2023 Canyon Ultimate Review: Is It Worth Upgrading?
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
- Canyon has updated its Ultimate and I've been riding it. Does it still deliver? And what are the changes?
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The bike industry has three buzz words. Cheaper isn’t one of them.
FAX
+1
WIN 🏆 ✌️
Would love to hear any industry that DOES have that!!
Cheaper has been murdered and buried in the back yard, long ago… 👹
Nice colour co- ordination there😄
The only significant change that I see is the price increase that is nonsense.
Then probably small improvements in the aero profile, but no lighter It seems.
Checking the website you can easily see that new "entry level" CF SL 7 costs 500 euro more than the previous and it is even 4 grams heavier.
Then of course the rim version disappeared... Weight/price ratio was too High.
Bad....bad choice Canyon.
I have a 2020 Ultimate. It’s awesome, I love it. Bikes are like phones though, tiny changes here and there along with a price increase. Anyone getting this new bike will probably be very happy, but I’m surprised there aren’t bigger changes. I was thinking it would almost have been like the Tarmac SL7 and the one bike to rule them all sort of deal.
Oooof, bike prices these days are absurd. Each year, the "affordable" option gets heavier, and much more expensive. Count me out.
Lovely bike, but expensive. Excellent color choice (and matching kit 😉).
How great to have such premieres! Thank you so much!
Let’s hide all the cables and increase the price 🤣🤣🤣
Glad I purchased a disc specific road bike this year (BMC Teammachine SLR5). Now that this is out the way, their is no need to purchase another bike unless something happens to it. Most bikes are starting to look and function the same. The faster/lighter/stiffer marketing ploy is meaningless.
I got a 6.5kg (for peanuts) BMC last month off a dentist who 'upgraded' to disc. I asked him. yesterday how his new bike is going and he said 'the disc brakes rub more than I expected'.
@@durianriders What is actually the purpose or benefit of having big tyre cleareance on such a bike? I mean, this bike is meant for racing, not comfy rides around town. No chance anyone would ever stick 33mm tyre on that. Probably you have other bikes for that when you can afford this one already.
@@durianriders I have a timemachine road rim brake from 2016. It cost me 1700 usd at the time. A used one is selling on the pro closet for 2600, even higher that the original 2500 msrp.
Their is nothing wrong with rim brakes, but I’d much rather have disc going down a steep climb. The 30mm tires make for a comfortable ride on even the roughest roads. I finally can use carbon wheels without worrying about braking performance. Well worth 3500 to me for a bike that should last.
@@brunotomic5671 most people don’t race. This bike isn’t for racing for the majority of people. If I were to race, why would I risk it on a nice carbon bike? Something like an alloy caad 13 would be much more preferable.
Plenty reasons for a 30 or 33 mm tire. It can make riding on rough roads feel like nothing. Potholes and 23 or 25 mm tires in the past was one of the things I hated about road riding.
Looks nice. Maybe when salaries adjust to keep up with this infernal inflation I'll buy one.
It's never then.
Hey, I hope you’re well. Just a quick question…would you pick this or the new giant propel if it was your money? I want a really fast/fun road bike with electric gearing (some of your vids have nudged me towards SRAM) and my budget is around 5k (some wiggle room if a bit extra will be well worth it)
Cheers
I'm still riding the gen 1 ultimate CF 😃
In your review of Addict RC 15 (2021), you rated that bike higher (faster) than the previous version of the Ultimate. I'm curious if your opinion has changed with the new Ultimate or Addict still holds its ground. Also you comment on the short stem on the Ultimate. From the videos, you seemed more relaxed & stretched on Addict RC than on the Ultimate although both bikes are size 56. Did you feel that difference in the reach? Thanks!
Hi David, Apologies for the lengthy comment but can you tell me how comfortable this bike is, especially when on longer rides of say, 40+ miles on typically non-smooth British roads. I bought the Specialized Tarmac SL7 comp and find it particualrly a hard ride, not very compliant, and when you hit bumps in the road (which you hit a lot, the state of UK roads nowadays) you really feel it, both through the bars and the saddle (the result is that you fatigue quicker). I've tried different saddles, and I've even tried swapping the wheels and tyres to 30mm tubeless running at much lower pressures but it's still a really hard ride. Trying to see if others had this issue with the SL7, I came across your review of the SL7 David (wish I saw it before) where you mention the very same things. So, to avoid me buying another £6k bike that I equally might not like, how does the Canyon compare to the SL7? Is it significantly more comfortable? Thanks, Andy
How would you compare it with the tcr - comfort geometry ride feel?
