Testing the Canyon Ultimate and Aeroad, which one I liked the most?

[@CanyonBicycles]

Mission accepted: Convert Federico to disc brakes 😛

[@fede1275]

Oh, this is interesting... 😀😀

[@molokocycling]

Been working on it for months 😅

[@fede1275]

@@molokocycling it's a conspiracy 😂😂

[@stevegarbade4576]

I have an Ultimate CF SL with rim brakes and mechanical ultegra with upgraded carbon wheels. I also have a CF SLX in my shopping cart on the Canyon website right now and thinking about modernizing to Di2 and disc brakes, but I just can’t hit “buy” yet. That is the reason I am even watching these videos right now. Hmmm

[@fede1275]

@@stevegarbade4576 I don't want to stop you from riding a very fine modern bike, I'm very particular 😀 Friend of mine got the same one and he's in love with it!

[@thomasabildgaard9230]

I have that bike and just came home from 1 week Gran Canaria climbing and descends but now here in Denmark it would be nice with the aerobike as a second bike. But the Aero with the light Zipp 454 only 1400gr. for a set of wheels could do the mountains well. But this trip I really enjoyed the discbrakes on the descends feeling very secure and the bike did no vibrations just quiet and stabil comparing to my old Cannondale Evo 2014. I have been 2 weeks in Gran Canaria with Ultimate slx9 tubeless setup and no punctures on the 28s. When its time for new tires I will go 30mm. for the gran canaria roads.

[@takuan650]

No disc breakers for me. I'll stay with my 2016 Canyon 8.0 6.7kg rim breaks machine. Works like a treat, never missed a beat.

[@mikeh6286]

The best of two worlds. Lightweight rim brake aero 😎

[@tongotongo3143]

The worst concept possible. Useless “aero” with useless rim brakes on slippery carbon wheels… Probably you are jealous and you wish Federico only bad stuff.

[@MrMichaelfalk]

@@tongotongo3143 yeah - rimbrakes has only been around for 130 years - they dont work... *sarkasm

[@ZwiftDude]

@@tongotongo3143 Depends on the weather bud

[@tongotongo3143]

Rim brakes is a very good system and maybe arguably even better than disc brakes, but only with dedicated aluminium wheels, while with fancy carbon wheels rim brakes isn’t reliable and optimal option at all.

[@ZwiftDude]

@@tongotongo3143 i never had a problem in dry weather with the right pads with carbon. i never ride out in the rain anyways

[@nik29th]

Thanks for the video! What a great event. You are lucky to touch these bikes in advance and even ride on them, checking the correct size. I was comparing exactly these 2 bikes in these nice colors ❤ decided to order the aeroad

[@fede1275]

Great, let me know how it is when you get it!

[@JSC131]

Keep the rim brake Fredrico your not convinced by disc im still riding my Look 765 rs rim brake its perfect.

[@fede1275]

I can understand, you have one of the greatest bikes out there!

[@JSC131]

​@fede1275 Thank you Fredrico kind words.

[@richardseverin8707]

I think you were made to be on the Aeroad , you have the muscles & power to give the aero bike a proper workout. I’m not to particularly bothered about weight I think All my bikes must be 8 kilos plus , I just have to work a bit harder. Having said that you do ride with the fast bunch so I fully appreciate that lightweight is everything to you. Keep up the good work and have an excellent time when you head out to Mallorca 💪🏾

[@fede1275]

Thank you Richie!

[@Morten6842]

I had a canyon ultimatate 7.0 with rim brakes sold it last year, and do miss it sometimes. I got a giant tcr with electronic gears and disc brakes instead. Gotta say it may be more heavy, but the modulation and breaking power just makes it more safe to ride especially in the rain. I still think giant sells some tcr's with rim brakes and an aero optimized frame, if you want the best of both worlds.

[@fede1275]

Of course, if you want to use a bike for all year round in the UK discs are better. I have a rim brakes bike dedicated to the wet commutes with aluminium rims instead.

[@Morten6842]

@@fede1275 the helps for sure, but still on aluminium rims and in the rain i had a few scares. But yes the rim brakes is another ride experience, and introducing disc brakes has made bikes more expensive for sure.

