Canyon Aeroad - Read if you planning on purchasing one

[Bateleur1]

And I found a way around this top tube cracking dilema. HTFU, and ride bikes like they did in the good old days:

 

bikefit2.gif

 

Brings tears to my eyes ...

[Edition 507]

And I found a way around this top tube cracking dilema. HTFU, and ride bikes like they did in the good old days:

 

bikefit2.gif

This guy is facing a totally different crack problem!

[DieselnDust]

All you hubbers are heartless cracking jokes about the poor OP's misfortune.

Misfortune??

Nee man, if the tt broke and he fell through ripping his arse on one side and his John Thomas on the other..... That would be misfortune...

As it stands he got away with a cracked frame. That's lucky in my book

[Headshot]

And I found a way around this top tube cracking dilema. HTFU, and ride bikes like they did in the good old days:

 

bikefit2.gif

That is flippin aero. We'll be seeing this in the Vuelta I bet.

[Bateleur1]

Misfortune??

Nee man, if the tt broke and he fell through ripping his arse on one side and his John Thomas on the other..... That would be misfortune...

As it stands he got away with 2 cracked frames. That's lucky in my book

 

Fixed

[Edition 507]

[karma]

canyon.jpg

 

the whole thread summed up in one picture. 

[SwissVan]

Back in my day, when we damaged a top tube, we just bent it straight again.

 

I once hit a car on Bird Street in Stellenbosch as it turned across traffic into the Caltex, while doing about 30km/h. I had those same ripples on the top tube (how the wheels and everything else were fine is beyond me).

 

I took the bike to Flandria, and together we just bent it straight. Together. For free. Rode that bike for years after that. Steel is real!

 

But, I would never have even considered sitting on the top tube. You only sat on the top tube of your Invader because your parents were "future proofing" themselves and had bought you a bike 4 sizes too big!

 

back-in-my-day.jpg

Ja nee

When men were men and bikes did not have disc brakes

[button]

An interesting conundrum this.

 

And I agree with alot of things said by everyone. At first I was willing to agree with this being a flaw with the bike and canyon etc etc, but the more I thought about it, the way I ride, the way people "should" be riding then my opinion started to change.

 

For starters. I think if you are sitting on the TT when doing an aero tuck you are doing it wrong. It's a quick way to make yourself sterile in the event you hit anything thicker than a 10c coin at 80kph.

 

I think it's common knowledge that the TT is one of the thinnest tubes in a bike frame.

I've been riding for 12 years now. Racing elite a year now. And when I aero tuck I don't put any weight on the tube. I just sit low enough that I can feel the tube and then hover a little higher that. But weight that's a no-no in any event. But I think the others in the SA elite scene will concure with that as well. Aerotuck = down low close to TT but no weight.

 

And technically speaking aero tucking isn't therefore technically illegal as you aren't using the TT as a contact point. And I don't think it should be banned either. Why should a position be banned? Yes it might be risky but if you have good enough skill to pull it off use it to your advantage but at your own peril? I've had to use the Aerotuck a few times in the descents. Spesh and the Wintunnel did a test where the tuck can get you nearly 10kph of free speed in the descent once you've spun out. There are times when that little extra is needed.

 

Back on the actual topic though. I don't think there is anything wrong with the bike. If you are putting some or most or all of your 86kg heft on the TT doing the now aptly named "destructotuk", it's a big ask for pretty much any tube on the bike. I don't think it has anything to do with the bikes quality or the way its built. Maybe Canyons quality should be questioned maybe it shouldn't. But I think if you hit a bump hard enough that the frame, at that point, gets exposed to 86kg of force or more and breaks I don't think it's the frames fault.

 

Now I get what you are trying to attempt to say by trying to make it seem that you are a skilled rider and all that "cat1" and all that? I assume that's A batch? No offense to any A batch or lower riders here on the Hub. But having come from A batch, it isn't all that fast and or skilled for that fact. And it sounds like you kind of wanted to prove a point to the guys at Canyon but ended up doing the opposite. Because a knowledgeable rider (don't read as good or skilled but rather as those with bike knowledge) will know that sitting on the TT is not good. It's a thinly built tube and one of the thinnest on a bike. And by making this high story of being skilled and cat1 and then concluded with sitting on TT with weight on it, you just made yourself look like an arse to the guys at Canyon. If you don't have the core strength to hover while aero tucking, You shouldn't be doing it. Because you will be putting yourself and other cyclists around you in unnecessary danger. Because either the bike will fail as you have seen. Or because your bike control is actually compromised vs "hovering" over the TT and you can easily wobble and loose control of the bike.

