Ahead of Eurobike, German direct-sales brand Canyon has unveiled its updated range of Inflite 'cross bikes for 2017.
Canyon has again opted to only offer the Inflite with an aluminium frame, either made from the brands' top tier smooth welded AL SLX alloy or second tier AL 7005 alloy. However, according to Canyon’s website all the frames will carry the same claimed weight of 1,480g in a size medium.
For 2017, Inflite ‘cross bikes come with Canyon’s F21 full carbon fork with a tapered steerer and VLCS (Vertical Comfort Lateral Stiffness) seatpost, which has a built in leaf spring to absorb bumps and vibrations.
At the back, the Inflite sees asymmetric seatstays that are also given the VLCS label, which Canyon says allows for a comfortable ride without sacrificing power transfer or succumbing to the additional forces of the disc brake. The bottom of the Inflite’s toptube has also been flattened for more comfortable shouldering.
It seems that Canyon has opted to offer the 2017 Inflite with front and rear quick release over thru-axles, an interesting choice given the way the industry is going and considering the brand's Endurace disc road bikes feature front and rear 12mm thru-axles. The bikes also see a PF86 bottom bracket and Selle Italia saddles across the range.
New for 2017 is Canyon’s Sponsorship deal. For ‘cross racers, especially in muddy areas of the world, having an A and B bike can be invaluable, but for many amateurs this isn't financially feasible. So to soften the blow to your wallet ever-so-slightly, if you order two Inflite AL SLX 8.0 Pro Race or 9.0 Pro Race cyclocross bikes with identical specs Canyon will knock £400 / US$N/A / AU$600 or £600 / US$TBC / AU$1000 off the price.
The 2017 range of Inflite CX bikes is available for pre-order now and is slated to begin shipping between mid-September to early October.
Inflite Al SLX 9.0 Pro Race
Canyon's flagship offering for 2017 is the Inflite AL SLX 9.0 Pro Race, which includes a full SRAM Force CX1x11 drivetrain and SRAM’s new Quarq Prime carbon power ready cranks.
Likely in an effort to allow greater utility, Canyon has opted to spec the tubeless-ready Reynolds Assault Carbon SLG SE wheels over the tubular version, as seen on last year's bike, as well as Schwalbe X-one tyres. While it’s quite a racy build, the Inflite Al SLX 9.0 Pro Race still sees rack and fender mounts and two sets of water bottle bosses, as does the rest of the range.
The race-ready Inflite Al SLX 9.0 Pro Race has a claimed weight of 8.3kg and is set to retail for £2,699 / US$N/A / AU$4,699.
Inflite AL SLX 8.0 Pro Race
Coming in at a much more budget-friendly £1,699 / US$N/A / AU$2,999, the Inflite Al SLX 8.0 Pro Race has a flash paint job and a slightly cheaper spec, but should still offer plenty of performance.
For the money you get a full Rival 1x11 drivetrain including hydraulic brakes and SRAM’s new Quarq Prime power ready cranks.
The 8.0 Pro Race also trades the Reynolds Carbon wheels for DT Swiss R23 tubeless-ready alloy clinchers and an aptly named Miami Sunset paint job— though it’s also available in the subdued Matte Black and Grey, and comes with a claimed weight of 8.7kg.
Inflite AL 9.0
Taking another step down in price, the Inflite AL 9.0's frame is made with a slightly cheaper grade of aluminium and doesn’t get Canyon's smooth weld treatment. The AL 9.0 also gets an Ultegra mechanical drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ‘cross specific 46/36T double crankset.
The AL 9.0 is tubeless ready with DT Swiss R23 wheels and Schwalbe X-one tyres.
Canyon says the Inflite AL 9.0 weighs in at 8.9kg and will cost £1,799. US and Australian pricing and availability are to be confirmed.
Inflite AL 9.0 S
Targeted at the gravel grinder among us, the AL 9.0 S is almost identical to the AL 9.0 except that it swaps the 45/36T front chainrings for a semi-compact 52/36T, as well as tubeless ready DT R24 Spline DB rolling stock and 28mm Continental GP4000 tyres.
With a claimed weight of 8.7kg, the Inflite AL 9.0 S will cost £1,599. US and Australian pricing and availability are to be confirmed.
Inflite AL 8.0
Rounding out the Inflite CX range is the AL 8.0, which has a Shimano 105 mechanical drivetrain, hydraulic discs, tubeless ready DT R24 Spline DB wheels and Schwalbe X-one tyres.
Claimed to weigh 9.2kg the Inflite AL 8.0 is set to retail for £1,399 / US$N/A / AU$2,499