Test of the new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX

Each evolution of one of Canyon's flagship models is an event in itself, as the brand's bikes are usually acclaimed for their performance and value for money. This is the case of the all new Ultimate, testis here in its CF SLX 8 Di2 version, which offers dynamism and comfort while gaining in aerodynamics, and offered at a competitive price given its ability to shine on all terrains.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Vincent Lyky

In addition, research since 2004 The Ultimate embodies balance and versatility within the Canyon range. Completed by two slightly more specific models, with theAeroad, designed to limit aerodynamic drag as a priority, and the Endurace, the brand's truly comfort-oriented model, its success has never waned over the generations, and this is not only because ofa price-equipment ratio that is still very favorable compared to the competition as a whole. For this fifth generation of the Ultimate, Canyon remains faithful to the recipe that appeals to many riders, based on lightness, rigidity and comfort, but improves its integration and aerodynamics by drawing on the work carried out on the latest Aeroad, released at the end of 2020.

The 2023 Ultimate is available in eleven models – only with disc brakes – on three different platforms. The range starts at €2699 for Shimano 105 mechanical, and goes up to €4999 for Ultegra Di2 for theUltimate CF SL. We then find theUltimate CF SLX from €6299 in Sram Force eTap AXS to €8699 in Dura-Ace Di2, then theUltimate CFR at €10499 in Dura-Ace Di2, or €10999 in Sram Red eTap AXS. The major difference between the CF SL, CF SLX and CFR frames is the type of carbon fiber used, which allows the two top-of-the-range CFR versions to weigh in at 6,2 and 6,6 kg. For our test bike, which is almost in the middle of the range, the CF SLX 8 Di2 in Shimano Ultegra, the weight is contained at 7,150 kg (verified, without pedals), for a price of €6499, which remains particularly reasonable, especially when compared to the competition with disc brakes, electronic transmission and high-rim wheels.

Subtle improvements in search of the best balance 

The new Ultimate maintains consensual lines (described as "pure" by Canyon), like a behavior that is intended to be adapted to many situations and categories of cyclists. It is not a completely redesigned bike, but an evolution in continuity with the four previous generations of the model.

Just like the latest version of the Aeroad, the new Ultimate now benefits fromfull integration of cables and hoses into the pilot stationtagand in the steering tube, for a cleaner line, but above all more aerodynamic. Even though its profile remains very close to the previous model, subtle improvements in the shape of the tubes, such as at the fork crown or the junction between the head tube and the down tube, make it gain a few watts against the wind. According to Canyon, 10 watts would thus be saved at 45 km/h on the frame, compared to the previous Ultimate. A chasm.

The Ultimate is also modernizing by taking over the pilot's posttage integrated seen on the Aeroad, with a profiled upper part which has an adjustable system of 20 mm on each side, so as to modify the width of the handlebar (at 390, 410 or 430 mm). These two sliding parts, which are adjusted quite easily with two screws on each side, can also be separated from the central part to be folded to the sides and facilitate the transport of the bike. Just like the Aeroad, the steering column does away with a traditional fork pivot in favor of two parts that slide into each other, in order to facilitate the adjustment of the height of the pilot station.tage. The 1"1/8" diameter fork pivot thus fits into a 1"1/4" tube attached to the stem. Tightening is done using a preload ring placed just under the base of the stem, with a screw and a socket that penetrate through a slot inside the system to ensure locking. This allows the height of the pilot station to be adjusted.tage (upwards or downwards) without cutting the fork steerer, and possibly going back depending on the circumstances.

Apart from these more visible developments, Canyon hasn't radically changed the tube design on the new Ultimate, and has kept its three types of carbon fiber, each time saving around a hundred grams on the frame by moving upmarket.. To optimize the weight, the brand did not want to take risks regarding the reliability of the frame and areas subject to high stress, and preferred to focus its efforts on parts such as the cockpit, the seat post and the seat post clamp. With a clamp placed under the junction between the seat tube and the seat stays, this lightweight clamp is perfectly integrated and especially its location, associated with the sloping pronounced frame, provides some flex to the seat post, so as to provide comfort.

In addition to perfect mastery of the superposition of carbon fiber layers, the shape and size of the tubes to ensure a good ratio between rigidity and comfort, The new Ultimate now benefits from clearance to fit tires up to 32 mm in section. Which will ensure even more vibration absorption if necessary with large sections and a lower inflation pressure, even if our test model does not lack it for sports use, with a montage standard 25 mm at the front and 28 mm at the rear.

