Getting a new bicycle

Ten months ago, I decided to get a Canyon bicycle. (canyon.com)

Canyon’s are not the most expensive bikes in the world but in my opinion, it’s the most technologically advanced at the time of purchase based on what I have read. In fact, in terms of price range, I‘d say it’s right in the middle.

Canyon bikes is German owned, has its office in Germany, but is manufactured in Taiwan. If you’re wondering why it’s made in Taiwan, well, cheap labor. In fact, almost all high end bikes are made in the Far East- from Colnago’s to Pinarello’s. Apple computers are also made in China.

I first noticed Canyon more than twenty years ago when I saw a photo of Jeanne Longo on a Canyon. Longo is considered as the GOAT of women’s cycling but it didn’t impress me. Fast forward in 2015, the company came out with a model called, “Aeroad”, and ridden by a pro Russian team Katusha. Abroad is undoubtedly a play between aero and road. It struck me the moment I laid my eyes on it. Then a few years later, my friend I knew bought an aeroad and it just blew me away.

In 2019, a new team, Circus-Correndon, was also using Canyon. On its roster was wunderkind, Mathiue Van Der Poel.

Then in 2020, Canyon came out with a new Aeroad, and for me, this new model was a lot better than the previous one. It appeared to have bigger and wider tubes at a lesser weight. Then sometime in March of that year, in the race called Le Samyn, MVDP broke his handlebar leading to the recall of the bikes. Remember, this was at the height of the pandering where everything was difficult to procure.

There was no doubt that Canyon fans were waiting for the corrected version and Canyon took almost a year to put the Aeroad back in the market again. You see, what makes Canyon relatively cheaper than other brands is that they sell their bikes directly to the customer eliminating the middleman.

Since there was this huge demand for the aeroad and Canyon unable to fulfill the clamor, Aeroad became a thing to get. I emailed the company telling them to inform me if the particular model and size was available. Around February of that year, I received the email and I ordered it right away via a friend of mine. I didn’t like to deal with online ordering, that’s why.

About a month later, the bike arrived sans the pedals. The componentry was mechanical so I sold it because I wanted an electronic drivetrain and disc brakes. Since the handlebars were too narrow and too short, I had to wait for another 8 weeks for it. Then during the installation of the components, the mechanic placed the wrong oil for the brake so I had to get a new one.

Finally I was able to take it out by June. I thought it was perfect except for the maddeningly creaking sound coming from the seat post. However, two scripts of electrical tape silenced the problem. And now, I have stood on the podium a few times with this Canyon.

Now you must be wondering how much the bike cost. Well, I don’t want to tell you because I can’t put a price tag on something I love. I like to ride and enjoy my bike, that’s all.

 For the most important question, did my wife knew? Well, Yes and no. Honesty is the best policy.