Canyon has officially released its latest Ultimate race bike. The brand says the new bike’s performance has been enhanced across the board: it is lighter than ever before but features several alignments with the brand’s Aeroad platform too.
It’s the first proper update to German brand’s all-round racing bike since the end of 2015 and has been brought up to date with full cable integration and clearance for up to 32mm tyres as well as claimed boosts to aerodynamics and stiffness. A top spec claimed weight for a size medium is just 6.3kg.
The fifth generation of the iconic platform has been knocking about since the Critérium du Dauphiné in June among Movistar’s selection of bikes and has since been ridden at both men’s and women’s Tours de France and the ongoing Vuelta a España, where Jay Vine has taken it to two stage wins.
This design marks the closest Canyon has come to combining the Ultimate and the Aeroad into one, with the two now sharing the same geometry and cockpit, ensuring a seamless transition between the two where necessary.
It will be available across Canyon’s price range with CFR, CF SLX and CF SL frameset tiers. See the bottom of this article for a full spec breakdown.
Prices for the new Canyon Ultimate range from £2,699 / $2,999 / €2,699 to £10,399 / $10,999 / €10,499 and bikes are available now from canyon.com.
Born ultimatum
Canyon doesn’t want the Ultimate to be labelled as a ‘climber’s bike’, rather an all-rounder that strikes ‘the perfect balance’ between aerodynamics, comfort, stiffness.
However, with this generation coming noticeably closer to the Aeroad, and most of Canyon’s pro teams happily racing the Aeroad on all terrain, it begged a question about the Ultimate’s purpose.
‘We still see a strong demand of the classic appearance of the road bike, everyone who can see it will clearly identify this as a road bike, the road bike,’ says product manager Matthias Eurich. ‘We don’t see it as a revolution, we see this bike as an evolution, and we see it as the most well-balanced road bike in our portfolio.’
What’s new about the 2023 Canyon Ultimate?
Cue all the expected clichés.
It’s lighter
‘The Ultimate is the lightweight bike in our portfolio, so one of the early goals in the development process for me was the build the perfect bike for the Ötztaler, the sportive with over 5,000m of climbing through Austria and Italy,’ says Eurich.
‘What do I need for such a race, for such a long day in the saddle? I will need a pretty light product; I will need a comfortable product; and I will need an aero product.’
To that end, the top spec build featuring a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and DT Swiss Mon Chasséral wheels comes in at a claimed 6.3kg for a size medium. Being below the UCI minimum weight limit, that allows amateurs to have the lightest possible bike while allowing pros to add heavier features such as deeper section aero wheels and not be penalised by the weight.
The final frames in size medium are claimed to come in at 762g for the CFR, 846.2g for the CF SLX, and 1062.4g for the CF SL.
Canyon has managed to trim that weight through not only frameset adjustments but alterations to the cockpit, which is now the one-piece CP0018 also found on the Aeroad, the seatpost, now the D-shaped SP0064 with a raw carbon look that weighs a claimed 70g – which is 40g lighter than the one on SL and SLX models – and the seatpost clamp.
It’s more aerodynamic
When comparing this generation with the previous Ultimate, there are several changes to the frame that are easy enough to spot, with alterations to the tube shapes at the head tube, seat post junction, bottom bracket and dropouts. This is largely for aerodynamics purposes.
Canyon worked with Swiss aero experts Swiss Side to help minimise the Ultimate’s drag, and all those factors, alongside the new aero handlebars and cable integration, come together to make the frameset 10W more efficient at 45kmh. However, take that figure with a pinch of salt as that reduces to 5W with a rider on board.
It’s stiffer
Adaptation of tube shapes isn’t just for aerodynamics. In key areas it has a big part to play in stiffness too.
That, says Canyon, shows itself mostly in the head tube, which the brand says has seen a 15% increase in stiffness compared to the previous generation Ultimate.
It’s more comfortable
The biggest factors in comfort-enhancement don’t take much guessing. With modernisation comes clearance for wider tyres, and so arises the possibility to run lower tyre pressures.
There is clearance for up to 32mm tyres on this generation, although Canyon prefer to opt for 25mm on the front and 28mm on the rear to balance aerodynamics with comfort.
On top of that, the new D-shaped seat post features an internal clamp that holds the post low in the seat tube, allowing for greater flex under load. It has also been placed on the inside of the frame triangle to keep it safe from spray, which is a practical update over the last generation, whose seatpost was exposed to spray on the back of the seat tube.
It’s more durable
There’s no point making a lightweight bike if it’s fragile. ‘One more thing we wanted to add to this whole balanced story is the durability,’ says Eurich.
‘We don’t want to break any bikes and the carbon we use is quite fragile in some areas if you reduce wall thickness. So, we invested some grams in all layups to make the frames more durable.
‘Around 30g of extra carbon has been deployed to make the frames more robust in areas like the seatstays. We also integrated a chip to ensure the handlebars can’t be over-turned and hit the top tube.’
Canyon Ultimate 2023 geometry
Canyon has aligned its race platforms to make the geometry of the Ultimate the same as the Aeroad, so switching between the two – mostly only relevant for pros – is easy.
That presents itself as a very slight decrease in stack, minor alterations – not on all sizes – for reach, a slightly more acute seat tube angle and obtuse head tube angle, and an approximately 10mm longer wheelbase.