[@pacomartinez3251]

Hello, did you prefer the canyon or the giant? I'm hesitating between the TCR Pro 1 and the ultimate CF SL7. Good day

[@Morten6842]

@@pacomartinez3251 Hi, The canyon was a great bike for the money, light and agile. But the TCR is just better in my opinion. It is more aero, eletronic gears and disc brakes. But the Canyon was also from 2019 and the TCR from 2023. But cant go wrong with any of them i would say.

[@pacomartinez3251]

​@@Morten6842 Okay thank you very much for your feedback on my side it is the new tcr pro 1 2025 and the canyon 2024 cf sl7 in sram rival axs and discs I think it must be from 2024 I do not have the possibility of Trying the canyon is only on their online site

[@Pikeman_44]

Have the exact same bike as yours, last from Canyon in 2022. I was thinking about selling it but I am too afraid ahah. Probably put a Di2 12s instead of changing bike

[@fede1275]

Yes, my dream would be a SRAM Red rim brake AXS on the Ultimate, light and simpler to live with.

[@Pikeman_44]

@@fede1275 since my last comment I had the chance to test an SLX disc brake and the feeling is really not the same, a lot less responsive and felt really heavier. So I finally did the transfer from mechanical to di2 with 2nd hand pièces (cost me less than 1k€) I just saved 5k€ from buying the SLX ahah (and I do crit races, also under the rain, no prob)

[@fede1275]

@@Pikeman_44 well done!

[@jgogl9791]

There's something about a white Aeroad. Looks so good. Think it's the link to MvdP. You'll go faster for sure!

[@byronevans7526]

As you said, the feel is maybe the most important thing if you aren't racing, which I'm not. Unrepentant rim brake TCR owner here - light, responsive, with killer acceleration up short climbs and in stop-start city riding. Makes you feel like a young god (again).

[@fede1275]

Agree 100%!!!

[@michaeldance5734]

Been riding a rim brake ultimate for 5 years, thank you for your video, I had been watching and reading other reviews of the newer Ultimate saying oh its stiffer and better, wondering if I'd like an upgrade to one or maybe an aeroad. Actually had disks on my first bike which I didn't enjoy. Wonder how the newer one feels if its the same weight as the one you have.

[@fede1275]

Hello, it is not easy to judge a bike on a short ride, but for some reasons the disc brakes Ultimate felt heavier than the spec suggested. Maybe it is the stiffer thru axle or the more planted feeling, as in theory the bike should be less than a kilo heavier. But for me the ride feel is very important and between the two Ultimates I would keep my rim brake one, as I try to only use it in good weather. If you plan to ride the same bike all year round, then the disc Ultimate is a lot better. If I was going to add a bike to my rim Ultimate then it might as well be the Aeroad, so heavier bike but with other benefits elsewhere.

[@thomasabildgaard9230]

Try the Ultimate slx 9 with lighter wheels and group. Fantastic climber and very quiet on descends with the xtrbrakes

[@fede1275]

That could be a nice setup!

[@TheCharnwoodCyclist]

Interesting Federico, I would take my lighter rim brake bike on holiday if I was climbing, but on local roads I’ve recently done a back to back test and the modern disc bike with wider tyres was not only comfier but faster too, that is despite the rim brake bike “feeling “ quicker. I think the lack of responsiveness and slightly more planted feel of a modern bike belies its ultimate superiority in a lot of situations.

[@fede1275]

Yes, I believe you are right. My short riding time with these bikes is putting too much emphasis on the riding feel and sensations.

[@TheCharnwoodCyclist]

@@fede1275Ultimately the bike that you enjoy riding the most is the right one 🙂

[@johnclement7621]

Ah Fede another great vid , sorry to say the best bike in that video was max bianchi at the end , let’s have a vid on that 🎉!

[@fede1275]

Thank you! I am not sure I fully understand the new Bianchi Oltre though...

[@johnclement4781]

Specialissima ❤

[@fede1275]

@@johnclement4781 that is very nice, but it was not Paris' one

[@19rovic74]

I took delivery of an Ultimate Cf8 SL Movistar last week. Beautiful ride.

[@fede1275]

Sure, I am splitting hairs amongst great bikes anyway

[@leftywedge]

Federico. What does your gut say? Go with the one that will keep you smiling longer while riding (and the type of riding you want to do). Salute.

