Canyon launch all-new Exceed models for 2021
Unicorn hair makes for possibly the lightest production frame
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As Canyon launch updates to many of the bikes in the brands line up, the Exceed isn't left untouched. For 2021, the Exceed sees in extra fancy frame materials that could make it one of the lightest frames in production. It also gets a sleeker look thanks to refinements to its frame protection and a few other neat bits.
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New for the Exceed is a frame constructed from 'unicorn hair' (Toray M40X), a form of carbon fibre that's rarely used in the cycling industry due to its price and scarcity. It gets its name from its combination of stiffness and strength, and it's enabled Canyon to use less of it, making the Exceed possibly one of the lightest production frames with a medium weighing in at 835g.
That unicorn hair frame can only be found on the range-topping CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) model but that doesn't mean that the other two bikes in the line up are porkers. Opting for weightier carbon variants, the middleweight SLX frame comes in at 1,015g and the heaviest CF frame weighing 1,312g.
The 29" XC bike gets some geometry tweaks too. To keep the bike up to date for the ever demanding XC courses the head angle gets slackened to 69° and an extra 10mm has been added to the reach. The new bikes also get an 80mm stem on all sizes and the rear has been shortened by 2mm on all frame sizes.
Speaking of frame sizes, the Exceed comes with a new XS size which can fit two water bottles. Each size gets specific chainstays which grow on the Large and X Large frames to help with weight distribution. There's space for a 2.4" tyre too.
The frame comes packed with neat tricks to make the bike look sleeker and to help with quality of life bits and pieces. For example, Canyon has slimmed down the IPU, a headset integrated handlebar stop, and has located the seat clamp bolt underneath the top tube.
The Exceed also gets full internal cable routing which is neatened up even more with the redesign of the headset, which routes the cables through itself. Along with the routing, there's Canyons Quixle and universal derailleur hanger.
Found on only the CFR and SLX models, Canyon has included a full carbon cockpit designed to reduce a bit of drag while tidying the front end.
With help from DT Swiss, the Exceed gets its very own dropper post. It comes built from carbon on the CFR and aluminum on the SLX. It provides 68mm of drop and weighs as little as 390g.
The Canyon Exceed is available in five sizes from XS to XL and comes in seven unisex and two women's specific models.
Prices start at £1,600 for the CF 5 kit and go up to £6,150 for the unicorn haired goodness.
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