Hey there, just $700 is all it takes to hop on over to Canyon’s website and snag yourself the Roadlite 4, a bike that falls into the road-oriented category. Normally, these machines can cost as much as €3,500 or even more, depending on your location.
Now, I don’t know about you, but it’s not often that I find myself with an extra $4,000 just lying around, let alone spending it on a bicycle. That’s why I wanted to bring the Roadlite 4 to your attention. It’s incredibly affordable, yet still equipped with some pretty decent features and capabilities. And it all starts with its aluminum frame.
This is where I started to notice some of the bike’s abilities and why it might be a good option if you’re on a budget. First of all, the frame has internal cable routing, giving it a sleek and clean appearance. It’s also designed to accommodate 30 mm tires, providing ample contact with the road without sacrificing speed.
But here’s the kicker – Canyon managed to include a carbon fiber fork in the mix, which is quite impressive for a bike in this price range. It may not be the highest quality carbon fiber, but I would have been just as satisfied with a steel or aluminum fork.
And the budget-friendly features don’t end there. As I continued to explore this unique two-wheeler, I discovered that Canyon opted for Shimano components, specifically the CUES groupset with ten speeds. Braking is also handled by Shimano, using an MT200 setup with 160 mm rotors.
But how does all of this translate to real-world performance? Well, it’s hard to say without actually taking it for a test ride. If you’re curious, I recommend heading to a local dealership to give it a spin.
If you’re still not convinced, let me throw some numbers at you for comparison. The head tube sits at just over 72 degrees, making it less twitchy in turns compared to a racing bike. It offers a more relaxed riding experience. The seat tube, on the other hand, positions you closer to the handlebars with a 73.5-degree angle, resembling the geometry of a racing bike and possibly borrowed from its pricier counterparts. The chainstays measure 415 mm, allowing you to transfer all your energy to the rear wheel.
But wait, there’s more to this bike’s story. As we delve deeper into its features, I noticed that the frame is equipped with mounts. Even the fork seems suitable for attaching fenders or a pannier rack. The same goes for the rear wheel.
What does this imply for individuals like you and me? First and foremost, it signifies that the Roadlite 4 can be utilized to pursue the metaphorical burn, but it is also capable of transporting you and your laptop to and from work; why not even pick up some groceries along the way? Additionally, the straight bar design guarantees a touch of comfort.
Image: Canyon Bicycles USA
However, this bicycle’s capacity to carry cargo also opens up another aspect of cycling that is gaining popularity: bike-packing. And even though it requires you to adhere to the smoothest surfaces, you can still utilize the Roadlite 4 for uninterrupted day trips to the outskirts of town, perhaps even camping overnight. Once again, quite impressive for a $700 bicycle, in my opinion.
All in all, this is a Category 1 bicycle, which means you must stick to paved roads and other solid surfaces, always keeping both tires on the ground at all times. No jumping around on dirt roads with this one, even if your friends encourage you; it’s a matter of safety.
Yes, it is a road bicycle, but one that is capable of carrying some of your belongings. It features a reasonably race-inspired geometry but is targeted towards new or budget-conscious riders. However, above all, it offers decent components, some of which can be found on bicycles three to four times the price of the Roadlite 4, to the general public. Even if the frame fails, if you eventually outgrow it, you can remove the groupset and possibly the carbon fiber fork and utilize them in the next phase of your cycling journey. Until then, you can begin your cycling adventures with Canyon’s Roadlite 4.
According to the Source autoevolution.com