Canyon has finally announced the launch of the new Canyon Aeroad, more than a year after prototypes appeared under Mathieu Van der Pol ahead of the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.

On first impression, the design is very much in line with the modern trend of combining aerodynamics and weight reduction. It features an integrated cockpit, wide tire clearance, and a focus on disc brakes.

However, the Air Road has a few additional quirks.

Canyon says the finished bike is 7.4 watts faster, 168 grams lighter, and 14 percent stiffer than the previous model, and early impressions of the 2021 Canyon Aeroad review are very positive.

The lineup consists of eight models across three platforms. The Aeroad CF SL is a bike that features mechanical shifting, the same external cockpit as the old Aeroad, 650B wheels in two sizes minimum, and 3XS size options.

The Aeroad CF SLX is in the middle of the range, while the halo model, the Aeroad CFR, features Canyon's new top-class carbon layups; the CF SLX and CFR use 700c wheels in all sizes, both with new CP0018 integrated cockpit.

All three models share the same geometry chart and a new seatpost with the catchy name SP0046.

With the help of Swiss Side CFD software and aerodynamics experts, Canyon has performed seven times more CFD analysis on the current model airloads to maximize efficiency at zero degree yaw as well as to take advantage of the sailing effect in crosswinds.

In wind tunnel tests conducted by the German magazine Tour (which Canyon uses to benchmark its performance), the original Aeroad has long reigned as the fastest bike available. In recent years, some bikes have been tested better, but the Aeroad remains the fastest bike available. However, the new Aeroad is reportedly 7.4 watts faster, putting Canyon back on the number one spot.

Meanwhile, by breaking the bike down into individual components and making each lighter, the new Aeroad CFR is 168 grams lighter and 14 percent stiffer.

This improvement was further enhanced by Alejandro Valverde's decision to use the new Airload for all stages of this year's Tour de France, including the high mountain stages and the second half of stage 20's time trial.

Cyclingnews' L-size test model weighed 7.3 kg with deep-section clincher wheels and bottle cages; Valverde's Air Road with tubular wheels can reach 6.8 kg without problems.

Because of Canyon's direct-to-consumer approach and subsequent courier delivery of the bikes, Canyon sought a solution that would allow all customers to assemble the bike's integrated cockpit without risk of damage.

The result is Canyon's new CP0018 aero cockpit, which allows the handlebar to be split at the top without removing any cables. The outer part of the handlebar (drop, hood, shifter, and part of the top) then slides into the center section and is secured with two hex bolts. This not only improves safety when the bike is first ridden, but also simplifies things when the owner travels with the bike in the future.

In addition, this approach allows the handlebar width to be adjusted in three 20mm increments from 370mm to 450mm, depending on the frame size. However, the cables are routed internally, so if one wants to shorten/lengthen the stem in the future, the cables will need to be disassembled. The handlebar splits at the top, allowing the shifter to remain in place and the same drop to be installed on the new center section.

Canyon has also modernized the Quill stem, which allows the spacer to be removed from under the stem without having to cut the steerer tube. Thanks to the popularity of integrated cockpits, many modern bikes forgo the traditional stem, spacer, and top cap design. As a result, the steerer tube must be cut to try a lower position, and as a result, riders often cannot return to their original higher position.

Canyon's Quill stem design secures the stem to a 1/4" sleeve that slides over the outside of the 1/8" steerer tube. This allows for 15mm of height adjustment in 5mm increments without having to cut the steerer.

The downside to this is that the new Aeroad is limited to Canyon's CP0018 cockpit, which at launch is only available in limited sizes and minus 6 degree angles. However, a CP0015 "Profit" cockpit with a minus 17 degree angle will be available soon.

The overarching challenge for Canyon's engineers was to create a race bike that was as aerodynamic, light, and fast as possible. But Canyon also understands that aero affects everyone, not just professional riders racing at 45 km/h.

Canyon's engineers also wanted to make the bike as aerodynamic, light, and fast as possible. [Therefore, Canyon relaxed the geometry of the aggressively-positioned Aeroad CF SLX, extending the stack by 9 mm and shortening the reach by 5 mm. The resulting riding position mirrors the "Sport Pro" geometry of the brand's Ultimate Lightweight race bike.

The complete 2021 Canyon Air Road Series, including images, specs, and international pricing. Not all colorways are listed.

The new Aeroad can be ordered immediately at Canyon.com. Also, check out our 2021 Canyon Aeroad review to read our early impressions of the bike.