Designed by Konstantin Grcic: Canyon launch new special-edition Ultimate CF SLX

The Canyon Ultimate Artist Edition range blurs the boundaries between world-class speed and stunning style, combining the Ultimate’s race-proven performance with artwork from renowned designers. And today, Canyon are launching a new model in this special series, with a unique colourway created by Berlin-based industrial designer Konstantin Grcic. Daring. Innovative. Inspirational. The brand-new Ultimate CF SLX 8 Disc LTD.

With decades at the forefront of industrial design, Grcic has a range of iconic, award-winning creations in his portfolio – many of his works are part of the permanent collections of major design museums around the world, including the MoMA in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. All while heading up a studio making a mark in the fields of industrial, exhibition, and furniture design. And now, Grcic has turned his hand to the world of cycling. The result is something truly special.

Displaying Grcic’s trademark progressive style, the Ultimate CF SLX 8 Disc LTD looks like no other road bike out there, with iridescent elements that shimmer in the light. The highlight: each rectangular special-effect decal creates constantly changing reflections – their appearance shifting depending on the viewer’s angle.

One decal even covers the Canyon downtube logo. Why? Grcic explains his methodology: “Covering the frame’s complex geometry with graphics was a challenge. The design became more abstract – pared down, with fewer elements, but ones that were more striking... At one point, I ended up covering the Canyon lettering. Not because I wanted to hide it – it just happened naturally as part of the creative process. Road cycling fans can instantly recognise the Ultimate from its distinctive form, even without the logo.” A bike that makes a big statement, without having to say anything at all.

But the Ultimate Artist Edition project is about much more than just creating beautiful bikes – it’s also about inspiring more riders to ride. Canyon’s founder, Roman Arnold, explains: “The combination of art and cycling in the form of special frame designs has always deeply appealed to me. It was an honour to pick Konstantin Grcic and the other fascinating individuals we've included in the Canyon Ultimate Artists' Edition series. We specifically sought artists who are as passionate about cycling as we are. We hope their designs inspire your sporting pursuits and creative endeavours.”

And when the rubber hits the road, there’s performance aplenty too – this is a bike built for racing and day-in-day-out riding. First, it features the same world-class Ultimate CF SLX frame proven at the highest levels of WorldTour racing. It’s combined with a component set that ticks all the performance boxes, with 12-speed wireless SRAM Force eTap shifting, an integrated power meter, and deep-section DT Swiss ARC 1400 carbon wheels.

Only 50 Ultimate CF SLX 8 Disc LTD bikes will ever be made – and they will go on sale on Tuesday 17 May 2022, exclusively at canyon.com. All bikes will cost €6,799*.