Enjoyed your review! David: where do you think is the sweet spot between price and performance in the new Ultimate lineup? I'd like to get one, and am considering the Ultimate CF SL 8 (at £3,199), Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero (£4,949), and Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 (£6,449).
How much of the 10% more aero is it now comes with deeper wheels? I’m thinking hiding the cables are 1%😎
7.4 kg what was the weight for the same build last model. Thanks for the review
You produce great reviews David....hopefully the $1500 - $2500 price range bike reviews are in the future.....
My channel has the most budget bike reviews of any youtube channel.
Thanks, getting access to any bikes is tricky but I have done lower priced bikes on the channel in the past
David, is it true that the SL and SLX seatpost can´t handle 7x9 rails? Could you check and confirm? Thx.
I guess more tyre clearance makes the new Ultimate a more versatile machine - in terms of real-life differences with the previous one.
Will be great just try with 34c tires and see on some easy gravel paths if its ok.
I really like your videos, and they are really well presented,
However, i would love if you do more videos of these NEW bikes, of the entry level models,
Seems all the reviews are on a MEGA spec bike
And... not all of us can afford these top spec bikes
Good point
7:19 looks very nice. The black jersey with the what ever colour the shorts are in...
How does it feel/ride compared to TCR Advanced Pro?
If using 650b wheels, what would be the tire clearance?
The clothing is made by Etxeondo. The jersey is the Batu jersey and you’ll able to see an Urraki logo in the bib short
I'm looking forwad to buy canyons 20th generation ultimate in 40 years, which is still gonna be the exact same bike from 2015 BUT which will be equiped with a mindblowing high performance aero lightweight paintjob and a entirely new designed super aero 3D printed magnesium rear mac hanger making it mind blowing 0,3 Watts faster than the older version costing just 49 999$!
10 watts at what speed, Arthur? How about the same model with two piece bar stem and caliper brakes?
how do you compare this bike to your tcr advanced pro?
What size are the wheels and how is it in wind?
do a direct back to back comparison to the aeroad slx!
I usually wear shorts on my legs & shirt on my torso, but go for it!
Yeah, that was funny!
Beautiful color
Would you replace you Giant GTR with this Canyon bike? If so, why?
It definitely isn't lighter for all models. Example: the 2021 cf sl 8 disc weighs 7.58kg with power meter, whereas the new 2023 version weighs 8.00 kg with power meter. Both using the same groupset....
@Dany AL I get what you are saying but a 420g increase from paint alone seems a bit much :P I am just happy I shot for the rim brake cf sl 8 when I had the chance - 6.9 kg with pedals, wheels and cages etc.
The price make it heavier :-((((((
Is the powermeter single-sided or double-sided?
If you compare bike prices to recent (past several years) inflation rates in the Western world you’ll find bikes have risen in price far more than other consumer goods, except maybe cars, and this begs the question why.
Cars got more expensive on basis much more expensive electronics, microchips and metals. What does bike have to put against that?
Because people pay for it… stupidly, but they do. I’m still riding rim brake mechanical with two carbon repairs because of the simplicity.
@david arthur how tall are you? Asking for reference on sizing for a Canyon bike since you reference in the medium would like a longer stem length. Myself am only 5' 9" so wonder which size to go with but know also need to consider leg length.
I think he says he is 5'11", at 6:10. For reference, I'm 5'10" and I got a size small in the previous model. I went by the recommendations on the Canyon websiteWould have preferred a little longer stem I think - which is a pain, because you can't preselect the handlebar/stem on purchase and a replacement costs over 250 euro.
Good promotional video. The only thing clear is the bike industry does need recession in order to come back to reality. Enough with this price nonsense and drop in specs. All these bikes weigh more than the previous generation, and you need to pay 3 times as much. No thanks.
With the embargo lifted who do I watch?? No brainer, Just Ride Bikes!!! Love the colour
Yes good choice Andrew!! :)
I'll be honest i'm watching all of them!! 😁
Which is best?
@@davidarthur One thing I would be interested to see assessing is the seeming “forcing” (a strong word maybe, but I can’t think of a better one) for it to come pre-packaged with a powermeter. I (and I suspect many others interested in them) have power meter pedals so really don’t need another - but there doesn’t seem to be the option to downgrade a model to remove it from the spec
So you ride all of bikes in the world. What’s ur best all around bike ?
