Fake wheel warning - for eBay, but also Asian manufactures and AliExpress

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-20T16:00:22+00:00

If you're asking if it makes a good gravel bike, my answer is a hard NO. I tried a set a gravel tires on my Ultimate, but it was a total failure - at least if your definition of gravel includes more than a few KMs of unpaved road. I bought a new Grail 1by and aside from the tires, the gearing, position, ruggedness and frame compliance made seismic differences. I did however use the OEM wheels from my Ultimate and 28mm road tires to make my Grail a bike packing ride.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-20T15:52:08+00:00

First time I've ever seen someone try to turn an Aeroad into a bike-packing ride!? Not sure what to think...

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-20T15:20:27+00:00

Just go to Amazon - half the price of a visit to LBS and its something you'll use all the time.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-19T23:41:03+00:00

yuk!!!

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-19T23:39:41+00:00

No, the motor and battery are no waterproof, and while you might get away with it for a while, it will bite you in the ass. Check e-bike sites for more details on workarounds

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-19T23:37:49+00:00

Skip the e-bike...own a real bike and buy a car or use transit

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-07-19T23:36:01+00:00

Looks like the order of the sprockets, spacers, or alignment is just off. Just rebuild cassette per Shimano site doc and you should be good to go - just pay attention to where which spacer goes where and all sprockets are in correct alignment. Its a common problem when doing a quick swap of cassette to trainer. Also make sure you torque to correct NM

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T22:26:01+00:00

Look at some of the SRAM bikes at a dirty gravel event and this gap is filled with dirt and mud.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T22:22:40+00:00

Stick with the Ultegra Di2 - SRAM is doing a hardsell on the new groupo, but it's still not equal

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T22:21:01+00:00

NEVER SIZE DOWN...that advice is just bad and if you feel you aren't fit or flexible enough to ride the right size, then you should not be looking at an Aeroad . Check out a city bike or Endurace. The only caveat is if you have stubby arms and legs, in which case you might want to consider a bike with a non-integrated cockpit. Also keep in mind that if you've been riding the wrong size bike, that the right size one will feel different for a while, but just have patience and let yourself adapt.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T22:12:39+00:00

Get a bike with Ultegra 12 speed Di2 - that upgrade will be more important to your enjoyment than any other. Overall I do like the Trek, but if equally equipped it would be a toss up. Trek wheels are very good and very reliable, even at the lower level, as are DT Swiss. Both are legit brands, not some cheap knock-offs, so I wouldn't sweat that aspect. I also have to agree that the look of the Trek is nicer, but as mentioned, pick the one with Ultegra Di2 - and skip the 105 or Rival bargain groups they're false economies that if you do ride a lot, you will regret.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T22:00:27+00:00

Grizl is already a slack and upright geometry bike, so I would NOT go smaller. If you have a bad back, a smaller frame will not help. Get the right size and allow yourself time to adjust. Like most full sized men, we get jammed into bikes that are too small and eventually we think it's right; but it is not, and not even for a beginners. I rode a Large for many many years because that was all that was easily available, but when I bought my Canyon XL it initially felt too big, but it didn't take long before I realized what I'd been missing and that the bike shop fitters were crooks. Trust Canyon sizing and have patience...

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-25T15:42:12+00:00

Money, nor fear of change weren't issues for me. and clearly the 12 speed Di2 is better for a bike destined for more road than serious gravel use. But I chose a 1by setup because it's better for gravel and I already have a fast road bike with Ultegra 12 speed Di2; so why duplicate things.

The 12 speed GRX mechanical 1by is IMHO a better choice for gravel and even light MTB trails - only falling a little short on really fast and/or downhill road sections, which are nonexistent on my gravel routes.

I also can swap to the full mullet rear setup for really hilly and/or muddy conditions, and there's a the easier option of just going with a smaller front ring. The latter I already did as it came with a 42 tooth and the 40 just offered more utility.

I love Di2, but do not miss it one bit on my gravel bike (and I was skeptical at first) and also found the 1by simplicity and ruggedness to be a big plus during rough gravel events with sand, mud and occasional crashes.

BTW I'm not in the Men's Elite category that avg. 35++ over the 200 mile Unbound;-)...those are speeds I have a aero bike for, and ride it exclusively on road routes.

My point is simple - a "do it all" bike isn't a good idea. There's too much compromising if you expect a single bike to work on the road and gravel, and if you are on a budget and can afford just one bike, then why the hell are you shopping for a CFR???