But the balance of a bike is also a question of geometry. Offered in seven sizes (Ultimate CFR) and eight sizes (Ultimate CF SL and CF SLX) with a positioning now identical to that found on the Aeroad, this bike is the first Canyon to feature progressive chainstay lengths. On sizes L, XL and 2XL, they are proportionally longer than on the smaller frames. This is to offer the same balance between handling and stability for all frame sizes. The other notable evolution concerns sizes 3XS and 2XS on the Ultimate CF SL and 3XS on the Ultimate CF SLX, which come with 650b wheels, so as to again offer the ideal balance in terms of handling. route for smaller sizes.

A high-performance weight

The Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 from our test benefits from a light and rigid frameset, with high-end carbon fibers already widely appreciated for several years within the Canyon range. It is equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset (with 4iiii power meter), with performances almost equivalent to those of the Dura-Ace, DT Swiss ARC 1400 wheels with 50 mm rims, Schwalbe Pro One tires, an Italia Boost Superflow saddle, a pilot stationtage Canyon CP0018, a 100g home-made seatpost and accessories such as the 3g 17D printed computer mount, or two bottle cages weighing only 15g. The complete machine in size XS ready to ride with Dura-Ace pedals weighs only 7,4kg, which is very efficient compared to the sale price and the competition.

For comparison, the same bike in Dura-Ace Di2 and with DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels is announced at 400 g less, for €8699. And the Ultimate CFR, still with the same groupset and DT Swiss Mon Chasseral wheels is another 400 g less, for €10499. It's hard to do better on the market today.

obviously, Canyon's direct sales model promotes such a quality-price ratio. But it should be noted that this system still has some drawbacks, particularly in relation to specific needs related to position elements (cranks or stem length) or developments, which are easier to exchange in a physical store than remotely with the brand. If we take our case for example, the size of the bike of test is ideal, but we would have preferred 172,5 mm cranks instead of the 170 offered as standard. Furthermore, the 52-36 chainring combination is a little "tight" for our practice. However, this concerns very specific cases and that Canyon components are generally well chosen according to the size of the bike, and the number of sizes is sufficiently large so that there are few problems at this level.

A playful and dynamic bike 

On route, The new Ultimate CF SLX has many advantages, especially for energetic use. Very rigid without being brittle, it shows a lot of dynamism in the frequent restarts to get out of urban areas and to chain the small leg-breaking bumps that we find at the beginning of our route. The DT Swiss wheels are perfectly suited to the frame, and follow the movement without flinching even if we abuse pedaling with force and dancing. With a weight of less than 1500 g for the pair, they never give the impression of being difficult to take, and remain versatile in short bumps. Once launched, the bike goes straight and rolls without the slightest parasitic noise and without the slightest sensation of friction. The inertia seems sufficient to maintain a good cruising speed despite a wind that is always present and never totally favorable. The compromise between the lightness of the frame and the profile of the wheels seems ideal here, at least on hilly courses with around 1000 m of elevation gain per 100 km.

On climbs, the rigidity works wonders. You never feel like you're losing efficiency, whatever your pedaling pace. For really demanding routes, with long climbs and steep gradients.tage, the power sensor supplied with the bike has an advantagetagand certain to manage its effort and not abuse too big gears. Because with such a machine, one can be tempted to always put more, as long as there is power in the legs. On the descending parts, one appreciates the precision in the trajectory taking which is allowed by the behavior of the frame and by its geometry. It's clean, sharp, reassuring, and the bike doesn't bounce on gritty surfaces. While the fifth-generation Ultimate has made significant progress on rolling sections, it remains playful on winding sections and whenever it is necessary to change pace. A treat for nervous outings with friends where we have fun shooting each other at the top of the bumps or playing the signs. As for the groupset, it responds in all situations, whether during on-the-fly gear changes, extreme chain crossings and braking at the limit. Very high level.

At the pilot's stationtage, the ergonomics of the handlebar are pleasant, with the hands at the top or on the brake levers. As with all integrated cockpits of this type, the tilt cannot be adjusted, and an adaptation time is necessary for the position with the hands at the bottom. And as with the Aeroad, we note a fairly marked difference in the rigidity of the handlebars between the hoods and the lower part. During powerful sprints on the flat, the handlebars seem a little flexible, and in any case remain out of step with the overall rigidity of the bike.

Minor flaws of youth It is often through use that we discover the few small defects of a bike, and the new Canyon Ultimate is no exception. Nothing prohibitive, even if certain elements must be taken into consideration at the time of choice.

Our opinion on the new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX

The new Ultimate progresses in small steps, without distorting its original character. Rigid, nervous, playful, comfortable, it represents the ideal compromise in many situations and is consistent with its positioning within the Canyon range. The equipment is as always very well chosen at the German brand, for a mix of efficiency and durability without reaching crazy sums. This Ultimate CF SLX at €6499 is as powerful as many competing models, sold for almost twice as much.

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