 

Edit:

 

Something I left out. But on the other hand. Frames do get exposed to forces outside of their design spec all the time. Often when waiting at races I sit perpendicular to the bike and lean back against the top tube. I also do the whole "sitting on the top tube while straddling the bike" while waiting for the races to start. My Fuji Transonic hasn't cracked yet and neither have any of my other carbon bikes when I have done this to them. But then again they are probably only betting exposed to maybe 60% of my 65kg weight. It's difficult to say whether the Canyon would of cracked or not of exposed to similar loads. And if they do. Then it's probably another can of worms entirely.

 

Ok. So I'm going to reply to this because it the longest but also hopefully respond to some other remarks.

 

And also hopefully take this to Friday...

 

I think firstly I need to clarify my TT riding. I didn't have my full weight on the TT. Maybe not because I thought it couldn't handle it but because, like somebody mentioned, the control is better. My snotty email to Canyon - after what I perceived to be a rude reply - I only mentioned my riding category to emphasize that I know how to ride a bicycle competitively. After them comparing me to a pro I thought this was necessary. I too rode a few races in elite last year and this year I'm in VA... not the point but vastly different from 'A' batch. Around bends I would bear no weight on the top tube. On longer descents, like off the back of Longtom for example, I would take some weight off my legs and 'rest' (still not full load baring) on the top tube when the road allowed it. I feel I need to clarify this as an example was made where I was asked if I would stand on my top tube and jump on it? No of course not - and how I have just explained my illegal top tube riding, it is completely different to putting an 86kg gym bar on it like another person mentioned.

 

I was clearly ignorant before this and didn't realise riding on the top tube was so frowned upon. Maybe if I had consulted the ever wise Hub before, my email to Canyon may have been different? But as Canyon didn't give me any more information other than what a pro earns for a stage victory, I found it necessary to give them a piece of my mind. After never having cracked a top tube before and then cracking 3 in the same place I'm sure you can understand why I thought this has to be an issue with the bike or even a batch issue. My fiery reply to Canyon received no further information than the first email I got from them so I needed answers and this is where I came...

 

I think some have missed the point of my post. This is a 'single center study' as such. I never once advertised that you should not buy the Aeroad because it has a flawed design. This is my experience and I felt people considering the Aeroad should be made aware. If you are over 80kg, occasionally 'ride' on your top tube and planning on getting an Aeroad then I hope you would really consider this information before making your choice. If you are 65kg, never sit on your top tube and you want an Aeroad then this thread is completely irrelevant to you. Or, if you are the first type of person and you believe you are experienced enough, like a pro, to ride your top tube without issues then again this is irrelevant.

 

Another thing I need to clear is that I, in no way expect Canyon to honour the warranty. Not the first time and definitely not the third time! If this is the inherent design of their frame (which it seems so) and riding on your top tube is 'not normal bike use' and 'not normal bike use is not covered in the warranty then that is that. But what I have a problem with is why this is not communicated more clearly? Lots of you say "Ah its common logic"... ***! I'll admit that I had no idea of this 'common logic' (apart from balancing on one foot on my TT and jumping up and down) and I'd hazard a guess to say more that 50% of the viewers of this post are of the same opinion. Check this... Canyon have different classifications for their bikes denominated by numerals... so for example number 1 is for their road bikes and 2 for gravel bikes etc... (maybe my number or class is wrong but you get the point). So the Aeroad comes with a lovely big stick on the down tube 'Class 1' - Road use only. So any issues arising using the Aeroad on a jump track would not be covered by warranty. Road Bike = Road. Gravel Bike = Gravel... duh. This to me is as common as logic gets. Canyon will happily brand their bikes to explain which surface the bike should be ridden on but when it comes to the less 'common' of the logics, like sitting on a top tube, its not mentioned anywhere.

 

As Canyon didn't confirm or deny the occurrence of issues like this one can only assume it happens more than they would care to admit. Perhaps you'll only find the odd case of broken top tubes on the internet because when an Aeroad owner attempts a warranty claim they dont get as upset as I did and no one hears of it any further. This has been hugely distracting and a lot admin that I think a lot of people would rather avoid.

