Mark: 1.9
Best frameset
Best levels of comfort
Test winner
Overall mark 1.7 - top mark
Final mark 1.8
We have absorbed the feedback from our pros and further improved the Ultimate AL. Internally routed cables, organic tube designs and a frame that weighs in at just 1220 g are all convincing arguments in favour of the Ultimate AL. The test winning SLX fork weighs in at just 295 g, and combined with the new geometry based on the principle of stack and reach this bike is now even better designed to meet the needs of demanding racing cyclists. We have adapted the brand new Ultimate AL frame especially to accommodate the new Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shift system and have routed the cable bundle directly through the chain stay. In addition, the battery disappears inconspicuously under the left chain stay. You just won't have experienced a better alloy road bike than this one.
Having tightened the headset to the required torque an adjusting screw allows a correct setup of the bearing clearance. This screw allows two bearing shells to rotate against each other transversely so the distance between the head tube and the stem is slightly increased. The fork is fixed and the clearance is set – and all this without damaging the carbon fibres of the steerer tube from the inside.
The flatter silhouette guarantees vertical flex. This result is that shocks from below do not directly filter through to the rider. Blood circulation through the hands is not disturbed, the rider and the muscles perform better and for longer periods. However, the fork still guarantees outstanding lateral stiffness and that's the only way an outstanding transfer of power can be realised. Because it's during sprints or attacks on hills that enormous loads are placed on the fork. The Canyon SLX fork copes admirably with these loads without even a flinch of the tubes.