Canyon Bikes - Ultimate or Aeroad.

[russy01]

Afternoon,

Looking to get a new bike. Currently have a Giant TCR, Cannondale Supersix and a Cannondale CAADX CX bike.

The TCR and Supersix are too similar and it seems a bit daft having both bikes as I never know which one to use. So I am tempted to sell both of these and buy something to replace both, they're also getting a bit old now.

I do approx 80-120miles a week, most rides are 20-30miles and I like to push on a bit... I also do 5-6 100miles Sportives annually and would like to start doing the odd time trial.

Looking to spend £3k'ish...

Aeroad - £3k will get me either the disc version with ultegra or the Di2 with rim brakes. Love the look of this thing, will be rapid - but concerned the postition will be uncomfortable on longer rides when I want to sit up a bit (I'm not hugely flexible, but do ride on the drops most of the time.) The Aero frame will obviously come into its own if I TT - but ultimately tbis is going to be a few times a year...

Here is the Aeroad with discs - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/aeroad/aeroad-cf...

Ultimate - this is better value in that I can get a di2 and disc version for £3k. Better all round bike, with geo more similar to that of my current bikes...

Here is the ultimate with discs and Di2 - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/ultimate/ultimat...

So a few questions:

- I've not ridden an Aero bike, Giant Propel, Aeroad etc etc. Are these stiffer, longer bikes uncomfortable for a typical rider over longer periods?

- If you had to choose between Di2 or Discs. What would you have?

- Any experience with either?

- Know of anyway to test a canyon without either going to Germany or waiting until their next event which is th cycle show?

- Anything you'd recommend over and above either?

Interested to hear some opinions..thanks.

[okgo]

russy01 said:

Afternoon,

Looking to get a new bike. Currently have a Giant TCR, Cannondale Supersix and a Cannondale CAADX CX bike.

The TCR and Supersix are too similar and it seems a bit daft having both bikes as I never know which one to use. So I am tempted to sell both of these and buy something to replace both, they're also getting a bit old now.

I do approx 80-120miles a week, most rides are 20-30miles and I like to push on a bit... I also do 5-6 100miles Sportives annually and would like to start doing the odd time trial.

Looking to spend £3k'ish...

Aeroad - £3k will get me either the disc version with ultegra or the Di2 with rim brakes. Love the look of this thing, will be rapid - but concerned the postition will be uncomfortable on longer rides when I want to sit up a bit (I'm not hugely flexible, but do ride on the drops most of the time.) The Aero frame will obviously come into its own if I TT - but ultimately tbis is going to be a few times a year...

Here is the Aeroad with discs - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/aeroad/aeroad-cf...

Ultimate - this is better value in that I can get a di2 and disc version for £3k. Better all round bike, with geo more similar to that of my current bikes...

Here is the ultimate with discs and Di2 - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/ultimate/ultimat...

So a few questions:

- I've not ridden an Aero bike, Giant Propel, Aeroad etc etc. Are these stiffer, longer bikes uncomfortable for a typical rider over longer periods?

- If you had to choose between Di2 or Discs. What would you have?

- Any experience with either?

- Know of anyway to test a canyon without either going to Germany or waiting until their next event which is th cycle show?

- Anything you'd recommend over and above either?

Interested to hear some opinions..thanks.

100% di2 over discs.

Aeroad is no more or less comfortable than any of the other 7 bikes I have had. I've had it a few
months now. Did. 300km ride on it the day after I got it. Wasn't an issue comfort wise.

I've won a few races on mine, feels as solid to sprint as my S-Works Tarmac.

Stick same wheels on the other bike and it will be almost identical in every way.

Not sure on test ride. But I have never bothered yest riding any bike. What is it going to tell me until it's set up as per all my bikes.

[russy01]

Ok so you'd recommend? Seems relatively good value from what I can see...

Half tempted to push the boat out and go DI2 and disc.

Anybody else any experience with either?

