Lighter, stiffer and aerodynamically more efficient – and at the same time more robust! The new Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 sprints into the new season with several updates, and wants to cater to the needs of both professional riders and mere mortals like us. But did Canyon manage the delicate balancing act? We’ve already had the exclusive opportunity to test the CFR for a whole month in the USA, the Alps and around our home town Stuttgart.
Over the past ten years, the good old “lighter, stiffer, faster” marketing mantra has often been complemented by other captivating catchphrases like “more aero!” and “more comfortable!”. But what about more robust?! Although we weren’t expecting to hear this at the official press launch of the new Canyon Ultimate, it was a pleasant surprise, because, in our opinion, durability is a key element in achieving better sustainability and as such it sits high on our list of priorities – you can read everything about it in our “Sustainability megatrend: Snake oil, eyewash or clear innovation? – Measures and opportunities for the bike industry” trend article we wrote for last year’s Design & Innovation Award
The future of race bike development – Longevity = sustainability?
At a professional level, our sport is still plagued with a throwaway mentality. Racing is all about “marginal gains” and sometimes the bikes aren’t expected to last longer than a race. This is something our friend and ex-pro rider David Millar had already criticised about the evolution of the road bike industry back in 2018 during our race bike group test in Girona. Then as now, that’s exactly the problem with high-end bikes, which often crack far too easily or are built to their absolute limit, thus requiring a lot of carefulness. Sometimes, a second of distraction can have nasty consequences, for example when someone knocks over your bike outside a cafe.
Needless to say, we were delighted to learn that Canyon had expanded the range of applications of their all-rounder while developing the new 2023 Ultimate. Alongside basic requirements such as a low system weight, efficient aerodynamics and stiffness, the German manufacturer has put balance, versatility, adjustability and robustness high on their list of priorities. Instead of pushing the limits and trying to reduce weight to a bare minimum, Canyon gladly accepted a compromise of around 30 g per frame (depending on size) for the sake of strength and durability, reinforcing vulnerable frame sections like the top section of the top tube as well as the seat and chainstays based on the results of several crash and fatigue tests. Canyon’s proprietary IPU steering block limits the steering angle, preventing the handlebars from damaging the frame. While the new Ultimate CFR might not be as bomb-proof as an alloy training bike, Canyon have made a clever move that could inspire other brands to focus more on robustness and durability.
The design language of the new Canyon Ultimate 2023
With the 2023 Ultimate, Canyon have introduced the fifth generation of a modern classic. The latest iteration relies on the same unmistakable design language as its predecessor and still exudes classic road bike elegance from every single carbon fibre. With its sober design language, it tries to be reassuringly familiar rather than aggressively intimidating, which tends to be the case with most modern aero racers. As a result, the new Canyon Ultimate doesn’t have dropped chainstays or gigantic aero surfaces plastered with huge logos, but it is still unmistakably recognisable as a Canyon. Nevertheless, Canyon’s new Ultimate is aimed at professional racers as much as weekend warriors, with performance to match.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” We’re totally with the author of the Little Prince on this one! In this regard, Canyon seem to have come close to perfection with the new Ultimate, reducing or even ditching some popular elements, renouncing unnecessary design gimmicks and following a logical and simple force progression instead while peacefully humming the “less is more” mantra. As a result, aerodynamic key features are only visible upon closer inspection. However, according to Canyon’s own statement, the sober design improves not only the look of the bike but also its aerodynamics. Undesired turbulence can be prevented through straight and flat lines. Everyone knows that air resistance is the greatest force a rider has to overcome. In terms of sheer numbers, thanks to the improvements to the head tube, seat post and down tube alone, the new Canyon Ultimate Frameset should allow you to improve your FTP by 10 W at 45 km/h over the previous version!
Weights and carbon layup for the Canyon Ultimate CF SL, CF SLX and CFR 2023
For cost reasons, manufacturers often use different carbon layups for different bike models – and the same goes for Canyon. The new Ultimate is available in three different versions called CF SL, CF SLX and CFR. The high-end CFR model relies on ultra-high modulus and ultra-high-tension fibres that offer a higher tensile strength and don’t stretch as easily. This allows Canyon to build thinner tubes without sacrificing stability. Our Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 test bike in size M tips the scales at 6.26 kg, which is around 150 g less than the same build with the mid-range CF SLX frameset. For the CF SLX frame, Canyon rely on a well-thought-out selection of fibres to achieve highly optimised wall thicknesses, which allows them to strike an excellent balance between lightweight and strength while at the same time saving 280 g compared to the SL frameset. However, the carbon layup has an influence not only on the weight of the frame, but also the stiffness. The Canyon Ultimate CFR wants to be the benchmark in the Ultimate range and its head tube is meant to be 15% stiffer compared to the predecessor.
