Canyon Exceed Review | The New 2021 Canyon Exceed CFR Team Is An Unapologetic Race Bike
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- Drawing on new carbon fibre tech, the 2021 Canyon Exceed is lighter, sharper, and more refined than ever before. But when full suspension bikes are so good, is there still a genuine market for a hardtail?
Canyon Exceed CFR Team Review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
Canyon Exceed price, spec and range overview: flowmountainbike.com/post-all...
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2021 Canyon Exceed Review
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - The New Exceed
0:58 - Video Contents
1:16 - Frame Features
2:05 - Claimed Frame Weight
2:32 - Geometry
3:08 - Canyon Exceed Price & Range Overview
3:38 - Exceed CFR Team
5:04 - Complete Bike Weight
5:16 - Fit & Sizing
5:43 - Setup
6:45 - Climbing
7:43 - Handling
8:21 - Descending
9:07 - Flex Post
10:54 - Spec Changes
11:55 - Component Notes
13:10 - Flow's Verdict
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Your reviews are hands down the most informative and worthwhile in the bike journalism space.
Thanks for the kind words mate, glad you're enjoying all the reviews! [Wil]
As always brilliant review. I always look forward to your reviews man.
I just watched your 2020 Canyon Spectral video and thought to myself, "The Exceed is probably better suited for me." Low and behold, you posted the video on the same day!
I want both haha. This bike would be fun for whipping out a quick loop on easier trails, but the Spectral would be way better on anything a bit rough.
Hello Will, another awesome review like always. Cheers
Thanks Jose!
Great review! Here's a sub!
You have the best job in the country 👍🏻
Thx a lot for the very good review. I am also in between a S and M at 175 cm and just ordered a M SLX 8. But I was still unsure if I made the right choice. Now I can sleep easy knowing I got the correct bike coming my way 😅
Good to hear mate, hope you enjoy the new bike! [Wil]
Good review. Thanks.
Cheers pal, thanks for watching and for the feedback! [Wil]
I love my big, burly, steel hardtail.
But I miss having my carbon whippet race bike :-( The Exceed looks amazing.
Hi. Nice review. Would you choose the exceed or the scott scale for cross country and xco racing? I have a hard time deciding. The geometry of the exceed looks more on the gravel side. Thats why I can't decide.
Hi Will, excellent review ! I am 174/84.5 - looking at the Reach/TT/Stem Lenght (80mm) the Canyon Calculator puts me on a S, but gathering feedback here and here - I was thinking going for a M - Whay are you saying that a Reach of 415mm who be too short for you ?
exceed vs lux would be a cool video from you guys
It depends on where you ride really. Exceed will be faster on an average XC track though.
Hi, thanks for this. It really helps a lot especially being Canyon an online only seller. How did you find the internal seat clamping? It seems something unique of Canyon.. Does the seat stays well fixed and tight like with regular clamps? Thanks
Great bike, Great price, Great service
Nice one Wil
Thanks Scott!
Best channel, great review. Realy like reviews of XC / marathon bikes.
I have ordered new Exceed SLX 8.0 with dropperpost 60 mm, X01, FOX 32 SC elite and DT Swiss XRC1700 30 mm wheels. The wheels are unknown for me I hope they are fast enought but for 3700€ I think it is great deal.
Glad you're enjoying the reviews Miha! We don't always get the chance to do videos for all the bikes we test, so you'll find a lot more reviews over on our website - flowmountainbike.com
Hope you enjoy the new bike - the SLX 8.0 looks to be terrific value for money, and a great race package out of the box! [Wil]
Great bike.Good job....
Canyon lists the exceed as a backpacking option as well . What are your thoughts ? Thank you
Really love your reviews...informative and not just ads packed in a video! :)
concerning the sizing...I'm 180cm tall with an inseam of 83cm (74cm seat height from BB centre to centre of saddle)...would you recommend size up to an L or rather go with an M?
And have you ever ridden a Bulls Black Adder hardtail? Seems to be pretty good value too and also very light and relatively capable on the downhills..
Cheers from Switzerland :D
Glad you found the video review informative mate!
That's a good question about sizing, as Canyon recommends the Medium frame size for 175-183cm tall riders, which would include you at 180cm. However, it might be worth having a look at what you're riding at the moment, and seeing how the reach compares to the Exceed in the Medium (435mm) and the Large (455mm). If you're between sizes, it might come down to how you want the bike to fit and ride.
A Medium is going to offer you a shorter and more aggressive riding position, with your saddle being quite a bit higher than the grips. Some riders prefer that really aggressive riding position, particularly if you're doing a lot of racing and you have good fitness, flexibility and handling skills, and you're going to be using the bike mostly for racing and training. You could always fit a longer stem if you needed to increase the cockpit length, but the geometry is still going to be fairly aggressive.
On the other hand, the Large is going to have a longer cockpit, and the front end will be higher relative to the saddle. The head tube is 15mm taller on the Large, so that will naturally push the bars up a bit, though of course you can remove headset spacers to get the bars down lower if you need. If you have a longer torso for your 180cm height, the Large may be a little more comfortable for you, and the longer wheelbase will provide more stability, if you're after a less aggressive riding position. With your saddle height though, there won't be heaps of seatpost hanging out of the frame. The seat tube is quite a bit longer on the Large (495mm vs 458mm), and you won't have heaps of standover clearance either.
Hope that helps mate!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams thanks a lot for your helpful response! I would probabyl go with the size L just for more confidence in the downhills (currently riding a scott spark rc 900 in size L)..
@@TheTheMScope - Nice one! If the Large Scott Spark RC fits you well, then it looks like the Large in the Exceed would be the way to go. The seat tube length is basically the same between the two bikes, and so is the reach measurement. You'll find the riding position a touch more aggressive on the Exceed due to the steeper seat angle, but otherwise they appear to be pretty close in dimensions. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams thanks for the explanation. - good information. ^^
hello , what size you chose?
My god your hair is glorious.
I'm going for it Chris! I figure everyone's expectations have been significantly lowered for 2020 - this is the year to get away with the Iso-mullet! [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams shave the sides! Go all the way iso
Really enjoy your review!!
If comparing this with epic hardtail.. which one shoud you get?? 😂..
I really like exceed's shape and color.. but in Korea it will have 15~20% of custom.
So still cost effective than others but not that much...
And no local shop
Hullo mate! Have you checked out the full review? There's a detailed comparison between the Exceed vs Epic in there: flowmountainbike.com/tests/2021-canyon-exceed-cfr-team-review/ Hope that helps! [Wil]
Please review the strive and torque!!!!
Hullo there Daniel! We've already reviewed the Strive - czcams.com/video/pHnPHP_e2c4/video.html [Wil]
Would this bike make a good alternative to a gravel bike but you can still choose to ride a bit of xc when you need to?
It looks like a gravel bike, perfect for backpacking
Except for it’s a race bike.
Is there a bar riser option available?
Nice review. Are you planning to provide a review for the Lux 2021? I'm still trying to decide if I should buy the Lux this year or wait for 2022 for maybe a new design. What is your advice?
Cheers mate! We won't be reviewing the 2021 Lux, as the frame design is unchanged from the 2020 model we tested not long ago (czcams.com/video/vRHY_VT84b8/video.html). Good to see the 2021 models are coming standard with a dropper post now though, and the high-end models also feature the new one-piece carbon cockpit like the Exceed. As for waiting for a new design, it might be 2022 or 2023, depending on how quickly Canyon decides to turn over the current model, so you could be waiting for a while! [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams Thanks for your response.
the weight difference in cf 5 and cf 6... is that mostly wheels and fork?
XC for the win
Great review!! Very informative! Regarding the frame size, would you recommend a S or M for a rider of 173 cm length and inseam of 84,5 cm? I have relatively long legs and short torso, so I guess most important is to watch out for too much reach right?
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed the review!
That's a good question about sizing. I believe Canyon would recommend a Small for you at 173cm tall. Given you've got quite long legs, you could easily ride a Small or a Medium, but you're spot-on that reach could be an issue on the bigger frame size.
I found the riding position to be quite low and stretched out on the Exceed - it is, after all, an XC race bike, so that comes with the territory.
If you have a shorter torso/arms for your given height, then you'll potentially find the position even more stretched out on the Medium.
I'd recommend having a close look at the reach and effective top tube measurement of your current/previous bikes, and consider how they compare with the Exceed.
