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.

[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?

[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?

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[russy01]

Got sick of thinking about it, so last night I ordered the Aeroad with disc and di2 in red...

So will be identical to this....

[russy01]

Yes, just need to find another set of wheels now. Some disc compatible and sturdy for everyday use... any recommendations?

[russy01]

okgo said:

The ones that come with it are what I ride it with, they're fine.

Even up on the mendips where its always winter and windy? Im half tempted to get some Mavic Kysrium Discs if the weather is really bad?

[russy01]

okgo said:

With the discs though you won't be wearing out the rim surface, which will hugely help wheels in wet. Wind possibly though...they are not great in the wind.

Yes, thats one of the reasons I went for discs. I think the wind paired with fast moving traffic isnt going to be that pleasant. Ill see how I get on...

[russy01]

I dont take much notice of all these weights and unless you are a the sharp end, racing up hills I dont see 500g makes any difference here or there.

What you have to realise is the typical person rides around with a 200g mobile phone, 100g watch, 300g saddle bag with spares, 750g Water, Snacks (if you are going a long way)....

So just take the weight penalty on the bike, take your watch off and have a poo before you go out and you'll be fine.


As for the harsh ride, I am also 29 like OKGO, so not too stiff just yet. Also the bike I ride at the moment, whilst not extreme isnt super comfy, so hopefully the Aeroad shouldnt be too bad!

Here is it...my trusty old Giant.

[russy01]

Yea I ordered disc and di2 too...

My emails say dispatched between the 24th and 28th, so I questioned them this afternoon on live chat and they reckon it won't be sent until next week at least and that the email stating said dates was sent in error...

[russy01]

45Flipper said:

Just checked the email again. Dispatch is 31/7-4/8, so if I'm lucky I'll get it next week at some point.

Shipping takes 5-8 working days!!

[russy01]

Its alright for some, mines all been cocked up with UPS!! Mate of mine ordered his bike on the same day as me and had it on Wednesday (Ultimate SL Aero in Blue and it looks fricking awesome!) - yet mine is still in Germany with UPS. UPS have so called had it since Tuesday and have made a right dogs dinner of it... Been told it should ship today.

Did you go for Red or Black (I went red!) - from what I can see we both have the same spec? Aeroad SLX 8.0 with Discs and Di2 at £4049?

For some reason I have also been out and splashed cash on pretty much new everything to go with this bike! New Fizik shoes in black and red, new Castelli Gear, Bibs, jersey, coat - you name it! The only thing I still havent brought myself to doing is shaving my legs - but I am getting closer!!!

Edited by russy01 on Friday 4th August 10:12

[russy01]

okgo said:

You will look like a complete prat on that bike with that kit and hairy legs.

To most people I already look like a prat for many reasons already:

- Going out on a bike at 5am in the morning
- Going out on a road bike fullstop
- Wearing lycra
- Spending £4000 on a bike.
- Buying clothes that match the colour of my bike

So, if I have to look like a little bit more of a prat then I'll just take it on the chin! Maybe when the new bike arrives I'll feel inclined to get the razor out - but for now I cannot bring myself to do it!

[russy01]

jamiebae said:

I know you've already bought the bike (and made the right call I think) I'd take discs over Di2 - you can always upgrade to Di2 later on but if you buy the rim version you can't fit discs to it.

This was my original thought, but looking into it further I think Canyon make a Mechanical and Electronic Version of the Frame. I dont know what the differences are, but it might not be so easy to integrate Di2 into the frame at a later date after all. Im sure it can be done and I might even be wrong, but to save the grief I just decided to do it properly and go all out!

[russy01]

Eddh said:

You could always fit SRAM ETAP and then buy the plugs for the cable holes.

This was another consideration but I had to draw a line somewhere. Shimano Sora would have been good enough for my legs, so Ive just decided to settle (and rough it) with the DI2 for now ! Just need the damn thing to turn up now...