Canyon Launches Speedmax Vanquish Models
Canyon today has rolled out two new models that draw inspiration from Slowtwitch forum favorite Lionel Sanders. Both new editions of the Speedmax will come with wheels from long-time Sanders partner and industry-leader HED Cycling.
Canyon has released Sanders’ race bike, the Canyon Speedmax CFR. The CFR comes complete with Dura Ace Di2 12-speed groupset and Canyon’s proprietary aerobar and basebar, which comes with some of the most adjustment available on a stock bar combination. There’s also an integrated hydration module, developed with Hydrapak, which is integrated into the downtube. You’ll also find Canyon’s top tube bento box and storage around the bottom bracket. The total build comes in at just under 20 pounds.
Meanwhile, the also released CF SLX features the same highly adjustable front end, integrated hydration pack, bento box, and bottom bracket storage. The primary difference is that it comes with an Ultegra Di2 drivetrain and component set, instead of Dura-Ace, as well as the wheel spec (more on that in a moment). The complete bike is approximately one full pound heavier than the CFR.
The wheel front is also where the two models difference. The same as Sanders set is the Vanquish Pro Series wheels (pictured below), which comes with the CFR. Fully carbon, disc brake wheels that are handmade in HED’s Minnesota headquarters, HED makes the statement that the Vanquish Pro series is “HED’s Fastest Wheel. Ever.” The set also comes with the V62 in front and the V84 in the rear. The hub, spokes, and center lock system are all unique to the Pro Series. Also of note: if you ever wish to add HED’s disc or Jet180 rear wheels, this is the set that technically mates to those offerings.
There’s also the standard Vanquish V62 available on the CF SLX, seen on the bike below. It features the same rim profile as the Pro Series, but with a slightly different spec — the spokes are Sapim Sprint instead of CX-ray, 4 pawl versus 5 pawl rear hub bearing, and a change in carbon layup — results in a 50 gram heavier wheelset (when compared to the same depth Pro series wheel). It all translates into a wallet-friendlier option for a still extremely fast wheel set.
Sanders said the following about the release: “I’ve been racing with HED for 10 years and I’m incredibly happy with their performance. Results come down to many factors but I can certainly credit a significant percentage to the advantages that the Vanquish wheelset brings – I believe I’m riding the best.”
Bikes are available beginning today through Canyon’s website or app. The Speedmax CFR Vanquish Pro is priced at $11,999. The Speedmax CF SLX 8 Vanquish will set you back $8,599.
Nice. But I guess that means no new SLX/CFR model. This one is 4 years old and the previous model was also 4 years old when it was replaced. I’m guessing they have mostly maxed out what can be done at this point?
Or perhaps they are clearing inventory before releasing a new bike. They just released the Speedmax Cosmos, the Road to Roth bike and now this… I just ordered the Roth bike but wondering now if I made a mistake and should have waited!
Good point. I was just thinking about that. In a past life, I was a car guy and I remember that we’d see a “limited edition” with all sorts of extras and what looked like a parts dump and then BAM! right after that, a facelifted new model. I’ve been holding out on the current CFR because of the odd reach numbers that seem to require many people to buy the angled spacer and I’d like to avoid that if possible. If not, I’ve still enjoy my previous gen model.
I just added the bike to the cart and held back before ordering it. Good advise on waiting to see if the new model is released soon in the US.
Same re: reach. I got the speed concept instead, I wish out of the box that they had those reach numbers able to accomodate many of us here…… mind you, trek aerobars suck but that’s another story
I spoke with a sales rep last month here in the states. I asked if a new model Speedmax was coming in Q1 and he said he can’t confirm but he’s also not denying. I asked him if it was his money to spend, would he buy the CFR now or wait a few months…he said to wait. Figured they would have tried to get the bike to their top pro’s in Kona but I assume they had a good amount of frames made that they needed to move before doing so.
I originally bought the entry CF and just never felt comfortable on it (needed more reach) so I relegated it to my backup bike and picked up the SLX to get my reach and just felt so great on that bike. I still ride it several times a week but I really need more stack at this point 4 years since that purchase. To get the reach and stack I need, I would have to order a new one in XL and still not get what I need and still get with my current L size SLX. I’m still baffled why they shorted the reach so much on the current model. I have no races set in stone for '25 so I am absolutely going to wait to see what comes out in first half of '25 with the goal to get perfected on it for an epic '26 race schedule.
seals my decision to wait rather than order now. Thank you for this.
Canyon Head of R&D talks about the new Speedmax here
That was 3 months ago and Kona has past and no new Speedmax has been released.
If I were in need of a bike, I’d buy it. Life is too short to ride shit bikes. It’s the perfect timing. You’d have all the winter months to adapt to it and customize it.
Unless the new bike were being released in Q1, which I highly doubt since we should have seen sponsored athletes in the world champs, I wouldn’t let pass a healthy year of training and competing just waiting for a unicorn bike. With the current Speedmax I would already know its issues (lack of reach, internal bladder) but at least there would already be a customization market. Newer model could be quite in line with current and you’d be left waiting months for somebody to come up with 3D printed solutions.
You did this before Kona and the bike didn’t launch. “We’re working on something” can mean anything from imminent launch to 2028.
If it was ready for Q1 launch, they would be provided some to the pros for Kona. It’s unlikely there’s anything coming in time for next season.
It is a very simple, true and objective statement: *“The Head of R&D is talking about the new Canyon Speedmax here”
What he says could be of interest of people following Canyon´s development of the new bike. Yes. I have mentioned it before and yes, it is a pre-Kona video.
And no - my prediction that the bike (despite very solid rumors) would launch Pre-Kona was (obviously) wrong.
@BigBoyND - what is it you (keep) believing that “I am doing” ??
Personally, I am an Argon 18 ambassador since 2010 - and I am not planning on buying Canyon bikes.
The easy prediction is “Canyon will launch something before 2028” …
@ 15:33 “Is there something on the way?..Yes, there is”
I tell you right now that Canyon USA has ZERO plans on releasing a new Speedmax anytime soon. This is not Canyon USA trying to dump inventory this is Canyon USA finally getting the inventory for sale.
Nice to see HED getting back in the OEM business. They tend to float in and out with Cervelo, but I guess that is done now that Cervelo has their Reserve brand. The wider internal rim probably also appeals to a lot o fpeople compared to the 20ish internal width of the DT Swiss wheels.