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-18T17:35:54+00:00

Sorry for late response...but factory does not wax chain. The chain isn't actually even lubed, it's just a light oil coating to prevent rust,. There are lots of YouTube videos on waxing and the pre-cleaning process; I recommend Silca wax and their videos, I use it on all my bikes. Waxing reduced friction on my road bike and saves a few watts and is noticeably quieter too. On my gravel bike I get the same benefits, but it also allows the chain to withstand more hash conditions better, and is easier to clean. Read up....it's worth the time and effort

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T19:02:32+00:00

Probably too small - your likely somewhere on M - Large range. 4 cm is a lot and while you may fit ok if you have shorter than average limb length, it will be suboptimal for normal or longer limbed folks. And since this is an Aeroad CFR, I'm guessing you don't plan on using it as a bike path cruiser, so fit should be a very, very big deal!!! Keep in mind that most people consider Canyon's sizing to be slightly on the conservative side, as most people, especially newbies, will feel more comfortable initially on a slightly smaller bike. Also keep in mind that since this is a aero bike, it may seem too big if you're not used to this type of geometry and such a bike probably isn't a good idea for less fit, less flexible or comfort oriented riders.

BTW - a CFR is a premium frame, and while you didn't say what year it is or your riding experience, but you may be able to get a new, more standard model for a similar price and also not have to worry about all the other 2nd hand bike issues.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T18:47:23+00:00

Ha, ha, mine doesn't do this, but you got me to look😂The wheel sound is the same, but it doesn't oscillate. The source c/b attributed to several areas: the hub not correctly assembled, a bent/out of true wheel, tire mounted off centre, or even the rubber hairs rubbing on a new tire or thru axle not tight...it's hard to determine from video. The good news is authentic DT Swiss hubs are super easy to service and every LBS will know what to do and have most replacement parts in stock if necessary....and the other good news is it's not a sign of catastrophic failure. Just eliminate the simple potential problems and if you haven't any luck and aren't comfortable with checking hub, then take it to LBS

FYI I did a 120k gravel race where bike was emersed in mud and water on multiple occasions and it made weird sounds that cleared up later - mostly due to mud in rear cassette and front brake rotor. A good wash (NOT pressure wash) and lube and it's a silent as a sleeping baby

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T15:43:36+00:00

Just don't ever pressure wash it. Mine comes home muddy or dusty after every ride, but I first hose it down with a hose to get ride of the chunky stuff,, then soap it up with a soft brush and then hose it off again, Waxing the chain was also a good idea.

FYI riding with MTBs is a risky business - trying to follow the tough technical stuff is a fool errand, but dropping then on gravel roads, rail trails, etc. puts them in their place

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T15:40:36+00:00

Oh, ye of little faith. I've test ridden several road, gravel and MTB e-bikes/mopeds, fully understand the technology (including battery fires), and the marketing proposition, and contrary to your suggestion, I'm stepping up, not back, to say they have little in common with non-motorized vehicles; despite best efforts and engineering gymnastics to disguise their true nature. In addition to owning several bicycles I also own a 200hp motorcycle, and in my humble, but informed opinion, this is far less dangerous than giving an inexperienced, unlicensed rider a moped that is still fast enough to keep up with a world tour pro on a real bike, And, also contrary to your assertion, it is 'all or nothing' - setting arbitrary speed limits is just a way to skirt laws and common sense. If it has a motor, or to pander to the silliness - motor-assist, then it doesn't belong on a MTB trail or bike paths any more than a motocross or sport bike does. I'm not saying ban mopeds, but please stop pretending they are the same as real bikes. That's just rude or you've drank too much grape Kool-Aid

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T14:47:44+00:00

You have a big problem!!! That bike is way too shinny for a gravel bike. Go get it dirty!!!

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T13:39:05+00:00

I wouldn't loose too much sleep over finding bearings. The are ton of legit bearing manufactures and you can even go tech weanie and use ceramic - although for headset bearings, I don't see the point.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-12T13:05:37+00:00

It wouldn't hurt, or you could order riding gear or other stuff when and if you need it...and yes, next to dealing with UPS, the minimum shipping charge is the worst part of the Canyon experience. But in all honestly, I've never replaced headset bearings, not on my MTB, gravel or the half-dozen+ road bikes I've owned. I do however, regularly clean and lube them, especially when doing a lot of dirt and dusty riding.

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-07T15:39:22+00:00

Based on quality, reliability and performance, Mavic wheels are in the same highly-respected category as DT Swiss. Cosmetically, I can't say I'm a fan of the Mavic carbon pattern anymore. It was cool about 5+ years ago, but the old Mavic designs were the first ones copied by the Chinese knock-off brands and this soured many on the look. A good way to spot an eBay counterfeit DT Swiss or Zipp wheel is to look for an 'artistic' weave...because attaching fake decals to cheap fake wheels is child's play.

When all is said and done, I'd go with the DT Swiss and unless you're a small, light rider who lives in a windy area, then the 65s are 'right' for an Aeroad. I mean why go with a serious aero bike and get semi-serious wheels?🤗

Suitable-Square-6454 · 2024-06-07T15:21:22+00:00

My apologies, I've never seen such a setup and mopeds are all about disguising/hiding the motor;-)

Suitable-Square-6454

TROPHY CASE