Price: $6,499
Weight: 16.3 lb (M)
Use: road
Material: carbon
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
A good road bike disappears. It doesn't resist when you lean, doesn't lag when you jump. It responds to your pressure on the pedals and shifting weight like it's part of you. The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL is that bike. It’s built around the same disc-compatible, carbon frame and fork used throughout the Canyon Ultimate line. Decked out with snappy SRAM RED eTap, the Ultimate CF SLX is a true road race machine with the palmares to hit all the podiums. But that's not all it can do. The bike's tire clearance is generous—both the frame and fork can fit up to a 32mm tire—so we tackled gravel roads and broken pavement during the test process as confidently as we rode pristine tarmac. With wide gears (36/52 x 11-28) and 25mm Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink tires on Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon wheels, the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL is light, efficient, and capable on any terrain.
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The Canyon Ultimate Family
Canyon’s line of lightweight disc-equipped road bikes range in price from $2,799 to $7,300. The CF SLX Disc 9.0 SL($6,499) sits at the high end, topped only by the Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 Aero ($7,300). Both are outfitted with SRAM eTap electronic shifting. All models have internally routed cables and flat-mount disc brakes. Each of the models in the Ultimate line share the same geometry and generous tire clearance (up to 32mm) with lower-priced bikes crafted from less expensive materials. Women's models feature distinct geometry and sizing. Most roll on traditional 700c wheels, but the smallest two sizes (3XS, 2XS) swap out the wheel size to 650b.
Ride Impressions
After more than a year of riding and racing the Ultimate, we can happily report it lives up to its name. At high speeds, the bike is super stable and planted. Steering is on the heavy side, with a fair bit of pressure needed in tight corners and harder line changes. But as you move through the pack, that need to put more weight on the bar means the bike won't get shoved off line as you maneuver for a sprint, bang elbows in a crit, or line up to take a pull. The frame is resolute and unyielding under full power, and puts all the watts right to the rear wheel. A road race bike that takes bigger tires is always a bonus on training days (remember: train heavy, race light) and even light gravel road adventures. We regularly fit 32mm tires (with plenty of clearance for debris) to the Ultimate and hit the back roads. The Ultimate soaked up chatter well, providing an exceptional ride on any surface.
