If you’re looking for a bike box for a Canyon Aeroad, the answer will mostly depend on which cockpit is fitted to the bike.
Current-generation Aeroads may be fitted with Canyon’s modular PACE cockpit or the newer monocoque RACE Bar. They sit on the same Aeroad platform, but they need to be approached differently when packing the bike for a flight in a Buxumbox bike box. The PACE cockpit has removable drop sections, while the RACE Bar is a single-piece component.
For most Aeroad owners, the right choice will be either a Buxumbox Ventoux with a straight mount kit or, where the complete cockpit can rotate sufficiently, a Ventoux with its normal mounting arrangement. An Aubisque might also be an option as we'll explore.
First, check which Aeroad cockpit you have
Canyon’s CP0048 PACE cockpit is a modular system built around a central T-Bar with separate drop sections. Canyon offers several drop shapes and width settings and confirms that the drops can be removed and refitted without disconnecting the hydraulic lines.
The newer RACE Bar is different, however. It is a lightweight monocoque cockpit with the stem, tops and drops formed as one component. There are no removable outer bar sections. Canyon offers it in two widths and stem lengths from 80 to 140 mm.
This is the key difference that determines how the bike should be mounted inside the box.
Aeroad with PACE cockpit: Ventoux with a straight mount
For an Aeroad fitted with the PACE cockpit, we recommend a Buxumbox Ventoux with a straight mount, which can be added as an accessory on the Ventoux product page.
The normal Ventoux mounting arrangement requires the handlebars to rotate 101 degrees to the right. Canyon does not publish a maximum steering angle for the Aeroad, so it would be unwise to assume that every bike can reach that position safely.
The straight mount avoids the issue entirely. Remove the two drop sections from either end of the PACE T-Bar, leave the central cockpit fitted and pointing forwards, and secure the bike in the box using the straight mounting arrangement.
There is no need to remove the complete cockpit entirely, disturb the headset or interfere with the hydraulic hoses. At the other end of the journey the drop sections can be refitted without rebuilding the whole front end.
It is one of the more travel-friendly features of the PACE system. Although the cockpit appears fully integrated, its modular construction means relatively little of the bike needs to be taken apart.
Aeroad with RACE Bar: check the steering rotation
The monocoque RACE Bar cannot be packed in the same way because its drop sections do not detach. An Aeroad fitted with a different aftermarket cockpit will also need to be assessed on its own configuration.
For a RACE Bar-equipped Aeroad, the first check is whether the handlebars can rotate 101 degrees to the right without the cockpit, brake hoses or controls contacting the frame as shown in the diagram below:
If they can, the bike can use a Ventoux with the normal angled mounting arrangement. The correct Ventoux width is then selected using "Measurement D" in the box sizing guide, taken from the centre of the stem cap to the furthest-forward point of the brake hoods. If this measurement is under 270mm, you'll need a Ventoux Standard. If it's 270 mm or over, you'll need a Ventoux Wide.
If the RACE Bar cannot reach the required 101-degree position of rotation, the Aeroad will need an Aubisque bike box instead. The Aubisque loads the bike with the cockpit attached and pointing straight ahead, making it suitable for integrated aero bikes whose bars cannot be rotated or dismantled.
The important point is not to force the cockpit beyond its natural steering range. Check the actual bike before ordering and use its measurements, rather than the Aeroad model name alone, to select the box.
Will the Canyon Aeroad fit?
The current Aeroad has published wheelbases ranging from 975 mm in size 2XS to 1,042 mm in size 2XL. That sits within the Ventoux wheelbase range of 905 to 1,055 mm and the Aubisque range of 952 to 1,080 mm.
Wheelbase is only one part of the fit check, however. For a Ventoux, you should also confirm key measurements from the size guide. For an Aubisque, the bike must also fall within the relevant limits for bar width, bar reach, cockpit height and seat-tube height, which you can find on the size guide.
Which box should you choose?
For an Aeroad with the modular PACE cockpit, the most straightforward option is a Ventoux with a straight mount. Remove the drop sections, leave the central T-Bar in place and pack the bike with the cockpit facing forwards.
For an Aeroad with the monocoque RACE Bar, check whether the complete cockpit rotates 101 degrees to the right. If it does, use a Ventoux with the normal mounting arrangement. If it does not, use an Aubisque and load the bike straight.
Either way, the correct answer comes from identifying the cockpit first, then confirming the bike’s measurements.
Canyon Aeroad images courtesy of Rhino's Workshop on Instagram.