Canyon has just revolutionized the electric road bike market with the launch of their groundbreaking Endurace:ONfly series, featuring the remarkable SUB-10 model that tips the scales at just 9.86kg. This achievement marks a significant milestone in e-bike technology, as Canyon claims this is “the lightest” e-road bike available today, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
The German manufacturer’s latest innovation addresses one of the most persistent challenges in electric cycling: creating a bike that delivers substantial electric assistance while maintaining the lightweight, natural feel that serious cyclists demand. With the Endurace:ONfly SUB-10, Canyon appears to have cracked this code, producing an e-road bike that weighs less than many traditional high-end road bikes.
Revolutionary Weight Achievement
Breaking the 10kg Barrier
The flagship Endurace:ONfly SUB-10 represents a quantum leap in e-bike engineering. At 9.86kg, it’s approximately 2kg lighter than Trek’s £11,750 Domane+ SLR 9 and 800g below the Scott Addict RC eRide Ultimate, positioning it as the clear leader in the lightweight e-road category. This weight reduction isn’t just about numbers on a scale; it fundamentally changes how an electric road bike performs across all terrain types.
The secret behind this remarkable weight lies in Canyon’s collaboration with TQ and their innovative approach to component integration. The carbon frame alone weighs just 1,000g, rivaling the lightest non-electric road bike frames available today. This achievement required Canyon’s engineers to completely rethink traditional e-bike construction methods, prioritizing efficiency and integration over conventional approaches.
Advanced Carbon Engineering
Canyon’s expertise in carbon fiber construction shines through in the Endurace:ONfly series. The frame utilizes advanced layup techniques and high-modulus carbon fibers to achieve maximum strength-to-weight ratios. This isn’t simply about using less material; it’s about strategic material placement that maintains structural integrity while eliminating unnecessary weight.
The integration of the TQ system required innovative internal routing and frame design modifications. Unlike bulkier e-bike systems that compromise frame aesthetics and add significant weight, the TQ HPR 40 motor and battery system virtually disappear within the frame architecture, maintaining the clean lines that road cyclists expect.
TQ HPR 40: The Heart of Innovation
Compact Motor Technology
The TQ HPR 40 motor system represents the cutting edge of e-bike propulsion technology. This diminutive motor can provide as much as 200W boost in pedaling power, delivering substantial assistance while remaining nearly invisible within the frame. The motor’s compact design allows for the sleek integration that makes the Endurace:ONfly series visually indistinguishable from traditional road bikes.
Power delivery extends up to 25km/h, providing meaningful assistance during climbs and acceleration phases while allowing riders to exceed these speeds under their own power. This approach maintains the authentic cycling experience that enthusiasts value while providing strategic assistance where it matters most.
Intelligent Power Management
The TQ system incorporates sophisticated power management that adapts to riding conditions and rider input. The system connects wirelessly to smartphones and bike computers for comprehensive power and range metrics, allowing riders to monitor and optimize their electric assistance usage throughout their rides.
Higher-specification models feature integrated motor controls accessible from the brake hood positions, eliminating the need for separate control units that can clutter the cockpit. This seamless integration maintains the clean aesthetics that road cyclists demand while providing intuitive power management.
Comprehensive Model Range
Four-Tier Hierarchy
Canyon offers the Endurace:ONfly in four distinct configurations, each targeting different performance levels and budgets. The range spans from the CF6 at £4,199 to the flagship SUB-10 at £9,299, ensuring accessibility across various rider demographics while maintaining the core technological advantages throughout the lineup.
The entry-level CF6 features Shimano 105 mechanical shifting and DT Swiss Endurance LN wheels, providing an accessible introduction to electric road cycling. The CF7 upgrades to 105’s 12-speed Di2 electronic shifting, while the CF8 incorporates Shimano Ultegra Di2 with DT Swiss ERC 1400 Dicut wheels.
Premium SUB-10 Specification
The range-topping SUB-10 showcases Canyon’s uncompromising approach to performance. It’s equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, 45mm DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut carbon wheels, Canyon’s aero carbon cockpit, and 28mm Schwalbe Pro One Evo tyres. This specification rivals or exceeds most professional-level road bikes, demonstrating that electric assistance doesn’t require compromises in component quality.
Despite this premium specification, the SUB-10 remains cheaper than comparable offerings from Trek, Specialized, and Giant, providing exceptional value in the high-end e-road segment.
Range and Performance Capabilities
Extended Adventure Potential
Range anxiety has traditionally limited electric bike adoption among serious road cyclists who regularly undertake long-distance rides. Canyon addresses this concern comprehensively with the Endurace:ONfly series. With an optional TQ 160Wh water bottle-style range extender, riders can tackle 100km and 2,000m of climbing from a full charge.
This range specification opens up previously impossible riding scenarios, allowing cyclists to tackle challenging mountainous terrain with confidence that electric assistance will be available throughout extended climbs. The water bottle-style range extender maintains the bike’s clean aesthetics while providing practical range extension when needed.
Natural Riding Experience
Canyon’s design philosophy prioritizes maintaining the authentic road cycling experience while adding strategic electric assistance. The company aimed to create bikes that “look and feel like a ‘normal’ high-performance road bike”, ensuring that riders don’t sacrifice the engaging, connected feel that makes road cycling addictive.
The lightweight construction means that even when electric assistance isn’t needed or isn’t available, the bike performs admirably as a traditional road bike. This dual capability provides confidence for riders who might otherwise worry about electric system reliability or battery depletion during long rides.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Model | Price (UK) | Drivetrain | Wheelset | Weight Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CF6 | £4,199 | Shimano 105 Mechanical | DT Swiss Endurance LN | Entry Performance |
| CF7 | £5,149 | Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed | DT Swiss Endurance LN | Intermediate |
| CF8 | £6,499 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 Dicut | Advanced |
| SUB-10 | £9,299 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut | Professional |
Market Impact and Future Implications
Industry Transformation
Canyon’s achievement with the Endurace:ONfly series signals a fundamental shift in electric road bike capabilities. By demonstrating that sub-10kg e-road bikes are commercially viable, Canyon has effectively moved the goalposts for the entire industry. Competitors will now need to match or exceed these weight standards to remain relevant in the high-performance e-road segment.
This development also validates the growing sophistication of e-bike motor and battery technology. The TQ HPR 40 system proves that meaningful electric assistance doesn’t require the heavy, bulky components that characterized earlier e-bike generations.
Accessibility and Adoption
The four-model range strategy ensures that Canyon’s technological breakthroughs remain accessible across different budget levels. By offering the core TQ system and lightweight construction principles across all price points, Canyon democratizes access to cutting-edge e-bike technology rather than restricting it to premium models only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the 9.86kg weight compare to traditional road bikes? A: The SUB-10 weighs less than many high-end traditional road bikes, making it remarkably light for an e-bike while remaining competitive with non-electric alternatives.
Q: What’s the real-world range for typical riding conditions? A: With the optional range extender, riders can expect 100km range with 2,000m of climbing, though actual range varies based on assistance level, terrain, and rider weight.
Q: Can the bike function normally if the battery depletes completely? A: Yes, the lightweight construction ensures the bike performs well as a traditional road bike even without electric assistance, unlike heavier e-bike alternatives.
