Canyon Ultimate CF 8.0

Price Paid:  $2900.00 at direct

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
saleve

Bike Setup:
Ritchey WCS bars, stem, post. Campy 11 speed Chorus. Mavic Kysrium Elite 2009

Summary:
Mine is actually the 2009 editions with Chorus 11 and Kysrium Elites. 2009 saw Canyon increase the comfort of the frame (I never rode the earlier versions but they were regarded as a bit harsh).

I've already done 8 or 9 very hard days in the Alps plus 3 or 4 flat rides. I've definitely put it through it's paces in the short time I've had it.

Got this primarily for attacking big alpine routes in the Alps like the Marmotte sportive and others of the ilk. I wanted a light but comfortable bike for long days of climbing and descending. Unsurpringly (only 7.1 kgs and a short wheelbase) it climbs like a demon. The stiffness through the bottom bracket is absurd and the power delivery is never jittery, it's uncanny. In the saddle or standing up, it delivers all power straight to the road. On the flats, the acceleration is also unreal which is to be expected giving that BB stiffness. Some other lightweight bikes I've tried lack the ability to maintain speed on the flats, not this one. I'm amazed that it very comfortably cruises at 25 mph and is still very comfortable over bad roads. Finally the descending it absolutely top notch and it holds it's line insanely well through corners. Maybe one tick against it is that the straight line super high speed (50mph) isn't the greatest, but still it's good.

Strengths:
Overall ability from a top notch climbing bike. I expected a nervous climbing bike but it's a great allrounder too. This is the cheapest super bike you can buy.

Weaknesses:
Campy BB had to be retightened once already and is starting to squeak again, very annoying. I'm not sure if it's Canyon's fault or just a crappy crank/bb combo from Campag.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo Soloist Carbon (this is better in everything except absolute hammering on the flats at high speed), Scott CR1 (no contest)