[@fede1275]

For now my gut and my wallet are saying stay with the Ultimate you already have 😂

[@SA-xe3xg]

Saw you there yesterday. Was going to say hello but the Aeroad was calling. Think i prefer it to the ultimate.

[@fede1275]

There is certain X Factor in the Aeroad for sure

[@srd8228]

Great stuff! Thanks.

[@AndyPass1976]

Enjoyed the review. I've had an Aeroad for about 15 months and love it on the flat. I rarely take it up big climbs as it's a hard slog up the hill, then my 62mm front wheel gets blown around in the wind on the way back down. Could change the cassette and front wheel I suppose, or just buy the Ultimate and have the best of both worlds! Also, good to see a set of Hypers. I have a pair on a flat bar road bike. They look and sound amazing, and Winspace are always good to deal with.

[@fede1275]

Yes, exactly. I'm still on the fence as my Ultimate with the Hypers and on the 53-11 is also fast on the flats, so I'm not yet sure what to do

[@AndyPass1976]

@@fede1275 I need to find a solution to convince the missus I need yet another bike, and also avoid explaining the full cost! 🙂

[@fede1275]

@@AndyPass1976not easy 😂

[@RudiDwiHartanto]

I also tried some disc brake road and gravel bike recently, a canyon ultimate and a ritchey outback have to say im liking the ritchey more. But still its not as responsive as my rim brake road bike... i agree with you, there is something about disc brake that makes it feel less responsive than rim brake...

[@fede1275]

It might be a combination of the thru axle, heavier wheels and rotors maybe

[@michaeldance5734]

Hi federico as a rim brake Ultimate guy myself I thought I had better follow your lead and just signed up for the next Moloko day in June 😅

[@fede1275]

Nice one! Hopefully I'll be there as well!

[@kwameakom2625]

Ive said it before and ill say it again its only a matter of time Fed for disc, I myself will be making the transition this week after 3 years on rim brake, I can only assume it will feel strange at first but i guess with anything once you become accustomed to it you forget about those doubts 👌🏽

[@fede1275]

Good luck for your new bike!

[@julianwing7813]

Should of tried the aeroad on rim brake light and seriously rapid. Don't want to go to disc equivalent

[@fede1275]

@@julianwing7813 I always have a couple of rim Aeroads saved in FB marketplace... 😂 maybe one day I will!

[@TheBikeChallenge]

We were quite warm with that kit to be fair. But the question is: better too hot or too cold on the ride? 😂

[@fede1275]

And it was stilish too, so always good 😂

[@treyquattro]

perfect timing Federico! I just searched for Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 and your latest video appeared! Is the gearing compact (50/34 on the front) on the Ultimate SLX 8 Di2? Canyon doesn't say on the web page, as far as I can see anyway. Would have been interesting - to me at least - if you could have tried the Ultimate CFR. Does the 6.3Kg weight compare well with your rim brake version? I've been kicking myself since I lost the opportunity to get an SLX 9 - Canyon is no longer offering it. So are you going to get one? The Aeroad is better for flat routes of course, and the Ultimate for hills. Like me, you need both 😉

[@fede1275]

They list crank lengths and chainrings in the geometry charts, it comes with a semi compact 52/36, I believe it's more appropriate for the type of bike. I am still happy with my bikes for now, just playing with thew options for the future.

[@simonwarmer8777]

Due to a crash I’ve built a second hand Sl7 disc (7.0kg deep wheels), it’s 150 grams havier than my sl6 rim brake (same configuration ). I have to admit the sl7 rides like a dream but has less ‘soul’ than the sl6 and it’s a lot more hassle to build and maintain. If I want to get it at 6.85 (sl6) I probably have to sell the house.

[@fede1275]

I can understand. It seems that for the disc brakes benefit you lose some of the responsiveness comparing to a rim brake set up. It seems hard and costly to get the same feeling from a disc configuration.

[@simonwarmer8777]

@@fede1275 true and a lot of hassle, tough it’s a very good bike. I would stick as long as you can to your rb Canyon.

