Test Canyon Endurace:ON 7.0

The offer in terms of hybrid bikes (or VAE route, although the term hybridization is more appropriate here) is expanding and prices are beginning to become more democratic. Canyon obviously could not be absent from this segment, and thus offers with its new Endurace:ON 7.0 its vision of an assisted bicycle at a relatively accessible price.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr

We have already stated this in our columns, but it is worth emphasizing that most manufacturers in the field of bicycles route electrically assisted, have chosen moderation without falling into the ridiculousness sometimes encountered with assisted mountain bikes. While one might have expected a race for power from the first models offered 5 or 6 years ago, the opposite has happened, with research into the integration of the motor unit, battery life, flexibility of operation and transition between assistance modes, and contained weight gain.

By aligning with the regulations which require that electric assistance cuts out at 25 km/h, manufacturers are clearly targeting this type of bike at people who are disabled, injured or lacking in physical condition rather than at real athletes who want to break records. And that's a good thing. An e-bike route is not intended to provide no effort either. But it offers the necessary boost to erase a hill or limit the energy cost of a restart while continuing to ride almost normally. This opens up the field of possibilities for new practitioners or for old ones diminished by age for example, and who can thus continue to enjoy the pleasure of cycling, especially when it is accompanied by significant social virtues.

With the Endurace:ON 7.0, Canyon is offering its first electrically assisted bicycle for route, by meeting several criteria specific to the brand. It is of course a perfectly finished bike, with a favorable price-equipment ratio and a relatively accessible general price of €2999. Above all, it is a bike that benefits from the latest Fazua Evation 1.0 engine, which we discovered for the occasion. Its silent, smooth and progressive operation, and above all with an almost transparent transition when disengaging when exceeding 25 km/h, make us fully understand the concept of a "hybrid bike", perfectly adapted to its characteristics. In short, although a little heavy and offered in only four sizes, this machine perfectly fulfills its objectives.

A question of price

At 15,2 kg on the scale without pedals, a bottle cage and a computer, the Endurace:ON 7.0 is no lightweight., especially when compared to other bikes of the same type already testare in our columns, like the Cannondale Super Six Evo Neo 2 at 12,5 kg, or the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL at 12 kg. But the Canyon is not in the same category in terms of price, since it costs "only" €2999, compared to the €5499 of the Cannondale or the more than €12 of the Specialized.

A higher weight which is explained firstly by the material of the frame, in aluminum (which is noted for its excellent finish) and without other details concerning the thickness of the tubes or the internal reinforcements. Then by the wheels there also in "strong" aluminum. The Shimano GRX group, normally designed for Gravel practice is also perhaps slightly heavier than Ultegra, but it ensures in any case a precise and efficient operation, both in terms of gear changes and braking. As for the peripherals, they are as usual at Canyon sober and well finished.

There remains the engine positioned in the bottom bracket, with a weight of 1,31 kg, and above all the long battery and its support (the Drivepack) of 250 Wh integrated under the down tube and which weigh 3,270 kg. Since it is necessary to remove it from the bike to recharge it, it is better to avoid too rapid manipulations. The assistance here weighs almost 4,6 kg, to which must be added the remote control system positioned at the top of the down tube, as well as the sensor system at the rear to measure the speed and thus comply with the regulations. If we add the size of the frame tubes and the equipment, the weight is then quite consistent.

Three assistance modes

The Fazua Evation 1.0 system is chosen by several brands to equip their hybrid bike(s) – or VAE route, according to the name, because of its ease of use and especially because it offers no resistance to pedaling when the assistance cuts out.

The assistance is at first almost completely silent, and it is difficult to distinguish it from the usual transmission noises. Then, we notice a very smooth transition between the moment when the drive unit is in action, and the moment when it cuts out, between 25 and 26 km/h on the GPS display. Unlike some systems, it is even impossible for us to say precisely when it stops giving a boost, at least on moderately hilly courses. It acts to help you relaunch and erase the weight of the bike during acceleration, after a turn, a traffic light or a stop sign. On bumps, it allows you to limit the effort by gaining watts, but without propelling you forward either, and by operating above all optimally at a pedaling cadence of around 90 revolutions per minute, which requires a certain physical effort all the same.

But once you get going again and erase the inertia of the bike's weight, going to 26, 27, 28 km/h and beyond on the flat is completely transparent. And if a false flat or a headwind portion slows you down, the aid gently comes back into play route, discreetly.

