THE TIMES AREA CHANGING

Our test of the Ultimate Evo 10.0 Ltd Disc has come at a time when the bike industry is in a state of flux. The fallout from Covid -19 has affected bikes both negatively and positively. Sales of new bikes have risen in the UK but manufacturing stoppages during the pandemic have also led to shortages on both frames and components.

It means that some re-jigging of plans from the big brands has been inevitable and the Ultimate Evo is not unaffected. Just as we went to press the Ultimate Evo 10.0 Ltd disc was renamed the Ultimate CFR, in keeping with Canyon’s future plans for bringing its engineering pinnacle machines into the larger Canyon family range. It has also meant that Canyon has brought forward its updated Ultimate CFR models. Notably, Canyon still has the Evo Ltd disc frameset that's been tested here at the reduced price of £3279 (RRP £3749) if you want to build your own flyweight machine.

Otherwise, you can opt for one of the 2021 models using the same chassis (frame, fork and bars) with new CFR graphics, as opposed to the understated Evo. Plus, you get a choice of either Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (£7149) with the same wheels and finishing kit as the bike tested here but with a Canyon seatpost, rather than the exclusive Schmolke post to accommodate the Di2 battery. Or there’s a Campagnolo Super Record 12-speed EPS groupset- equipped bike with exactly the same components as the bike tested here, for £8499.

The CFR range now includes two mountain bikes (Exceed and Sender) and there will be additions to the road range coming soon (October).

The future of Canyon’s finest bikes looks bright and the company is expanding beyond rarefied bikes too.