[@mb10kx]

was looking at the Giant TCR Advanced instead, 2022 model is on sale for ok price, looks like better deal even though it's still a lot of money for a bike

[@fede1275]

One of the best values out there indeed

[@plefevre]

I think people underestimate the aero qualities of the Ultimate. It's a very aero bike, even though the Aeroad is more aero. Of the two, I much prefer the feel and abilities of the Ultimate. There's plenty of aero benefits with it, especially riding in a bunch and of course, when climbing, it's much more capable and nimble than the Aeroad. With regards to the weight of the new Ultimate with disc brakes, I was a little concerned too when I got mine and it came with discs. I was riding a VERY light rim brake Ridley Helium before that and my new Ultimate was definitely heavier. That all went out the window however after I went up a local 12 minute climb that I'd recently been doing each weekend on the Ridley and on the Ultimate, I beat my PB by 40 seconds. Even with climbing, weight isn't everything.

[@fede1275]

Sure, the Ultimate is a very efficient and capable bike. Very profiled aero bikes can be faster, but in a narrower window of opportunity, when wind conditions are favourable. Overall I still prefer my lighter rim Ultimate, as I also have another one set up for the wet or winter rides. Maybe if I had only one bike the disc Ultimate could be a good solution.

[@shihabhassan1591]

Maybe an Aethos could fit the profile you’re looking for more than even the Aeroad Fede?

[@fede1275]

Not sure, the Aethos would be similar to the Ultimate in my mind. Nice bike though

[@treyquattro]

@@fede1275 Aethos is another one I've been looking at - lovely bike, but of course Canyon's pricing undercuts it at every level.

[@fede1275]

@@treyquattro yes, true. Now with the SL8 I'm not sure the Aethos will be developed anymore, bit of a pity

[@gabrielfernandeztattoos]

Question is, do you need a modern bike? Nice video Amici!!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@fede1275]

I'm trying to find out myself 😂

[@stevedouglas3975]

Everyone goes on about aero bikes but most "normal" cyclists tend to forget it's the big lump of flesh on top of a bike that makes the bigest difference. Unless you have the physique of a serious cyclist/pro and are prepared and able to maintain an aero position on the bike then having best bike in world won't make a big difference. OK you might be slightly faster on a ride but is it worth it? Get balance right of a bike you like, that is comfortable to ride and you are happy with.

[@gregkane8635]

Unless you’re racing I’d be taking the ultimate. The differences in aero gains under pro speeds are minor.

[@fede1275]

But then I'll keep the Ultimate I already have!

[@gregkane8635]

@@fede1275 nothing wrong with your ultimate :) I went from a 7kg giant tcr rim to a 7.5kg tcr disc. The disc brake is a faster bike 🤷‍♂️ think it is more aero than the previous rim model. But I don’t race so the odd 2/3 seconds don’t really matter I’d rather be comfortable on a bike I enjoy riding :)

[@АнтонАлексеенко_044]

Is the new bike really slower or just more stable, just wondering ? The feel of a bike can be very deceptive

[@fede1275]

You are right, in this short test I was concentrating too much on riding feel. Actual numbers might be different. But riding feel is very important to me.

[@АнтонАлексеенко_044]

@@fede1275 People are emotional buyers =) If nobody pays you to ride fast may as well ride feeling better

[@muratmustafa4532]

It seems you are really happy with your current bike. So, why spend another 5k for an Aeroad other than it is cool and will make you faster :) :) :) ? I am planning to get an Aeroad in couple of years when I become stronger and more competitive but my other bike is Canyon Grail, so I need a fast road bike anyway. But if you have a light weight and fast road bike, perhaps it is better to invest to a different bike that does things your road bike can not? e.g. gravel/MTB... All that said disc break provides lots of safety improvements over rim breaks in british winter, especially if you are going downhill on a slippery/muddy/dirty roads daily as I do. I crashed this winter using a rim break bike where I might have avoided it with a disc break bike. Admittedly there were other factors resulting with the crash but the break type was a big part of the issue. But another essential requirement for british winter is mud guards and none of those race bikes can take decent (i.e. non clip on) mud guards. So you can get a Canyon Grail with mudguards and use it as all road/winter bike and your Ultimate is summer bike. How that sounds if you desperately crave a new bike?

[@fede1275]

Good reasoning, I'm actually well covered for the road and I could explore some other avenues!

[@cicci72]

se non ricordo male la tua rim brake sta sui 7kg, non mi sembra eccessivamente pesante le canyon che hai provato sui 7,5kg.