[firemunki]

Caveat: Not ridden either in question

They are both plenty light (especially if you want to compare to my boat anchor!) and all the reading I've seen shows that areo is a big area where you can use less power (or go faster) for free.

Pretty much all the bikes in the Tdf have deeper section wheels even in the mountains. I don't think I'd notice a couple hundred grams either way but if you have the winds like we get on Dartmoor I'd love a more slippery bike.

[russy01]

Yea I'm not fussed about 200g here or there, I've got weight to lose myself.

But the rest of the package should defo be quicker. It's just whether the difference between these aero bikes is actually tangible to a mere mortal like myself on the road...

[russy01]

ajstephe said:

I have ridden both and own an Ultimate CF SLX.

The Aeroad is a little longer and lower so in the same size you will be a little more stretched out. For me I found the Ultimate the better bike as the geometry was more suited. Either will be a fantastic bike but if you're doing a few longer rides I'd be steered more towards the Ultimate. Its a great all round bike especially with the integrated aero bars

It's a tough choice. One of each perhaps n+1?

Edited by ajstephe on Sunday 23 July 19:42

Thanks for your input... your bike looks very similar to the ultimate I am looking at. Whilst we are on about that, another thing that draws me to the Aeroad is the colours - the model of ultimate I am looking at only comes in black or brown. I really want a blue or red, fed up of black after 3 of them!! But I don't want to let that affect it too much really..

Ideally I need to try the Aeroad. I am fairly certain the Ultimate will be fine, however not sure how my stiff body will stretch along the Aeroad.

Ride wise, most of mine are 20-30miles, so hopefully it shouldn't be a problem.

Might have to wait for the cycle show at the end of sept. This might also coincide with their end of season sale?

[E65Ross]

I was torn between these 2 bikes, but have decided on the Aeroad. I think the fact you do most of your rides in the drops means you should at least be comfortable enough on the Aeroad using the hoods, but you can get more aero by using the drops when you want to.

Plus....it looks awesome

[RLE]

I have one of the earlier Aeroads so not sure how the geometry sits vs the newer offerings, but I'm now looking to replace with either the Ultimate or even Endurace. Since hitting 40 flexibility seems to become a slight issue for one reason or another and after 20 miles or so, my neck starts to feel a bit stiff. A day or two later I can also suffer with a stiff lower back which I think is bike related.

I would favour the DI2 over discs personally having bikes with each.

[russy01]

E65Ross said:

I was torn between these 2 bikes, but have decided on the Aeroad. I think the fact you do most of your rides in the drops means you should at least be comfortable enough on the Aeroad using the hoods, but you can get more aero by using the drops when you want to.

Plus....it looks awesome

I think it's stunning, I absolutely love the red. Also with the disc it's extremely clean, do you have the disc? Di2? (I want both, but don't really want to get up to £4K)

Do you have a 2017 with the Reynolds Strike wheels? If so, how are these? How about the carbon bars, are they any good?

[russy01]

RLE said:

I have one of the earlier Aeroads so not sure how the geometry sits vs the newer offerings, but I'm now looking to replace with either the Ultimate or even Endurace. Since hitting 40 flexibility seems to become a slight issue for one reason or another and after 20 miles or so, my neck starts to feel a bit stiff. A day or two later I can also suffer with a stiff lower back which I think is bike related.

I would favour the DI2 over discs personally having bikes with each.

Cheers. I think I should just get away with it if I can lose a few pounds off my gut so I can bend a little easier

[AndStilliRise]

I was going to buy one of these but then this caught my eye. I ended buying the next model up with Di2 though.

If you are interested, the guy did me a deal on mine and I am sure he could help you.

https://www.thebikerooms.com/pinarello-prince-2015...

[E65Ross]

I'm still saving lol!

But definitely will be di2 without a doubt. I'm 90% set on discs as well. Given the choice between the 2 though, it's definitely di2 over discs.

[lerate]

AndStilliRise said:

I was going to buy one of these but then this caught my eye. I ended buying the next model up with Di2 though.

