Aero Bikes

Aero road bikes: Your perfect aerodynamic companion

An aero road bike is the ultimate companion for cyclists who crave speed and efficiency. Every aspect – from the optimised handlebars to the precision-engineered frame, components, and wheels – works in harmony. These specialised road bikes are meticulously designed to minimise air drag and maximise your performance.

What sets a premium aero bike apart is its sophisticated aerodynamic design. The distinctive frame profiles incorporate greater surface area with streamlined, angular shapes that effectively prevent air turbulence. The result? Extremely low air drag and resistance, which helps you slice through the wind with minimal effort.

At Canyon, the following characteristics define a good aero road bike

• Carbon fibre frames with exceptionally high stiffness
• Aerodynamically optimised tube profiles with special shapes
• Short head tube and stack-to-reach ratio of maximum 1.45
• Top tube equal to or slightly longer than the seat tube
• Low riding position for optimal power transfer and aerodynamics
• Deep-section wheels with specialised aero carbon rims
• Brake and gear cables integrated into the handlebars and frame

These carefully engineered features work together to create aero bikes that deliver exceptional performance.

What is an aero road bike?

The aero bike represents the natural evolution of traditional road bikes, placing aerodynamics at the forefront of design. As manufacturers reached the practical limits of weight reduction, the focus shifted to aerodynamic optimisation to unlock new performance potential. Our cutting-edge aero bikes deliver the perfect balance of top speed and comfort without compromise. Elite cyclists recognise this excellence as well – world-class competitors like Mathieu van der Poel choose our flagship Aeroad CFR.

Perfect for competitive cyclists and speed junkies

A lightweight aero road bike is the ideal choice for speed enthusiasts and competitive cyclists. While racing bikes are designed as all-rounders for various elevation profiles, an aero bike offers decisive advantages on flat terrain. Though it can handle climbs, its true strength lies in sprinting and riding on flat roads.

You'll truly harness the aerodynamic benefits during time trials on flat terrain. Once you exceed speeds of about 14 km/h, minimising resistance and air drag becomes crucial. This is exactly where aero road bikes shine. In favourable conditions, an aero bike provides that extra edge needed for a successful breakaway from the pack. That's why they're also popular as triathlon bikes, particularly in competitions where efficiency determines success or failure.

Aero road bikes: Key benefits at a glance

Due to reduced air drag, you need less power to maintain the same speed. This means:

• Higher speed with the same power input
• Lower energy consumption on long distances
• Better efficiency, especially at higher speeds
• Decisive advantage in competitions and time trials
• Modern technology for maximum performance

In essence, an aero road bike transforms your riding experience by maximising every watt of power you generate.

How to choose the perfect aero road bike

While frame geometry must match your physique and riding style, the materials and components you select are equally important to your overall experience.

It’s worth noting that your cycling gear has a significant impact on aerodynamics, too. Pairing your bike with a purpose-designed cycling helmet and streamlined clothing can save precious watts and substantially boost your efficiency on the road.

What’s better: a carbon or aluminium frame?

Today's high-quality aero road bikes are all made from carbon. That's why, at Canyon, we've committed to this exceptional material for our entire aero bike range. Carbon delivers an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio while allowing us to create aerodynamically superior frame profiles. Beyond performance benefits, carbon also dampens road vibrations more effectively than aluminium, significantly enhancing your comfort during long rides.

Aluminium frames are a more cost-effective alternative, but they offer fewer possibilities for aerodynamic optimisation. For beginners, an aerodynamic aluminium road bike can still be a good choice.

Wheels and wheelset materials

The wheels have an enormous influence on aerodynamics. Deep-section rims with 40–60mm depth significantly reduce air resistance. Carbon wheels have the best aerodynamic properties due to their particularly low weight. When picking your wheelset, also consider the optimal tyre width: modern aero bikes are designed for relatively wide tyres (25–28mm), which provide more comfort and better rolling resistance.

Drivetrain: Choosing between Shimano and SRAM

For the groupset, you can choose between Shimano and SRAM. Both manufacturers offer high-quality electronic shifting systems:

• Shimano impresses with precise shifting and the Dura-Ace Di2 as an electronic high-end solution
• SRAM scores with wireless eTap AXS technology and lower weight

The groupset you select ultimately comes down to your budget constraints and personal preferences for shifter ergonomics. When investing in a high-performance aero bike, electronic shifting systems represent the ideal choice, eliminating the need for external gear cables while allowing brake lines to be cleanly integrated within the frame for superior aerodynamics.

Canyon's aero road bike range

At Canyon, we offer various models developed for different requirements and budgets. Our Aeroad is a classic as we now look back on over 15 years of Aeroad. The range includes these models:

• Aeroad CF SL: optimised aerodynamics and high comfort at an accessible entry-level price
• Aeroad CF SLX: featuring enhanced lightness, improved comfort and superior aerodynamics – confirmed by wind tunnel testing
• Aeroad CFR: the lightest, fastest Aeroad available with extensive customisation options, trusted by elite professional riders

For triathletes, we also have the Speedmax series, specifically developed for time trials (TT) and triathlon with maximum aerodynamics. And the Speedmax CFR Track, developed for best times in track racing, is quite simply our fastest bike ever.

How much should you invest in a quality aero road bike?

The price range for a high-quality model is broad. Entry-level models with aluminium frames are available from around € 1,500, although there are not categorised as proper aero bikes. For a Canyon aero bike made from carbon with good components, you should budget at least € 3,500.

Professional-grade, high-end aero road bikes with electronic shifting, carbon wheels and maximally optimised aerodynamics can cost between €4,000 and €10,000. This investment is particularly worthwhile for ambitious riders who want to utilise every watt of power.

Thanks to our direct-to-consumer model at Canyon, you get high-quality aero bikes at attractive prices – without compromising on quality or performance.

Buying an aero road bike online: Essential considerations

When purchasing your aero bike online, consider the following:

• Choose the right frame size based on your body measurements
• Pay attention to the component specification and quality
• Compare the aerodynamic properties of different models
• Check the warranty conditions and customer service
• Research return and exchange options

At Canyon, you buy your bike directly from the manufacturer. Our flexible payment options let you spread the cost over several months, while our expert team provides comprehensive guidance to help you find your perfect match.

With a Canyon aero road bike, you're fully equipped to achieve new personal bests – whether in competition or on your favourite routes. Find your ideal bike and start breaking records today!