Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 review

The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc is a disc brake equipped version of the Ultimate CF SLX and was first seen as prototype at Eurobike back in 2015. The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 is our Bike of the Year, so we are keen to see how this new disc brake equipped version compares. For those that are interested, the original prototype from 2015, is pictured below.

Buy now: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 at Canyon for £4,399

Frame

One of the first things you may be keen to know is, how does the weight differ from the non-disc version? The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 we have here hits our scales at 7.8kg making it roughly a kilogram heavier than the equivalent non-disc version. It is worth considering though that the non disc version, comes with lighter wheels than the deeper Mavics here.

The increase in system weight comes from a combination of changes, nescessary for the inclusion of hydraulic discs. Disc brakes create increased braking forces on the frame, so Canyon has beefed up the frame in a few key areas by adding additional carbon to the tune of about 70g. Most of this is on the non-drive side, where the flat mount calipers are situated.

In the absence of a rear caliper, the brake bridge has been deemed completely surplus to requirements, and is nowhere to be seen, which means that this bike can now cater for  30mm tyres and has a very tidy rear end. The cables are also completely internally routed, which when combined with the integrated aerobar, creates a very neat looking machine.

For the most part, the frame is similar to the non-disc version. That means that although this is designed to be a lightweight bike, the tubes still have a Kamm-tail profile to help with aerodynamics, and the same VCLS carbon seat post.

Specification

There are a range of different builds around the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc frameset, with the 8.0 Di2 model we have here sitting at the top of Canyon's disc equipped offerings. Canyon doesn't tend to skimp anywhere on components and it's nice to see that the Ultimate Disc follows suit, with a spec that won't have you instantly wanting to upgrade the first time you ride it.

The groupset on the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 is Shimano Ultegra Di2, with hydraulic shifters, while the brakes are Shimano's top spec BR-RS805 flat mount calipers with Ice Tech Rotors. Interestingly Canyon has opted for 160mm rotors front and rear for 'optimal power and breaking modulation.'

Having ridden many disc brake equipped road bikes, I like this and find 160mm rotors much more preferable than 140mm. A bike we have previously reviewed - The Merida Scultura Disc, is equipped with 160mm rotors front and rear and the main advantage is superior heat dissipation, which is sensible when you consider mountain bikes have bigger rotors, yet the braking on road bikes is likely to be more sustained and can be at higher speeds.

Canyon has also opted for 12mm through axles, which it seems set to be the most likely industry standard when the powers that be finally decide, meaning the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc is future proofed. The thru-axles also feature a detachable lever similar to that used by DT-Swiss on its new wheels. Thru-axles add some system weight over a quick release, but are much stiffer, offering a much more stable connection between the wheels and frame.

Wheels are the new Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon disc, a wheel which is wider than previous Mavic rims and is a model down from the Cosmic Pro Carbon SL we have previously reviewed. The Cosmic Pro is an aluminium rim, with a carbon fairing, while the SL is a fully carbon, slightly lighter, but more expensive wheels.

>>> Disc brakes in the WorldTour: are they necessary on the road?

As for other bits, the saddle is a Fizik Antares R5 and this model comes equipped with Canyon's proprietary aero bar and stem, that does a great job of hiding away the Di2 junction box.

Video - Bike of the year - The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (non disc)

Value

Even with the rise in prices of imported goods from a weaker Brexit Pound, Canyon continues to off excellent value for money. Sitting at the top end of the road disc range, the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 features a pro-level frame set, great quality Mavic wheels, an integrated carbon cockpit and Shimano Ultegra Di2. There are no stocking filler components here. No parts are crying out for an upgrade and it would be a challenge to find a similar package for the same price.

Buy now: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 at Canyon for £4,399