Wait a minute – weren’t we testing an e-bike? At first glance, the Endurace:ONfly looks like a classic road bike. That’s no accident. Canyon pulled off a masterstroke by integrating the TQ HPR40 mid-drive motor so seamlessly into the carbon frame that even seasoned eyes might hesitate on second look. Is there really a motor in there?
The truth is, appearance isn’t the main thing holding e-road bikes back. Design-wise, the industry has largely figured things out.. The real issue lies in their performance: too heavy overall, awkward to handle, and an unnatural riding experience. Below the 25 km/h threshold you often get too much assistance, and above it you’re left dragging around a sluggish bike that struggles to keep up with analogue groups– especially on rolling or flat terrain.
The TQ HPR40 motor was developed specifically to meet the demands of road and gravel bikes. The goal is clear: a more natural riding experience that still feels like a real road bike even above the 25 km/h limit, while giving you that crucial boost on climbs–without disrupting the ride feel.
Canyon paired this compact motor with their signature attention to detail, high-end components and smart integration. The result is an e-road bike that aims to blend traditional riding fun with the benefits of modern e-mobility– more freedom in the hills, and more fun on long rides. So how well does the concept work? We put it to the test to find out.
The Canyon Endurace:ONfly in Detail
As you’d expect from Canyon, the Endurace:ONfly comes packed with well-thought-out features and practical touches that make it more versatile and easier to use in everyday scenarios. One standout feature is the integrated lighting system developed in collaboration with Lupine: the Canyon x Lupine SightStays setup includes a sleekly-integrated rear light (Lupine C14) with 70 lumens, a brake light function and full road approval. It sits flush within the seatstays and ensures you’re always clearly visible.
Up front, the Lightskin U1 Ultra headlight provides 150 lumens and is discreetly integrated into the cockpit– perfect for twilight rides or tricky traffic commuting. It’s not bright enough for proper night rides or fast descents in the dark, though, which is a shame considering the battery capacity is there.
The Endurace:ONfly doesn’t skimp on versatility either. It comes with mounts for mudguards and has tire clearance for up to 35 mm, which makes it ideal for commuting and all-weather touring. Instead of an integrated storage compartment like the analogue Endurace, you’ll get conventional mounts for a top tube bag.
A particularly clever feature is the built-in GPS tracker, which draws its power directly from the main battery and is controlled via the Canyon app. Tucked away safely above the motor, it offers live tracking, motion detection in case of theft, and a backup battery that can power the tracker in standby mode for up to four weeks– even if the main battery is empty.
The TQ HPR 40 Motor system of the Canyon Endurace:ONfly.
The HPR40 is TQ’s latest mid-drive motor, which was developed specifically for the use in lightweight road and gravel bikes. Weighing just 1.17 kg, it delivers up to 40 Nm of torque and is powered by a 290 Wh battery fully integrated into the frame. The whole system– motor, battery and supporting hardware– adds just 2.7 kg. If you need more range, you can opt for a 160 Wh range extender in the shape of a standard bottle.
On the Endurace:ONfly, both the lights and the Shimano Di2 electronic groupset are powered by the TQ battery. The motor and lights are controlled via a discreet LED display in the handlebar end, the Di2 shift buttons or the TQ app.
The HPR40 precisely regulates support by continuously measuring cadence and torque at the crank. These values can also be displayed on your bike computer. The TQ E-Bike app lets you fine-tune support levels, responsiveness and power delivery across the different assist modes. We’ve already done a deep dive on the HPR40– click here for the full review.
Spec Overview of the Canyon Endurace:Onfly CF 8
The CF 8 build we tested comes equipped with a proven, high-performance setup. At its core is Shimano’s electronic Ultegra Di2 2×12 drivetrain with 50/34T chainrings– delivering crisp, reliable shifting and a versatile gear range for both steep climbs and fast descents.
Braking power comes from 180 mm rotors front and rear, offering superb control and heat resistance even on long, loaded descents.
DT Swiss supply the HEC1400 carbon wheelset – light, stiff, and aerodynamic. They play a big role in giving the bike its race-ready road feel. They’re fitted with Schwalbe Pro One Evo tyres in a 32 mm width, which offer a good balance between speed, grip and comfort, even on rougher surfaces.
Adding to comfort is Canyon’s VCLS S15 carbon seatpost. The built-in flex really makes a difference on long days and broken tarmac. Apart from the bigger brake rotors, there’s nothing here you wouldn’t also expect to see on a high-performance analogue endurance bike.
Canyon Endurace:ONfly 2025
€ 6,999
Specifications
Seatpost Canyon VCLS S15 27,2 mm
Brakes Shimano Ultegra 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 12s 2x12
Chainring 50/34T
Stem CP0048-02 100 mm
Handlebar CP0048-02 410 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HEC1400 12 x 100 / 12 x 142
Tires Schwalbe Pro One 700 x 32c
Cranks Shimano Ultegra FC-R8100 50/34 172,5 mm
Cassette Shimano Ultegra 8100 11-34T
Technical Data
Size 2XS XS S M L XL 2XL
Weight 11,01 kg
The Geometry of the Canyon Endurace:ONfly
The geometry of the Endurace:ONfly is built around comfort and control. Compared to its analogue sibling, the ONfly features a slacker 72° head angle, slightly longer chainstays (420 mm) and a stretched wheelbase (1,016 mm in size M), All of which add stability without dulling the bike’s sporty character.