Hope that helps mate!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams Thanks for the advice! I'm going for a size S :-)
@@earlybirdadventures how does it feel with the S in the end ? I am 174/84 and going ahead with a purchase.
@@wiss4383 Size S fits me great!
@@earlybirdadventures thank you, please whats your saddle height ? I tend to stick it out quite a bit and scared of too much exposed lenght
Hi Will! Great video and above all: you are very sympathetic and shows very interessting details! Please allow me to quick questions. a) would you reccomend to ride with the VCLS2-Seatpost (more comfortable ride, especially due to the point that the Exceed is very harsh) or take the dropper-seatpost - and in this context: are 60 mm hub really enough for a dropper-post?? b) I don`t dare me to ask... (already so many questions with sizing, but you have the experience): I`m 175,5 tall and have long legs, with 85,5 cm inseam; saddle-high on my race-bike: 74cm (that means my upper body is in comparison to my legs a bit shorter). Will, even when you hate me for this question:-) S or M? Many greetings vom Germany and I`m looking already for your next videos! Oliver
Hi there Oliver!
At 175cm tall with a 71cm BB-to-saddle height, I personally got along with the Medium size just fine. I wouldn't want to ride the Small with its shorter reach and wheelbase.
You're about my height though you do have longer legs and a taller saddle height. That means you'll have no troubles with the saddle position. However, if you prefer a shorter cockpit you may find the position a little stretched out. The problem with the top-end models is the one-piece cockpit; it's not easy (or cheap) to change the stem length if you want to shorten the effective length.
I'd recommend taking a close look at the reach and effective top tube measurement of the Exceed and any other bikes you own or have ridden, to get an understanding of the best size for you. It may boil down to rider preference too. If you're after a really low and aggressive racing position and you're very flexible, the Small size may be preferable. If you want a slightly more open cockpit and a longer wheelbase for better descending stability, the Medium could be the way to go.
As for the seatpost, I'd personally go a dropper post 100% of the time. The comfort is really nice with the VCLS seatpost, and if you're riding less challenging trails then it will surely be fine. For my riding and preferred terrain, I like to be able to drop the saddle out of the way. However, the 60mm DT Swiss dropper is on the short side - my personal bike has the BikeYoke Divine SL with 80mm of travel, and I really like it for XC use, though I have occasionally found myself wanting 100mm of travel, mostly for cornering technique.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
Hi Will, many many thanks for your detailed answer!! It`really helps me a lot. I´m looking forward more videos from you. Today I have a bit more time and perhaps I find on your page a review of the Giant XTC Advanced. Reason: Your reports are just great and you are very experienced! Greetings from Germany, Oliver!
Exceed is not harsh, if anything it’s more comfortable than my Canyon Stoic with an alu frame and 140 mm fork.
Hi, I'm looking for the fastest gravel MTB!! 80% gravel and 20% MTB trail. Is this my bike or should I look at the Epic or FSI. Thanks
Exceed is a rocket everywhere.
I noticed XTR Drivetrain - combined with RaceFace Next crankset + RaceFace ChainRing...It doesn't get clear what chain have they used to accomodate that combo? FYI on Canyon site - there is no info aswell. Is this using a KMC chain or somehow you made it work (Shimano Chain + RaceFace Chain Ring)?
Hey there Martin! The chain is a Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed chain. The latest version of the Race Race Next SL crankset (the G5) was introduced last year, and it features an updated carbon layup for the crank arms, along with a new direct mount chainring that is compatible with Shimano 12-speed chains. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams Thank you, a ton!! I,m xurrently upgrading my 12 speed - going to use this chainring and avoid KMC chain.
p.s: another great review, always a great content
What is the diameter of the tires?
So Canyon Lux or Exceed?! Can't decide. Maybe need both 🙄😁😂, but already have a 2017 Strive and a Specialized diverge....
Ooph, tough choice! I really enjoyed riding the Exceed - more than I thought I would, given it's a pretty aggressive race bike. I was surprised what I could comfortably ride on it though, especially with the bigger tyres, and a dropper post would really take things up a notch.
I guess it depends on the terrain you're riding - smoother, buffed-out singletrack will play to the hardtail's strengths. But if your trails are rockier and rougher, and you're looking for more comfort, particularly for those riders who experience lower back pain, the full suspension Lux would be the more practical choice.