 

Pro's, amateurs and general public ride, sit and descend on their top tube. And in the context of my post why they do it is irrelevant - It happens - illegal or not.  As a premium bike manufacturer that targets the general public and weekend warriors, I believe they should take this into account and make it clearer that their top tube is designed to save weight and sitting on it may cause issues - rather than lumping it under 'normal bike use'. Normal bike use for a commute is different to normal bike use for a race? Sunday riders may have a completely different view of normal bike use than an amateur that races ever second weekend - both parties could easily own an Aeroad. If Canyon feel it’s necessary to let their customers know that the Aeroad must not be used on a MTB track then they definitely need to let customers know not to use the top tube. 

 

Lots of personal digs here too which are not really necessary but I can understand why. Some comments in my emails I may sound like a **** to you but Canyon had no idea who I was and with very little hesitation assumed my lack of experience. I was angry.. still am.

 

I would just like to highlight from my original post –

 

“It seems to me that manufacturers are trying to save weight anywhere they can with these new age aero frames and they end up compromising their bikes so much that they sit on such a fine line between beneficial and detrimental

 

 

 I would love to hear your guys thoughts and opinions and if anyone has experienced issues like this with their Canyon or even with other bikes.

 

 

 Again I dont want to be scathing but If I had this information at hand when I was making a decision I most likely would not have bought the Aeroad and I hope that potential buyers would appreciate the information.”

 

This was the aim of my post and I tried to make it clear to avoid a lot of the comments that have been posted… but there was always the chance that this would go a little astray…

And by they way how do you guys reply so quickly? There were 21 pages of comments I had to go through

[Bike Mob]

I have a Niner I bought from you that broke after I pulled it through my crack.

 

Should I ask Canyon whether it is a warantee-able matter?

 

Hahaha, you may as well they're on a roll!

[Barend de Arend]

And by they way how do you guys reply so quickly? There were 21 pages of comments I had to go through

 

Easy.  Absolutely under no circumstances:

• engage brain
• proof read
• wait to be sober

[Johan A Marais]

It was, but because he saw a Pro do it, it was considered normal usage and Giant had to do warranty replacements.

 

http://i.imgur.com/xzeXJRu.gif

 

Man, I hate this attitude, he will be fired and out of my team before the bike hits the road, and he will walk home...  I will make it my mission to ensure he never rides professional again.  Mistreating a bike is like mistreating an animal - inexcusable...  Ek is nou sommer moerig... 

[Shebeen]

this oke knows how to ride a bike

 

 

[DieselnDust]

Ok. So I'm going to reply to this because it the longest but also hopefully respond to some other remarks.

 

And also hopefully take this to Friday...

 

I think firstly I need to clarify my TT riding. I didn't have my full weight on the TT. Maybe not because I thought it couldn't handle it but because, like somebody mentioned, the control is better. My snotty email to Canyon - after what I perceived to be a rude reply - I only mentioned my riding category to emphasize that I know how to ride a bicycle competitively. After them comparing me to a pro I thought this was necessary. I too rode a few races in elite last year and this year I'm in VA... not the point but vastly different from 'A' batch. Around bends I would bear no weight on the top tube. On longer descents, like off the back of Longtom for example, I would take some weight off my legs and 'rest' (still not full load baring) on the top tube when the road allowed it. I feel I need to clarify this as an example was made where I was asked if I would stand on my top tube and jump on it? No of course not - and how I have just explained my illegal top tube riding, it is completely different to putting an 86kg gym bar on it like another person mentioned.

 

I was clearly ignorant before this and didn't realise riding on the top tube was so frowned upon. Maybe if I had consulted the ever wise Hub before, my email to Canyon may have been different? But as Canyon didn't give me any more information other than what a pro earns for a stage victory, I found it necessary to give them a piece of my mind. After never having cracked a top tube before and then cracking 3 in the same place I'm sure you can understand why I thought this has to be an issue with the bike or even a batch issue. My fiery reply to Canyon received no further information than the first email I got from them so I needed answers and this is where I came...

 

I think some have missed the point of my post. This is a 'single center study' as such. I never once advertised that you should not buy the Aeroad because it has a flawed design. This is my experience and I felt people considering the Aeroad should be made aware. If you are over 80kg, occasionally 'ride' on your top tube and planning on getting an Aeroad then I hope you would really consider this information before making your choice. If you are 65kg, never sit on your top tube and you want an Aeroad then this thread is completely irrelevant to you. Or, if you are the first type of person and you believe you are experienced enough, like a pro, to ride your top tube without issues then again this is irrelevant.

