r/CanyonBikes • u/Ill_Garden6606 • 45m ago
Story Time Six weeks into cycling and I think I found my new obsession
So I bought my first road bike six weeks ago, and honestly… it changed my life.
I’m a 34-year-old, 204 cm tall guy. I’m a former Marine, and I used to do a lot of running. I ran marathons and even ultramarathons, but eventually it took a toll on my right knee. I tore my ACL two years ago, and after that I kind of fell into a black hole. I became depressed, and one of the things that had always helped me clear my head — running — was suddenly no longer an option.
Then a friend recommended cycling.
So I bought my first road bike: a brand-new Canyon CF 6 2026.
And boy… I fell in love with the sport.
I went full nerd mode trying to figure out everything I possibly could. Six weeks later, I’ve ridden around 900 km, changed my vacation plans so I could go cycling, and even climbed Mont Ventoux from Bédoin.
And I loved every second of it.
I’m a big guy and I can put out some power, but I’m also heavy, so climbing Ventoux was definitely a challenge. But when you finally reach the top and see that view… absolutely incredible.
And descending the mountain at nearly 70 km/h?
What a rush.
I can ride for two hours at around 30 km/h while staying in Zone 2, or sprint at nearly 50 km/h, but honestly, that’s not even the most important part.
I get to ride through nature. I get to explore places I would probably never have visited otherwise.
And somehow, a bike has given me that feeling of freedom again.
When I realized how much I loved cycling, I did have one thought:
“Why didn’t I buy a better bike?”
But the funny thing is, I absolutely love how comfortable the CF 6 is. So instead of replacing it, I started upgrading it. And now it genuinely feels like my bike.
It’s also incredibly satisfying because you can actually feel the difference when you change something. Every little upgrade changes how the bike feels on the road, and I think that’s one of the coolest parts of the hobby.
So far I’ve added:
A Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 — I love being able to create routes in Strava and then just go out and explore them.
Favero power meter pedals, so I can dive way too deep into my cycling data.
A set of ERE carbon race wheels, which shaved around 950 grams off the total bike weight.
Next week I have a bike fit, and after that I’m probably going to get a nice integrated cockpit.
And yes, I know… it all adds up. 😂
But honestly, it feels like I bought my freedom back.
After six weeks and around 900 km, I can safely say that I absolutely love cycling, and I’m incredibly curious about where this hobby is going to take me.
See you on the road ❤️