[@fede1275]

Hai ragione, solo che non so perche' ma la Ultimate disc mi e' sembrata piu' pesante di quello che mi aspettavo. Forse le ruote, magari la dovro' provare di nuovo.

[@tinniswood2577]

Did you tell the boss you were testing bikes or did you tell her you going to help out at the local church jumble sale!!

[@fede1275]

Luckily she was away this weekend, but it seems the credit cards were also missing!

[@tinniswood2577]

@@fede1275 😂😂

[@janihocevar6387]

if you ride alone,easy,then maybe ultimate...for club rides,speed aero all the way....faaaast

[@luv23c]

For those eye watering prices, maybe its time to swing for some italian steel🤟

[@fede1275]

And these prices are almost the best values around! I don't want to try steel as I suspect I will like it!

[@luv23c]

​@@fede1275Wise. I think too much choice starts messing with your mind😬

[@ValeTekZwa]

Be dopo bubbiare 10.000 anni fra la ultimate e la aeroad mi sono preso la aeroad. Pesa in pochino di piu ma guarda Che va forte fess!

[@ValeTekZwa]

La aeroad era piu stiffed ma non perse meno comoda. Dai vai per la aeroad ;)

[@fede1275]

Si, la Aeroad devo dire e' molto emozionante. Per adesso sto ancora a guardare, anche perche' anche la Velobuild aero per quello che la uso va molto bene.

[@Cycleplayer117]

Much prefer rim brakes to be honest

[@MarcraM82]

'Upgrading' for disc breaks and heavier weight is nonsensical

[@fede1275]

I guess there are pros and cons, but the market has decided to prefer the pros of discs against the cons. What I don't like is that by consequence rim brakes all of a sudden have lost all credibility. Bit of an extreme reaction.

[@MarcraM82]

@@fede1275 I agree with you!

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

I wonder if the Aeroad being the best seller has anything to do with Mvdp 🤔 There is one winner thought if you do not buy one, your bank balance, and proberbly your marriage 😂

[@fede1275]

Absolutely, we all want to ride and dream of the racers. Cycling it's maybe the only sport where the tools are so close to the professional ones

[@tongotongo3143]

So called aero for normal road riding is a useless concept, especially when you ride with anti-aero helmet, unshaved beard, and being big broad shouldered man. And believe me, shaving your crotch and legs isn’t going to make a difference. You need just a normal road bike with disc brakes and good racing tires. So technically at this moment you don’t even have the most optimal bike for your riding circumstances. Desperately chasing weight is as useless idea as chasing “aero”.

[@jamestodd6248]

So so true, with you on that👏

[@fede1275]

I have reached a very good weight on my Ultimate without desperation and it feels great. So it is normal for me to judge and value any alternative on that parameter. I will use an helmet anyway and the one I have is very efficient. In the right condition an aero bike works, it is just a different tool. And I am not going to shave the beard!

[@tongotongo3143]

Like everywhere, everyone has his own beliefs. Our job is just to give some more arguments for additional thoughts and maybe even reassessments.

[@treyquattro]

is this "Controversial Cyclist"?!?!

[@drummerman122]

Rim brakes are terrible with carbon wheels. I live in southern Spain and do long descents. Discs work better. If you live in a less hilly area then it’s not so important

[@fede1275]

Yes, discs work better, but rims on the right carbon wheels and pads work well, terrible is maybe too much

[@drummerman122]

@@fede1275 I swapped my Aeroad with carbon wheels and rim brakes to the newer slx with discs. I feel much more confident especially on long descents. Have you guys considered coming to mainland Spain rather than Mallorca. Mallorca is very busy. The roads in the countryside on the mainland are much quieter. I climbed Velefique which is a wonderful climb last week. No cars and a great surface.

[@fede1275]

@@drummerman122 I definitely want to ride in other locations, great advice!

[@Stevehatesgravel]

Aero 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ov9722]

Siroko has quality issues and their customer service is even worse. Everything I have bought from them has had loose stitches, faded, and frayed.

[@fede1275]

@@ov9722 really? I only had a broken glasses frame, everything else has worked nicely. What models have you had issues with?

Aeroad 😂 Mine is arriving tomorrow 🎉

[@fede1275]

That's great! Let me know how you find it!

[@Stevie_insta_g]

Mum I made it 🚀 💨

[@fede1275]

Looking great as well!!