 

Another thing I need to clear is that I, in no way expect Canyon to honour the warranty. Not the first time and definitely not the third time! If this is the inherent design of their frame (which it seems so) and riding on your top tube is 'not normal bike use' and 'not normal bike use is not covered in the warranty then that is that. But what I have a problem with is why this is not communicated more clearly? Lots of you say "Ah its common logic"... ***! I'll admit that I had no idea of this 'common logic' (apart from balancing on one foot on my TT and jumping up and down) and I'd hazard a guess to say more that 50% of the viewers of this post are of the same opinion. Check this... Canyon have different classifications for their bikes denominated by numerals... so for example number 1 is for their road bikes and 2 for gravel bikes etc... (maybe my number or class is wrong but you get the point). So the Aeroad comes with a lovely big stick on the down tube 'Class 1' - Road use only. So any issues arising using the Aeroad on a jump track would not be covered by warranty. Road Bike = Road. Gravel Bike = Gravel... duh. This to me is as common as logic gets. Canyon will happily brand their bikes to explain which surface the bike should be ridden on but when it comes to the less 'common' of the logics, like sitting on a top tube, its not mentioned anywhere.

 

As Canyon didn't confirm or deny the occurrence of issues like this one can only assume it happens more than they would care to admit. Perhaps you'll only find the odd case of broken top tubes on the internet because when an Aeroad owner attempts a warranty claim they dont get as upset as I did and no one hears of it any further. This has been hugely distracting and a lot admin that I think a lot of people would rather avoid.

 

Pro's, amateurs and general public ride, sit and descend on their top tube. And in the context of my post why they do it is irrelevant - It happens - illegal or not.  As a premium bike manufacturer that targets the general public and weekend warriors, I believe they should take this into account and make it clearer that their top tube is designed to save weight and sitting on it may cause issues - rather than lumping it under 'normal bike use'. Normal bike use for a commute is different to normal bike use for a race? Sunday riders may have a completely different view of normal bike use than an amateur that races ever second weekend - both parties could easily own an Aeroad. If Canyon feel it’s necessary to let their customers know that the Aeroad must not be used on a MTB track then they definitely need to let customers know not to use the top tube. 

 

Lots of personal digs here too which are not really necessary but I can understand why. Some comments in my emails I may sound like a **** to you but Canyon had no idea who I was and with very little hesitation assumed my lack of experience. I was angry.. still am.

 

I would just like to highlight from my original post –

 

“It seems to me that manufacturers are trying to save weight anywhere they can with these new age aero frames and they end up compromising their bikes so much that they sit on such a fine line between beneficial and detrimental

 

 

 I would love to hear your guys thoughts and opinions and if anyone has experienced issues like this with their Canyon or even with other bikes.

 

 

 Again I dont want to be scathing but If I had this information at hand when I was making a decision I most likely would not have bought the Aeroad and I hope that potential buyers would appreciate the information.”

 

This was the aim of my post and I tried to make it clear to avoid a lot of the comments that have been posted… but there was always the chance that this would go a little astray…

And by they way how do you guys reply so quickly? There were 21 pages of comments I had to go through

 

Dude the aerotuck is the cycling equivalent of a modified Honda civic with 7okes inside but you can't see the driver cos he's sitting on the floor.

Should Honda warranty the car when H goes through the floor?

Should Honda make the floor so that it can take the load of a ass bouncing on it?

 

 

Asking for a friend

[Grey Hubs]

OP, I really feel for you and your frustration. I don't think one person here wishes this on any Hubber... But we are all looking at the facts and wondering who's right and wrong and adding the comments/logic to the forum.

When it doesn't affect you directly, it is easy to criticize...

 

 

S.A is a small pool in the Ocean of  Canyon sales. Is there a Canyon blog with overseas people experiencing the same issues? That would be interesting!

[SwissVan]

Dude the aerotuck is the cycling equivalent of a modified Honda civic with 7okes inside but you can't see the driver cos he's sitting on the floor.

Should Honda warranty the car when H goes through the floor?

Should Honda make the floor so that it can take the load of a ass bouncing on it?

 

 

Asking for a friend

Hey!

Leave big H out of this