Canyon Ultimate CF SL or SLX

oreiarias

Hello

I would like to get some opinions on the purchase I'm about to do.
After paying a visit to a biomechanic specialist, I realized my current bike is too big for me (I bought the wrong size). That's why I'm buying a replacement and get rid of it.

The thing is both the biomechanic and myself concluded the geo that best suits my body is that of the Canyon Ultimate CF. So my issue is when selecting among the Canyon range.

With a <3K€ budget I'm not sure which way to go given both SL and SLX models share geo:

- ¿SL or SLX? I've read several SLX reviews and the frame looks to be as good as it gets nowadays. However, it seems there is a claimed weight difference of just 150gr between the two frames. Obviously the resins module would be higher in the SLX, but I don't know if overall an amateur like me (I do between 6-10K km per year) would notice the difference. ¿Any input on that?

- ¿Di2? I'm also stuck with the electronic an mechanic shifting choice. Canyon has dedicated frames, so it's a long term bet. The additional costs on the electronic part are 700€ more or less, so it's a big increment, at least worth considering yet again if it makes sense for a medium level amateur like myself.

Lastly, I would like to know if someone knows if Canyon is releasing a new Ultimate CF version for the summer. I don't know if that makes even sense, but given they introduced a new Aeroad last year, I wouldn't like to buy a bike in January when there is an upcoming new model just a few months away

Thanks in advance

murr_walker

think canyons new models come out in october......

oreiarias

I know, but they tend to introduce them (just presentation not selling) during the summer, like they did with the Aeroad. What I don't have a clue about is if they are even releasing a new frame or they will do like this year, stick with the previous yaer model. Does anyone know the life cycle of the Ultimate?

ai_1

The current Ultimate CF SLX frame was first released as the 2013 model (probably went on sale November/December 2012). The Ultimate CF SL is the same frame shape with as you mentioned a different carbon lay-up using lower modulus material resulting in a slightly higher weight. The 2014 model was the first year of the current SL frame. The 2015 models have already been released so it will be at least the end of next year before a new model is released and it may well be the same frame for 2016, especially for the SL.

I procrastinated for a while on the same decisions you're trying to make. SLX or SL and mechanical or Di2.
I don't think there's a Di2 option for the SL so if you go with the cheaper frame that decision is made for you. I decided that, in reality, I'd never notice any difference between the SL and SLX frame weights. I was briefly tempted by Di2 but didn't consider it a necessity. In the end I went with the cheaper option and bought an Ultimate CF SL 9.0. After a season riding it, I have no regrets.

How Far is too Far

I have a CF SL and after 7000 miles in a year still look forward to riding it. If I was buying again I would get the same bike.

diamonddog

Get the CF SL Di2 option if you want electronic shifting and save yourself some money, I doubt you would notice the difference between this and the SLX. The total weight difference between the 2 bikes is only about 300gms.

I have been more than happy with my CF SL 9.0 SL with Sram Force or you could get a Shimano option if you prefer it.

oreiarias

That's the point. With the discount that Canyon gives to athletes using a federation license, the Ultimate CF SL with Ultegra and the Cosmic SLE will cost you 2.6K €, which I think is a great price. Probably the wheels aren't a big deal, but given I already own a pair of Fulcrum Zero's I could swap for the steepest climbs, I believe that's the course to take if I'm to buy the SL.

More thoughts would be much appreciated!

ai_1

oreiarias wrote:

That's the point. With the discount that Canyon gives to athletes using a federation license, the Ultimate CF SL with Ultegra and the Cosmic SLE will cost you 2.6K €, which I think is a great price. Probably the wheels aren't a big deal, but given I already own a pair of Fulcrum Zero's I could swap for the steepest climbs, I believe that's the course to take if I'm to buy the SL.

More thoughts would be much appreciated!

I thought their discount only applied to frames, not complete bikes. Perhaps it's changed or I just had it wrong?

oreiarias

Yes, that model (addressed as SL 9.0 Aero) gets a 0.2K € discount. I believe there's an additional SLX model that has a discount like that.

nodaknat

I recently ordered the sl 9.0 Team-for me it's the best combination of group (full '15 Campy mech) and price in the Ultimate lineup.

sloppyschleckonds

Get the best frame (CF SLX) with best mechanical gruppo you can afford.

webby_1805

Yep i'm looking to buy later this year and was wandering the same for me it'll be Di2 sl or slx probably the silver as it looks so fresh.May have to wait a bit longer to get the slx though.

G.man

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19392622#p19392622]nodaknat[/url] wrote:

I recently ordered the sl 9.0 Team-for me it's the best combination of group (full '15 Campy mech) and price in the Ultimate lineup.

I am looking at buy this exact bike..although can't quite make my mind up - should I go for Matt frame with di2 or gloss frame (movistar colourway) with chorus. decisions..decisions

Can you give me a review of how the bike has been, and how are those campg mech gears?

limoneboy

I had a look at these at eh bike show they both look graet , but the SL is not the same frame as the SLX the SLX is completely new ( see the seat tube ) were as the SL is the old frame as far as i can tell .

Heads up the SLX looks amazing with the silver grey finish and mono bars , its a bargain too compared to other brands.

Love DI2 but started riding my winter bike with basic 105 5800 and its just as rewarding hence i have just rebuilt my EVO with Dura ace 9000 non Di2 , big weight saving with no performance down side .

G.man

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19730207#p19730207]limoneboy[/url] wrote:

I had a look at these at eh bike show they both look graet , but the SL is not the same frame as the SLX the SLX is completely new ( see the seat tube ) were as the SL is the old frame as far as i can tell .

Heads up the SLX looks amazing with the silver grey finish and mono bars , its a bargain too compared to other brands.

Love DI2 but started riding my winter bike with basic 105 5800 and its just as rewarding hence i have just rebuilt my EVO with Dura ace 9000 non Di2 , big weight saving with no performance down side .

Thanks for sharing that. You know all I hear at the moment is di2 this, di2 that. It's brainer washing everyone (including me until recenty) into think there is no alternastive and mechanical should not be considered. Its great to hear that you have gone to the di2 side but come back!

My winter bike has 105's and its a good work horse system, a bit clunky but reliable. Although thinking if I go for the campag mech Chorus on my new bike then I'm hoping that I'll notice a significant difference??