With the Fazua Evation 1.0 system, the Canyon Endurace:ON 7.0 benefits from three levels of assistance: The "Breeze" level (green LEDs) provides assistance of up to 100 watts, which is added to your own power, the "River" level (blue LEDs) adds up to 210 watts, and the "Rocket" level adds up to 250 watts. The power provided depends on the pedaling cadence, and also, despite everything, on your physical commitment, the torque you put on the pedals. Let's say that by simply winding, the transition from one mode to the other is also quite transparent. With the maximum assistance mode, you can climb a steep hill without forcing up to 15 to 16 km/h, simply by turning your legs, which is allowed by the minimum development of 48/42. But to climb faster and approach the limit of 25 km/h, you have to work a lot harder, which is quite logical in the end.

You switch from one assistance mode to another by pressing one of the two up and down buttons on the remote control located on the down tube. Only the color of the diodes and their number indicate the level of assistance and the level of autonomy (from 1 to 5). With a 250 Wh battery, Canyon indicates a range of around 90 km in assisted mode, but we pushed it up to 140 by leaving the system constantly on (most often in "Breeze" mode) and often riding above 25 km/h on the flat (under our own power, therefore).

The central button on the remote control is used to turn off the system. But the manipulation of this one, like that of the other two buttons, lacks directness for our taste, and we would have liked a clearer “click” with each manipulation.

Once the ride is over, 3 hours are needed to fully recharge the battery, with the charger supplied with the bike. Too bad you have to remove the battery from the bike, because it is quite heavy to handle. It is secured on the bike with a key, which is obviously best avoided.

Faultless operation

In terms of braking and transmission, the Endurace:ON 7.0 behaves like a good mid-range bike. It's reliable and precise in terms of gear changes, even with the single 48-tooth chainring. The 11-speed cassette with 11 to 42 teeth does have some gaps in the gear range, but for this type of bike and for the use for which it is intended, this is not very annoying, especially since the assistance helps to smooth out the pedaling jolts on hills and false flats.

With levers designed for Gravel use, the Shimano GRX brakes are smooth and efficient and we appreciate their grip and handling, even with the palms on the hens.

The saddle can be easily changed if it is incompatible with your buttocks. (but be careful with the seat post carriage which is incompatible with carbon rails). As for the Schwalbe E-One Evolution tires in 32 mm section, they have been specially designed for bikes of route electric, taking into account their greater weight, the resistance of route and the necessary durability, and the constraints of braking. In short, they are reassuring and never fail.

Discreet assistance that erases the weight

On route, the weight of the bike is almost imperceptible, as soon as the minimum assistance is engaged. Only the steering of the bike seems a little heavy to handle, not in choosing or maintaining trajectories, but when getting into the dancing position and swinging the bike from left to right.

Overall, this “Breeze” mode materialized by the green diodes is enough to provide a minimum dynamism to erase the weight of the bike. Relaunches are made easier, and false flats or other short climbs are swallowed up without the sensation of stumbling. In the descending phases, the Endurace:ON picks up speed without the slightest transition, silently and fluidly.

On the flat, it is possible to ride at 30 km/h with the assistance cut off without the sensations being any different from those of a classic racing bike.

On the flat, it is possible to ride at 30 km/h with the assistance cut without the sensations being different from those of a classic racing bike. The heart rate does not soar, proof that the bike is not more demanding than any other in this configuration. It is when reaching higher speeds that it slows down a little, becoming a little less fluid and less rolling, as in this usual descent where we notice a difference of a few km/h compared to the traditional racing bike.

As mentioned above, the assistance is of course more sensitive on bumps, and even more so on steep slopes.tageg. A quick press on the upper button of the control allows you to raise the level of assistance, all the more effective as you accompany the change in slope by engaging a smaller development, in order to maintain a high cadence. It is nevertheless possible to climb while preserving yourself and limiting the increase in heart rate, just by letting yourself be carried by the assistance, but without aiming for performance of course.

This bike is thus closer to the most advanced models of the moment, with a smooth and silent assistance which is enough to put the extra weight in the background. As long as you know how to save battery life or you don't embark on a route that is too long or too demanding, the 3 kg given to other models are secondary. Those who are looking for an assisted bike but "hybrid" in spirit because ultimately not so different from a bike route classic in its behavior will get their money's worth.

Practitioners who will be able to discover or rediscover the pleasure of cycling without being limited by the difference in altitude or weather conditions (especially the wind), or who will be able to benefit from gentle rehabilitation to get back on track, as was our case after a serious illness.

Considering the audience it may be aimed at, and we are thinking particularly of women, it is just a shame that the Canyon Endurace:ON 7.0 is only offered in four sizes., with a size S that is difficult to access for people under 1m65. For the rest, the “endurance” geometry with a pilot stationtagThe slightly raised and comfort-oriented design is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the bike, while perhaps waiting for a lighter and more aggressive carbon version of the hybrid bike according to Canyon.

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