canyon ultimate tour test

First ride review: New Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 – more aero and a wider range of applications?

Lighter, stiffer and aerodynamically more efficient – and at the same time more robust! The new Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 sprints into the new season with several updates, and wants to cater to the needs of both professional riders and mere mortals like us. But did Canyon manage the delicate balancing act? We’ve already had the exclusive opportunity to test the CFR for a whole month in the USA, the Alps and around our home town Stuttgart.

Over the past ten years, the good old “lighter, stiffer, faster” marketing mantra has often been complemented by other captivating catchphrases like “more aero!” and “more comfortable!”. But what about more robust?! Although we weren’t expecting to hear this at the official press launch of the new Canyon Ultimate, it was a pleasant surprise, because, in our opinion, durability is a key element in achieving better sustainability and as such it sits high on our list of priorities – you can read everything about it in our “Sustainability megatrend: Snake oil, eyewash or clear innovation? – Measures and opportunities for the bike industry” trend article we wrote for last year’s Design & Innovation Award

The future of race bike development – Longevity = sustainability?

At a professional level, our sport is still plagued with a throwaway mentality. Racing is all about “marginal gains” and sometimes the bikes aren’t expected to last longer than a race. This is something our friend and ex-pro rider David Millar had already criticised about the evolution of the road bike industry back in 2018 during our race bike group test in Girona . Then as now, that’s exactly the problem with high-end bikes, which often crack far too easily or are built to their absolute limit, thus requiring a lot of carefulness. Sometimes, a second of distraction can have nasty consequences, for example when someone knocks over your bike outside a cafe.

Needless to say, we were delighted to learn that Canyon had expanded the range of applications of their all-rounder while developing the new 2023 Ultimate. Alongside basic requirements such as a low system weight, efficient aerodynamics and stiffness, the German manufacturer has put balance, versatility, adjustability and robustness high on their list of priorities. Instead of pushing the limits and trying to reduce weight to a bare minimum, Canyon gladly accepted a compromise of around 30 g per frame (depending on size) for the sake of strength and durability, reinforcing vulnerable frame sections like the top section of the top tube as well as the seat and chainstays based on the results of several crash and fatigue tests. Canyon’s proprietary IPU steering block limits the steering angle, preventing the handlebars from damaging the frame. While the new Ultimate CFR might not be as bomb-proof as an alloy training bike, Canyon have made a clever move that could inspire other brands to focus more on robustness and durability.

The design language of the new Canyon Ultimate 2023

With the 2023 Ultimate, Canyon have introduced the fifth generation of a modern classic. The latest iteration relies on the same unmistakable design language as its predecessor and still exudes classic road bike elegance from every single carbon fibre. With its sober design language, it tries to be reassuringly familiar rather than aggressively intimidating, which tends to be the case with most modern aero racers. As a result, the new Canyon Ultimate doesn’t have dropped chainstays or gigantic aero surfaces plastered with huge logos, but it is still unmistakably recognisable as a Canyon. Nevertheless, Canyon’s new Ultimate is aimed at professional racers as much as weekend warriors, with performance to match.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” We’re totally with the author of the Little Prince on this one! In this regard, Canyon seem to have come close to perfection with the new Ultimate, reducing or even ditching some popular elements, renouncing unnecessary design gimmicks and following a logical and simple force progression instead while peacefully humming the “less is more” mantra. As a result, aerodynamic key features are only visible upon closer inspection. However, according to Canyon’s own statement, the sober design improves not only the look of the bike but also its aerodynamics. Undesired turbulence can be prevented through straight and flat lines. Everyone knows that air resistance is the greatest force a rider has to overcome. In terms of sheer numbers, thanks to the improvements to the head tube, seat post and down tube alone, the new Canyon Ultimate Frameset should allow you to improve your FTP by 10 W at 45 km/h over the previous version!

Weights and carbon layup for the Canyon Ultimate CF SL, CF SLX and CFR 2023

For cost reasons, manufacturers often use different carbon layups for different bike models – and the same goes for Canyon. The new Ultimate is available in three different versions called CF SL, CF SLX and CFR. The high-end CFR model relies on ultra-high modulus and ultra-high-tension fibres that offer a higher tensile strength and don’t stretch as easily. This allows Canyon to build thinner tubes without sacrificing stability. Our Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 test bike in size M tips the scales at 6.26 kg, which is around 150 g less than the same build with the mid-range CF SLX frameset. For the CF SLX frame, Canyon rely on a well-thought-out selection of fibres to achieve highly optimised wall thicknesses, which allows them to strike an excellent balance between lightweight and strength while at the same time saving 280 g compared to the SL frameset. However, the carbon layup has an influence not only on the weight of the frame, but also the stiffness. The Canyon Ultimate CFR wants to be the benchmark in the Ultimate range and its head tube is meant to be 15% stiffer compared to the predecessor.

The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 in detail.

While developing the new Ultimate, Canyon’s engineers put riding comfort high on their list of priorities. The CFR Di2 rolls on Schwalbe Pro One TT tires, whereby the front relies on the narrower 25 mm version and the rear on the wider 28 mm model. The wider rear tire doesn’t affect the aero performance of the bike but the extra volume helps improve riding comfort. If you’re after an even more comfortable ride, you can run tires up to 32 mm. The Pro One TT renounces any additional puncture protection in favour of lower weight and better rolling resistance. Like all Schwalbe TLE tires, it must always be run with sealant.

Just as crucial to the riding comfort of the Canyon Ultimate is the rear triangle carbon layup. This is meant to compensate for the stiffer SP0064 D-Shape carbon seatpost, which is securely held in place in the seat tube by the newly-positioned clamp bolt. The SL and SLX models employ an SP0055 carbon seatpost with 20 mm setback, which is 40 g heavier than the SP0064 version of the CFR flagship model. Another important contact point is the CP0018 carbon cockpit, which was adopted from the Canyon Aeroad and significantly improves ergonomics. Using three different bar ends, the bar width can be changed in 20 mm increments. Moreover, a sophisticated threadless carbon quill stem allows you to alter the stack height without having to cut down the steerer tube. The removable bar ends come in handy if you travel a lot with your bike and have to regularly pack it into a bag – we’ve already done it with our brand-new test bike when boarding a flight to the USA. And then there’s the aero bonus: all cables are fully integrated into the frame, bringing another clear aerodynamic advantage to the road. As if all of this wasn’t good enough, the cockpit takes a 3D-printed GPS mount, which can be secured with two bolts.

Our Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 test bike comes equipped with an electronic Shimano DURA-ACE R9100 Di2 groupset with a 52/36 t chainset and 11-30 t cassette, ensuring a gear range wide enough to negotiate even steeper climbs. Canyon also rely on Shimano for the brakes, combining DURA-ACE Di2 brakes and 160 mm brake rotors front and rear. As common with road bikes, the pads tend to grind against the rotor after abrupt braking manoeuvres but resume normal operation after a short while. Wheel specialist DT Swiss supply the PRC 1100 Dicut Mon Chasseral wheelset with an 18 mm internal width.

Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 2023

Specifications.

Seatpost Canyon SP0064 D-Shape Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 160/160 mm Drivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 Stem Canyon CP0018 100 mm Handlebar Canyon CP0018 410 mm +/- 20 mm Wheelset DT Swiss PRC 1100 Mon Chasseral Tires Schwalbe Pro One TT Skin Cranks Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 172.5 mm Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE CS-R9100 11–30T

Technical Data

Size 2XS XS S M L XL 2XL Weight 6.26 kg

Spec variants of the new Canyon Ultimate 2023

The Canyon Ultimate is available in a total of 10 different spec variants. Below, we’ll give you an overview of the most exciting models in the respective price ranges. At € 2,699, the CF SL 7 is the gateway to the Ultimate dimension and comes equipped with a Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes. The mid-range Ultimate CF SLX 8 model retails at € 6,299 and features a SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset. Alternatively, you can upgrade the latter to a Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 groupset for an additional € 200. Both versions share the same DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 wheelset with 20 mm inner width and Schwalbe Pro One Skin tires. Next comes the Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2, which sets you back € 8,699 and is an excellent option for ambitious riders. If you go for the Ultimate CFR Di2 flagship model, you’ll have to fork out € 10,499; and € 10,999 for the ETAP version, which rolls on 25 mm Zipp 353 NSW Hookless carbon wheels instead of the narrow 18 mm DT Swiss Mon Chasseral wheelset.

The geometry of the Canyon Ultimate 2023

The Canyon Ultimate is available in a huge range of 8 sizes, 3XS to 2XL. All models roll on 700C wheels except for the 3XS and 2XS sizes of the CF SL model and the 3XS size of the SLX version, which rely on smaller 650B wheels. The CFR flagship model comes in a total of 7 sizes, which all employ 700C wheels – there’s no 650B option! Canyon focus on a unisex frame platform for all rider types across the board. The Ultimate has the same pro-sport genes of the Canyon Aeroad, so it comes as no surprise that it shares the same geometry. That being said, the chainstays of the Ultimate grow with the frame size, providing consistent handling across all sizes.

The new Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 first ride review

Whether you’re cruising on level ground or grinding uphill, the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 accelerates willingly from the get-go. At just 6.26 kg in size M, it flies you to the top of the mountain with its playful and agile character, making every climb a joyful experience. When the road gets rougher, the rear end with the straight seatpost is slightly less comfortable than the front with its carbon cockpit. To improve compliance, we recommend using the same seatpost with 20 mm setback, which is only 40 g heavier.

Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain pass with a big smile on your face, it’s time to prepare for the descent. Here the Canyon shines with predictable and good-natured handling while still responding to steering input with great precision. This makes it easy to spontaneously change your line to dodge a rock on the road or when you want to reposition yourself in the peloton. Cornering is easy too, and only in extreme situations does the front wheel start to become a little twitchy. Blasting down a mountain pass at 90 km/h? No problem! Yes, the Ultimate can handle high speeds but takes an experienced rider and a little getting used to, not because it isn’t intuitive to ride, but rather because the narrow DT Swiss climbing wheels lack stability and precision downhill. This becomes particularly evident when braking into a fast corner downhill, where the 25 mm Schwalbe tire feels spongy and vague in combination with the narrow 18 mm rim.

