Canyon recalls Speedmax CF bikes over safety concern

Canyon is contacting triathletes to recall Speedmax CF bikes due to a safety concern.

Owners of the Speedmax CF triathlon bike model with a V21 Aerostem have been receiving communications from the leading bike brand to ask them to stop using their bikes until they have been checked by a professional bike mechanic.

Canyon says it has made the decision due to “rare instances where the fork steerer tube can crack or break”, and will be covering the cost of subsequent repairs. It expects those repairs to commence in December.

Canyon contact owners

The communication from Canyon, shared by a bike owner with TRI247, read as follows:

“Supporting you in your ambition to performance and at the same time maintaining your safety is crucial for us. That’s why we are contacting you to share information about an important safety issue on your Speedmax CF bike with a V21 Aerostem. From our records you have purchased this product from us.

“We discovered rare instances where the fork steerer tube can crack or break, leading to a detachment of the cockpit assembly (stem and handlebar), mostly after a harsh impact such as hitting a deep pothole or another similar stress event. This might lead to a fall or in severe cases also an injury depending on the situation and the environmental conditions you are riding in.

“For your safety, please immediately stop the use of your bike and do not ride it until you have had your fork checked and fixed by a professional bike mechanic.

The repair will consist of an inspection of the fork steerer tube, a fork replacement if necessary and a preventative reinforcement of the fork steerer tube.”

Repair process explained

“We expect the repair to start in December. We will proactively inform you as soon as the repair process starts, including all the details you need to know. Our ambition is to have a repair process that is most convenient for you. Of course, Canyon will cover the costs of the repair.

“In addition, we will provide you with an FAQ and also regular updates online. Rest assured, that we are working with utmost priority to solve this situation as soon as possible.

“As fellow athletes, we understand how tough this situation is, especially in terms of your race and training planning for the upcoming season. Getting you back to training as quickly as possible is our highest priority. We are dedicated to minimizing downtime to the lowest possible extent, ensuring you can return to training and racing as soon as possible.

Kind regards,
The Canyon crew”

Latest Speedmax models unaffected

The recall only affects the Canyon Speedmax CF (R41/R073) with a V21 aero stem. The top end Speedmax CF SLX and CFR models aren’t impacted. And the more recently launched models of the Speedmax CF with a one piece carbon cockpit launched in April 2024 are also unaffected by the issue.

Next steps for Canyon Speedmax CF owners

Those who purchased their Speedmax CF directly from Canyon should have received a communication on 5th November informing them that their bike is affected by the safety notice. But those who have purchased their Speedmax second hand should check the side of the stem to see if it is a V21. Owners of the affected bikes have been instructed not to ride their trusty steed until it has been checked over by an approved mechanic and repaired if necessary.