Canyon Ultimate CF SL SL v Focus Izalco Team 4.0

mrb123

I am looking to upgrade my current steed to one of these. Any information or advice to assist my choice would be greatly appreciated.

As I see it, the Canyon looks to have better wheels and is a little lighter. The Focus on the other hand is available at my local bike shop so can be test ridden, unlike the Canyon.

jonny_trousers

Try the Focus, if you love it, go for it. If you don't, consider the Canyon.

supermurph09

I have the SL 9.0 and I've been really pleased with it. Excellent service from Canyon, mine also came a month before schedule. The 6800 is a dream in terms of shifting, bike is nice and stiff and great for climbing.

matt-h

I have the Cayo and would love the Izalco.
Focus seem quite popular at our club with about 6 riders using the Izalco. They all rate them.

Focus are very good at honouring their warranty as well. They replaced my frame when called upon

Matt

mrb123

Thanks for the feedback.

Supermurph - How have you found the handling of the Canyon? A few of the reviews I've seen describe it as being quite quick/racy/twitchy. Has that been your impression?

supermurph09

No complaints from me, I'd say something that is described as quick and racy is a plus point!

Wilburtholmes

I have a Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL and it really is a super bike. I have had Specilized Tarmac and Trek Madone 5.2 but I must say that the Canyon is my favorite. It also comes equipped with gods wheels etc.

ai_1

I've got a Canyon CF SL 9.0 and it's a lovely bike to ride. Very light, comfortable and precise. I wouldn't describe it as twitchy.
Definitely more comfy than the Cayo Evo 4.0 I hired in Tenerife but much of that is probably the 25mm tyres. Haven't tried an Izalco.
I suspect the Canyon will be better value but there may be some uncertainty around delivery lead time.
Personally I think test rides are largely a waste of time unless you have the bike for long rides over a couple of days and that'll only happen if you hire one. In my experience test rides reflect how you're feeling on the day and how the bike's been set up for you. I don't think it gives you an objective judgement of the bike itself.
If I was you I'd see which bike has geometry closest to your ideal (haven't checked but I think the Focus has slightly more aggressive geometry.) Then I'd look at spec, price, delivery and decide which you prefer the look of

Starsboy

I have the Izalco (pro 3) and a Canyon cf slx, slightly different Canyon I know but I ride the slx every chance I get!

sloppyschleckonds

Wilburtholmes wrote:

It also comes equipped with gods wheels etc.

Jesus wept

Miles253

Starsboy wrote:

I have the Izalco (pro 3) and a Canyon cf slx, slightly different Canyon I know but I ride the slx every chance I get!

How do they vary?

Starsboy

Miles253 wrote:

Starsboy wrote:

I have the Izalco (pro 3) and a Canyon cf slx, slightly different Canyon I know but I ride the slx every chance I get!

How do they vary?

Good question :roll: the Canyon feels stiffer and more direct/sure footed, maybe my perception but it feels more comfortable ( might just be the geometry) although I have rode both bikes with same wheels/tyres.

Miles253

do you happen to use the VLS 2.0? seatpost?

supermurph09

Miles253 wrote:

do you happen to use the VLS 2.0? seatpost?

I do, not sure how much better it is over original item but I have no comfort issues, with that and 25mm tyres it feels great.

Miles253

Yeah, i can see that the combination of the post and the tyres likely make for a more comfy ride than the Izalco. Geometry is a touch less racey too i think

Starsboy

Just to make things interesting I have the original VCLS seat post on both bikes, on the Izalco I have ksyrium Elites with conti 25mm 4000 and on the Canyon SLR's with the Mavic tyre system. Evens out the ride quality a bit but I think with 25mm on both bikes the Canyon would come out on top of the comfort table. This by the way is only my own personnel observation.

ai_1

I rode my CF SL with the VCLS 2.0 originally. Extremely comfortable but I had issues with it slipping. Canyon say it can be problematic if you're much over 80kg. I'm 86kg.
Switched to a basic seatpost from my old bime while I waited for them to send me a standard VCLS post. I was surprised how comfortable it was with a normal post. Probably largely due to the 25mm Yksion tyres which are definitely a good comfortable and fast tyre. Then I swapped in the standard VCLS post and I think the difference is noticable. It's less floaty than the 2.0 but still great for minor bumps and rough surfaces. A really nice ride and I think the VCLS 2.0 is unnecessary.
The CF SL is comfy with any seatpost and 25mm tyres at appropriate pressure. The VCLS posts are not essential but they are both effective at providing extra comfort. The standard post is the best choice if you weigh more than 80kg and I'd probably err on the safe side and say 75kg.

Miles253

I'm around 75 kg so hopefully it shouldn't be to much of a problem

thehighroad

I had a Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 and now the Canyon CF SL 8.0. The Canyon in my opinion is the better bike. More responsive, easier to handle and comfier. Seems to climb better and looks great.

The Focus wasn't a bad bike, I also think I had a size too big which didn't help matters. With Canyon you take the risk of customer service issues and lead time but mine came early so I can't fault them.