Thanks for the review of the bike. I am curious what you thought of the new Iced Berry color compared to the black. Was it as nice as in person as it looks in pictures? Been trying to decided between colours. Thanks in advance!
I loved the colour in person and would 100% choose it over black
@@davidarthur - Awesome! I agree it is definitely a sweet colour and everyone's bike is black these days. Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate it.
Hello! Today, how is the performance of the bike? I have read in several forums people who are very happy with canyon and other people who are upset, saying that the quality of the frame is not very reliable... what is your experience with the brand and this bike? I'm hesitating to buy it, thank you very much!
Ultimate cf sl 8: 8kg
Aeroad cf sl 7: 7.95kg
Price: Same
What is the point of Ultimate ??
Love the color!
Colour.
Colour.
Is it jolly fast?
Looks nice
What is the rationale behind the stated reduction in watt savings when you add a rider? (and more importantly, who cares what drag reduction is possible without a rider...?)
They're just being transparent about the savings with and without a rider in the wind tunnel
Canyon Ultimate cf sl was sold for 3999 euros with ultegra di2. The 2023 version 3999 euros with 105 di2. What a joke!
they added power meter and are still cheaper then most other brands. But yea price increase is always bad.
@@Flexo_l I would prefer to have the ultegra di2 than a power meter
At the moment Ultegra di2 is only 200.- more expensive than 105 di2. Shimano just butchered the pricing of 105 di2.
If James was sent skipper he would wax lyrical about what a great ride it is, would be very aero as no cables causing drag and no bottom bracket debate.
Hi David Arthur- why is new ultimate cf sl 8 heavier than old about 420 g(8 kg vs 7.58 kg) and the new ultimate cf sl 7 rival is about 220g lighter(7.72 kg vs 7.94 kg)?
I know the new cf sl 8 got bad wheels instead of 1800 spline but is it the only reason of 0,64 kg difference?
How big is your cycling wardrobe? You have a kit for every colourway. Looks very good though 👍
I have more cycle clothing than normal clothing that's for sure! ;)
Waiting to pick up an Endurace 8 Disc when the XL comes back in stock as my first road bike. I'm excited to see how crazy different it is to my mountain bike that I use at downhill parks 🤣
I just got the 8 Disc about 2 weeks ago. It's an amazing bike, You're going to love it.
@@progrockUSA I'm super excited. I'm checking the website constantly even though I'm signed up for in stock notifications. It looks like a beautiful bike and the frame looks so well done.
I had an older trek aluminum road bike and got a 21 ultimate 8 last year. The difference is unreal. When I get on the aluminum now I always have to check and see if a brake is dragging it’s so much slower. It’s going to feel like a race car compared to a mountain bike
@@joshdunlap7766 Haha it's going to be fun! I imagine if I took the road bike to the downhill park I'd end up dead with the bike in pieces so it's a good pair of bikes to have 🤣
Hi David, how you compare this one with the giant tcr?
I have ridden both. Canyon is not as stiff and responsive as TCR. But it has a very nice geometry. You feel nice and settled on the canyon.
@@analogsound how did u already ride the new Canyon Ultimate?
@@caet49 I have ridden 2019 Canyon CF SLX & Aeroad and compared them to 2018 TCR advance pro
Cons:
- I wish they could make an All-Road version as they did with Endurace. 35 mm clearance will make this bike a TRUE Ultimate bike
- Colors are mediocre
- PRICE. If I buy a bike from the store I will get free tune-ups for a year
- I can't buy the CF SL model as a frameset
- The new computer mount looks ugly
Pros:
- Weight/price ratio still better than competitors
- Able to adjust the handlebar to my needs
- Better geometry for my height
- Improved bottom bracket stiffness (subjective)
End:
- I will wait for the new Endurace frame, hopefully, next year...
You look like MVP!!
For Canyon, I really think it’s the customer service that they must work hard on. Returned my old Ultimate I waited 6 months for this year because of a series of QC problems in the frame and cockpit with failure to get a proper resolution after one month of attempt with their customer service. They never answered questions in full, they have inconsistent resolutions, poor English communication, and you always need to wait for their email response which usually takes half a week each time. And I was just sick of that back and forth, that was just a waste of my time.
So nice bike they design, finger crossed for not needing their help in the future, if you do need their help, they will screw you up for sure.