California dreaming or Finnish sauna? Paul Ripke and Robin really turned it up to eleven in California, cycling from Newport Beach to Palm Springs. A gruelling 180 km, two-wheeled frenzy from the Ocean to the desert, in temperatures up to 64°C in the sun. This much is clear: not only was this the ultimate challenge for (and with) the new Ultimate, but also one of the toughest rides the boys have ever embarked on, both mentally and physically. Watch out for the next issue of GRAN FONDO due in autumn to find out why the “most stupid idea of the past decade” was just as much fun as it was tough, and how it feels to cycle for eight hours straight under the scorching Cali sunshine (oh yes, and how many litres of water Paul can quaff without a single pee-stop). But there’s one thing we can’t wait to tell you: the Schwalbe Pro One TT, which deliberately renounces puncture protection in favour of less weight and lower rolling resistance, isn’t cut out for such long days in the saddle on mixed terrain, especially considering the tons of broken glass, sharp wires and nasty screws the Californian bike paths and roads are scattered with. While Paul didn’t have a single puncture with his Schwalbe One tires, Robin had to deal with several – and that’s definitely not down to his riding style! With this in mind: always choose your tire model wisely, folks!

Well done Canyon! Using a tasteful mix of great design and discreet understatement, the German manufacturer has created a successful reinterpretation of a true classic. While the improvements might be in small details, Canyon have made a big step in the right direction, finally re-evaluating the importance of durability. The Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 is plenty of fun and an excellent climber but would benefit from a different tire/wheel combo, which would improve handling and inspire more confidence on fast descents.

• robustness as a development goal
• easily adjustable cockpit
• predictable and easy handling
• optimal balance between weight, efficiency and downhill capabilities

• tire/wheel combo affects braking precision on fast descents

For more info visit canyon.com

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Words & Photos: Mike Hunger

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2021 Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8 road bike review: impeccable value

Canyon's ultimate cf sl disc may be a few years old, but including it in the field test has proved that this high-value racer has aged incredibly well..

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The past 12 or so months have seen a seemingly endless flurry of new all-round road race bikes that added aero to an existing focus on weight and stiffness. 

And while just about every major brand has a fresh bike that fits the seemingly new trend, Canyon’s current generation of the Ultimate Disc came out back in 2017. However, the consumer-direct German bike company was one of the first to aero-ise its all-round racer, and all along the Ultimate has been the type of bike that many others are only now introducing to the market.

And so while our Field Test in Victoria’s High Country sought to pull together a number of hot new road bikes, the well-priced Canyon Ultimate CF SL still stood as an intriguing prospect. And as our testing confirmed, this bike doesn’t feel old at all. 

Many versions of the Ultimate, explained 

Story highlights.

What: Canyon’s mid-tier version of its low-weight Grand Tour contender|| Key features: One-piece carbon handlebar and stem, flexible 27.2 mm carbon seatpost, aero tube design, consumer-direct pricing.|| Weight: 7.51 kg complete (size small, no pedals), 980 g claimed frame weight.  || Price: US$3,199 / AU$4,249 / £2,699 || Highs: Comfortable ride quality, balanced handling, Canyon’s own cockpit components, stock tyres. || Lows: Somewhat odd frame sizing, press fit BB, locked into 1 1/4″ stems, narrow rims, fixed stem length and handlebar width.

Canyon’s Ultimate range has been expanded and split into a staggering number of options over the past few years. For 2021 there are now three price tiers of the frame with varying levels of carbon layup. There’s the choice between disc (what we tested) and brakes that use the rim. There are women’s-specific versions (WMN). And if that wasn’t enough, many of the models can be picked with or without aero wheels (creatively designated by the word “Aero”).

This new year has seen the introduction of a fresh headline act. The Ultimate CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) which is made with an ultra-high modulus, and worryingly expensive, carbon fibre. The result is a Ultimate CFR Disc with a claimed frame weight of just 685 g (size medium and includes various small parts) with the matching fork at 270 g. And then there’s the matching one-piece handlebar and stem also at 270 g.  

Only a few of the Canyon-sponsored pros at the 2020 Tour de France were on that CFR edition, with the majority on Canyon’s former top dog – the Ultimate CF SLX . In its disc variant, the CF SLX frame offers a claimed weight of 820 g and a fork weight of 320 g. 

And finally, we have the Ultimate CF SL (as tested), a frame that shares the same mould as its two more expensive brethren but does so with a lower-cost material construction. The result is 980 g and 395 g claimed figures for the frame and fork. 

And beyond the weight differences, things get rather similar between the various levels of the Ultimate CF. Stiffness profiles are closely comparable, the external tube shapes are identical, and the component fitment points are the same, too.  

Meanwhile, a vast majority of the Ultimate models – including the model tested – feature Canyon’s own one-piece aero carbon handlebar and stem. Memorably named the CP0010, it sits on the scales at 390 g. That’s not impressively light, but is certainly less than the alloy bar and stem combos found on most bikes of this price point. 

The benchmark for how consumer-direct bikes should be

There has been plenty of chatter in the industry about how the likes of Trek and Cannondale are reducing their plastic packaging and easing bike assembling, but really the world’s largest consumer-direct bike company, Canyon, has been doing so for years. 

Recently Canyon once again overhauled its packaging, and the new Bike Guard 2.0 (yep, the packaging has a name) is quite slick indeed. The packaging now features a sizeable dose of corrugated cardboard and is said to be 98% free of plastic, and like before, it’s intended for easy re-use (Canyon suggests that you keep the box in case of an issue or if you want to take them up on their 30-day money-back guarantee). One of my favourite aspects of Canyon’s packaging is the reusable foam blocks that feature velcro straps to keep the handlebar and front wheel in place. 

Unboxing and building the bike is made as easy as possible, with clear instructions and even the required torque wrenches provided. To get riding you’ll need to install the front wheel, the seat post, the stem and some pedals (not included). Impressively the gears and brakes on my sample were just about perfect without needing intervention. 

Often installing a stem requires a basic understanding of headset preload, but not with this Canyon. Instead, the Ultimate CF features a small locking headset top cap that keeps tension on the headset bearings with the stem off, and so really all you need to do is ensure the stem is straight and use that provided torque wrench. Genius. 

That one-piece stem and handlebar features a clamp design that’s different to everything else on the market, but again, Canyon provides clear instructions on how to use it. And it’s a similar story for the unique seatpost binder that sits somewhat hidden in the unexpected place between the seat stays. This position can be problematic to reach with certain torque wrench designs, but again, Canyon has you covered. 

Fits like a race bike 

There’s no mistaking the Ultimate CF’s performance intentions, and all levels of the platform share the same relatively long and low geometry. And the fact Canyon equips a one-piece handlebar and stem means you’re more likely to be locked into the setup than with other bikes of the price range. 

The only adjustment you have at the front is through 27.5 mm of headset spacers, and so if you’re currently on a racing bike with a large stack of spacers or a stem flipped upright, then this isn’t the bike for you (rather checkout Canyon’s Endurace CF SLX ). That fairly aggressive fit is accentuated by the fairly narrow handlebar width (39 cm on our sample) that is fixed to the stem.

The sizing is also likely different from your existing bike, and it’s best to use the stack and reach figures when comparing. Here, a small Ultimate CF is most closely matched to a 54 cm Trek Emonda SL or a medium-size Giant TCR Advanced . 

The one-piece cockpit also means you’ll want to be fairly confident in your bike fit and the type of reach you prefer. Fine-tuning things like stem length or bar width at a later point will prove a big expense.

Canyon has selected the stem length and bar width which it feels is most appropriate for each of the respective seven frame sizes, and while not advertised, it’s possible to have that choice changed without charge at the time of ordering your bike (you’ll need to contact Canyon for details on how to do this). However, it’s exactly this lack of in-person advice and the ability to try things before you buy (even if on an indoor trainer) that’s the most glaring trade-off you make when buying a consumer-direct bike versus one through more traditional retail channels. 

That handlebar offers a fairly short reach and a non-offensive ergonomic bend that creates no unusual wrist clearance issues or cramped hands. Meanwhile, the tops of the bar offer a generously deep surface that’s comfortable to hold onto and the matte finish does a good job of providing traction to what would otherwise be a slick surface with a coating of summer sweat (or rain). And while more traction can be added by wrapping tape further along the bars, neither my fellow tester Andy van Bergen nor I found it necessary given your palms are often in contact with some of the tape. 

Fit aside, the Ultimate offers a surprisingly long trail figure in the smaller sizes, with head tube angles around the 72º mark matched with short 41.5 mm fork offsets (rake). Our small sample sits at 66 mm (with 28 mm tyres), which is without question one of the longest trail figures you’ll find used in the WorldTour. 

And while in theory that should create a slow handling bike, the Ultimate still feels surprisingly nimble and ducks and weaves through sweeping bends without sign of laziness. A huge part of this is due to the narrow handlebars and shorter 90mm stem that could otherwise create a twitchy ride, but here it just balances things nicely. And as Matt Wikstrom (a former tech editor of CyclingTips) wrote about the Ultimate CF SLX , both Andy and I can attest that the Ultimate is a bike that’s wonderfully stable without feeling boring or slow to change direction.  

Larger frame sizes still stick with the short 41.5 mm fork offset, but the head angles steepen well into the 73º range. For example, a large-size Canyon Ultimate has a trail figure of 60 mm (with a 28 mm tyre). 

Elsewhere things are pretty normal and consistent. All frame sizes share the same 70 mm of bottom bracket drop, and it’s a similar story for the 415 mm chainstay length (which is longer than the 410 mm stays on the rim brake version). And all frame sizes share the same 73.8º seat tube angle, too. 