Good luck with the decision!
[Wil]
Conveniently I am the same height and have the same inseam as you. (175/81) I'm looking at getting one of the slx with a dropper. How much room to spare did you have on the seat post with respect to maximum insert. We're you on the limit or was there room to play with. Looking at the geo charts and Measuring off my current bike suggests I'm on the limit. Cheers for any help 😁🍺
Hey Warren! My BB-to-saddle height is around 70cm, which is on the low side for my height. On the Exceed, that left around 215mm of exposed seatpost (measured from the top of the frame's seat tube to the middle of the saddle rails). Looking at the DT Swiss dropper post specs, it appears that you need a minimum extension of 210mm. So yes, it would be right on the limit!
Unfortunately I don't have one of those DT dropper posts to try out. I do have a BikeYoke Divine SL dropper post though, and that looks like it would fit with plenty of room to spare, since it uses a more conventional tube-in-tube design, compared to the DT post with its external tube design.
Hope that helps Warren!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeCZcams thanks will. You are a legend . Appreciate your help. Keep up the good work 👌💯
@@warrensillitoe1025 Even more conveniently I am the same height and have the same inseam as you. (175/81) and even the same BB-to-saddle height of around 70cm. Very curious to hear if you got an SLX with the dropper and if it worked. Thanks for letting me know!
@@bjornotte4097 I did and it fits with 10mm to spare 😁
@@warrensillitoe1025 Awesome, thank you!
What frame size is it? I'm 1.84 and I don't know which one I need. I'm about to order this bike in the next few days.
Hullo Breiner! At 5:15 in the video, there's a discussion about the size of the test bike, my height, and some recommendations about what to look for when sizing up the Exceed.
Hope that helps mate!
[Wil]
Trek procaliber to review please
We'd love to Reinier! Unfortunately Procalibers appear to be completely unavailable in Australia at the moment. When they do become available, we'll see if we can get our hands on one to test out for you! [Wil]
would the exceed CF 6 be worth the money and be a good xc bike ?
Yes. CF6 is actually better than CF7 in my opinion. I saved €500 and bought a DT Swiss dropper plus some gear instead of those carbon wheels.
Nice bike but what shorts are those?
Probably Dharco gravity shorts
Hey Stuart! Those are ION Traze baggy shorts - really nice and lightweight for trail riding. [Wil]
How tall are you? I’m 5’8 and canyon recommended I get a “Small”. Which I did, I just ordered the 2021 Exceed CF SLX 9 in Small. I hope it fits me right. Please let me know what you think. I’m 5’8 with a 31 inseam.
i think it's good
Hey there Robert! There's a whole discussion about fit and sizing in the video @5:16, and there's also a heap more detail in the full review if you get the chance to check it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/2021-canyon-exceed-cfr-team-review/ [Wil]
Which wahoo mount do you use?
That bracket is Canyon's own Garmin mount, with a converter to run the Wahoo head unit: www.canyon.com/en-au/gear/accessories/computers-and-navigation/accessories/canyon-mtb-garmin-mount/10006152.html
can you put a fox transfer dropper
You sure could! A Transfer SL would be a good shout as it's quite a bit lighter. Here's our review on it if you fancy checking it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/fox-transfer-sl-dropper-review/
[Wil]
wow, way out of my price range
Test Pivot LES SL and you will change your mind
What is your height?
175cm and I was testing the Medium frame size. Loads more detail on bike fit, sizing and setup here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/2021-canyon-exceed-cfr-team-review/
[Wil]
Thankyou for that :)
Still BB92?! Canyon generally has poorly aligned and undersized bottom bracket shells leading to all sorts or issues. Only bad tolerances will wreak a bearing that fast. What a shame.
it does make it lighter which seems to be the focus of this bike (and why they're asking sof much for it)
@@lechprotean Good tolerances does not weigh more. They cost more! BB386EEVO would still be light but accommodates 30mm spindles with proper bearing sizes and stance. Heck the S-works is lighter still and uses threaded BB (which is no guarantee for proper alignment)
So basically. Top of the line exceed is twice the money of a radon jaelous at a slightly worse spec while being made in the same region of China.
For a brand that supposedly sells cheaper because they sell direct it's a total joke at best.
Exceed is made in Germany. Cheaper bikes are made in Thailand. Relax.