This was always the big risk with a mail order brand. Not they're expensive too, I just can't see that risk being worth it for many. TCR would be the 'value' alternative for those who worry about warranty and customer service
Is that a custom colour or is it going to be available in the future?
It's a standard colour option
David. Would you do a video with a few bikes showing what stack and reach looks like visually in the real world?
That's a really good idea Phil I'll add it to the list
@@davidarthur Thanks. I'm on a Synapse at the moment and would really like to see how that compares and how that effects body position, flexibility and even power output.
Just go on geometry geeks and you can compare any bikes you like 👍
@@guywright1833 Yes, but that doesn't give anyone a visual of the person sitting on the bike, nor information on how you may need to change/adjust 'this' or 'that'.
I had 42cm bars as standard but only when I changed to 38cm did I feel comfortable on the hoods. A chart wouldn't have told me that and I don't have the luxury of having a stream of bike to personally test.
Looks like Canyon just updated some of their Ultimate seat post back to the round 27.2mm.
I think the similar looking Yeoleo R12 looks sexier!
the size of the test bike?
I think you looked the ENVE Melee - how would you compare this Ultimate to that one?
I've not ridden the Enve yet but will do soon hopefully
I am buying a new bike and I cant choose between the Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero with Ultegra di2 and the Aeroad CF SLX 7 Disc eTap.
I’m not paying £4k for a bike with bloody 105
You can blame Shimano for that increase
CF SL 7 eTAp has a £500 increase over the old model (which is still on line), looks like £500 worth of integrated cables on the handlebars/ stem 🤷🏼♂️
Nothing compared to the CFR - the new model is almost 2000 euro more than the outgoing in a similar spec
Well compared to the price in the US that's still a bargain. CF SL7 eTap in US is now $4699, equivalent to £4100...
It has a powermeter also
Hey David, nice preview. May I ask you what jersey this is?
It’s Canyon’s own jersey, there’s a link in the description
He mention in the video it’s Canyon’s new kit.
Nice - Thank you 👍
Well my 2016 CF SLX has served me well and the question is (if i could afford it) should I keep this and buy an aeroad, or sell my old bike and get the new ultimate. It does look nice but the Matt grey ultimate i have is the best colour canyon ever did.
Did you get anything new?
@@bluemystic7501 Hi just seen this, no still got my Ultimate.
what is your size David? I'm 1.82 m and am looking for size M. You mean it fits?
181cm and the medium fits me perfectly
All road bikes are getting the same now. Sl7 V3rs Systemsix Cervelo R5 and this one lol
La mejor de todas
Nice Bike but too expensive for me and I would think many others
there MUST be a sweet spot for new bike prices and would love to see some stats around numbers sold in certain price brands
have personally seen "in the flesh" VERY FEW top end models in the last couple of years
For me the price of the CF SL8 with Di2 fits my budget and happy to pay the bit extra for D12
like your reviews but like them a lot more on realistically priced bikes !
this bike looks like my Superior X-road 2021 :))))
Hi David, which one do you prefer? your giant tcr or the new canyon ultimate?
That's a tricky one - might have to share my thoughts in a video soon
@@davidarthur please do, or just share it here, dont want you to do extra work :)
I think for best overall value would be the TCR. Right david ?
Great audio quality David.
The price is insane and the performance is the worst ever for the Ultimate series.
My rim brake ultimate is way lighter and faster. It is a shame not many cyclists today will get to ever experience what a proper road bike feels like.
I got my first disc road bike last year, an Cannondale Super Six Team edition bike and i must admit, breaking with rim brakes is much more subtle. I also broke my collarbone, because of that, because the breaking power of the disc was too brutal, but nobody talks about that, it's all about more safety with discs, but if you don't race, you don't need them and if you race, you don't want them. Greetings from Germany!
Direct to market bike costing the same as those not? Canyon loosing their way a bit probably under shareholding pressure. Matching the SLX 8 di2 price wise against an equivalent Giant TCR Pro 0 or even the pending 2023 Propel Pro 0 di2 you’d be easily tempted into the LBS for the comfort and service such a cost outlay warrants. That said if it’s as good as the outgoing model, it’s hard to knock it.
Yes, but Giant is not better then Canyon. I have both.
@@Gianniz27 so have I and agree but that is not what I mean. I’m talking service. LBS or remote manufacturer support? If two bikes are the same price and quality what else are you left with but warranties and service.