And speaking of that seat tube angle, our test came equipped with Canyon’s own VCLS carbon seatpost. I’ll come back to this seatpost shortly, but one super-smart feature is that the whole saddle clamp can be slid fore-aft for 15-35 mm of saddle set-back, and then you have the adjustment range on the saddle rails, too. Most other bikes require you to change the whole seatpost for a comparably large fit adjustment. 

Oversized this, undersized that 

The 2021 Canyon Ultimate continues to use the fourth generation of the frame’s design, one that offers subtle aerodynamic optimisations in the main tubes. Canyon has used truncated airfoil profiles in the down tube, the head tube and top tube, while the rear of the bike employs more traditional rounded shapes in slim profiles. And while all of that looks modern to me, I can’t speak to the actual aerodynamic performance of the Ultimate or how it stacks up against the latest competition. 

No doubt the one-piece handlebar and stem is more aerodynamic than the more traditional bar and stem combos found on other bikes of this price, and the narrow bar width certainly provides an even larger advantage. 

And that’s about where the aero elements end and the focus on low weight and stiffness begin. The front end of the bike features an oversized 1 1/4″ steerer tube for additional stiffness with minimal weight gain. Both Giant (with its OD2 system) and Canyon have long championed the benefits of this larger size, however, the rest of the industry never followed and as a result, it means you’re more limited in what stems, headset bearings, and headset spacers will fit.

Combined with the one-piece cockpit, this oversized system does indeed produce a stiff structure that gives an obvious sense of your bars holding true to the angle of the front wheel. It’s most noticeable in sprints or when pushing hard on descents, and the outcome is a bike that tracks wonderfully well and rewards your power efforts. 

That oversized front end flows down to the bottom bracket, where again like Giant, Canyon uses the PF86 Shimano-type pressfit format. It’s a system that allows for a wider down tube and wider setting of the chainstays (which I can confirm clear 32 mm tyres), but of course, requires a unique set of tools in the event of servicing. Generally speaking, we rarely see tolerance issues from the companies who use this format of press-fit bottom bracket. 

Like the front end, the lower half of the frame is rigid to input and this is a pleasing bike to do bursts of power with. Interestingly I could feel that frame rigidity through the pedals, but Canyon has done an admirable job of isolating the feedback once you’re in the saddle. Here the company’s flexible 27.2 mm VCLS seatpost offers a visible amount of flex and immediately transforms what would otherwise be a harsh bike into the smoothest rolling of our small Field Test.  

This seat post strikes a balance of being comfortable without making you feel like you’ve got a flat tyre or are lagging under power. And I say that as Canyon’s split-leaf-spring-type VCLS 2.0 seatpost as used on the Endurace CF SLX is almost like a suspension post in how much it moves. 

A single grub screw is used to tighten the integrated wedge onto the post, and my experience has been extremely positive of this system. Not only does the low clamping point encourage additional seatpost flex, I’ve also found the design to hold impressively well and be free of noise – if only I could say the same for many other integrated clamp designs. 

And while the front end does feel stiffer than the rear (at least when seated), the flat profiled aero handlebar does lend itself to a small amount of vertical give when you want it most. 

Wait, it’s how much?

OK, so it’s time to talk about component specs and showcase just how much bike you get for your money with Canyon’s consumer-direct business model which cuts out the “middle guy”. 

The tested 2021 Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8 retails for US$3,199 / AU$4,249 / £2,699 and offers a full Shimano Ultegra R8020 mechanical groupset and rolls on DT Swiss P 1800 Spline db wheels. Our small-sized sample weighs 7.51 kg without pedals, an impressive figure for a disc-equipped bike at this price. 

As covered, Canyon provides its own cockpit components which play a large part in how the Ultimate performs, and their quality is nothing to scoff at for a bike of any price, let alone one of this price. That seatpost is wonderful and is responsible for making this bike one of my favourites of the category, while that one-piece handlebar and stem makes the bike feel and look far more expensive than it actually is. However, you’ll want to factor in another US$30 for Canyon’s own out-front computer mount in case you want to mount a head unit to these bars

The saddle is from Selle Italia and it’s great. It’s the relatively new SLR Boost Superflow S, effectively the Italian company’s version of Specialized’s hugely popular Power , and I’m sure many will find it comfortable. I said similar in the Trek Emonda SL review , and I’ll say it again, I love this new trend of saddles that seem to fit a vast number of riders. 

No surprises here, but the Shimano Ultegra shifting just works, and wonderfully at that. Canyon has equipped a fairly versatile mid-compact crank (52/36T) with an 11-30T cassette, a combination that’s extremely common on 2021 model year bikes. And while you may think the exposed cable routing ages the Ultimate, the flipside is that replacing a length of gear cable housing is a lot simpler than more concealed designs such as what the new Trek Emonda SL uses. 

The Shimano Ultegra Discs are a personal favourite on the road. They offer easy setup, easy bleeding (although such a task is rare) and wonderful modulation. 

The DT Swiss wheels feature a low profile aluminium rim laced up with aero spokes and a hub that clicks with the Swiss company’s three-pawl system. These wheels are a fuss-free option but don’t offer a whole lot of performance in the process. These wheels aren’t badly weighted at 1,663 g (770 g front, 890 g rear), but the 18 mm internal rim width and 23 mm rim depth don’t do a whole lot for me. No doubt a set of lighter and aero wheels would be a worthwhile upgrade for this bike, and the bike’s price perhaps offers room to make that improvement.  

And those wheels are wrapped with Continental GP5000 clincher tyres in a 25 mm size. Yep, that’s a seriously high-end tyre for a bike of this price and kudos for Canyon for not skimping on this critical component. We did, however, swap out those tyres for the same in a 28 mm version for control testing purposes, and it’s a change I’d make myself if the bike were my own. 

A brilliant package 

I feel like I’m all praise for this bike, and in many ways I am. 

What surprised me most is that despite it being over three years old, the Ultimate CF SL remains impressively competitive with the latest offerings on the market, and manages to strike a wonderful balance of low weight, stiffness, and comfort that some others haven’t quite mastered yet. 

It’s a great bike, however, really it’s the price that sets this bike apart. That price will no doubt be attractive to all, but I will offer a firm warning that I truly don’t believe everyone should be buying a bike direct. Knowledgeable staff of bike stores can add priceless value to how well you enjoy the final product, and I can’t emphasise enough just how important it is that the bike and the attached components fit you correctly. And unless you’re extremely confident in your ability to fit and build a bike, then you’ll want to factor those services into the final price of this bike. 

The purchase method of this bike isn’t ideal for all, however, there’s no denying that the Canyon Ultimate CF SL remains one of the very best options amongst the mid-level all-round race bikes. Comfortable, stable and totally capable. And that’s more than splendid for a race bike that was effectively released in 2017. 

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The Fifth Generation Canyon Ultimate Road Bike Is Here

Updates to the long running road racing platform include more stiffness, more aero, and more integration.

Canyon’s Ultimate road race platform has been around since 2004. It has won World Championships, Grand Tours, and a few single-day monuments, plus countless other races at all levels of the sport. However, it has not seen a refresh since 2015. I have spent a lot of time on the fourth version of the Ultimate. It’s a testament to how good that bike is that even riding it as recently as a few weeks ago, it did not feel like a bike that’s been around for seven years.

No matter how good a bike is, the inevitable march of progress continues, and the fifth generation Canyon Ultimate is here. Canyon’s mantra for this bike is “perfect balance,” meaning that the design team's aim, according to Canyon’s marketing material, was to “strike the perfect balance between weight, stiffness, aerodynamics, comfort, and durability.”

At a glance, the new Ultimate is strikingly similar to the outgoing model. A few sculpted edges here, some smoothing out there, but overall the visual balance of the bike remains unchanged. Which is a good thing because the Ultimate has always struck a svelte silhouette that screamed “lightweight race bike” to me. And I appreciate Canyon sticking with that look.

The main downside of this new cockpit is the loss of easy stem length adjustability. You’re locked into the options Canyon has chosen to provide with your frame size. So if you’re like me and need to go to a longer or shorter stem length than what is stock on the bike, you’ll need to order a different length CP0018 cockpit from Canyon. Performing the swap can also be a time-consuming process since you’ll need to disconnect and then reconnect hydraulic brake lines (and costly if you are not able to do this work on your own).

Predictably the new Ultimate is stiffer, with Canyon claiming a 15% increase of stiffness at the headtube. It also gets a boost in aerodynamic efficiency. Canyon partnered with aero experts at Swiss Side to eke out as much aero efficiency as possible without adding weight. The new bike, plus a rider, is said to save 5 watts at 28mph compared to the fourth generation version.

One of the things I loved about the previous generation Ultimate was how much ahead of its time it was with tire clearance. Canyon has upped the clearance from a very conservative 30mm on the 4th generation Ultimate to 32mm on the newest model. Based on my experience with the older model (and a bit of playing around with the new Ultimate), I would say that the 32mm number is very conservative. I was able to fit the new bike with cyclocross tires that measured 36mm in width and still had clearance for knobs. Obviously, the latest Ultimate is not a cyclocross or gravel bike, but you could easily fit a 34-36mm measured tire into the new Ultimate. The improvement in tire clearance is great news for riders that want an ultra-stiff and responsive feeling bike but want to skip the chattery ride that often comes with the territory.

Another boost in comfort comes from a new D-shaped seat post, which replaces the previous generation's 27.2mm round seat post. Canyon, again, has traded broad compatibility in favor of a more finely tuned product. But riders that want a zero offset seat post will only be able to get it on certain models, while a seat post with 20mm of offset is only offered on some others. For the foreseeable future, there won't be an option to specify a seat post offset at the time of purchase. But Canyon does insist that this option is coming. For those counting grams, the zero offset post is a wild 40g lighter than the 20mm offset version.

There are three tiers of frames in the new Ultimate line-up, as well as two different forks. The top-end Ultimate CFR now weighs 762g in a size medium (including paint and hardware). The matching fork is 321g. The weight is an 87g increase from the previous generation Ultimate, although complete bikes are still incredibly light ranging from 13.89 to 14.7 lbs depending on the model.

