Just landed: We have got hold of the new Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc and it's the first and only one in the country! Here are our initial thoughts, but a full review will follow when we can spend more time with the new disc offering from Canyon
The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 looks great and has a very impressive spec for the price. We will be updating this page with a full reveiw once we have had a chance to ride the bike, so stay tuned. If it rides even half as good as it looks then it could be rather special.
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The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc is a disc brake equipped version of the Ultimate CF SLX and was first seen as prototype at Eurobike back in 2015. The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 is our Bike of the Year, so we are keen to see how this new disc brake equipped version compares. For those that are interested, the original prototype from 2015, is pictured below.
Canyon showed off a prototype Ultimate CF SLX Disc at Eurobike 2015
Frame
One of the first things you may be keen to know is, how does the weight differ from the non-disc version? The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 we have here hits our scales at 7.8kg making it roughly a kilogram heavier than the equivalent non-disc version. It is worth considering though that the non disc version, comes with lighter wheels than the deeper Mavics here.
The increase in system weight comes from a combination of changes, nescessary for the inclusion of hydraulic discs. Disc brakes create increased braking forces on the frame, so Canyon has beefed up the frame in a few key areas by adding additional carbon to the tune of about 70g. Most of this is on the non-drive side, where the flat mount calipers are situated.
The disc version has the same seat post clamp as the non-disc version, but note there is no brake bridge
In the absence of a rear caliper, the brake bridge has been deemed completely surplus to requirements, and is nowhere to be seen, which means that this bike can now cater for 30mm tyres and has a very tidy rear end. The cables are also completely internally routed, which when combined with the integrated aerobar, creates a very neat looking machine.
Canyon has added roughly 70g of extra material to beef up the frame for disc brakes
For the most part, the frame is similar to the non-disc version. That means that although this is designed to be a lightweight bike, the tubes still have a Kamm-tail profile to help with aerodynamics, and the same VCLS carbon seat post.
Specification
There are a range of different builds around the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc frameset, with the 8.0 Di2 model we have here sitting at the top of Canyon's disc equipped offerings. Canyon doesn't tend to skimp anywhere on components and it's nice to see that the Ultimate Disc follows suit, with a spec that won't have you instantly wanting to upgrade the first time you ride it.
The groupset on the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 is Shimano Ultegra Di2, with hydraulic shifters, while the brakes are Shimano's top spec BR-RS805 flat mount calipers with Ice Tech Rotors. Interestingly Canyon has opted for 160mm rotors front and rear for 'optimal power and breaking modulation.'
The cabling is very neat. This is hydraulic line in the fork
Having ridden many disc brake equipped road bikes, I like this and find 160mm rotors much more preferable than 140mm. A bike we have previously reviewed - The Merida Scultura Disc, is equipped with 160mm rotors front and rear and the main advantage is superior heat dissipation, which is sensible when you consider mountain bikes have bigger rotors, yet the braking on road bikes is likely to be more sustained and can be at higher speeds.
Mavic's new Cosmic Pro Carbon Disc wheels look very smart
Canyon has also opted for 12mm through axles, which it seems set to be the most likely industry standard when the powers that be finally decide, meaning the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc is future proofed. The thru-axles also feature a detachable lever similar to that used by DT-Swiss on its new wheels. Thru-axles add some system weight over a quick release, but are much stiffer, offering a much more stable connection between the wheels and frame.
The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc has flat mount calipers and 160mm rotors front and rear
Wheels are the new Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon disc, a wheel which is wider than previous Mavic rims and is a model down from the Cosmic Pro Carbon SL we have previously reviewed. The Cosmic Pro is an aluminium rim, with a carbon fairing, while the SL is a fully carbon, slightly lighter, but more expensive wheels.
As for other bits, the saddle is a Fizik Antares R5 and this model comes equipped with Canyon's proprietary aero bar and stem, that does a great job of hiding away the Di2 junction box.
Video - Bike of the year - The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (non disc)
Value
Even with the rise in prices of imported goods from a weaker Brexit Pound, Canyon continues to off excellent value for money. Sitting at the top end of the road disc range, the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 features a pro-level frame set, great quality Mavic wheels, an integrated carbon cockpit and Shimano Ultegra Di2. There are no stocking filler components here. No parts are crying out for an upgrade and it would be a challenge to find a similar package for the same price.
Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.
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