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2023 Canyon

Ultimate CF SL 8

A carbon frame race bike with high-end components and shimano ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$3,699
Weight17.6 lbs  
FrameCarbon
ForkCarbon
Wheels650c / 700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetUltegra
Power Meter4iiii Precision
BrakesShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Ultimate CF SL 8
Other Race bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

41 mph

Ultimate CF SL 8

40 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Sizing
XXXS

< 5'4"

XXS

5'2" – 5'6"

XS

5'4" – 5'9"

SM

5'7" – 5'11"

MD

5'9" – 6'1"

LG

6'0" – 6'4"

XL

6'2" – 6'6"

XXL

6'4" – 6'9"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 6'2", size LG, Just right
  • 6'1", size LG, Fits large
  • 5'6", size XS, Just right
  • 5'6", size XS, Just right
Reviews

Summary

The Canyon Ultimate is a versatile and well-rounded race bike that balances aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort. It offers sharp handling, efficient power transfer, and a smooth ride quality, making it suitable for both climbing and high-speed descents. With competitive pricing and a range of models, it stands out as a top choice in the race bike category.

Pros
  • Excellent handling and agility

  • Aerodynamic efficiency with significant watt savings

  • Good ride quality and comfort for a race bike

  • Competitive pricing and value

  • High stiffness for efficient power transfer

Cons
  • Proprietary components limiting customization and maintenance

  • Some models have increased weight

  • Limited parts compatibility and adjustment options

  • Not the most comfortable option in its class

Key Quotes
It’s one of the most well-rounded race bikes available for the money today.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
What 911 is to Porsche, the Ultimate is to Canyon.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
The Ultimate has long been my favorite family of bikes in Canyon’s road lineup.
Escape Collective logoEscape Collective
the Ultimate exudes modern handling with exceptional vibration damping and an overall smooth ride
Road Bike Action
This is a fast bike if you have the legs to make it so.
road.cc logoroad.cc

Feedback?

View all reviews

BikeRadar
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero review | Race Bike of the Year contender

May 2024 · Simon von Bromley

A bang-for-your-buck all-rounder from Canyon

Highs
  • Great spec for the money

  • Great handling

  • Fast yet competitively lightweight

Lows
  • Middling tyres

  • Proprietary front end setup limits adjustability

Read Review

Escape Collective
The prince and the pauper: 2023 Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7 vs. Ultimate CFR review - Escape Collective

May 2023 · James Huang

One of these bikes costs nearly 4x the other, but how different are they really?

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Is he dead? - A ridiculous ride from LA to Palm Springs with Paul Ripke on the new Canyon Ultimate

Feb 2023 · Robin Schmitt

A road riding experience with Paul Ripke and the new Canyon Ultimate CFR from Newport Beach to Palm Springs

Read Review

Cyclist
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 review

Nov 2022 · Will Strickson

The 2023 Ultimate is the people’s Aeroad

Highs
  • Lightweight

  • Comfortable

  • Confidence-boosting

  • Great spec

  • Aerodynamic

Lows
  • None

Read Review

Cycling News
The new Canyon Ultimate has matured into a brilliant all-rounder

Sep 2022 · Will Jones

Exceptional uphill, fast handling, and a quality build kit make this a very compelling package

Highs
  • Beautifully balanced handling

  • Considered aero touches

  • Still feels like a climbers bike

Lows
  • Still some proprietary touches

  • Threaded BB would be preferable

  • No 0mm seat post option

Read Review

Road Bike Action
2023 CANYON ULTIMATE: MODERN UPDATES BALANCE HANDLING, AERODYNAMICS, WEIGHT - Road Bike Action

Sep 2022 · RBA Staff

A slew of improvements bolster Canyon's Ultimate road bike

Highs
  • Modern updates: integrated cable routing, airfoil shaping, D-shaped seatpost for compliance, added stiffness

  • Handling: quick yet forgiving, exceptional vibration damping, smooth ride, snappy handling

  • Balance: improved compliance, stiffness, and aerodynamics without adding weight

  • Weight: 15.8 lbs for CF SLX, competitive with other performance road bikes at $6999 price point

Lows
  • Available long-term review not yet published

  • No pedal chance to ride the lighter CFR Dura-Ace build

Read Review

The Gear Loop
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 review

Sep 2022 · Leon Poultney

It's been a long time coming but Canyon's Ultimate has been refined and improved in this excellent fifth generation

Highs
  • Pleasingly lightweight

  • Beguiling kit list for the price

  • Easy adjustments to cockpit for great fit

  • Sharp but fun

Lows
  • Dizzying array of model choice

  • Canyon’s new accessories will make you part with more cash

  • Lightest models are expensive

Read Review

Velo
Canyon unveils 5th generation Ultimate road bike

Sep 2022 · William Tracy

The Ultimate family includes 7 models for the US market spread across 3 levels.

Read Review

Rider Notes
Ultimate CF SL 8 rider review

Jul 2023 · Robert Irving

The bike is fine I will once again have to pay extra to have the right size handlebars. Would be great if you could spec this out like OBED did for my

Highs
  • Light rides nice handling is squirrelly because of handlebars.

Lows
  • Handlebars 39 are so narrow its dangerous to ride. Would not swap them out.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Canyon Ultimate CF SL, Our latest 5th-generation Ultimate frame., Axle dimension: 12x142 mm, Tyre Clearance: 33MM, Material: Carbon (CF)

BB StandardBB86/BB92, 86mm, Press Fit

Tire Clearance33c

ColorDeep Polar

Fork

Canyon FK0105 CF, Carbon fork optimised for lightness, stiffness, and strength., Axle dimension: 12x100 mm, Fork steer tube diameter: 1 1/4", Tyre Clearance: 33MM, Material: Carbon (CF)

Bottom Bracket

Token Ninja Lite BB4124, Bottom bracket standard: PF 86,5, Weight: 85 g

Saddle

Selle Italia Model X, Gender: Unisex, Weight: 315 g

Seatpost

Canyon SP0055, Custom carbon seatpost with aerodynamic D-shape profile., Setback: 10 mm, Weight: 110 g

TypeRigid

Pedals

None included

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra R8000 SS, Cage length: short

Front Derailleur

Shimano Ultegra R8000

Crank

Shimano Ultegra R8000 4iiii Precision Powermeter, Number of chainrings: 2

Power Meter

Shimano Ultegra R8000 4iiii Precision Powermeter

Shifters

Shimano Ultegra R8020 2s | Shimano Ultegra R8020 11s

Cassette

Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-30 11s, Number of sprockets: 11, Range: 11-30

Chain

Shimano HG701 11-speed, High-grade chain with premium SIL-TEC treatment on roller link plate and pin link plate for increased durability and efficiency.

Brakes

Shimano Ultegra R8020 2s | Shimano Ultegra R8020 11s

TypeShimano Ultegra Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Ultegra R8020 2s | Shimano Ultegra R8020 11s

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss Performance LN, Axle dimension: 12x100 mm, Rotor mount: Center Lock, Rim height: 20 mm, Weight: 837 g | DT Swiss Performance LN HG, Axle dimension: 12x142 mm, Rotor mount: Center Lock, Rim height: 20 mm, Weight: 984 g

Tires

Continental Grand Prix 5000, 28 mm, Width: 28mm, Weight: 245 g

Disc Rotors

Shimano Deore XT MT800, Size: 160 mm | Shimano DEORE XT MT800, Size: 140 mm

Rider Notes
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First added September 11

Last updated February 12

Not listed for 839 days