The Ultimate CF SLX is the mid-tier frame option, and it comes in within a few grams of its previous version at 846g. Finally, there is the Ultimate CF SL which is 1,062g. The CF SLX and CF SL use the same fork, which weighs 351g.

Sizing and Geometry

Canyon offers the Ultimate CF SLX and SL models in eight sizes, from 3XS to 2XL. The two smallest sizes of the Ultimate SL use 650b wheels, while just the smallest of the CF SLX does so. The top-tier CFR is only available with 700c wheels in seven sizes from 2XS to 2XL.

Canyon has fine-tuned its road bike geometry over the eighteen years the Ultimate has been around. The newest version gets slightly longer (with reach growing by a few millimeters across size), and the stack is also slightly taller. The geometry updates make the Ultimate’s fit identical to Canyon’s aero road bike, the Aeroad.

Seven distinct models of the new Ultimate will be available in the US. They range in price from $11,000 for the Ultimate CFR Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap bikes to $3,000 for the Ultimate CF SL 7 model with mechanical Shimano 105 components.

Pricing has always been a big part of the Canyon's appeal to riders. With a direct-to-consumer business model, prospective customers can expect to pay roughly $1,500 to $2,000 less for an Ultimate compared to a bike with a similar groupset and wheels from a brand like Trek or Specialized. For instance, the top-of-the-line Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 built with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 has a retail price of $14,250. A wild $3,250 more than the Ultimate CFR Di2. If you are shopping for a mid-tier model, a Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert with Ultegra Di2 retails for $8,300, and an Ultimate with similar parts sells for $1,300 less.

The trade-off for riders comes in the form of no on-the-ground dealer support network. Granted, most bike shops will have no issue working on Canyon bikes, and Canyon support in the US has generally been pretty easy to deal with. Still, it’s something worth considering, as some shops won't mind doing the work but will leave it up to you to source any proprietary replacement parts from Canyon.

Ultimate CFR Di2 - $11,000 (13.89lb) - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 with Shimano dual-sided power meter and DT Swiss PRC 1100 Mon Chasseral carbon wheels.

Ultimate CFR eTap - $11,000 (14.68lb) - SRAM Red eTap AXS with Quarq power meter and Zipp 353 NSW carbon wheels.

Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2 - $9,000 (14.70lb) - Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and 50mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1100 carbon wheels.

Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 - $7,000 (15.65lb) - Shimano Ultegra Di2 with 4iiii power meter and 50mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1400 carbon wheels.

Ultimate CF SL 7 eTap - $4,700 (17.02lb) - SRAM Rival eTap AXS with Quarq power meter and DT Swiss P1800 aluminum wheels.

Ultimate CF SL 8 - $4,000 (17.64lb) - Shimano 11-speed mechanical Ultegra with DT Swiss Performance LN aluminum wheels.

Ultimate CF SL 7 - $3,000 (18.12lb) - Shimano 11-speed mechanical 105 with DT Swiss Perfomrnce LN aluminum wheels.

Ride Impressions Coming Soon

Canyon has sent us an Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 to test. Unfortunately, the stock stem length and seat post offset don’t quite work for my fit. So perhaps, like many Canyon customers, I’m currently waiting on the right parts to become available before I can give this bike a proper evaluation. Based on my positive experience with the outgoing Ultimate and Canyon's excellent value proposition for buyers, I have high expectations for the new bike.

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 2023

First Published Sep 7, 2022

This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

• Exceptional
• Not so good

The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 is a very good road racer's bike, and this model, though not cheap at £6,499, isn't bad value for money when compared with some of its main rivals. But Canyon isn't the bargain that it once was.

> Buy now: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 for £6,449 from Canyon

Personally, I prefer a lightweight aero race bike like this over a full aero machine. I think they're more versatile, nicer to ride, and unless you speed everywhere at 50kph, you're not going to miss the couple of watts that you'll lose over a full aero design.

The Ultimate has been designed as a race bike and that really sums up what you get here. This is a fast bike if you have the legs to make it so, and every time I decided to give things a nudge, the Ultimate was perfectly capable of matching me every step of the way.

Out of the box and built within about 30 minutes, the Ultimate and I headed straight out onto some rolling roads with plenty of fast corners and mixed efforts at road surfacing. The bike was instantly likeable, with the fast ride complemented by handling that's very fun.

As it's designed for racing, I wasted no time getting the bike out on a ride with some mates which, as we all know, is the only race that matters. Bragging rights are more valuable than any rainbow or yellow jersey, after all.

On these rides, there will always be races up hills, unspoken descending competitions, and an unnecessary number of sprints. The Ultimate was far too much bike for my distinctly average legs, but I'll take any help I can get, especially when the road goes up.

Climbing on this bike is great. You've got a really solid platform on which you can stomp through the pedals. There was no discernible flex, either through the meat of the frame or at the front end. It feels efficient and, if aero wizards are to be believed, on faster climbs you'll also be benefiting from the tube shapes.

Sprinting on this bike is good too. I would have preferred a longer stem – we'll get to that in a bit – but as much as I pulled on the bar, I couldn't get the front end or the drops to move. Add in the stability at speed and you've got a bike that allows you to get on with laying the power down.

Once we've all ruined our legs, it's time to sit back and tick off the miles. Getting the bike up to speed doesn't take much, and with a bit of assistance coming from the various aero touches on the frame, it's also easy to keep the bike rolling at a healthy pace. It feels very much like a lightweight aero race bike should.

Those unspoken descending competitions pose a bit of an issue for me these days. I've lost my bottle a bit after a few crashes, so having a bike under me that I feel confident on makes a massive difference. The Ultimate's composed nature really helped me to stop looking down at the road surface (I hate potholes – blame the crashes) and allowed me to focus on spotting the apex and then looking through the corner to where I needed to go.

The frame's compliance means that hitting a rougher patch of tarmac mid-corner isn't too much of an issue, but, as I'll get on to in a minute, this isn't the comfiest road race bike I've ridden.

Canyon has boosted tyre clearance in the Ultimate so that you can now fit 32mm tyres. The bike I tested was fitted with different tyres front and rear. The front measures up at 27mm while the rear is 29mm. Given that I run 28mm tyres on my own bike, this was perfectly fine.

That tyre clearance allows you to fit wider tyres for more comfort, but if I compare it with the Merida Scultura V Team that I rode last year , I'd have to say that the Merida is a bit better at isolating you from road buzz.

That's not to say the Ultimate is uncomfortable – far from it. You can cover big miles on this bike without getting beaten up. But if you're looking for the plushest ride, the Scultura would be the way to go.

This test bike comes in at 7.27kg. If that's not light enough for you, the higher spec model with Shimano Dura-Ace groupset, fancier DT Swiss wheels and a lighter saddle brings that down to 6.8kg. But I wouldn't bother paying for all of that. This is going to be just as fun, about as fast and you're going to have a few grand left in the bank to go and ride in a nice location.

Canyon has, it says, made an effort to ensure that its sponsored riders have the easiest time choosing between this and the Aeroad. Part of this is making the geometry in the key places absolutely identical, so that the riders can simply pick which bike suits that day's stage more and not have to worry about which bike fits them better.

That's not likely to be an issue for the majority of us, but what it does mean is that you're getting a geometry that is designed for racing. That results in a long and low position suited to those who can tuck their top half down for extended periods of time, and gives you a bike that feels best when it is going fast.

This small size has a top tube length of 554mm mated to a very short head tube, just 121mm, giving stack and reach figures of 542mm and 390mm respectively. That gives a ratio of 1.39 which is right at the racier end of the scale.

The head angle is 72.75 degrees, which, when matched with the 983mm wheelbase, creates a bike that is ideally balanced in fast corners.

In terms of this build, there is very little to get picky about. It comes with a 4iiii power meter, this new Shimano Ultegra is brilliant, the DT Swiss wheels fly, that Selle Italia saddle is comfy and the bike as a whole looks really good to me.

The front end now features the CP18 cockpit that we first saw introduced on the latest Aeroad. This gives you a ton of adjustability, both in terms of bar height and width.

My initial impression of this system was that it was a bit pointless. It was engineering for engineering's sake, a cost-cutting exercise for Canyon and a gimmick to talk about on the product pages. But having reassessed my position and thought about this from the perspective of, say, one of my mates, who has literally just bought a bike with an integrated front end and simply can't be bothered to try setting up a different position, I can fully see the appeal of a system that allows riders to easily play with their position without needing new parts or a hacksaw.

Adjusting the front end is simple. You undo the single stem bolt with a T25 Torx key, wiggle the stem up a bit, take out as many spacers as you want (they separate into two pieces to make it easy), wiggle the stem back down and then use the special tool that is in the box to tighten up the top bolt. Do the stem bolt up and you're good to go. The fettling possibilities are endless.

Our test bike came with the bar taped at the point where it'd be finished perfectly in the narrowest position, so if you wanted to go wider, you'd need to unscrew the two bolts on the underside of the tops and then rewrap the tape to make it look nice. But still, the system is dead simple to play around with.

The seatpost is now a D-shaped design. The bike has plenty of rear-end compliance and I had no issues with slipping, so it seems to be working just fine. Topping this off is a Selle Italia saddle which I found comfortable, but that's personal preference.

One annoying thing is that Canyon doesn't, currently at least, ship the bike with a clamp suitable for saddles with 7x9mm carbon rails. The two Specialized frames I have bought in the last few years both had such clamps, so if you're ordering this bike at launch and intend to use a carbon-railed saddle, have a word with customer service when you order. Hopeful Canyon will be addressing this soon.

The groupset is the latest 12-speed Shimano Ultegra R8100 model and it works wonderfully. The shifting is superb and the brakes have been improved over the old model, but I won't write too much here. Go and check out the full groupset review for my thoughts.

Wheels come from DT Swiss in the form of the ARC 1400 and they complement the bike nicely, though they will suit rolling roads a bit more than properly hilly routes. The 50mm depth is one that I became comfortable with very quickly, despite spending the last few months rolling around on shallow wheels.

