The Canyon Endurace WMN has clocked up many accolades since it was launched in 2017, and its combo of great value-for-money, spec and impressive performance mean that, despite a few spec changes, it’s still a top-notch option for 2019.
- The Canyon WMN Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 is one of our Bike of the Year bikes for 2019. To read reviews of the other contenders and the categories tested across road, mountain and women's bikes, visit our Bike of the Year hub.
Built for endurance-focussed riding, its light frame and build combined with an efficient ride feel make it well suited to those who want something that’s versatile enough to handle speed-oriented riding and racing too.
Interestingly, this model has seen a serious price drop over the 2018 model in some terrritories, to the tune of several hundred pounds/dollars. Last year it cost £2,699 / $2,699 / AU$4,299, this year, it’s £2,249 / $2,799 / AU$3,649 / €2,499.
It’s not pure generosity though, because several areas of the spec have swapped to lower-priced options, and you do have to factor in postage and packing costs too, which in the UK come to around £48 while Australian customers pay a chunkier AU$200.
But even taking all of this into account, it still represents excellent value-for-money.
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 frame
The carbon frame and forks, along with the groupset, weigh an impressive 8.01kg for a size small, one of the lightest bikes on the market at a similar frame and spec level.
As a 5ft8in / 1m 72, I’d usually ride a 54cm or 53cm frame, or a size medium, in most brands, but in Canyon road bike sizing I’m a small. So it’s important that if you’re thinking about getting one, you follow the company’s online fit system.
While the bike shares its name with the unisex/men’s version, the Endurace WMN frame has a geometry designed to suit women. This is based on biometric and performance measurements, as well as observations from Canyon’s own online fit system and body dimension databases.
WMN geometry includes a slightly shorter reach and greater stack, designed to give riders the same on-bike position no matter which size —the range extends right down to a 3XS and up to M — and subsequently similar performance and feel across both the Endurace and Endurace WMN ranges.
The frame has a neat, streamlined look that’s aided by internal cable routing and an integrated seatpost clamp.
Finally, while colour may not be the first think you look at, I’m personally a big fan of the deep, dark purple wash over the carbon with black decals that this model is available in. There’s also a shiny black option, but fans of louder coloured bikes will be disappointed.
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL Disc 8.0 kit
There’s really nothing to criticise about the spec on this model. A full Shimano Ultegra groupset offers smooth, efficient and reliable shifting, while the 11-34t cassette with 50/34t chainrings offer plenty of low gears for making easy work of sustained climbs and energy pacing on long rides.
Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes are also top notch, providing strong braking with subtle control that allows you to shave off speed as and when you need it, but without being harsh on the hands — a definite boon on long descents.
Shifters have both adjustable grip width and bite point, meaning you can bring them closer to the bars, which is great news for riders with smaller hands — no more over stretching!
There's also the carbon VCLS 2.0 seatpost, which allows adjustable setback of either 15 or 25mm. More importantly, though, the split design acts like a leaf spring, absorbing road chatter for a noticeably smooth ride without compromising efficiency.
The drop in price from the 2018 model is achieved via a few spec changes, chief among them being the change from a one-piece, integrated carbon ergo-cockpit. While the one-piece design offered weight-saving and aerodynamic benefits, it did limit fit adjustment. So, this year, Canyon has instead specced an alloy stem and short-reach handlebar with width-dependent drops and comfy Ergospeed Gel bar tape.
It’s not quite as shock absorbing as the ergo-cockpit was, but is still plenty comfy for long rides, plus upgrading to carbon parts in the future is always an option.
Wheels have also been switched to cheaper but only slightly heavier DT Swiss E 1800 DB Spline 23s, weighing 1,655g a pair. This is a quality set that provides a firm footing for long-distance rides.
The ‘E’ here stands for endurance and is in keeping with the long-haul purpose of this bike. The wheels also feature some of DT Swiss’s latest designs with a 24mm external width and 20mm internal width — a great match for wider tyres such as the 28mm tyres specced.
The Continental GP4000s II tyres and the width they offer add further plushness to the ride. These might not be the latest model after the introduction of the new GP5000s in late 2018, but they are still one of our favourite tyres at BikeRadar.
Finally, it’s clear that Canyon takes its commitment to providing as uniform a ride experience as possible for riders of all sizes seriously. As well as producing bikes from M to 3XS, covering a rider height range of 152cm to 186cm or 4ft9in to 6ft1in, it’s opted to spec a smaller 650b wheel size on the 3XS and 2XS sizes to allow for consistent geometry.
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL 8.0 ride verdict
The value for money that the Endurace WMN CF SL 8.0 represents is not to be sniffed at, but it’s more than just a great bundle of parts. Put them together with the well thought-out frame and you’ve got a bike that also delivers in the comfort and performance stakes.
Despite the bike being aimed more towards the comfort end of the spectrum, it still has enough of an efficient edge and nimble feel to give a nice turn of speed when you need it.
In corners the bike feels firmly planted, and overall handling is stable and secure. It’s not as nimble or lively as other more race-focussed bikes in this price range though.
While it might not be the plushest bike out there for long distances, or the raciest in terms of out-and-out speed, stiffness and power, it is a whole lot of fun to ride and very versatile.
If you’re looking for a bike that’s a good all-rounder with a great spec that could be upgraded to an outstanding spec, the Endurace WMN is one to consider.
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL 8.0 specifications
- Sizes (*tested): XXXS, XXS, XS, S*, M
- Weight: 8.01kg
- Frame: Carbon
- Fork: One One Four SL carbon
- Chainset: Shimano Ultegra
- Bottom bracket: Shimano pressfit
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS8000 11 - 34t
- Chain: Shimano CN-HG700-11
- Derailleurs: Shimano Ultegra long-cage
- Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Disc ST 8020
- Wheelset: DT Swiss E 1800 DB Spline
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 4000s II 28
- Stem: Canyon V13 80mm
- Bar: Canyon H17 Ergo AL 400mm (size S)
- Headset: Canyon/Acros
- Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Lady Flow
- Seatpost: Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF with 25/13mm set back
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc
Canyon Endurace WMN CF SL 8.0 geometry
- Seat angle: 73.5 degrees
- Head angle: 71.5 degrees
- Chainstay: 41.5cm
- Seat tube: 49.2cm
- Top tube: 53.47cm
- Head tube: 14.3cm
- Wheelbase: 985.7mm
- Stack: 56.11cm
- Reach: 36.85cm
- Price: £2,249 / $2,699 / AU$3,699
BikeRadar would like to thank Stolen Goat, Lazer, Northwave and Effetto Mariposa for their help and support during our Bike of the Year test.
