Video Just In: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2

Yesterday Canyon launched the stunningly lightweight Ultimate CF EVO but today we’ve just taken delivery of the slightly more modest Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 , the first Ultimate to be available with disc brakes. 

As you know if you read this article, Canyon launched a full range of disc-equipped bikes for 2017, including the Endurace CF SLX we’ve reviewed and the Aeroad CF SLX that we showed you a little while ago. Where the Endurace is designed for comfort and the Aeroad for riding fast, the Ultimate is the go-to choice for a bike that excels in all situations, and is the lightest model in the range. 

- Canyon's 2017 road bikes now available with disc brakes, including Ultimate and Aeroad models

In the switch from rim to disc brakes there are some key changes to the frame, including 12mm thru-axles at both ends, slightly beefed up carbon layup in the fork and rear stays to combat the extra braking forces and flat mount disc calipers. All cables and hoses are internally routed. 

Race bikes have traditionally never had space for wide tyres, but tyre clearance has increased on the new model so it’ll take up to a 30mm. "The ability to run wider tyres through extra clearance enhances comfort, grip, and reduces rolling resistance, factors that all riders benefit from,” points out Canyon. 

Aside from those changes the disc version of the Ultimate is essentially the same as the regular model, which is now in its fourth generation. There’s the same D-shape down tube, integrated seatpost clamp, slender D-shaped seatstays, aero optimised bottle cage positions, narrow fork blades, a flat and broad top tube and a narrow and non-tapered 1 1/4in head tube.

The Ultimate Disc also comes in two flavours. The CF SLX is the lighter and more expensive version, the CF SL comes out of the same mould so all the tube shapes are the same, but a slightly lower grade of carbon keeps the price down, with a small weight penalty. 

The pictured bike costs £4,399 with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and RS805 hydraulic disc brakes. Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon wheels are fitted with Mavic Yksion Pro Griplink C tyres in a 25mm width. You get Canyon’s H36 Aerocockpit CF  handlebar, a one-piece design with the Di2 junction box recessed in a small cavity on the bottom. A Canyon S13 VCLS

You get Canyon’s H36 Aerocockpit CF  handlebar, a one-piece design with the Di2 junction box recessed in a small cavity on the bottom. A Canyon S13 VCLS seatpost and Fizik Antares R5 saddle complete this build. On the scales this size medium weighs 7.8kg (17.1lb).

More details at www.canyon.com