We got our hands on a Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8.0, and here is the first look at this fast looking aero road machine straight out of the box from Germany. Canyon currently does not sell their bikes in North America, but the brand that sells direct to the consumer is very popular in Europe. As we pulled this bike out of the box it was very apparent that the company has lots of experience preparing bikes so that they can be pretty much ridden straight out of the box. The seat post with saddle already nicely mounted required one bolt, the stem went on in no time too and required no headset wrestling, and the front wheel only needed the skewer. Even the air in the tires seemed ready for at least a spin around the block. We added pedals and here now is that sleek Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8.0.

This is a size M Aeroad CF SLX with a 56cm top tube and the 8.0 moniker means it is a Shimano Ultegra Di2 bike with Reynolds Strike wheels. The same version is also available in glow red with a retail of Euro 4,199.

The top tube of the Aeroad CF SLX is triangular and very flat and smooth.

The Canyon logo on the underside of the down tube is very subtle and depending on the lighting not easy to see.

The Aeroblade SLX fork matches the frame very nicely, and features a matte and gloss scheme.

We were able to specify the aero cockpit dimension for this bike and opted for the 120mm length and 430mm width.

Everything is very smooth on this bike and we especially love that the Junction A box is not anywhere in sight.

There is a little compartment below the aero cockpit where the Junction A box has found a covert space.

The down tube has a very sharp kam tailed back.

The back wheel hugs the wheel cutout nicely, but you can still see daylight.

Canyon has opted for Shimano direct mounted brakes front and back on this aero road bike.

Our bike came with a Fizik Arione saddle and that blended in well.

The very narrow aero post is held in place by this wedge style clamp.

A closer look at the aero spacer set of the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX.

As we mentioned before, this bike has Shimano direct mount brakes.

This medium sized Aerorad CF SLX came with 172.5mm Shimano Ultegra cranks, and we added the Look Keo pedals.

Ultegra is in general a very nice option, but matches murdered bike looks especially well.

Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II tires are mounted to Reynolds Strike carbon wheels.

These types of pads with the attached velcros made sure that the bike arrived in perfect condition.

All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com