Canyon Commuter 7 Review
When it comes to commuting bikes, many brands are content to produce bikes that simply “do the job.” This often results in a sea of uninspiring machines that fail to ignite any excitement about riding to work on a grey day. However, Canyon has broken this mold by applying the same meticulous attention to detail in its commuter range as it does in its pro-level race bikes. One outstanding result of this approach is the bold, mustard-colored Canyon Commuter 7.
This bike is not just visually striking; it’s a complete commuter package. It comes equipped with a rear rack, full-length aluminum mudguards, a clean and commuter-friendly Gates Carbon belt drive, front and rear dynamo lighting, and even a bell. In other words, it has everything you need for a hassle-free and enjoyable ride to work.
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Canyon Commuter 7 Frame
The Commuter 7, also available in a sleek 2021 Anchor Grey, features a hydroformed aluminum frame with a flattened top tube, an oversized tapered head tube, and a square profile down tube. The hydroforming process maximizes the weld area at the head tube, increasing strength and adding stiffness. This design choice enhances the bike’s durability and ensures a long-lasting, reliable ride.
Nimble and Efficient Design
One of the standout features of the Commuter 7 is its tight rear triangle, which makes the bike more nimble compared to most commuter machines. The combination of a reasonably relaxed head angle and a steep seat angle makes the bike quick to accelerate and feel efficient when you’re pedaling. Additionally, the wide handlebars provide stable steering, making the bike easy to control, even in busy traffic.
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Smart and Durable Components
Canyon has made several smart design choices to enhance the durability and functionality of the Commuter 7. Keeping vulnerable wires and cables out of harm’s way is crucial for a bike that will be ridden day after day, all year round. The full-carbon fork features internal routing for both the brake hose and the dynamo wire, protecting these essential components from the elements.
Integrated Handlebar Design
Another impressive feature is the one-piece bar and stem, which reduces the number of bolts that can be prone to corrosion. All cables and hoses are internally routed, freeing up handlebar space for a bike computer, phone, or extra lights. This sleek design not only looks great but also enhances the bike’s practicality for daily use.
Canyon Commuter 7 Kit
The Canyon Commuter 7 comes complete with just about everything you need for day-to-day commuting. German companies are known for their dynamo lighting systems, which are rare on British bikes, and Canyon has chosen a Shimano front hub dynamo. This dynamo powers a Supernova E3 front light and a mudguard-mounted E3 tail light, both of which stay on for up to four minutes after you stop pedaling. The 205-lumen front light provides ample illumination for unlit roads, bike paths, and towpaths, while the rear light’s three super-bright LEDs ensure you’re visible to other road users. However, because the rear light is mounted quite low, you might want to add an extra seatpost light or a light on your backpack or helmet for added visibility.
Tough and Reliable Accessories
The aluminum mudguards by Wingee have proven to be tough and reliable, staying perfectly aligned even after rigorous testing. However, a quick-release safety fitting would have been a nice addition in case something gets trapped between the front tire and mudguard. The slimline rear rack is another impressive feature, compatible with Ortlieb’s latest QL3.1 rack-mounting system, making it easy to attach panniers and other accessories.
Gates Belt Drive
The Commuter 7’s drivetrain is a standout feature, designed with commuters in mind. The Gates CDN Carbon belt drive is rarely seen on commuter bikes, but it’s an excellent choice for this type of riding. Unlike a chain, the belt doesn’t stretch, maintaining its efficiency over time. The polymer and carbon construction is tough and requires no lubrication, eliminating the risk of oily marks on your clothes.
Simple Maintenance and Longevity
The belt drive needs to be correctly tensioned to work perfectly. Instead of using complex sliding dropouts, which can make rear tire punctures a hassle, Canyon has opted for vertical dropouts, making it easier to remove the rear wheel. An eccentric bottom bracket that houses an adapter allows for easy tension adjustments. This might sound complicated, but in reality, it’s just a matter of rotating the crescent-shaped adapter to move the crankset and then tightening it once the correct tension is achieved. While this might seem minor to the average rider, it’s a feature your bike mechanic will appreciate.
Another distinguishing factor about the belt is that it can’t be split like a chain. However, you won’t need to replace a Gates Carbon belt very often, as they are claimed to last up to four times longer than a chain. When it does come time to replace the belt, Canyon’s solution—a split at the driveside rear dropout—is a neat and well-thought-out design.
Canyon Commuter 7 Ride Impressions
Shimano’s latest 11-speed Alfine hub gear offers a fantastic range, making it perfect for various terrains. With the highest gear, you can easily keep up with traffic, while the lowest gear helps you conquer steep hills without too much effort. Despite the bike’s 13kg weight, it handles climbs impressively well, allowing you to tackle the toughest inclines with ease.
The mountain bike-style gear shifters from Shimano are smooth and precise, offering a better shifting experience than earlier models. The hydraulic MT200 brakes, although considered entry-level, perform exceptionally well. The long brake levers fit comfortably, allowing for three-finger braking, and provide a progressive feel. Plus, the braking is consistently smooth and silent, even in various weather conditions.
Robust Wheels and Tyres
The tubeless-ready Alex 650b rims are built for durability, prioritizing toughness over lightness—perfect for a commuter bike. Schwalbe’s 40mm G-One Allround tyres are an excellent choice, rolling smoothly on pavement and excelling on mixed surfaces like towpaths and trails. Running these tyres tubeless can also enhance comfort and reduce the risk of punctures, making your commute more enjoyable.
Comfortable Contact Points
The Commuter 7 is designed with comfort in mind. The wide, well-shaped handlebars have a slight rise, promoting an upright riding position that’s great for navigating busy streets and keeping a clear view of your surroundings. The ergonomically designed multi-density grips by Ergon offer excellent support and cushioning with their flattened wing shape.
Thoughtful Saddle Design
Canyon has made a smart choice with the Sport saddle. It’s slender yet well-padded, offering great comfort even when riding in non-padded shorts. Unlike many commuter bikes that come with overly squishy saddles, this one strikes the right balance, ensuring you stay comfortable on longer rides without compromising on support.
Canyon Commuter 7 Bottom Line
The Canyon Commuter 7 stands out as one of the most well-designed commuter bikes I’ve come across. Its ride quality is exceptional, and the handling is perfectly suited for the daily commute. Canyon even includes Knog’s stylish Oi bell, adding a touch of flair to an already impressive set of features.
While some tech enthusiasts might consider the threaded bottom bracket a bit old-school, it has its advantages. As long as the crank-retaining bolts are kept tight, these sealed units are incredibly durable and reliable. Plus, unlike some press-fit systems, they don’t develop annoying creaks over time.
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