They do get nudged about by stronger winds, but they're some of the easiest wheels I've had the pleasure of riding in gusty conditions.

Mounted onto these wheels are Schwalbe Pro One Skin tyres. The spec sheet doesn't list the width, but the tyres that came on the test bike are 27/29mm f/r and sit nicely thanks to the 20mm internal rim width.

In terms of value, this is £6,499, which isn't bad. You're saving about £750 over the Specialized Tarmac SL7 for similar equipment (though no power meter), but the days of Canyon being the brand that offers incredible value for money seem to be over.

Giant's TCR Advanced Pro 0 is £4,999. Before you shout at me in the comments saying about cable integration, it will save you maybe a watt. Okay, hiding those cables might look better, but is it worth one and a half grand? It doesn't come with a power meter, either.

> One bike to rule them all: why lightweight aero bikes are now THE essential Tour de France race weapon

If you do want the hidden cables, the Merida Scultura 9000 is £5,950, and it is a brilliant bike. That said, I will admit that you might want to spend the £600 you've saved getting the Scultura resprayed. Why brown, Merida? And a power meter.

The fact remains, however, if you're looking for value, you can do better than the Ultimate.

I'm not going to end on a bad note. This is, after all, a bloody nice bike to ride. It is fast uphill, sails down them with balanced handling, and if you find yourself mixed up in a fast-paced group ride or race, you're not going to be left wanting. It also looks brilliant and I actually really like this front end from an end-user point of view.

Canyon says this isn't the lightest bike ever, nor is it the stiffest, nor the most aero. Instead, it says that this is the best combination of the three, and I would say that Canyon is pretty safe saying that. This thing climbs well, it is fast on the flat and I never got to the end of a ride feeling broken. It's a brilliant bike to ride, but buying from Canyon doesn't represent the value that it once did.

The Ultimate is a brilliant race bike – fast, comfortable and handles well

road.cc test report

Make and model: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8

Size tested: Small

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX R100

Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104

Shimano Ultegra Di2

DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 wheels, internal width 20mm

Schwalbe Pro One Skin tyres

Shimano Ultegra Di2 12spd + 4iiii Precision Powermeter 52/36 chainset - 11-30 cassette

Canyon CP0018 cockpit

Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Ti316 saddle

Canyon SP0055 seatpost

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

From Canyon:

"If you're not moving forwards, you're going backwards. At Canyon, the drive to innovate and improve is what inspires us every day. That's why we're constantly developing our bikes – to push things forward and make our products better all the time.

What does the Ultimate mean to us?

By leveraging the latest advancements in materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods, the Ultimate has taken a significant step forward with every new generation, always representing the bleeding edge of road bike performance and development. But despite this constant evolution, the essence of the Ultimate has always remained. This is a pure, classic road bike down to the core.

And now, the brand-new 5th generation Ultimate is writing the next chapter of the Ultimate's remarkable success story – by perfectly balancing the five performance factors that define a world-class road race bike."

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

Pretty much slap bang in the middle. The range starts with the CF SL 7 at £2,699, equipped with mechanical Shimano 105, alloy wheels and a standard bar which doesn't allow for fully internal cable routing. At the other end, the CFR ETAP will cost you £10,999.

Frame and fork

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

I can't see there being any issues, like there were with the Aeroad. Everything seems well finished with good surfaces on the brake faces and dropouts.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

Carbon, but Canyon doesn't give any more details.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

You're getting a long and low racer's position. The wheelbase is very tight and the stack to reach ratio is certainly aggressive.

If you're not a racer, have a look at the Canyon Endurace as it'll probably fit you better.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

It was comfortable for a road race bike, but the Merida Scultura is still the best I've ridden on this score.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Yep. Plant some power down and the frame isn't moving at all.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

This feels very efficient, which is an excellent feeling when you get onto a slog of a climb.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Lively.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

This feels best at speed. It loves a fast corner.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The tyres are nice and wide and they sit on rims with a decent internal width.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The cockpit and wheels are usually what let a good frameset down, but here they work excellently.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The wheels help to hold speed on flatter sections.

The drivetrain

Wheels and tyres

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

Very stable for the depth. They help the rolling speed on the flats.

Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?

Gripped well in wet and dry conditions.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Loved it.

Would you consider buying the bike? No, I'd have the cheaper TCR.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes, along with the Giant TCR and Merida Scultura.

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc 0 is £4,999, though doesn't come with a power meter and has the brake hoses exposed at the front end.

The Merida Scultura 9000 is £5,950. Also no power meter.

The Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert is £7,250 with no power meter.

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's very good – a fast, comfortable and balanced road race bike with a brilliant spec. The front end adjustability is a real highlight, but this doesn't offer the value that Canyon is known for.

Overall rating: 8 /10

About the tester

Age: 27   Height: 177cm   Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years   I ride: Most days   I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!

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Add new comment

I do understand that this review is directed for the UK market mostly, there seems to be huge price differences between the german and UK bike markets though.

The reviewed Ultimate costs on the german site 6,499 EUR. While the Merida Scultura 9000 goes for 7,899 EUR without powermeter, the Tarmac SL7 Pro (SRAM electronic shifting with powermeter included) goes for 9,200 EUR, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 version of 2021 without powermeter was going for 7,699 EUR. Only real competitor with similar spec would be indeed the Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 without powermeter for 5,799 EUR. With these huge differences in mind the Ultimate CF SLX is still unbeatable considering performance and spec for a much more lower price (almost 3K EUR less than a Tarmac), at least here where I live. Definitely a bargain.

Don't know what went wrong with Brexit and pricing and of course inflation but 8/10 points is a bit unfair in my opinion.

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Not sure if you were talking about the rim brake version but as to the max tyre width, the previous version with disc brakes can comfortably take 32mm rubber - I have 32mm gravel kings on a spare set of wheels (so not just slick road tyres either).

Shame about the price increases and the fact the lower models lose the bulk of the claimed improvements (external cabling and non adjustable handlebar)

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More aero, more stiffness, and more integration, but also a bit more weight.

Sept 2022 · Mike Hunger

Lighter, stiffer and more aerodynamic – and at the same time more robust! We’ve already put the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 through the wringer, riding it on all types of terrain.

Robustness as a development goal

Easily adjustable cockpit

Predictable and easy handling

Optimal balance between weight, efficiency and downhill capabilities

Tire/wheel combo affects braking precision on fast descents

Sept 2022 · RBA Staff

A slew of improvements bolster Canyon's Ultimate road bike

Sept 2022 · William Tracy

The Ultimate family includes 7 models for the US market spread across 3 levels.

Last updated 23 March Not listed for 62 days

New Canyon Ultimate launched for 2023, defined by aero gains and a holistic design approach

More aero, but not at the expense of comfort, weight, handling, or aesthetics

Canyon doesn’t necessarily have the heritage of some other brands, but despite this it’s now one of the biggest names out there, and while the Aeroad may be the most race-attuned model in the company's range, the Ultimate is still the flagship model. The new Canyon Ultimate, now in its 5th generation, sees it drift further from its previous guise as ‘the climbing bike’ - a role it fell into upon the inception of the Aeroad - into a much more rounded, all-purpose race machine.

It’s a model with an impressive set of results packed into a relatively short time frame, racking up wins at grand tours, including a pair of GC overalls, wins in sprint stages, a monument victory at Il Lombardia, and two world championships. So, what’s new with the new Canyon Ultimate, what options are available, and how much are they going to cost you? 

“Perfect Balance” 

While this is nominally ‘the climbing bike’ in the range, this has become a moniker that Canyon appears to be keen to eschew in favour of a more rounded view of the New Ultimate. It is the lightest bike in its road range, and by extension, the most lightweight bike the company produces (if you ignore the birch LIKEaBIKE balance bike, pedants), but it isn’t a record-shattering featherweight. 

Instead of optimising one characteristic at the expense of all else, Canyon has aimed to produce what it sees as the perfect blend of improved aerodynamics, comfort, weight, and other lesser considered (or at least less shouted about) characteristics such as durability and, interestingly, aesthetics. In a world of data-driven design philosophy, it is rare to see a bike launch openly admit that ensuring the end product was aesthetically pleasing and desirable was a key deliverable for the project.

As such, the improvements in each of these fields have been relatively minor on their own, leading to a new model that is more evolution than revolution, but Canyon hopes that the collective improvement will be greater than the sum of its parts, and lead to one of the best road bikes on the market.

Improved aerodynamics 

It is more or less unheard of now for a new bike to launch without it having improved aerodynamics. The new Canyon Ultimate is no different, with a 10-watt gain being cited for the frameset, although this drops to five watts once you actually add a rider. The gains are primarily produced by using the CP0018 integrated bar and stem combo, originally seen on the Aeroad CFR , and with it the fully integrated cable routing, as you’d expect on a bike at this level. The previous Ultimate also had a one-piece unit, but it wasn't the all-out aero one you see here.

The frame itself hasn’t been entirely untouched, but the modifications are extremely subtle, partially to maintain the aesthetic value of the bike. The fork shoulders are more angular, encouraging air to flow along the sculpting at the base of the headtube. The bottom bracket is slightly bulkier, but not to an extreme, and the junction at the seatstay/seat tube/top tube has a squared-off kammtail rear, to flow into the new D-shaped seatpost. This is available in a 20mm or 0mm setback version, with the 0mm being stock on the top-of-the-range CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) models.

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Lower weight

The new Canyon Ultimate isn’t the lightest bike on the market (though it could still challenge most of the bikes in our best lightweight bikes list), but weight improvements have been made across the frame, forks, and the bar-stem and seatpost. As this is a race bike, ultimately destined for the pro peloton under the riders of Canyon-SRAM, Movistar, Alpecin-Deceuninck and more, it appears that the design and engineering team at Canyon saw no point in making a bike that could go drastically under the UCI’s 6.8kg weight limit. 

The near range-topping CFR Di2 build comes in a full half a kilo beneath this limit at 6.3kg, and in this guise definitely has the feel of a climbing bike, but the eTap version with its deeper Zipp wheels looks much more of an all-rounder. Even the second-tier CF SLX 9 build still comes in bang on the limit, so it's clearly no anvil.

