Vamos a la Playa! Mallorca has many reasons to make you smile – and we definitely got our fair share while riding the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0, including an outdoor disco, pink unicorns and some bubbly!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
After our magazine received the world’s first call-up to test the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2, we were excited to see how this € 4,899 whip would pitch against the hottest competitors in Mallorca. A glance at the test fleet revealed that Canyon’s pricing strategy is now nudging ever closer to the rest of the market; is it purely a result of higher costs or does it mean less bang for your buck from this German brand? Fortunately, the answer to the latter is no – they’ve just upped their game. Right now, Canyon’s specs are pushing limits, and while many brands can claim to offer an affordable Shimano Ultegra Di2 bike in their collection, there are very few that can rival Canyon’s full package. From the hand-caressing fully integrated H36 Aerocockpit, to the impeccably integrated seat clamp, rubber dirt protector and stylish flat mount brakes, Canyon have focussed on adding what many riders are really after. Viewed as a whole, we felt this bike was a shining image of self-possessed beauty.
On the roads the Ultimate is both compelling and predictable to ride with a superb balance of comfort and stiffness. Reinforced by the Shimano Ultegra disc brakes that respond with sheer brilliance. There’s no shortage of precision, although we’d recommend replacing the 25 mm Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink C tires as their performance is below par on corners and in the wet. With its 52\36 11-25 gearing, you’ll need strong legs on steep climbs especially if you’re heading up the col to ride down to Sa Calobra. While its total weight of 7.7 kg is very decent, there were significantly lighter models in the test fleet.
And what about the disco and pink unicorns? Those who tick off all the Mallorca must-dos naturally have free reign of the island – and that’s exactly what we did, albeit in a purely sartorial manner. With the frame’s impeccably styled black finish, you’ve got carte blanche for riding apparel in which to frequent one of the island’s many beach bars for a pleasurable glass of bubbly. Why? Because we can.
The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2 Hydraulic
Wheelset Mavic Cosmic Pro Disc, 45 mm
Brakes Shimano Ultegra Disc
Tires Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink C Folding, 700x25C
Weight 7.70 kg
Price € 4,899
More Info canyon.com
the H36 Aero cockpit is a treat for your hands.
Switch the Mavic tires before bombing down the tarmac like the Terminator and ending up on a guard rail if the road is wet.
the Canyon exudes true charm!
the Di2 junction box is tidily integrated into the stem but has easy access so you can keep an eye on the remaining battery life.
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX
Conclusion
Hands down, this is our buyer’s tip! With one select tire change, the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 Disc Di2 is the ultimate choice for any rider that values a down-to-earth, predictable and damn quick bike that’ll never fail to exhibit a brilliant performance. However, don’t expect any exclusivity; you certainly won’t be the only Ultimate rider cruising along the Playa del Muro. For those who desire exclusiveness, grab the recently launched Canyon Ultimate CF Evo. The only real reason not to immediately click ‘buy’ on this bike stems from a fear of self assembly or an absence of willing and able friends to help – but that is a whole other problem entirely.
Strengths
+ Handling
+ Design and innovative features
+ Cockpit
+ Value for money
Weaknesses
– Tire choice
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
All bikes in test: BMC Teammachine SLR01 | Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 Disc | Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 | Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition | Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc | Heroïn H1 Limited Edition | Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Ultimate | Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 | Standert. Kreissäge | Stelbel Antenore | Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2
This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!
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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl
