Tarmac sl4 or canyon ultimate slx

Allza
Allza Posts: 31
edited September 2013 in Road buying advice
I'm looking to get a new bike for next year. Currently I have a focus Cayo 105 that is a couple of years old. It will be used as a best bike and maybe racing next year. I am torn between a s works sl4 or a canyon ultimate slx team. The canyon will be a better spec and the Tarmac would probably be second hand. Anyone ridden both? Or would there not be much difference? Any help appreciated!

Comments

  • markyone
    markyone Posts: 1,126
    I would go canyon with the better spec great bikes but that's my opinion.
    Colnago c60 Eps super record 11
    Pinarello F8 with sram etap
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    A second hand Sl4 will be the better bike to race, not sure I'd want to be racing a £4.5k Dura ace Di2 bike.
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    One thing to consider if you are in a position to buy now - Canyon still have some slx bikes available at circa £600 discount for 2013 models (Team model is sold out I think) which could sway the argument in their direction.

    Canyon prices are hard to compete with even without discounts. Friends have both the sl4 swork and slx (it may be 2012 model). The canyon has super record while the sl4 has ultegra. Both are light - the canyon overall feels lightest though can't see it making much difference. The sl4 was part of the recall for suspected front fork problems - he had to have his replaced - watch out for this if you are buying second hand. The sl4 looks better to my eyes, but they are both good bikes. I doubt there is much in it, so probably take a close look at frame geometries to find the best fit.

    Peter
  • mamba80
    mamba80 Posts: 5,032
    In a simalar predicament - Sworks or Canyon SLX - would be frame only.
    Ok the SLX is alot cheaper but i know that my local spesh dealer will get me a great price plus if anything goes wrong, i ll get a new frame within days...no arguments - that s worth alot of money in my book :)

    Unless its free you d be stupid to race either bike as (assumtion here?) a new comer 4th cat.
  • displacedaussie
    displacedaussie Posts: 356
    Why buy a great bike and not race it? My bike insurance (via British Cycling) includes full race cover.

    Last year I raced on a very old Specialized Allez. This year I raced on a Canyon Ultimate CF. Both worked well, but I much prefer riding my Canyon and it's been brilliant to ride and race this year. Both the S-Works and the SLX will be great if you get one that fits you right - pick the one that you'll love more. However if it was me choosing between the two I'd go for the better spec Canyon.
  • Mccaria
    Mccaria Posts: 869
    I have the last generation Canyon SLX and an S works SL4. Can get them both set up to my position without any significant compromises, so if the geometry on one works for you then the geometry of the other is also likely to work.

    A few relatively minor differences, the SL4 has a more sloping top tube so you end up with more seatpost showing - purely aesthetic but these things do come into the mix. There is more choice in stems for the SL4 whereas with the Canyon the choice is much more limited, usually a Ritchey, which makes it a bit more of a pain if you want to try different lengths or angles. The other consideration is BB, the SL4 is Specialized's own standard OSBB, whereas the Canyon is press fit 86.5.
  • Allza
    Allza Posts: 31
    Thanks guys, definitely some good points to consider. I currently have a quark riken bb30 power meter on my bike, will I be able to get this to fit the canyon? Think it's a bb92 bottom bracket.

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