Those who don’t even race cyclocross know the Canyon Inflite. Its trademark kinked top tube is almost as iconic as the riders that pilot it. Mathieu van der Poel, Puck Pieterse, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Zoe Bäckstedt, and Maghalie Rochette are just a few that call the Canyon Inflite home.
That said, Canyon thought the Inflite CFR could use a little tweaking and modernization; with these changes, the Inflite CFR will look slightly different this ‘cross-season, but only to the keen-eyed.
Canyon Inflite CFR — What’s New?
The design is very close to the bike that took Mathieu van der Poel to victory at the 2023 Cyclocross World Championships. The update was so subtle, it was hard to notice. The new Caynon Inflite CFR models now come with clean internal cable routing.
The previous model routed the brake hose and shifting wire/cable through a post on the fork and side of the headtube. The updated version sees internal cable routing similar to the Aeroad and Endurace.
Along with the internal routing, the updated version of the Canyon Inflite CFR will use Canyons CP0018 aero cockpits with 40 mm width adjustments. Now, riders can choose their bar width and experiment with others without a day for labor. Another performance extra comes in the form of Ceramic Speed bottom brackets. The performance-oriented brand will supply the bottom brackets on the newly updated line of Canyon Inflite CFR cyclocross bikes.
What does this mean for performance?
The internal routing looks excellent and should help (slightly) with shouldering and cleanliness of the bike. Maintenance, however, will take slightly longer than previously. Though super clean looking, the internals of the CP0018 will take extra time to switch out headset bearings, something fairly common for ‘cross racers.
However, Canyon knows this and must believe the upgrade is worth it for the top-end racers. Those racers with a team of mechanics that tear down and rebuild race bikes daily will make quick work of it. However, those without a service course might be in for extra service charges when the headset needs a change.
New Aero Cockpit
As for the cockpit, the CP0018 was overhauled after some incidents in major road races and looks sturdy. We have the updated CP0018 on our review of Canyon Endurace and have been delighted with the performance and adjustability. The Canyon CP0018 boasts 15 mm of height adjustment with zero steer tube cutting required.
Canyon Inflite CFR Models and Availability
The updated Canyon Infinite CFR will be available starting September 28th, 2023, and will launch with two top-tier models. Both will retail for $7,880 (€7,499) and come in SRAM or Shimano offerings.
The Shimano-equipped Inflite CFR Di2 Team $7,880 (€7,499) comes fitted with Shimano’s12-speed 9200-series Dura-Ace Di2 shifting with a ‘cross focused 36/46 setup and an 11-34 cassette. The new frame rolls on DT Swiss’ top-line CRC 1100 Spline carbon wheels and Rotor Aldhu 24 Inspider power meter. The Shimano and SRAM offerings come with Canyon’s shock-absorbing S14 carbon comfort seatpost.
The SRAM-equipped Inflite CFR Team LTD $7,880(€7,499) uses a fully wireless one-by SRAM Red setup (40-tooth single chainring, 10-36 cassette). The SRAM version has a crank-integrated Quarq power meter and the same DT Swiss CRC 1100 wheels and finishing kit as the Inflite CFR Di2 Team.
Canyon Inflite CF SLX and CF SL
For those looking for a new cyclocross steed this season but have yet to be ready for the top-tier commitment. Canyon is launching two CF SLX bikes and a single CF SL bike at more palatable price points. The Inflite CF SLX and Inflite CF SL are available in Shimano, or SRAM builds with DT-Swiss wheels.
The SRAM Force eTap AXS-equipped Inflite CF SLX 8 eTap $5,279 (€4,999). The Ultegra Di2-equipped Inflite CF SLX 8 Di2 $5,807 (€5,499). The bikes feature Quarq (SRAM) and Rotor (Shimano) power meters. Both arrive built around the Inflite CF SLX frame and DT Swiss’ CRC 1400 Spline deep-section wheels.
Inflite CF SL 7eTap comes fitted with a one-by SRAM Rival eTap AXS setup and retails for a solid $4,223 (€3,999). It arrives with a Quarq power meter, DT Swiss CRC 1600 Spline carbon wheels, and a Canyon H31 cockpit.
Check back for a full review of the Canyon Inflite CF SLX 8 Di2, and check out Canyon.com for more info.