Weight is important, but not at the expense of durability and longevity, which is why the engineers added an extra 30g of carbon to high-stress areas (primarily the tube junctions). It’s also why the frameset features integrated protection on the drive-side chainstay, and a chip in the head tube to stop the bars from over-rotating and colliding with the top tube in the event of a crash.

Despite weight not being the absolute be-all and end-all, Canyon has also developed a new computer mount, 3D printed and designed to bolt directly onto the cockpit, and weighing in at a sprightly 17g. It doesn’t feature a replaceable insert, as the mount is printed directly into it, so you have to choose your computer system and stick to it. 

Smoother is faster 

Comfort is no longer the dirty word it used to be (though looking at the all-carbon saddle on the CFR you may be forgiven for questioning that statement). The new Canyon Ultimate follows the trend across all disciplines with greater tyre clearance, 32mm front and rear to be precise, along with additional flex coming from the combo of the D-shaped seatpost and a lower clamping mechanism borrowed from the brand Exceed hardtail XC MTB, that's slightly reminiscent of the Specialized Roubaix, though not so extreme.

The tyre widths that come as stock vary depending on the model, with the lower tier models opting for 28mm front and rear and the higher tier options running a 25/28mm front/rear setup.

An all-around race bike then? It seems that while some brands are focussing on making their aero bikes a more multi-purpose offering, Canyon is trying to do the same with its former climbing bike, leaving the Aeroad for the specialists.

Builds and pricing 

The new Canyon Ultimate comes in three flavours: The pro-level CFR, the second-tier SLX, and the third-tier SL. Each frameset platform features two distinct paint jobs, and a number of builds from mechanical 105 at the lower end to SRAM Red eTap and Dura-Ace at the upper echelons, making a total of 11 models.

The sizing is unisex, with eight sizes from 3XS to 2XL on offer. For the SL platform, the smallest two sizes are built with 650b wheels, as is the smallest SLX size. The CFR platform is exclusively 700c however, given its pro-tier use case; 650b wheels are not supported by neutral service, or teammates should an emergency wheel swap be necessary.

We've already spent some time with the new Ultimate, so head to our early Canyon Ultimate 2023 review for the lowdown, or check out the builds and pricing below:

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.

Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael

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Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2: One of the best and lightest road bikes money can buy

Canyon has revitalised its top-selling road bike and managed to make it better than ever with models to suit all budgets

With its latest iteration of the Ultimate road bike, Canyon has tried to make everyone happy, especially when it comes to producing a model to suit all skill levels, sizes and budget. In that respect, the bewildering model range can be daunting to pick through. However, select the right model, like the Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 you see here and you’ll be in for a treat. The lightweight design bristles with a dazzling array of top components and it’s a bike that can be pushed to its limits without fear of failure.

Very lightweight

Superb components

Models to suit most budgets

Price rises as the spec does

Almost too many models to choose from

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 review in a sentence: A sublime and incredibly lightweight road bike that’s available in a range of model variants to suit all budgets.

Back in September I went along to the unveil of the fifth generation Canyon Ultimate , which is one of this bike brand’s best ever road cycles. It’s sold consistently well over the years, but the new version, which is available in a range of model variants and price points, is the best yet. 

It’s a brilliant machine, which is great to ride thanks to a collection of fantastic components and a lightweight frame that makes it amazingly agile in a variety of road conditions. Little wonder then it’ll get pride of place in our best road bike guide in due course.

I finally managed to get hold of the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 model to try out in my own time and on my own terms, which is always the best way to familiarise yourself with a new two-wheeler. The great thing about spending some time on it away from other cyclists is that you can stop when you want and take in the great features to be found on this road bike. 

One of the most impressive things about the Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 is its weight, or lack thereof as it is only 6.67kg. That’s a big part of the appeal, but the overall design and build is right up there too.

If you want to know more about T3's product reviews, take a read of our how we test page. Otherwise, read on for my thoughts about the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2. 

Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2: price and availability

As I mentioned above, Canyon has opted to provide the cycling fraternity with a raft of different model variants of the Ultimate. That’s an impressive feat, especially given the ongoing supply chain issues hitting every manufacturing business. Equally, it also presents you with a challenge when buying one , as the model range takes some time to peruse.

You’ll probably be working to a budget and there’s good news on that front, with the Ultimate CF SL 7 model starting at £2,699/$2,599 and AUD $4,899 and going right on up to the Canyon Ultimate Ultimate CFR Di2, which costs £10,399/$10,049 or AUD $15,349, which is the pick of the crop. Big spenders will also find the Ultimate CFR ETAP, with its price tag of £10,899/$10,549 or AUD $16,099 similarly appealing.

Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2: design and build

There’s no doubt that anything in the current Canyon Ultimate range will look good, both when you’re on it and off it. However, Canyon has made the new model variants quite substantial and picking through the various options can be a little bit bewildering. This bike, the Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 seems to straddle a decent middle ground area where you get all of the style, plus a collection of components that make it more than capable for serious cyclists.

The fit and finish of this bike is largely excellent, with the Iced Berry paint finish really adding a touch of pizazz to proceedings. And, going back to the components list, you should be more than content with the collection found on the Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2, with DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 rims, shod with Schwalbe Pro One Skin rubber. The Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow saddle is a treat when you’re on it too, while the shifting comes from Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 groupset, and that as it turns out is one of the highlights here.

Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2: the ride

If you’ve ridden older models of the Canyon Ultimate you’ll probably expect this bike to offer a similar riding experience. While it is as good as earlier incarnations, the whole experience has been revitalised thanks to some major tweaking during construction of the frame. It might be lighter, but the Canyon Ultimate comes across as more capable on a range of road surfaces thanks to its stiffer construction.

These subtle alterations to the frame design make the bike look great too, but the major benefit is the handling you get. This is a fast bike, make no mistake, with the lighter weight factor proving to be a major part of the package. Note, however, that you’ll need to part with increasingly higher levels of cash in order to enjoy the lightest bikes in the range. As I said, the Shimano gearing works a treat too, with slick changes allowing you to really get the best from the two-wheeler.

Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2: verdict

The Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 is an easy bike to ride, but it can also deliver formidable performance if you’re fit enough to push the two-wheeler to its limits. There’s a very decent level of comfort to be had from this bike too, even if you’re out for the day and really clocking up the miles. 

While the design and build, complete with hidden cables and neat style flourishes, suggest that the Canyon CF SLX 8 Di2 might not be as durable as you’d like, a good session on it soon reveals that it’s a bike that can last the course. In fact, it’s so nicely put together that I think it would probably be me that gives up the ghost, long before the bike itself. Impressive.

Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he's been all-digital, he has run the Innovation channel for a few years at Microsoft, as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of Stuff, TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he's not working, he's usually out and about on one of the numerous e-bikes in his collection.

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THROWBACK THURSDAY, 2015: ALEX DOWSETT BREAKS THE HOUR RECORD

2023 CANYON ULTIMATE: MODERN UPDATES BALANCE HANDLING, AERODYNAMICS, WEIGHT

By David Kennedy

It’s been five years since Canyon last updated their Ultimate series. For 2023, the performance road bike has received a handful of modern updates that follow in line with tech and design moves already made from many other big-name brands.

Aesthetically, Canyon fully integrated the routing for hydraulic lines through the one-piece handlebar. Frame shapes underwent a redesign with airfoil shaping used more prominently throughout. Notably, the seatpost is now D-shaped for improved compliance. Carbon layers have been added around the bottom bracket, top tube and seat tube junction for added stiffness.

At the launch the Canyon team was quick to bring up the phrase “perfect balance” as the theme for this fifth-generation Ultimate. He andthe design team were clear that there was no singular focus they desired to improve. Rather, the goal was to modernize the compliance, stiffness and aerodynamic characteristics without adding weight. In Canyon’s eyes, it was an update without any sort of compromise.

There are 11 models of the new Ultimate over three separate levels CFR (3), CF SLX (3) and SL (5). Colors are a specialty at Canyon, and in addition to our two-tone berry colorway (above), five other finishes are available.

Our SLX-level test bike is equipped with mid-depth DT Swiss carbon wheels and 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2. Canyon also offers Dura-Ace- and SRAM Red-level builds for the CFR and the SLX series while the entry-level models sport more price-conscious specs.

CAMP CANYON

Canyon invited us to Nice, France, to get a hands-on experience with the latest iteration of their flagship road bike, the Ultimate. As happy as I was to have been invited, I was fighting off a serious bout of jet lag after my expected 16-hour journey had instead become a 40-plus-hour adventure, an increasingly common occurrence for many returning to traveling this year.

Located on the French Riviera, Nice is best known for its beaches and luxury accommodations. Quality riding can be found in every direction, as the area is a top choice for many pros due to the close vicinity of the French Alps just outside of town.

It was clear upon arrival that Canyon was not only here to promote the bike but to have fun, too. The (mostly) German team behind the brand has set trends in the past as an original adopter of the consumer-direct sales model and has proven they pay attention to the modern trends in the industry. Like their customer base, the age range of the Canyon team skews young.

Refreshingly, the atmosphere at the launch felt more like summer camp than an all-important press camp. Canyon supplied a fleet of their Precede:ON e-bikes to traverse the tight, winding urban roads along the way to a transformed villa temporarily named “Camp Canyon.”

UP LA MADONE

To showcase the new ride, Canyon called upon a few local friends to act as guides for a jaunt along the Mediterranean to Col de la Madone. In addition to being a popular climb among the locals, and one that’s been used in the Tour de France, the Madone is also the very climb that lent its name to Trek’s own high-end race bike. The road begins just outside of Monaco and winds its way from sea level to nearly 3000 feet. The pack of riders wound between the shade of palm trees at the bottom of the climb to the cover of pine trees atop La Madone. S

witchbacks catapulted the elevation by seemingly 100 feet at a time. It was here that the weight of our 15.8 pound CF SLX model was appreciated as well as the compact gearing of the Ultegra spec. Coming in at under 16 pounds, the CF SLX model is competitive with other performance road bike around its  $6999 price point but we were left longing for a few pedal chance to ride the claimed 13.9 pound CFR Dura-Ace build.

