Shortly after the update of the Aeroad Canyon is also relaunching its second competition bike with the Ultimate. This is quite unusual, as other manufacturers such as Specialized (Tarmac) or Giant (Propel) are now focussing on a universal racing bike. The Koblenz-based company, on the other hand, continues to follow a two-pronged approach and offers both a lightweight and an aero model.
Top model of the Canyon Ultimate well below UCI limit
But how much lightweight construction has gone into the fifth generation Canyon Ultimate? According to the manufacturer, the frame and fork as well as components such as the cockpit and seatpost have been slimmed down. The high-quality CFR frame, which is also ridden by the professionals of the Alpecin-Deceuninck, Arkéa-Samsic and Movistar teams, weighs just 730 grams. The fork is record-breakingly light at 330 grams. The CFR Di2, which TOUR was able to ride test on the Côte d'Azur, is therefore well below the UCI limit and weighs a remarkable 6.3 kilograms.
At 830 grams for the frame and 350 grams for the fork, the SLX version of the Canyon Ultimate is also absolutely competitive. The CF SLX 9 Di2, which we put through a detailed individual test in TOUR 10/2022, weighs in at 6.7 kilograms according to the manufacturer. The SL models, whose frame weighs 1050 grams, range between 7.3 and 8.2 kilograms. The differences in weight between the three platforms (CFR, SLX and SL) are due to the different carbon layups.
Minor aero update for the Canyon Ultimate
In addition to the weight saving, the new development should also benefit aerodynamically and be faster than its predecessor. Specifically, Canyon claims an improvement of 10 watts at 45 km/h for the frameset, with a rider the saving should be 5 watts. Above all, the one-piece cockpit known from the Aeroad, which can be adjusted in height and width without separating the cables, should make the Canyon Ultimate faster. For context: we measured the old Ultimate almost two years ago with a slightly different spec at 224 watts, the current aero result of the CF SLX 9 Di2 can be found exclusively in TOUR 10/2022.
Strong spring comfort
In terms of comfort, the predecessor was already one of the best of the best - and the new model builds on this. The extremely stiff and stable Canyon Ultimate rolls so smoothly over a wide variety of surfaces that you almost take the suspension for granted. Thanks to the increased tyre clearance of 32 millimetres, the Canyon can also be prepared for rough terrain. Most models roll on 25/28 millimetre wide tyres (front/rear) as standard.
Three platforms, eleven models
Canyon offers a total of eleven models in three quality levels (SL, SLX, CFR). The Koblenz-based company relies almost exclusively on electronic gears from Shimano and SRAM. Remarkable: With the exception of the entry-level version, all bikes are equipped with an integrated power meter. The SL models are available for between 2699 and 4999 euros, with the two cheapest models being the only ones with mechanical shifting and without a one-piece cockpit.
The SLX bikes range between €6299 and €8699, while the CFR series is priced between €10499 and €10999. For comparison: In the fourth generation, the prices for a Canyon Ultimate ranged between 1699 and 4799 euros (SL), 5399 and 7799 euros (SLX) and 8499 and 8999 euros (CFR).
Julian Schultz
Editor
