Test 2015 Shipping bikes: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 - Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 in comparison

The rarely used Athena groupset from Campagolo makes the Ultimate CF SL 8.0 one of the rare Ultegra alternatives in its class. The recently slightly revised groupset shifts and brakes well. The extended thumb shifters are easier to reach from the lower handlebars than before, eliminating a frequent point of criticism. The Athena also impresses in terms of weight and looks; however, we do not consider the groupset introduced in 2009 to be quite on a par with the current Ultegra. The lightweight carbon frame is extremely stable and offers above-average comfort on the saddle. The riding position is quite comfortable thanks to the relatively high handlebar bearing, which raises the handlebar further up. With the Mavic wheels, which roll on voluminous 25-millimetre tyres, Canyon offers more than is usual in this price range. The perfect assembly rounds off the impeccable impression.
impression. The bike comes in a well thought-out cardboard box and is perfectly protected against transport damage by foam rubber protectors that are fixed in place with Velcro straps. A simple torque spanner is included for fitting the handlebars and seat post.

Price 1,999 Euro
Weight 7.3 kilos
Info www.canyon.com
available via mail order

Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 991/332/59 grammes
Frame sizes*** XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Seat/top tube/head tube 565/565/171 mm plus 18 mm headset cover
Stack/Reach/STR**** 580/396 mm/1.46

Equipment

Drive/brakes/gear shift Campagnolo Athena (52/36 t.; Press-Fit BB86)
Wheels/tyres Mavic Ksyrium Elite S/Mavic Yksion Pro 25C

*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; for a better overview, we indicate all grades with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.