The 73.5° seat angle remains unchanged and helps achieve an efficient pedalling position. Combined with the longer wheelbase, the riding position stays sporty yet relaxed. Toe overlap has also been reduced– especially on smaller frame sizes– thanks to optimised tube shaping.
As usual with Canyon, the Endurace:ONfly CF 8 is available in seven sizes, 2XS to 2XL, ensuring a good fit for both shorter and taller riders– something that’s still far from standard across the industry.
| Size | 2XS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 370 mm | 370 mm | 385 mm | 388 mm | 397 mm | 415 mm | 424.5 mm |
| Stack | 529 mm | 548 mm | 568 mm | 589.5 mm | 611 mm | 637 mm | 656 mm |
| Chainstay | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm |
| BB Drop | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm | 73 mm |
| Seat Tube | 432 mm | 462 mm | 492 mm | 522 mm | 552 mm | 582 mm | 612 mm |
| Head Angle | 70.1° | 70.3° | 71.5° | 72° | 72.25° | 72.25° | 72.5° |
| Seat Angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Horizontal Top Tube | 517 mm | 522 mm | 543 mm | 553 mm | 568 mm | 594 mm | 609 mm |
| Head Tube | 111 mm | 130 mm | 147 mm | 167 mm | 189 mm | 216 mm | 235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 995 mm | 1000 mm | 1011 mm | 1016 mm | 1029 mm | 1055 mm | 1068 mm |
On the road: The Canyon Endurace:ONfly CF 8 on test
From the first pedal strokes, the Endurace:ONfly feels more like a classic road bike than an e-bike. The deep-section carbon wheels hum reassuringly, the frame feels tight and responsive, and the overall ride feel is impressively analogue. The only giveaway? The integrated rear lights are always on and shine brighter when braking. The headlight is tucked away in the cockpit and controlled via a long press on the left Di2 button– good for visibility, but not bright enough for full-on night riding. Pity, really, since the power supply is there.
So how does the TQ HPR40 perform? In short: subtly brilliant. Visually, the motor almost disappears into the frame, with no display or clunky control unit to clutter the lines. Everything is controlled via the Shimano STI buttons or a tiny bar-end switch. You can even control the lights via the same buttons. This level of seamless integration between Di2 and e-drive is unmatched on the market right now.
Noise-wise, the HPR40 is whisper-quiet, even under full load. All you hear is the wind and tyres on the road. There’s no jerky on-off transition at the 25 km/h threshold either. The power fades in and out so smoothly you barely notice it. The support feels intuitive, natural and far more refined than most other systems we’ve tested.
After a rolling test ride, we checked Strava and were surprised to see an average speed over 30 km/h. On most of that ride, the motor wasn’t even in use– just on one longer climb. And yet, the bike didn’t feel sluggish or heavy.
Sure, this isn’t a featherweight 6.8 kg race bike, but the low, centralised motor mass and lightweight chassis make for agile, reactive handling that we haven’t felt before on an e-road bike.
That low centre of gravity really pays off on descents too. The ONfly feels stable, confident and planted at high speed. The wide tires generate plenty of traction in corners, the steering is precise, and the added weight of the motor actually helps keep the bike tracking downhill.
When the road tilts upward, the HPR40 delivers up to 200 watts of support. That’s enough to take the sting out of climbs, but not so much that you can just coast your way to the top. This is still a bike you have to ride actively– the motor is more of a gentle breeze of tailwind than a turbo boost.
Comfort is another highlight. The 32 mm tires, flexing VCLS seatpost, compliant frame and ergonomic cockpit all work together to smooth out rough roads and light gravel. The relaxed riding position and pleasant cockpit feel round off the package nicely.
The Canyon Endurace:ONfly does a lot right– and quite a few things differently from your typical e-road bike. It’s genuinely fun to ride, even beyond the 25 km/h cut-off, and the natural, direct ride feel bridges the gap between classic road bikes and e-bikes better than anything we’ve tested so far. With its balanced geometry, composed handling and smart integration, this is a machine that performs in the hills, on the flats and in day-to-day life.
Shoes Shimano SH-XC300
Who should take a closer look at the Canyon Endurace:Onfly CF 8?
The ONfly CF 8 is made for sporty roadies who still want to rely mainly on their own legs, but appreciate a helping hand when it counts. It’s a great way to even out performance gaps in a group without holding anyone up on the flats. Thanks to the integrated lighting system, comfort features, GPS tracker and mounting points, it also doubles nicely as a commuter or adventure bike for light bikepacking trips.
Conclusion
The Canyon Endurace:ONfly CF 8 sets a new benchmark for what an e-road bike can be: lightweight, quiet and natural. The TQ HPR40 delivers just the right amount of assistance– subtle on the flats, supportive uphill. With outstanding integration, clever features and a well-balanced ride feel, the ONfly brings together the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for a road bike that rides like the real thing but offers a touch of tailwind when you need it, this one’s for you.
Tops
- Natural ride feel
- Efficient beyond 25 km/h
- Loads of riding fun
- Versatile across use cases
Flops
- Front light not powerful enough for night rides
More info on canyon.com
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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter
