Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 SL or Parlee Altum

[Mark83]

I'm torn between ordering a Canyon that if ordered now, would arrive beginning of April. I know their delivery times have been a well know issue. Is this still the case? I want the bike for April.

Or

Buy a Parlee Altum frame and eTap then cannibalise my Focus, taking the carbon stuff off it, fitting that to the Parlee and putting the OEM stuff back on the Focus. I have several sets of wheels so that'll save some money.

Thoughts?

[Razor O Rourke]

If you had both bikes now, which would you be happiest riding?

If it is the Canyon don't let a few months wait put you off, you'll have much more time than that to regret the wrong purchase.

[Magic919]

I'd go Parlee given those choices. Looks like a good frame, albeit not their top end stuff. Build it how you want it.

[Teebs]

Parlee. At least it'd turn up..

[outnumbered]

I own a Canyon. But I'd never order one that wasn't actually in stock, based on what I've read...

[Rich_W]

What's the appeal of the Parlee?

[moonigan]

Completely different types of geometry on both bikes. The Parlee has a higher head tube and is a bit more relaxed and the Canyon is an out and out race bike.

[astroarcadia]

Canyon.

I have an Ultimate CF SLX and although it took a while to turn up it remains an incredible bike and great value.

[Mark83]

Rich_W said:

What's the appeal of the Parlee?

I do a few thousand km a year around the U.K. and odd trip to Europe for some high mountains and next year, the Classics too. I'm neither that flexible or fast but I can climb any mountain and want to put more effort into cycling in 2017. This'll be my last indulgence for some time due to future plans.

Canyon - 'cheap' and light.

Parlee - Slighy more relaxed than the Canyon. I can build it to my spec. It looks damn fine in Riviera Blue. I don't want to sacrifice some comfort for a featherweight for one week a year in the Alps/Pyrenees.

[okgo]

Sounds like job done.

Totally pointless buying a proper race bike and then setting up like a hybrid if you're not flexible (see the Show off your bike thread for plenty of examples) - which there is nothing wrong with, not everyone is, or has the time to become. I'd get the one that it sounds like you'd prefer from what you've said above.

And while we're here - whatever the weight diff is, it will make no difference to any of your riding.

[nammynake]

Have you looked at the Canyon Endurace? Taller headtube than the CF SL(X) but similar weight and components.

[nofuse22]

Am riding a Cervelo S3 (from 2010) and a Parlee Z5s (which I believe is the forerunner of the Altum). Not having ridden a Canyon I imagine it is closer in ethos to the Cervelo.

As you would expect both bikes feel different: Parlee definitely more relaxed and "comfortable " (whatever that means). Bottom line - if riding a TT or triathlon (I don't have a tri bike) I would take the Cervelo. If doing the Marmotte again, I would take the Parlee.

All very subjective and depends on set-up / wheels etc: both bikes are well below 7kg so climb like stink...

[nofuse22]

Am riding a Cervelo S3 (from 2010) and a Parlee Z5s (which I believe is the forerunner of the Altum). Not having ridden a Canyon I imagine it is closer in ethos to the Cervelo.

As you would expect both bikes feel different: Parlee definitely more relaxed and "comfortable " (whatever that means). Bottom line - if riding a TT or triathlon (I don't have a tri bike) I would take the Cervelo. If doing the Marmotte again, I would take the Parlee.

All very subjective and depends on set-up / wheels etc: both bikes are well below 7kg so climb like stink...

[louiebaby]

nammynake said:

Have you looked at the Canyon Endurace? Taller headtube than the CF SL(X) but similar weight and components.

With very similar requirements to the OP, the Endurace is probably going to be my next purchase.

It will probably be a 2018 model, due to personal finances, which may by then be offered with then next gen of Ultegra Di2, which will hopefully put the (slightly untidy) junction box into a bar end like the new Dura-Ace.

[Mark83]

Swaying heavily towards the Altum.

A couple of Parlee dealers are the same price so being cheeky and seeing if they can throw something else in for me. I'm building with eTap but need cassette(s) and Red brakes. Even if they can do at cost price. If you don't ask, you don't get.

[Teebs]

Mark83 said:

Swaying heavily towards the Altum.

A couple of Parlee dealers are the same price so being cheeky and seeing if they can throw something else in for me. I'm building with eTap but need cassette(s) and Red brakes. Even if they can do at cost price. If you don't ask, you don't get.

I've done the same with an S -Works, managed around £400 off (frame discount & freebies). If you don't ask..

[Mark83]

Altum ordered after much negotiation.

Just need to order eTap and then build it.

[moonigan]

Mark83 said:

Altum ordered after much negotiation.

Just need to order eTap and then build it.

Are you going for a custom paint job? Nearly went for an Altum myself but couldn't get the geometry to work.

[Mark83]

It's the 2016 frame so will look just like this:



Got £1200 off the frame, Red brakes, Red 11sp cassette and a Rotor BB installed as part of the overall deal.

[moonigan]

Mark83 said:

It's the 2016 frame so will look just like this:



Got £1200 off the frame, Red brakes, Red 11sp cassette and a Rotor BB installed as part of the overall deal.

Smart and a bargain at that. What size did you go for.