The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 in detail.
While developing the new Ultimate, Canyon’s engineers put riding comfort high on their list of priorities. The CFR Di2 rolls on Schwalbe Pro One TT tires, whereby the front relies on the narrower 25 mm version and the rear on the wider 28 mm model. The wider rear tire doesn’t affect the aero performance of the bike but the extra volume helps improve riding comfort. If you’re after an even more comfortable ride, you can run tires up to 32 mm. The Pro One TT renounces any additional puncture protection in favour of lower weight and better rolling resistance. Like all Schwalbe TLE tires, it must always be run with sealant.
Just as crucial to the riding comfort of the Canyon Ultimate is the rear triangle carbon layup. This is meant to compensate for the stiffer SP0064 D-Shape carbon seatpost, which is securely held in place in the seat tube by the newly-positioned clamp bolt. The SL and SLX models employ an SP0055 carbon seatpost with 20 mm setback, which is 40 g heavier than the SP0064 version of the CFR flagship model. Another important contact point is the CP0018 carbon cockpit, which was adopted from the Canyon Aeroad and significantly improves ergonomics. Using three different bar ends, the bar width can be changed in 20 mm increments. Moreover, a sophisticated threadless carbon quill stem allows you to alter the stack height without having to cut down the steerer tube. The removable bar ends come in handy if you travel a lot with your bike and have to regularly pack it into a bag – we’ve already done it with our brand-new test bike when boarding a flight to the USA. And then there’s the aero bonus: all cables are fully integrated into the frame, bringing another clear aerodynamic advantage to the road. As if all of this wasn’t good enough, the cockpit takes a 3D-printed GPS mount, which can be secured with two bolts.
Our Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 test bike comes equipped with an electronic Shimano DURA-ACE R9100 Di2 groupset with a 52/36 t chainset and 11-30 t cassette, ensuring a gear range wide enough to negotiate even steeper climbs. Canyon also rely on Shimano for the brakes, combining DURA-ACE Di2 brakes and 160 mm brake rotors front and rear. As common with road bikes, the pads tend to grind against the rotor after abrupt braking manoeuvres but resume normal operation after a short while. Wheel specialist DT Swiss supply the PRC 1100 Dicut Mon Chasseral wheelset with an 18 mm internal width.
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 2023
€ 10,499
Specifications
Seatpost Canyon SP0064 D-Shape
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 160/160 mm
Drivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2
Stem Canyon CP0018 100 mm
Handlebar Canyon CP0018 410 mm +/- 20 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss PRC 1100 Mon Chasseral
Tires Schwalbe Pro One TT Skin
Cranks Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 172.5 mm
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE CS-R9100 11–30T
Technical Data
Size 2XS XS S M L XL 2XL
Weight 6.26 kg
Spec variants of the new Canyon Ultimate 2023
The Canyon Ultimate is available in a total of 10 different spec variants. Below, we’ll give you an overview of the most exciting models in the respective price ranges. At € 2,699, the CF SL 7 is the gateway to the Ultimate dimension and comes equipped with a Shimano 105 drivetrain and brakes. The mid-range Ultimate CF SLX 8 model retails at € 6,299 and features a SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset. Alternatively, you can upgrade the latter to a Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 groupset for an additional € 200. Both versions share the same DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 wheelset with 20 mm inner width and Schwalbe Pro One Skin tires. Next comes the Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2, which sets you back € 8,699 and is an excellent option for ambitious riders. If you go for the Ultimate CFR Di2 flagship model, you’ll have to fork out € 10,499; and € 10,999 for the ETAP version, which rolls on 25 mm Zipp 353 NSW Hookless carbon wheels instead of the narrow 18 mm DT Swiss Mon Chasseral wheelset.
Model | Groupset | Gear | Wheels | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 | Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss PRC 1100 Mon Chasseral | € 10,499 |
Canyon Ultimate CFR eTap | SRAM Red eTap AXS Power | 50/37 T x 10–33 T | Zipp 353 NSW Hookless | € 10,999 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss ARC 1100 50/50 | € 8,699 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 | € 6,499 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 eTap | SRAM Force eTap AXS Power | 48/35 T x 10–28 T | DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50 | € 6,299 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss ARC 1600 50/62 | € 4,999 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 Di2 | Shimano 105 Di2 | 50/34 T x 11–34 T | DT Swiss Performance LN | € 3,999 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 eTap | SRAM Rival eTap AXS Power | 48/35 T x 10–30 T | DT Swiss P1800 | € 3,799 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 | Shimano Ultegra | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss Performance LN | € 3,199 |
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 | Shimano 105 | 52/36 T x 11–30 T | DT Swiss Performance LN | € 2,699 |
Frameset CFR | – | – | – | € 4,999 |
The geometry of the Canyon Ultimate 2023
The Canyon Ultimate is available in a huge range of 8 sizes, 3XS to 2XL. All models roll on 700C wheels except for the 3XS and 2XS sizes of the CF SL model and the 3XS size of the SLX version, which rely on smaller 650B wheels. The CFR flagship model comes in a total of 7 sizes, which all employ 700C wheels – there’s no 650B option! Canyon focus on a unisex frame platform for all rider types across the board. The Ultimate has the same pro-sport genes of the Canyon Aeroad, so it comes as no surprise that it shares the same geometry. That being said, the chainstays of the Ultimate grow with the frame size, providing consistent handling across all sizes.
