Market: A new top model, disc brakes on racing bikes, the limits of what is technically feasible - Velomotion spoke to Michael Adomeit, developer at bike manufacturer Canyon.
What was the main development goal for the new Ultimate CF SLX?
Our goals: 10% more aerodynamic and 10% more comfortable than the predecessor with the same or higher STW value! Aerodynamics have been tackled for the first time in this generation!
How suitable are filigree carbon frames like the Ultimate CF SLX for everyday use, key word frequent packing for competition trips, falls or small falls?
The new Ultimate CF SLX will basically not differ from its predecessor in terms of its suitability for everyday use, and with our two professional teams we have the most critical testers of all in this respect. In this respect, the successful use in racing certifies that our bikes are suitable for everyday use. The above situations can become a problem if they are accompanied by a strongly localized application of force, eg the bike falls on an edge with the top tube. What then leaves a dent in a thin-walled aluminum frame can be a crack in a carbon frame. As far as the general impact loads tested in the standard are concerned, carbon material must be able to withstand at least the same, if not higher, loads. A good example of this is the impact test for forks: While an aluminum fork with a drop height of 22.5kg weight of 360mm is tested, carbon forks have to pass a drop height of 640mm! A carbon fork is therefore significantly more resistant to a frontal impact!
Are the improvements that you were able to make to the frame set even perceivable for the average amateur cyclist?
Weight and rigidity have hardly changed, you will hardly notice the differences here. The plus in comfort is felt pretty quickly, especially in a direct comparison or over the distance, when you simply don't tire as quickly. Comfort is like health, it is inconspicuous or indicates the absence of something, here shocks or suffering. Can I feel the improved aerodynamics immediately? Hardly, since my speed at 45km/h only changes in the decimal place...but if I drive alone in the wind at 45km/h for an hour, I will save about 40 seconds compared to the predecessor. If you look at how the world's top riders come together to within a few seconds, even on large tours, then this can turn out to be a real advantage.
Who should buy the new Ultimate CF SLX and why?
Anyone who thinks it's worth riding an extra awesome road bike!
How come the price has increased so significantly? The previous frame set costs 1.999 euros, the new one should be in the range of the Aeroads, for which 2.699 euros are currently being asked.
For fully equipped bikes, we will start at around 3.200 euros for the new Ultimate CF SLX. We started with the third generation in the same price range in 2013. Back then with Ultegra 6700 10-speed and Ksyrium SL. Now we're starting at the same price point with a new, better frameset, 11-speed Ultegra and Ksyrium SLR. Basically, the Ultimate CF SLX has not become more expensive. Rather, we have currently, in the third year of the current generation, reduced the prices for all models by around 200 euros in order to be even more competitive.
In the past, technologies from the SLX were passed on within the Canyon model range. Is there a revision of the Ultimate CF SL planned? And if so, for when?
A CF SL version is planned for 2017.
Where are you travelling to? What is possible in today's frame construction, what are the upcoming trends?
The big new topics for racing bikes are certainly aerodynamics, comfort and integration... this is where we will continue to develop diligently in the future. What is possible in frame construction? See Ultimate CF SLX, it doesn't get any better than that, I tell you!
Will there be Canyon road bikes with disc brakes in the foreseeable future?
If foreseeable means a period of 1-2 years, then yes! In August-September, the pros from Movistar will carry out appropriate tests – with Campagnolo disc brakes, by the way!
Will Canyon continue to use aluminum as a material?
Yes, you can be curious!
Michael, thank you for the interview.