Test: With the Canyon Ultimate CF SL, we had a high-quality mid-range carbon racer in our test. The light and stiff frame paired with solid attachments and Shimano Ultegra equipment was definitely convincing. All this for the price of 2199€.
Canyon Ultimate CF SL – The frame
The heart of a bike is the frame, because it has a significant influence on the overall performance. The same applies to our Canyon Ultimate CF SL test bike. The high-quality carbon frame is particularly convincing due to its low weight but also due to its great rigidity. As a result, the racer can convince both on the mountain and on the flat and when accelerating, since direct power transmission is guaranteed. The Ultimate CF SL frame comes with the same Sport Pro geometry that the WorldTour pros from Team Katusha-Alpecin and Team Movistar also ride. However, you can also adjust the stem length and spacers to a more relaxed position to increase comfort. The matt black/red frame can also convince optically with some nice details.
Canyon Ultimate CF SL – The equipment
A great frame alone does not make a high-quality complete bike. Those responsible at Canyon are aware of this and offer the Ultimate CF SL in decent configurations. We tested version 8.0, i.e. the version with mechanical Shimano Ultegra. In addition to the Ultegra groupset, high-quality components such as a DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline wheelset with Continental GP 4000 IIs tires, a custom Canyon handlebar and stem and a Fizik were also used ANTARES R5 saddle. The recently revised Shimano Ultegra makes a major contribution to the great overall performance. Compared to older models, the crank was again increased in its rigidity and reduced in weight. Shifting is as easy and crisp as usual, and the brakes are extremely light and easy to control. The light and durable DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline wheelset rounds off the overall package and is tubeless-ready for the best practicality.
Canyon Ultimate CF SL – That's how it rolls
The Canyon Ultimate CF SL offers a lot of fun. In particular, the low weight and very solid equipment make it an ideal companion on ambitious tours. Due to its impressive price of €2.199, the Ultimate CF SL is also particularly suitable for sporty beginners who want to be more on the road with a racing bike or even want to get a taste of racing. But this complete package would also be ideal for professionals as a training bike. The translation of 52/36 teeth at the front and 11-28 at the rear makes it possible to accelerate properly on fast passages as well as to tackle the steepest sections. The Shimano Ultegra shifts reliably as usual and does not lose performance even after several hundred kilometers. The DT Swiss wheels are light but still robust. Here you should do a small check after about 2000-3000 km, as it may be that you have to re-center them a little so that the wheels continue to roll optimally. The stem and handlebars we designed ourselves also appear stable and solid, but for a racing driver we would rather choose the 2cm narrower 40 handlebars in wheel size M and not the usual 42 handlebars. However, this is also very individual and can depend heavily on the type of driver. The same goes for the saddle, which fitted us very well right from the start and hardly caused any problems even on very long rides. However, the long and hard nose may not be for everyone.
Emmanuel Witschi says
Nice review, but could you maybe do a new review of the current Canyon CF SL 8.0? Not only has the price increased a bit, but a lot has also happened in terms of weight and aerodynamics. Not only would I be very happy :^)