With the Ultimate adopting the Aeroad's cockpit arrangement there’s an element of adjustability now too. The handlebars have three possible widths, alteree using the bolts on the underside, and two stem heights that can be switched without needing to cut the steerer tube.
The 2023 Canyon Ultimate available in sizes from XXXS to XXL for CF SL and SLX bikes, with 650b wheels fitted for the two smallest sizes, and XXS to XXL for CFR bikes, all with 700c wheels.
The brand has also introduced scaling chainstay lengths on sizes L to XXL for more consistent fit and handling.
Canyon recommends using its ‘Perfect Positioning System’ at canyon.com to find the right size before you buy.
More than the bike
Canyon has also taken this opportunity to develop three extra bits of tech that aid the Ultimate’s – and any other bike’s – performance.
With that goal of super light weight, the brand has introduced a 3D printer computer mount that weighs a claimed 17g while being strong enough to withstand the tests of this year’s Paris-Roubaix; a 24g (claimed) waterproof (to IPX6 standard) rear light that mounts directly and seamlessly onto the second tier SP0055 seat post but comes with straps for other posts; and new carbon fibre bottle cages that are said to be strong and stable while weighing a claimed 15g.
Canyon Ultimate 2023 first ride review
Really good, as you’d expect. At the launch event near Nice, I was riding the top spec version with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and DT Swiss Mon Chasséral wheels, which with Wahoo Speedplay Comp pedals – as well as the bottle cages, rear light and computer mount – came to just 6.58kg for a large, and it was a real pleasure.
I was expecting comfort, having found it in spades when I rode the Aeroad, and I really like the feel of those handlebars.
Its handling was a dream on descents, as someone who isn't the most technically confident rider I quickly got to grips with the feel of the bike and felt comfortable cornering sharper bends quicker.
At the highest speeds I reached, just above 70kmh there was a slight twitchiness that began to develop, only natural with such a lightweight bike, but it didn't feel close to being out of control.
That was just from a couple of rides though, for the full low down keep your eyes peeled for a proper review coming soon.
Canyon Ultimate 2023 specs and prices
Canyon Ultimate CFR
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CFR R102
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate CFR Fork FK108
• Wheels: DT Swiss PRC 1100 Mon Chasseral
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One TT Skin
• Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 with power meter
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia C59 Carbon
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0064
• Colours: CFR Stealth
• Weight (claimed): 6.3kg
• Price: £10,399 / $10,999 / €10,499
Canyon Ultimate CFR eTap
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CFR R102
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate CFR Fork FK108
• Wheels: Zipp 353 NSW Hookless
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One TT Skin
• Groupset: SRAM Red eTap AXS with Quarq power meter
• Gear ratio: 50/37, 10-33
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Fizik Antares Versus Adaptive R1 Carbon
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0064
• Colours: Cold Crystal
• Weight (claimed): 6.66kg
• Price: £10,899 / $10,999 / €10,999
Canyon Ultimate CFR frame + brake kit
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CFR R102
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate CFR Fork FK108
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0064
• Colours: CFR Stealth
• Weight (claimed): 2.7kg
• Price: £4,949 / €4,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 eTap
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX R100
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One Skin
• Groupset: SRAM Force eTap AXS with Quarq power meter
• Gear ratio: 48/35, 10-28
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Ti316
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Frozen Black, Iced Berry
• Weight (claimed): 7.4kg
• Price: £6,249 / €6,299
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX R100
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1400 50/50
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One Skin
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 with 4iiii Precision power meter
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Ti316
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Frozen Black, Iced Berry
• Weight (claimed): 7.1kg
• Price: £6,449 / $6,999 / €6,499
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX R100
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1100 50/50
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One Skin
• Groupset: SRAM Dura-Ace Di2 with power meter
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Carbon
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Frozen Black, Iced Berry
• Weight (claimed): 6.67kg
• Price: £8,599 / $8,999 / €8,699
Canyon Ultimate CF SL
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SL R101
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK107
• Wheels: DT Swiss Performance LN
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Skin
• Groupset: Shimano 105
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon H36
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Black Snow, Deep Polar
• Weight (claimed): 8.22kg
• Price: £2,699 / $2,999 / €2,699
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SL R101
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK107
• Wheels: DT Swiss Performance LN
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Skin
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon H36
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Black Snow, Deep Polar
• Weight (claimed): 8.00kg
• Price: £3,199 / $3,999 / €3,199
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 eTap
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SL R101
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss P1800
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Skin
• Groupset: SRAM Rival eTap AXS with power meter
• Gear ratio: 48/35, 10-30
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow manganese
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Black Snow, Deep Polar
• Weight (claimed): 7.72kg
• Price: £3,799 / €3,799
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 Di2
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SL R101
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss Performance LN
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Skin
• Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 with 4iiii Precision power meter
• Gear ratio: 50/34, 11-34
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia Model X
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Black Snow, Deep Polar
• Weight (claimed): 8.02kg
• Price: £3,999 / €3,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero
• Frame: Canyon Ultimate CF SL R101
• Fork: Canyon Ultimate Fork FK104
• Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1600 50/62
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Skin
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 with 4iiii Precision power meter
• Gear ratio: 52/36, 11-30
• Cockpit: Canyon CP0018
• Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow manganese
• Seatpost: Canyon SP0055
• Colours: Black Snow, Deep Polar
• Weight (claimed): 7.26kg
• Price: £4,949 / €4,999
Photos: Simon Gehr/Canyon