If you are interested, the guy did me a deal on mine and I am sure he could help you.

https://www.thebikerooms.com/pinarello-prince-2015...

I can't believe that Pinarello's RRP was £5k! It's overpriced in my opinion at the sale price the wheels are a joke for that money. Each to their own I guess but the Aeroroad seems cracking value to me in comparison

[russy01]

E65Ross said:

I'm still saving lol!

But definitely will be di2 without a doubt. I'm 90% set on discs as well. Given the choice between the 2 though, it's definitely di2 over discs.

Sorry chap, thought you had it.

In the same, di2 over discs but would like them too! Only thing the disc and di2 version is sold out ATM...

Thanks for the prince siggestion, but as has been said above I think the Aeroad seems better value.

[2ky]

I had the 2017 Aeroad with Di2, Reynolds wheels etc. It was a lovely bike and very quick BUT, 1st bike arrived and the front derralier was on finger tight at best, shortly after the paint was rubbing off the top type leaving it looking tatty. I emailed Canyon and after countless problems they agreed to return the bike and refund me.

The bike appeared on their factory outlet a couple of times as it seemed to be in a cycle of being purchased, returned and put back up for sale his the outlet.

I put the first bike down to bad luck and ordered another identical Aeroad. The finish on the H11 integrated handlebars was more satin/gloss than matt and there was a patch on the downtube where the finish was more grey than black.

Luckily I identified these errors within the 30 day return period and the bike went back via UPS and I was again refunded.

The bike is great, comfy and quick as well as looking like something Batman would ride but the durability of the frame put me right off and Canyons attitude was "meh" at best. Spending this much money I expected it to feel like the equivelant of buying a prestige car but it felt more like popping in to poundland!

I'm waiting for the 2018 bikes to be released and I'm considering the new Orbea Orca aero but I would reconsider the Aeroad again if they improved the quality of the finish.

I still have a few bits for the Aeroad like the Garmin mount and rear hanger if needed.

[okgo]

russy01 said:

Ok so you'd recommend? Seems relatively good value from what I can see...

Half tempted to push the boat out and go DI2 and disc.

Anybody else any experience with either?

Disc and di2 a great option if you can. Otherwise di2 much better than discs if you have to choose.

Yes its a great value bike.

They can be made aggressive or not so much, plenty of spacers in the box with it.

[russy01]

Ok - I have pretty much decided on the Aeroad. I cannot get away from its looks, Aero benefits and after reading about every article on the internet its highly regarded and a lot are saying that its fairly comfortable. However the Ultimate also gets rave reviews...

I am now sat here with my finger over the Buy Button not able to progress!! I am really struggling to decide which model to buy...

Canyon currently have a sale which ends at the weekend, so it would make sense to buy now if I am going to...


1 - Aeroad with DI2 & Discs (Perfect colour and both options) - £4049 - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/aeroad/aeroad-cf...

2 - Aeroad with Ultegra and Discs (Perfect colour and just the discs) - £3199 - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/aeroad/aeroad-cf...

Or

3 - Ultimate with DI2 and Discs (Crap colours, but great value!) - £2899 - https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road/ultimate/ultimat...


I would have absolutely no trouble in pressing the buy button if my number one bike was ca. £3000. But £4000 just feels like a crazy amount of money... arghhhh. But then I am not prepared to spend even £3k if I know I will not be entirely happy with the spec of the others...

I think I need to sleep on it.

[Eddh]

Is there an option for Di2 and rim brakes? Go for that one?

[astroarcadia]

I've been in this position twice with Canyon - they are such great bikes and such good value you can justify blowing the budget. Buy the Aeroad if you like the looks but there will be very little real world difference between the two. Ultimate has some aero touches and and a nice integrated handlebar. Di2 is a must.

[russy01]

Eddh said:

Is there an option for Di2 and rim brakes? Go for that one?

Yes there is, but it's only £150 cheaper than the di2 and discs.