CanyonUltimate CFSL Disc8.0Di2

£3449

Canyon’s Ultimate SL sits below its ultra-light EVO and pro-grade SLX in the race bike hierarchy. It’s based around the brand’s Sport Pro geometry, which is lower and longer than its Endurace platform, but with the racy geometry of its pricier Ultimate brothers.

It’s an easy bike to get up to speed, aided by a light set of wheels in DT’s PR1400s, weighing 1447g. The 52/36, 11-28 gearing combination adds to the speed potential, and it’s being driven by Shimano’s latest iteration of Ultegra Di2. Shift quality and accuracy are stunning, and the newly-revamped brakes and IceTec rotors provide noise-free braking and heaps of feel at the levers.

When you get into the hills the SL shines; the chassis is stiff and light wheels and low overall weight add up to a capable ascender. On descents, the SL’s surefooted and stable, although we did feel a bit of flex between the front and back end, but not enough to make us think of backing off. The back end, with VCLS seatpost, mutes road noise, but on rough roads the front end does little to stop chatter coming through to your hands. There is clearance for bigger tyres, which would add comfort in spades.

The spec is as good; the Ultegra Di2 group being very special. If the road chatter issues at the front could be countered it would be one of the best disc brakeequipped race bikes around.