Size | 2XS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube | 420 mm | 450 mm | 480 mm | 510 mm | 540 mm | 570 mm | 600 mm |
Seat tube | 524 mm | 537 mm | 554 mm | 564 mm | 577 mm | 603 mm | 619 mm |
Head tube | 88 mm | 107 mm | 121 mm | 142 mm | 162 mm | 188 mm | 206 mm |
Head angle | 71.5° | 71.2° | 72.75° | 73.25° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.75° |
Seat angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
Chainstay | 405 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 413 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm |
Wheelbase | 965 mm | 979 mm | 982 mm | 988 mm | 1,003 mm | 1,029 mm | 1,042 mm |
Reach | 372 mm | 378 mm | 390 mm | 393 mm | 401 mm | 419 mm | 429 mm |
Stack | 501 mm | 523 mm | 542 mm | 563 mm | 583 mm | 609 mm | 627 mm |
The new Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 first ride review
Whether you’re cruising on level ground or grinding uphill, the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 accelerates willingly from the get-go. At just 6.26 kg in size M, it flies you to the top of the mountain with its playful and agile character, making every climb a joyful experience. When the road gets rougher, the rear end with the straight seatpost is slightly less comfortable than the front with its carbon cockpit. To improve compliance, we recommend using the same seatpost with 20 mm setback, which is only 40 g heavier.
Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain pass with a big smile on your face, it’s time to prepare for the descent. Here the Canyon shines with predictable and good-natured handling while still responding to steering input with great precision. This makes it easy to spontaneously change your line to dodge a rock on the road or when you want to reposition yourself in the peloton. Cornering is easy too, and only in extreme situations does the front wheel start to become a little twitchy. Blasting down a mountain pass at 90 km/h? No problem! Yes, the Ultimate can handle high speeds but takes an experienced rider and a little getting used to, not because it isn’t intuitive to ride, but rather because the narrow DT Swiss climbing wheels lack stability and precision downhill. This becomes particularly evident when braking into a fast corner downhill, where the 25 mm Schwalbe tire feels spongy and vague in combination with the narrow 18 mm rim.
California dreaming or Finnish sauna? Paul Ripke and Robin really turned it up to eleven in California, cycling from Newport Beach to Palm Springs. A gruelling 180 km, two-wheeled frenzy from the Ocean to the desert, in temperatures up to 64°C in the sun. This much is clear: not only was this the ultimate challenge for (and with) the new Ultimate, but also one of the toughest rides the boys have ever embarked on, both mentally and physically. Watch out for the next issue of GRAN FONDO due in autumn to find out why the “most stupid idea of the past decade” was just as much fun as it was tough, and how it feels to cycle for eight hours straight under the scorching Cali sunshine (oh yes, and how many litres of water Paul can quaff without a single pee-stop). But there’s one thing we can’t wait to tell you: the Schwalbe Pro One TT, which deliberately renounces puncture protection in favour of less weight and lower rolling resistance, isn’t cut out for such long days in the saddle on mixed terrain, especially considering the tons of broken glass, sharp wires and nasty screws the Californian bike paths and roads are scattered with. While Paul didn’t have a single puncture with his Schwalbe One tires, Robin had to deal with several – and that’s definitely not down to his riding style! With this in mind: always choose your tire model wisely, folks!
Well done Canyon! Using a tasteful mix of great design and discreet understatement, the German manufacturer has created a successful reinterpretation of a true classic. While the improvements might be in small details, Canyon have made a big step in the right direction, finally re-evaluating the importance of durability. The Ultimate CFR Di2 2023 is plenty of fun and an excellent climber but would benefit from a different tire/wheel combo, which would improve handling and inspire more confidence on fast descents.
Tops
- robustness as a development goal
- easily adjustable cockpit
- predictable and easy handling
- optimal balance between weight, efficiency and downhill capabilities
Flops
- tire/wheel combo affects braking precision on fast descents
For more info visit canyon.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words & Photos: Mike Hunger