Test ride / market: On the occasion of its 150th (!) birthday, Brooks invited 15 bicycle manufacturers to celebrate this anniversary with limited special models. Among these 15 manufacturers is Canyon, whose contribution to this anniversary could be admired at the Brooks stand at the Berlin Bicycle Show. We were allowed to kidnap the gem for a short test drive.
The basis for the one-off that can be admired in Berlin is the Canyon Commuter presented last year – more precisely the Canyon Commuter 6.0 with belt drive. For the optics, a dark olive green powder coating was chosen, which harmonizes perfectly with the numerous copper elements.
The equipment essentially corresponds to the series: The Continental drive belt is combined with an Alfine 11-speed hub gear from Shimano and not only guarantees a clean and noiseless, but also a maintenance-free drive. There is probably no better and more carefree drive alternative for commuters. The disc brakes also come from the Japanese manufacturer and ensure consistent braking behavior in dry and wet conditions.
Speaking of wet: Tubus fenders blend in perfectly with the rest of the bike and don't spoil the clean look in any way. The standard Supernova lighting, which gets its energy from the hub dynamo at the front, is also integrated into the matt black tip protectors. So the overall package is just right for commuters: sit on it and drive off is the motto – regardless of the weather and time of day.
The standard equipment of the Canyon Commuter 6.0 not only includes the copper-colored applications on the frame, but of course also one or two attachments and accessories from Brooks. The bulky black bike bag from Brooks catches the eye at first glance. The Land's End Rear Pannier can be attached and detached from the Canyon bike's slim luggage rack with a flick of the wrist. The robust and waterproof fabric keeps the contents dry - even if the driver has long since had to bow to the rain. The bag is also available regularly at a price of 130€.
The sporty Brooks Cambium C15 replaces the standard saddle and, with its simple look and some copper highlights, really fits the bike perfectly. It sits on the Canyon S25 VCLS carbon seat post, which is supposed to offer additional comfort on rough roads thanks to its sophisticated design with leaf springs. The GP1 leather grips were developed together with Ergon and also add a splash of copper color to the cockpit.
Canyon Commuter 6.0 Brooks Edition – test drive
We were even allowed to kidnap the pretty bike from the Berlin Bicycle Show for a few minutes on Saturday morning and do a few laps in downtown Berlin. Unsurprisingly, the whisper-quiet drive was the first thing you noticed: even a well-lubricated chain drive makes a hell of a noise compared to the belt. On bad roads or paved paths, however, this advantage is put into perspective again, since the bag or, more precisely, the holder has a little play and rattles loudly. However, after we had filled it with a little luggage, it was completely stuck and did not disturb the quietness of the drive any further.
The comfort of the bike is really excellent: The seat post really makes a huge difference and showed its strengths to the full on our "test track" over coarse cobblestones. The Alfine shifter does the expected inconspicuous and good job, the brakes are more than sufficient for the city and the Supernova lighting was very visible even during the day - so you are well prepared for unlit paths.
Will the Brooks/Canyon special model be available for purchase? Hardly likely. But the regular Canyon Commuter 6.0 can also be equipped with the accessories from Brooks - although unfortunately you have to do without the noble olive-green frame.