Mont Ventoux shootout – Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero in review

Canyon’s lightest race bike goes aero! Lightweight in every detail, and yet with 50 mm deep section rims – could this be the ultimate setup for an epic ride on Mont Ventoux? We tested it to find out!

The Canyon Ultimate CFR has already proven itself as a true mountain goat in our solo test. But there was one drawback. The narrow wheels, which feel vague at higher speeds, killing all the fun as a result. However, Canyon tackled this issue head-on with the Aero version. The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero now rolls on 50 mm DT Swiss ARC 1100 deep-section wheels, which are wider and promise greater stability. Other than that, the Germans stick to what works best, relying on their finest carbon frame, ultra-light components, and a WorldTour-level groupset. Despite rolling on the heaviest wheelset in this testfield, it’s still the second-lightest competitor right after the Giant TCR Advanced SL, tipping the scales at just 6.72 kg in size M – still a real featherweight!

A well-rounded package – Taking a closer Look at the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero

To conquer an epic mountain, you’ll need an epic steed. So, we reached for the top shelf in Canyon’s lineup. The Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero comes equipped with Shimano’s top-tier groupset, the Dura-Ace Di2, which delivers outstanding shifting and braking performance while keeping weight to a minimum. This makes it the perfect choice for Tour de France victories – or simply the most enjoyable option for everyday riders like us. However, in steeper climbing sections, the relatively small 10-30 cassette paired with the 36/52 chainring could prove challenging for beginners and heavier riders.

The one upgrade that validates the “Aero” suffix is the DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB Aero wheelset, which, with the 50 mm deep-section rims and 20 mm internal width, is the second-lightest in this group test, tipping the scales at 1,472 g. Only the Cadex Max 40s wheels of the Giant TCR Advanced SL are lighter at 1,249 g. The rims are paired with ultra-light Schwalbe Pro One TT Evo tires, which prioritise efficiency over puncture protection. Up front, there’s a 25 mm tire, while the rear wheel rolls on 28 mm rubber – aero up front, comfort at the back!

The Selle Italia SLR Boost Tekno Superflow saddle and Canyon’s lightweight carbon bottle cages are made from a ridiculously small amount of carbon and resin. While this keeps them nice and light, it does come with a few drawbacks: the polished surface of the saddle is quite slippery, and it’s only rated for riders up to 100 kg. The bottle cages, due to their design, don’t create much tension, so they rely on perfectly fitting Canyon bottles for a secure hold.

The shimmering purple-gold effect paint finish of the Alpecin-Deceuninck Replica, combined with the white Canyon decals, gives off serious pro-performance vibes, which are perfectly complemented by the exposed carbon of the saddle. The Canyon Ultimate CFR Aero relies on a sporty geometry without feeling overly stretched. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43 in size M, it matches the Giant TCR Advanced SL and S-Works Tarmac SL8, providing a comfortable climbing position while still looking fast. Canyon offers the Ultimate CFR Aero in a total of seven sizes, 2XS to 2XL, which all roll on 28” wheels.

Tuning Tipp: Grip tape on the saddle

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

On review: the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero on Mont Ventoux

The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero shows off its charm even before you start riding. The build quality is excellent, and despite the extreme lightweight carbon construction, there’s no creaking or flexing. There are no rough edges or sharp corners on the frame, and the Alpecin-Deceuninck Replica paint finish gives it a pro-level feel. The only minor mismatch is the yellowish tan walls of the Schwalbe Pro One TT tires, which don’t quite blend in with the bike’s overall look. However, the tires roll fast on tarmac and, thanks to their light weight, contribute to the bike’s nimble acceleration.

As soon as we hit the first few kilometres of the infamous southern ascent from Bédoin on the Route de Mont Ventoux, the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero shows what it’s made of. While the Giant TCR Advanced SL had the snappiest acceleration in our test, the Canyon follows closely behind, despite its wheels being around 200g heavier. The stiff bottom bracket and the DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB Aero wheelset efficiently transfer your power to the tarmac, encouraging attacks on steep gradients.
When climbing out of the saddle and sprinting, you can feel a slight flex in the cockpit and fork. The other three bikes in this test field are all stiffer and offer more precise steering under full load. However, on long, epic climbs, this doesn’t diminish the fun one bit. In fact, the subtle flex smooths out vibrations, adding a welcome dose of comfort.

At low speeds, the handling is impressively agile, which is perfect for dodging nasty potholes on climbs. But as the speed increases, so does the bike’s composure, converting the Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero into a precise cornering machine. Riding downhill, the intuitive handling inspires huge amounts of confidence and adds to the fun. Even when you need to brake hard before a corner, the Ultimate remains composed– no juddering, diving, or wobbling going on here. The 50 mm deep-section DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB wheels excel with fast manoeuvres, remaining stable and precise, though they do meet their limits in strong crosswinds and require a steady hand.

When you come across rough patches and cracks in the tarmac during a descent, the bike’s excellent compliance really comes into play. The frame, wheels, tires, and cockpit all work together to effectively dampen vibrations and absorb impacts. Paired with the grippy, well-padded bar tape, the cockpit is comfortable to hold even on long descents. Plus, the interchangeable bar ends allow you to adjust the width of the handlebars to suit your anatomy and personal preferences, saving your hands and encouraging you to let the bike fly.

The only drawback is the smallest gear, which, at 36:30, might leave beginners and heavier riders wishing for an extra cog on steeper ramps. That said, next to the Rose XLITE UNLTD, which has the same gearing, the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero is noticeably easier to pedal uphill. This is mainly thanks to the more compact geometry and, of course, the lighter system weight. The balanced riding position is ideal for long days in the mountains, though the polished full-carbon saddle can be a bit distracting, as you tend to slip without additional grip tape.

Who is the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero for?

In our test on Mont Ventoux, the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero proved to be extremely versatile. The high riding comfort and central, reasonably-stretched riding position make it a great option even for beginners. The bike’s excellent climbing qualities, precise handling, and strong sense of security make it a perfect match for epic mountain tours, fast ride-outs, and race days with plenty of altitude gain. But it doesn’t stop there– the Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero is equally suited for more relaxed rides where the experience is the final objective . That said, beginners might want to invest in a larger cassette to maintain the fun on steep climbs with double-digit gradients.

Conclusions about the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero

The Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero truly shines in the mountains. The nimble acceleration, balanced riding position, and high levels of comfort make it the ideal companion for epic climbs. The stiffer aero wheels complement the bike’s lightweight frame, improving efficiency while at the same time providing added stability and precision. As a result, the Canyon always remains predictable and sharp, even on fast descents and under heavy braking. All in all, the Ultimate CFR Di2 offers a well-rounded, versatile package, proving the ideal companion for long rides with plenty of vertical metres.

For more information, visit canyon.com

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Words & Photos: Jan Richter