Upgrading My Canyon Endurace CF7: New Dropbar and Bartape

In my ongoing quest to optimize my Canyon Endurace CF7 for gravel riding, I recently made some significant upgrades that have already improved my comfort and control. After experiencing hand numbness and awkward wrist positions with the stock 44cm dropbar, I decided to switch to a smaller 40cm Zipp Speed Weaponry Service Course SL-70 XPLR dropbar.

Removal and Installation

First, I removed the old tape and dropbar. The next step was to install the new Zipp bar. I took care to apply thread locker to all my stem bolts and torqued them to 5Nm, using carbon paste to prevent any unwanted movement.

Shifter Setup

With the new bar in place, I leveled and installed the Shimano 105 shifters, ensuring they were positioned perfectly for my riding style. To keep the hydraulic brake and shifter lines tidy, I used strapping tape to secure them along the bar.

Bartape Challenge

Wrapping the new bartape was a bit intimidating. The foam-based Lizard Skin tape I chose came with specific instructions about not stretching it. I think I took that a bit too seriously at first, resulting in a few attempts before I figured out how to stretch it just enough for a good bond with the handlebars. Ultimately, the wrap turned out well, and I was thrilled with how it felt during my last ride.

Conclusion

These upgrades have made a noticeable difference in my comfort on the bike. I’m excited to continue riding my Canyon Endurace CF7 as a gravel bike and will keep sharing my experiences and modifications along the way!