An average gradient of 8 percent began to wear down my already jet-lagged state, but once coastal views became uniquely Alpine, the road began to level out as we neared the peak.

As luck would have it, while we had lunch at the summit, we happened to run into friend of RBA and Ineos rider Cameron Wurf, along with teammate Richie Porte, who were enjoying a meal as well. After a quick chat with Cam about his future in gravel racing and Richie’s future plans to improve his tan in retirement, we headed down the mountain.

IMPROVED HANDLING

Descending is where the “balance” of the Ultimate shines. Handling is quick yet forgiving. Unlike many Euro brands’ preference for a twitchy, stiff frame, the Ultimate exudes modern handling with exceptional vibration damping and an overall smooth ride.

Thankfully, the Ultimate managed to retain a snappy handling, too.

The narrow French roads required a bit more attention than our local loops at home, but the Ultimate navigated them confidently. The forgiving nature of the geometry allowed me to push harder, as the bike rarely felt at its limit. This is a quality that many brands are beginning to emulate and one that’s easy for us to get behind. A rider does not have the feeling of all-out speed and, in turn, is able to ride more confidently at higher speeds. After a ripping 15-mile descent, we found ourselves back in Nice ready to celebrate a successful day in the saddle.

Making the celebration that much sweeter for the Canyon team, on the same day as our ride, Jay Vine and Enric Mas both rode the new Ultimate CFR to a podium finish on Stage 6 of La Vuelta, with Vine earning the new design’s first pro win. Canyon said the Ultimate will be available to the public starting today, in prices ranging from $2999 to $10,999.

A full long term review of the Canyon Ultimate will be available online and in an upcoming issue of Road Bike Action Magazine in the future.   

CANYON ULTIMATE STATS

Weight:  13.9 pounds (claimed weight of Ultimate CFR w/Dura-Ace), 15.9 pounds (our CF SLX test bike weighed)

Tire clearance: 32mm

Sizes:  2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

BONUS CANYON GEAR

Canyon also announced two new apparel series as well as a made-in-Germany 3D-printed computer mount.

Signature Pro LTD Kit – Fast drying – Bibs, no seams = more compression – Produced by Etxeondo – Men’s and Women’s spec

Signature Lightweight Kit  – Dyneema fabric in bibs to provide abrasion resistance on thighs

Computer Mount – Canyon’s first 3D print product, printed in one piece – 17 grams (shockingly light) – Stiff no vibration – Made in Germany – Garmin and Wahoo compatible versions – Tested on Flemish and Roubaix roads

www.canyon.com

Photos: Simon Gehr, Dan King

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2023 Canyon Aeroad vs Ultimate vs Endurace

The latest Canyon road bike lineup, featuring the Aeroad, Ultimate and Endurace offer a mix of technological innovation, performance, and style. Bike expert Alex Lee compares these Canyon models, discussing their features, performance aspects, and pricing.

Canyon road bikes can be divided into three categories; Aeroad (aero), Ultimate (all-rounder), and Endurace (endurance).

Within each category, there’s the top-of-the-line CFR , followed by CF SLX and CL models. All Canyon road bikes today are disc only. The difference lies in the type of carbon used with the most advanced carbon used in CFR models.

Depending on the groupset setup, each CFR and CF SLX model has an integrated power meter from Shimano or SRAM.

Canyon Aeroad

The Canyon Aeroad is an aero bike designed for pure speed. This is seen from the new cockpit design, which is very clean with hidden cables and steeped with innovative thinking.

The Aeroad is Canyon’s flagship bike, ridden by Matthew van der Poel to stage wins at the Tour de France .

Generally, a one-piece handlebar is very expensive to swap if you need a different dimension to achieve the right fit. Canyon overcomes this problem by having a handlebar that is both height and width adjustable from 390 to 430mm. They can also be folded and packed inside a bike bag for traveling. This new handlebar is used in the CFR and CF SLX models only.

The CFR model sits atop the Aeroad lineup with a weight of 7.3kg, followed by SLX (7.7kg) and SL (7.8kg).

Canyon Aeroad vs others

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Canyon Ultimate

The Canyon Ultimate is an all-rounder bike. Canyon claims that the Ultimate has an unrivaled stiffness-to-weight ratio, debunking the myth that a lightweight bike is not stiff enough to perform at the highest levels of cycling.

It’s the bike the pros rode to two World Championships and three Grand Tours wins in recent years with Alejandro Valverde, Nairo Quintana, and Richard Carapaz.

The flagship model, Canyon Ultimate CFR is the latest addition with the lightest setup weighing 6.52kg. The Ultimate CFR has the best electronic shifting groupsets from SRAM or Shimano. Next in line is the CF SLX weighing 6.98kg, and CF at 7.6kg.

Canyon Ultimate vs others

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Canyon Endurace

The Canyon Endurace is an endurance bike. It’s designed for comfort over stiffness and performance. The frame geometry is more relaxed and puts the rider in a more upright position than the Canyon Aeroad.

Although designed for the tarmac, its 33mm wide tires have no problems tackling hardpacked gravel or dirt roads. Just make sure it’s not a single track.

Sits atop the Canyon Endurace lineup is the CFR, followed by CF SLX and CF at the bottom end.

Canyon Endurace vs others

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Canyon bikes FAQ

What is the difference between Canyon Aeroad and Ultimate?

The Canyon Aeroad and Ultimate are high-performance road bikes , but they cater to different types of riders and riding styles.

The Canyon Aeroad is primarily designed for aggressive, fast-paced racing and time trials, while the Canyon Ultimate is built for all-around performance and excels in climbing and long-distance rides.

What is the difference between Canyon Aeroad and Endurace?

The Canyon Aeroad is designed for aggressive, fast-paced racing and time trials, prioritizing speed and aerodynamics. In contrast, the Canyon Endurace is built for endurance riding, focusing on comfort and versatility during long rides on various terrains.

What is the difference between Canyon Ultimate and Endurace?

The Canyon Ultimate is an all-around performance bike that excels in climbing and long-distance rides, while the Canyon Endurace is built for endurance riding with an emphasis on comfort and versatility.

How long is Canyon’s warranty?

Canyon bikes have a six years warranty for the first owner. It covers Canyon manufactured parts (frame, fork, cockpit, seat post).

More about Canyon’s warranty policy .

Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.

He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.

Mr. Mamil's content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content is not a substitute for official or professional advice. Please do your own due diligence.

Mr. Mamil participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We also participate in various other affiliate programs, and at times we earn a commission through purchases made through links on this website.

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Ultimate CFR

World Champion. Grand Tour winner. The Ultimate road race bike.

The perfect balance

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Aero, clean, adjustable: the new Ultimate cockpit

World Tour level components

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Neuheit : Das Canyon Ultimate im Fahrbericht

Julian Schultz

 ·  12.09.2022

Kurz nach dem Update des Aeroad legt Canyon also mit dem Ultimate auch sein zweites Wettkampfrad neu auf. Durchaus ungewöhnlich, da sich andere Hersteller wie Specialized (Tarmac) oder Giant (Propel) inzwischen auf ein universelles Renngerät fokussieren. Die Koblenzer dagegen fahren weiter zweigleisig und bieten sowohl ein Leichtbau- als auch Aero-Modell an.

• Canyon Inflite 2023: Neues Cyclocross-Rad

Top-Modell des Canyon Ultimate deutlich unter UCI-Limit

Doch wie viel Leichtbau steckt im Canyon Ultimate der fünften Generation? Laut Hersteller speckten sowohl Rahmen und Gabel als auch Komponenten wie Cockpit und Sattelstütze ab. Der hochwertige CFR-Rahmen, der auch von den Profis der Teams Alpecin-Deceuninck, Arkéa-Samsic und Movistar gefahren wird, bringt lediglich 730 Gramm auf die Waage. Die Gabel fällt mit 330 Gramm rekordverdächtig leicht aus. Das CFR Di2, das TOUR an der Côte d’Azur für einen Fahrtest zur ­Ver­fügung stand, unterbietet damit deutlich das UCI-Limit und liegt bei bemerkenswerten 6,3 Kilogramm.

Auch die SLX-Version des Canyon Ultimate ist mit 830 Gramm für den Rahmen und 350 Gramm für die Gabel absolut konkurrenzfähig. Das CF SLX 9 Di2, das wir in TOUR 10/2022 einem ausführlichen Einzeltest unterziehen, rangiert damit laut Herstellerangaben bei 6,7 Kilogramm. Die SL-Modelle, deren Rahmen 1050 Gramm wiegt, bewegen sich zwischen 7,3 und 8,2 Kilogramm. Die Gewichtsunterschiede der drei Plattformen (CFR, SLX und SL) ergeben sich aus unterschiedlichen Carbon-Layups.

Geringes Aero-Update für das Canyon Ultimate

Neben der Gewichtseinsparung soll die Neuentwicklung auch aerodynamisch profitieren und schneller als sein Vorgänger sein. Konkret nennt Canyon eine Verbesserung um 10 Watt bei 45 km/h für das Rahmenset, mit Fahrer soll die Ersparnis bei 5 Watt liegen. Vor allem das vom Aeroad bekannte One-Piece-Cockpit, das ohne Leitungstrennung in Höhe und Breite eingestellt werden kann, dürfte das Canyon Ultimate schneller machen. Zur Einordnung: Das alte Ultimate haben wir vor knapp zwei Jahren mit minimal anderer Ausstattung mit 224 Watt gemessen, das aktuelle Aero-Ergebnis des CF SLX 9 Di2 gibt’s exklusiv in TOUR 10/2022.

