di518 circuit on our test bike is slightly larger than that of SRAM's new 12-speed Eagle circuit. In addition, the gear jumps with two chainrings are smaller and more harmonious; not unimportant, especially in marathons or XC races. Of course, the handling of a 1-speed drivetrain is wonderfully simple: there is no need to change the chainring, shifting gears becomes almost impossible. This is where the advantages of the Di2 come into play: In the two Synchro-Shift modes, all available gears can be shifted through with one lever - changing the chain ring takes care of the shifting itself. Theoretically, you can even do without the left shifter , save weight and get a tidy cockpit.
Equipment highlight number three: wheels. The decision was made to use the proven DT Swiss XR 1501 in its latest version - of course, as it should be for 2017, as a boost version. The aluminum rims now have an inner width of 22,5mm and are therefore perfect for the 2,2″ wide tires from Continental. The 28 spokes are in a set of 240s hubs, which rely on the tried-and-tested toothed disc freewheel from the Swiss, which should particularly convince frequent drivers with its long service life. At well under 1.600g, the wheels are also very light and even compete with sets with carbon rims in terms of weight.
With the X-King from Continental, the Exceed CF SL 7.9 Di2 comes with what is probably one of the most popular XC all-rounders ever. The open profile with slightly beefy side lugs can handle a variety of surfaces and rolls extremely well. It's nice that you opt for the RaceSport variant, which with the very good Black Chili rubber compound still offers a lot of grip even on wet surfaces. It's a pity, however, that the RaceSport carcass is only tubeless-compatible to a very limited extent and can only be sealed with a lot of luck and patience. We would have been even happier with the slightly heavier Protection variant, because then the tubeless conversion would have been done in a few minutes without any new purchases.
Most of the other attachments come from Canyon itself: the logo of the direct seller is emblazoned on the stem, handlebars and seat post. While people often turn up their noses at many other own brands, Canyon has proven time and again in the past that its own parts don't need to hide from the brand competition. The best example is the carbon leaf spring hanger bracket installed on the top models. While you have to do without this in the Exceed CF SL 7.9, the VCLS technology, which is supposed to ensure better comfort, has also been missed with the carbon support installed here. With a 90mm stem in size L and the 720mm wide flat bar, the cockpit is sporty and appropriate for the area of use.
Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.9 Di2: On the trail
Okay, so how does the carbon racing file do off-road? Well, as was to be expected, the first thing that stands out is the brutal propulsion. Of course, the light wheel-tire combination is particularly noticeable here, but the seating position also contributes to the fact that the performance feels like it hits the ground directly. It all works so well that we didn't even notice the built-in tubes at first, even though a tubeless setup would certainly save a few watts. However, we became all the more aware of the hoses after the three punctures that overtook us during the test period. Here we would definitely recommend that ambitious riders opt for a tubeless setup. However, two new tires are then required for this, because experience has shown that the installed Conti RaceKing tires are rather unsuitable here.
But enough complaining: The Exceed is an incredibly good XC bike even with tubes. It climbs willingly, the seating position felt good and right for us right from the start, the deep cockpit and the steep seat angle bring a lot of propulsion. The comfort is extremely good for a hardtail - even if additional dampened rear structures or strongly flexing seat posts work a little more "butt-friendly". But there is no question: this is whining at a very high level.
We really liked the XT Di2 circuit, even if newcomers to electronics will probably need a little time to get used to it. This is mainly due to the redesigned triggers, which are an ergonomic dream, but work a little differently than their mechanical counterparts. Especially the long press to shift several sprockets on the right lever takes some getting used to at first. The inconspicuous and well-protected display is always easy to read, shows the most important information and the different switching modes can be easily changed while driving. Even if we drove in the classic manual mode most of the time, the synchro-shift function is certainly an interesting matter for many drivers - especially because you can then save on the left shifter.
The Fox fork worked very well, with which we rode in medium compression mode almost all the time. This offers a good balance between propulsion and terrain reserves. We were less impressed by the very large and not particularly ergonomic remote, with which the fork's compression modes can be changed on the handlebars. This was not only a thorn in our side visually, but also always required a cumbersome grip to change the mode. Here we would prefer a very simple adjustment on the fork crown.
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