Canyon ULTIMATE CF SLX 9.0 SL vs Focus izalco max 0.0 (2014)

[Felixhase]

Hi there,

I am looking forward to buy a light carbon climbing / marathon bike. My weight is 73 kg and I would choose frame size L.
The main use will be mountain TT (up) and marathon races. For training I will keep my aluminium road bike.

After reading a lot of tests I found these two light bikes with good discount, but still expensive of course.

The CF SLX for 3899€ with 6,1 kg
The izalco max 0.0 (2014) for 4999€ with 5,5 kg

I only read good about both bikes, but the press normaly tells only good.

Both frames seem to be very good, the focus a bit lighter, the canyon slightly better in stiffness.
Both bikes come with SRAM RED. Great difference is in the wheels.

The focus comes with Tubular (DT Swiss RRC 32 Dicut carbon T) and I am not used to tubulars, so I am a bit afraid. I only rode tubulars as a kid and my father mounted the tires .
But also because of the tubular tires, it is 0,6kg lighter than the canyon. But can I trust those superlight wheels in a marathon with long decends?

The Canyon comes with the Mavic clincher R-SYS SLR WTS EXALITH 2.

Are 600g worth 1100 €? Ufff

Thanks & cheers
Felix

[TurboKoo]

I've been super happy with my Focus Izalco max and would choose again in a heartbeat. Frame is stiff but still comfortable.

[Vermu]

Got ultimate cf slx as second bike (haven't sold it yet) and have to say its superb.
I got to say that I would like it to be a bit more stiffer and as focus isn't as stiff I would wager on canyon.

On the other hand 1100€ on 600g weight difference on wheels isn't so much imo.

What rocks your boat

[Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez]

I know it's trendy but you should think about a disc road bike for marathon/endurance in the mountains

[sawyer]

Can I vote this thread gets locked

Choose the one you that fits you best

Choose the one you like the best

[Felixhase]

The focus is about 300 g lighter because of the wheels/tubulars, so the advantage without the wheels is "only" 300g.
Would prefer clincher, but also like the idea of super light wheels for a competition bike.

The canyon is only available in grey but I like the design of both anyway.
I would never buy disc brakes for road bike, already had bad experience on MTB. Don't see the need of discs on the road. It is more a trend to sell something new.

I am tending to the focus right now.

Anyone had expierience with the DT Swiss RRC 32 Dicut carbon T?

[djconnel]

If 600 grams isn't worth 1100 you should get Rival components, not Red, and an Al frame, not carbon.

Anyway, I voted the Canyon out of reflex because I like their marketing but the better wheels and far lower weight of the Focus make that the better choice.

[wheelsONfire]

I would say, don't worry at all of using tubulars.

There are atleast 2 good options for glue tape if you like the ease of that, or you can use glue.

No problem! You'll get the hang of it pretty fast.

For the frames, i would take the bike that fit me best in stack and reach.

Never seen anyone complain of either of the bikes so i guess you'd be happy with both.

[Felixhase]

I am still a bit skeptical with those light wheels and tubulars in long / difficult decents. Heard one bad story... but maybe needlessly.
And of course, I can use stronger clincher wheels for those races.

Ok thank you all for the input!

[4ibanez]

I like the look of the Focus, so I voted for that...I guess you could get the Canyon to a similar or better weight if you sold the Mavics and bought some tubs with all the extra €

[Krull]

For the frames, i would take the bike that fit me best in stack and reach.

agree. and: framesets look very different, slim, traditional design against more-fashionable, with some trendy features. just get, what you like more. but maybe, this approach is to simple.....

[djconnel]

You should use different wheels for mountain TT and marathon events anyway.

[reknop]

I'm riding a Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 (Dura Ace) myself and I'm very pleased with the performance, handling and build quality. In terms of value for money the Canyon's are very hard to beat. The Mavic R-SYS SLR wheels are among the lightest clincher wheels available.