15 years a pro, many years as an amateur and hobby cyclist on both track and road. Erik Zabel's immeasurable wealth of experience makes him an optimum partner for the Canyon R+D department.

He's experienced many trends, has tried out many innovations for himself and is more than capable of judging what products will prove their worth on the market. This is not least the reason why there is a lively exchange between Erik and the entire R+D team during the development phase of a new frame.

Erik took the current top frame and multiple test winner – the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX as the platform for his bike.

Even the most modern test stands and computer aided simulations can't simulate one specific thing: Intensive test rides.

The logical consequence of all this is that Erik and the whole of the R+D team have assembled a bike which completely satisfies his extremely high demands.

The chassis guarantees comfort on long rides and at the same time transfers the rider's expended effort into direct forward power as no other Canyon road bike can do. The optimised laminate configurations make all this possible: High levels of lateral stiffness together with high levels of comfort and a low weight. The entire range of components is characterised by superb function and low weight.

The choice of components ranges from the Super Record groupset from the Italian cult producer Campagnolo, the wheels from Lightweight (which played no small part in his winning of the Green Jersey at the Tour de France), right through to the premium grade Ritchey Superlogic carbon handlebar with a Ritchey WCS stem. The ensemble is beautifully finished with the comfort optimised seat post, which is the result of a cooperation between Canyon and Ritchey, paired with a Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio Saddle.

The result of the cooperation project:
Ultimate CF SLX Ete 201