A lot of people want a bike that's slower, heavier en softer. That's why performance and gravel bikes..
My ftp is 10 watts🤫 will it still save me 5?
I guess the 5 watts is at 40kph, or something that isn’t very relevant in the real world. And with 10 watts to start with the only way you’ll do 40 kph is down a steep hill, possibly with a tailwind. But if you have a tailwind I guess you need to go faster because 40 kph needs to be speed relative to headwind. Ah well.
Great video. But let's face the bike industry is full of s**t.
A new road bike for 10k? I can get a small new car for that.
The Ultimate range starts at £2,699 but yeah let's only focus on the top-end prices ;)
@@Carftymk How about the Endurace AL at £1,149?
@@Carftymk unfortunately the prices of all consumer goods have gone up not just bikes - everything was cheaper a few years ago
@@Carftymk But to be fair over the last few years everthing is going up in price. Everything has doubled in price it seems Gas/Electric/Computers/tv/gaming/phones/food/utilities/petrol. You could say that same generic phrase after everything. A few years ago it was cheaper. Yeah so was my mortgage, phone, ultilities, TV, train pass, petrol. Nothing has got cheaper. Just try getting a car parts for the same price as a few years ago
Their product structure is all over the shop...CLX 8, 9, SLR S,T,U,V....
Brilliant video - this bike has really got me scratching down the back of the sofa 😬
There's no point on what happened with bike prices, not even taking inflation in consideration, they will end up eating his stock, like graphic cards. Not the right time to buy a bike, by far. What a time when you could get a decent entry level road bike for about 700! Like two years ago...now there's only crap with Tourney for around 1000 or carbon bikes for 2500... Recently bought a Triban RC and can't be happier, there's always alternatives.
How does it compare to the TCR?
Probably similar
Tcr would be a better value for money
Why are they cheaper in the States , much further to travel ?
Taxes and import costs probably
Have they sorted out the thru axle thread in the frame yet? 2022 models and lots of others in Canyon range all have fixed in thread built into the frame in the rear, so you can't replace it, stupid design! Even looks like has the shape for the hanger side of it.
I have giant tcr advanced pro 1disc
The previous Ultimate had enough clearance for 35mm tires
You're getting the Ultimate mixed up with the Endurace. The former had 30mm clearance, the latter 32mm clearance.
@@davidarthur I think it's the difference between advertised clearance vs actual clearance. I have tried 35mm terra speeds on 303s on both the endurace and ultimate and both fit. Maybe this new Ultimate can go even bigger than 35 now?
Yes actual clearance is often more but largely depends on tyre and rim combinations. The bike manufacturers have to ensure there's 6mm of clearance between tyre and frame to pass the ISO-4210 standard
They withdrew the Ultimate models with rim brakes for their part. They lost a client, and I guess I'm not the only one.
At least two clients I'd say
Yes, rim brake Ultimate was the best bike Canyon made ever. Under 7 kg under 2400 euros, with R8000 Ultegra. I knew this happens, bought one end of last year as a spare bike. I will never buy 5-10.000 euro bikes, weighing in 7.5-8 kgs.
These mass-manufactured bike prices are ever getting closer to the small boutique brands closing the gap, giving consumers more options if they are willing to pay for it.
Ultimate all day
Is that a Karoo 2?
Yes! Review coming soon...
Don’t tell us stiffer lighter faster - how about cheaper more customizable fit and better build quality for a change bike companies
That sram crank cracks.
I look forward to road bikes ten years from now. Perhaps by then things would have changed dramatically
For now its more like 도토리키재기 ㅋㅋ
bought my CL 105 Endurace 3 years ago for $1999, seems like an impossible price point to buy anything now, ridiculous.
7.4kg is a really good weight considering the aero wheels and disc brakes!
😂 is it?..
looks like a TCR
Proof that it wasn’t the ultimate because there’s a new one 🤔
What's wrong with Vitus bikes? Never seen one featured on your channel. You get a lot for your money. Bang for buck their up there with the rest.
Nothing's wrong with them, just waiting for them to send me one, the supply has been a challenge
If the seatpost doesn’t squeak…I’m not buying it…
Don’t worry, the customer delivered ones sure will do a bit of squeaking
Wouldn’t be a tear drop shaped seatpost much more aero?? This is actually known since the 1930s … forgotten knowledge I suppose?
doesnt look fast. but it is light.