Starker Federkomfort

Beim Komfort zählte bereits der Vorgänger zum Besten der Besten - und daran knüpft auch die Neuheit an. Das extreme steife und fahrstabile Canyon Ultimate rollt derart ruhig über die unterschiedlichsten Beläge, dass man die Federung fast schon als selbstverständlich hinnimmt. Durch die gewachsene Reifenfreiheit auf 32 Millimeter kann das Canyon zudem für ruppiges Terrain gewappnet werden. Serienmäßig rollen die meisten Modelle auf 25/28 Millimeter breiten Reifen (vorne/hinten).

Drei Plattformen, elf Modelle

Insgesamt bietet Canyon elf Modelle in drei Qualitätsstufen (SL, SLX, CFR) an. Die Koblenzer setzen fast ausschließlich auf elektronische Schaltungen von Shimano und SRAM. Bemerkenswert: Bis auf die Einstiegsversion sind alle Räder mit integriertem Leistungsmesser ausgestattet. Die SL-Modelle sind zwischen 2699 und 4999 Euro erhältlich, wobei die beiden günstigsten Modelle als einzige mechanisch schalten und ohne One-Piece-Cockpit auskommen.

Die SLX-Räder rangieren zwischen 6299 und 8699 Euro, die CFR-Serie liegt zwischen 10499 Euro und 10999 Euro. Zum Vergleich: In der vierten Generation bewegten sich die Preise für ein Canyon Ultimate zwischen 1699 und 4799 Euro (SL), 5399 und 7799 Euro (SLX) sowie 8499 und 8999 Euro (CFR).

Meistgelesen in der Rubrik Rennräder

One of the biggest updates on the new Ultimate would appear to be the reprofiled fork, which now features a wider-set crown with legs that extend downwards with almost no flare.

The obvious reason for this would be to achieve greater tyre clearance – the Ultimate is recognised as a strong all-rounder, capable of seeing everyday riders through their long club rides and sportives, as well as racers through Grand Tour mountain stages.

Running wider tyres remains one of the best ways to achieve greater comfort on the road for most riders, and we’d bet that Canyon is designing the new Ultimate to run 28mm or even wider tyres natively.

Could this be the first lightweight race-oriented bike to be designed around 30mm tyres?

The fork profile also nods to the latest thinking around optimised aero performance. There’s a significant gap left between the fork legs and the wheel, while also leaving clear space under a raised fork crown and beneath the down tube.

Plus, the carbon wheels that we’d expect to be fitted on most models of the Ultimate all feature ever wider external rim widths, so Canyon has likely taken note and optimised the design for those wheels.

Aeroad-inspired Aerocockpit bar-stem

One thing to have already broken cover is the new aero bar-stem setup, as originally reported by Cyclingnews at the Dauphiné, which looks very close to the CP0018 Aerocockpit used on the Aeroad.

This uses a proprietary quill stem style, which – as Simon pointed out in his review of the Aeroad – theoretically locks riders into using only the Aerocockpit bars.

We’d expect Canyon to have done its research here, possibly using the Aeroad as a data source, to ensure the bar adds sufficient performance to the overall bike, without compromising rider customisation.

The Aerocockpit features three-width adjustability. The Aeroad offered 40mm of total adjustment, with achievable widths depending on the size of frame you buy.

We’d expect at least the same here, but we’d like to see more than the 15mm of height adjustability offered so that non-pros can more easily achieve a perfect fit.

Plus, as with the Aeroad’s P0018 Aerocockpit (and practically all fully integrated handlebars), the stem length is likely to be fixed. This means you’ll probably need to swap the whole thing out if you prefer a non-stock stem length, unless Canyon intends to offer customisation at point of purchase.

D-shaped seatpost

For the past few generations of the Ultimate, Canyon has used its VCLS seatpost to provide a level of comfort through the saddle.

That features a rounded tube with a flared upper section that does a mild job of imitating a D-shape tube’s more compliant properties. Now though, Canyon has gone all-in on the D-shape with a new carbon post.

Naturally, this fits into a D-profiled seat tube, which we reckon is a decision taken to do the usual trick of increasing lateral rigidity, improving vertical flexion and reducing turbulent airflow in front of the rear wheel.

Plus, a new seatpost clamp has been spotted in the underside of the seat tube / top tube junction.

On the current Ultimate, the seatpost clamp is located in the seatstay bridge. Shifting it to the underside of the seat tube / top tube junction would bring improvements to accessibility, plus move it out of the firing line for road spray.

Tweaked aero

We’ve mentioned aerodynamics three times already now, but it’s worth looking at the new Ultimate as a whole to see further modifications.

On top of the rounded fork profile, Aerocockpit and reprofiled seatpost and seat tube, the frame’s tubes look to have seen some more gentle modifications, which are likely aimed at improving wind-cheating performance.

That said, Canyon hasn’t gone for obviously filling those new(ish) UCI-approved compensation zones, and has chosen not to opt for dropped seatstays, as seen on many lightweight all-rounders such as Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO .

Naturally, Canyon will be wary of the new Ultimate encroaching on the Aeroad’s territory, but what look like slightly deeper side profiles to the down tube, head tube and top tube / seatstay junction all nod to controlling airflow.

In this instance, we think Canyon has gone after more real-world performance, prioritising stability at wider yaw angles than the Aeroad, while looking to take the wins when it can in more benign conditions.

If that’s true, we’d suggest it’s a wise call from the German brand.

Frame materials and disc brakes

A quick check of Canyon’s website reveals three carbon layups for the existing Ultimate: the CF SL, CF SLX and CFR. Of those, all bar two of the builds offered are disc brake.

The new Ultimate could offer an opportunity for Canyon to rationalise its range a little more, potentially dropping the now-aged SL layup entirely from the new design.

In a world of rising costs, it might be a prudent move to keep the current Ultimate design for its entry-level CF SL carbon, while offering the new design in the CF SLX and CFR layups.

That would also enable the brand to easily retain a rim brake offering at the lowest price point for those that want it – with a carbon layup that remains very competent, in our opinion.

There’s no doubt that the tide is drawing in on the rim brake sand castle, but perhaps Canyon has an opportunity to dig a moat around it for a little while longer.

Under the skin, the new Ultimate might introduce some kind of revised frame technology or a more optimised carbon layup, to improve compliance or stiffness, but that’s pure speculation at this point.

When will it be launched?

Canyon has remained tight-lipped on the new Ultimate’s launch date, but it’s been in the wild in plain sight for a while now, so we’d expect to see it sooner than later.

With the last Ultimate launch – the CFR – Canyon waited until late summer before officially breaking cover, while the current industry struggles with component availability might mean it has chosen to hang on until it has a decent stock of the new Ultimate ready to go.

We’ll be sure to bring you the very latest news and insight when it becomes available.

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All About Zwift’s New Canyon Ultimate CFR Frame

Zwift’s newest update includes a fresh bike frame from Canyon: the Ultimate CFR.

Canyon already has its “Ultimate” frame in game, which is probably based on the Ultimate CF SLX from a few years back. In terms of IRL comparisons, the Ultimate CFR comes in lighter than the current model of the CF SLX Disc, with a 10% improved stiffness-to-weight ratio. But it seems as though the latest Ultimate CFR (which is only available with disc brakes) weighs the same as the older rim-brake Ultimate CF SLX.

Here’s how the new Ultimate CFR is described in the Zwift Drop Shop:

“The Ultimate is the pinnacle of Canyon’s lightweight road bike engineering. Classic road racing performance in their lightest line-up ever. The Ultimate CFR is the epitome of modern cycling design and engineering. Complete with wireless electronic shifting, built-in power meter system and lightweight, aerodynamic frame, this bike is a thoroughbred racing machine.”

The frame is rated 2 stars for aero and 4 for weight on Zwift, so even before testing it we knew it should be a strong climber that isn’t particularly aero. You’ll have to be level 19+ to purchase it in game, at a price of 639,000 Drops.

Based on IRL specs, the new Ultimate CFR in Zwift should clock in very similar times to the existing Ultimate. But IRL performance doesn’t always map directly to Zwift performance, so we ran this frame through our standard tests to learn how it performs in game.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Canyon Ultimate CFR in Zwift.

Aero Performance

The Ultimate CFR turns in a flat test time 1 second faster than the existing Canyon Ultimate frame, which is expected given the frame’s IRL comparison to the older Ultimate frame. This places it squarely midfield in terms of aero performance vs. all other Zwift frames, with a flat test percentile ranking of 48%.

The Canyon Ultimate CFR’s flat test time is 51:32. By comparison, the fastest frame in game ( Cervelo S5 2020 ) turns in a time of 51:17.5. (Our test course is two laps of  Tempus Fugit , which totals 34.6km.)

Climb Performance

With a 4-star weight rating, we expected good things from the Canyon Ultimate CFR. It is, after all, Canyon’s flagship climbing racer, described on their website as “The lightest disc climbing bikes you’ll ever ride.”

The Ultimate CFR climbs Alpe du Zwift in a time of 48:55. By comparison, the standard Zwift aero frame turns in a time of 49:31, and the Specialized Aethos completes the test is 48:49. (The older Canyon Ultimate frame is 7 seconds behind the new Ultimate, turning in a time of 49:02.)

Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using Zwift’s stock 32mm carbon wheelset.

Conclusions

The Ultimate CFR is outperformed on the climbs by the Specialized Aethos , without really beating the Aethos on the flats. And the Ultimate CFR is tied with the new Scott Addict RC on the climbs, but gets dropped by the Addict on the flats.

So Canyon’s new Ultimate CFR isn’t the best climbing frame in game – but we’d put it in third place. And that’s not bad at all given its low level requirement (19+) and price (639,000 Drops)!

Thanks to this frame’s strong climbing performance we’ll be updating the following posts soon:

• Best Climbing Frames
• Fastest Climbing Frames and Wheels at Each Level

Additionally, whenever a new frame is added to the Drop Shop we add it to our  Master Zwift Frames List  and update the following:

• Frame Ranking Charts
• Wheel and Frame Scatter Plots
• Zwift Shopping Guide: What To Buy At Each Level

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike’s performance relative to others may also change. We don’t always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts , wheel charts , and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.

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