Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 vs Giant Advanced SL 0 (2017 models)

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sykkelerik
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat May 13, 2017 7:30 pm

by sykkelerik

I am looking to acquire a bike for chasing PR's in the hills, enjoy long rides on hilly routes and the odd trip to the Alpes. Aero qualities at high speeds on the flats are not nearly as relevant as good climbing qualities to me.

My mechanical skills are limited, and I hate spending time adjusting cables and derailleurs, so electrionic shifting is preferred. I am not a fan of SRAM, and Campa's EPS is too expensive, hence Shimano DA Di2.

My long list of candidates include Bianchi Specialissima, BMC Teammachine, Wilier Zero.6, Cannondale SuperSix, Canyon Ultimate CF SLX and Giant Advanced SL 0. The three first are off the short list primarily due to stiff price points, and the SuperSix because after I don't have much faith in the BB30 solution (I have ridden a few Cannondales and it seems their cranks are notorious in terms of making creaking sounds). So that leaves me with the Canyon and the Giant.

The Canyon CF SLX 9.0 comes in a lovely blue gran turismo colour, the price is very attractive, the integrated stem/handlebar solution looks the part, and the bike consistently gets great reviews. However, I am not sure whether the wheels are all that great (Mavic
Cosmic Pro Carbon SL), and it can surely be slimmed down from its 6.7 kilos.

The Giant Advanced SL 0 is not all that sexy in its black design, but it still has a discreet elegance, and the Giant wheelset seems more appealing for "grimpeurs" and can't be worse than the Mavics. A complete DA Di2 groupset also counts favourably, and I imagine the bike is a bit lighter than the Canyon.

What I would really appreciate is if those of you in here who have ridden both bikes, or have ridden one of the bikes extensively, could weigh in with your arguments for and against the bikes.

Thanks!

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milesthedog
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:21 pm

by milesthedog

For the price of those frames, have you considered the AX-Lightness EVO D for sale on Fairwheel? similar geometries, lighter, bb386

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Delorre
Posts: 967
Joined: Sat May 24, 2014 12:09 pm

by Delorre

milesthedog wrote:For the price of those frames, have you considered the AX-Lightness EVO D for sale on Fairwheel? similar geometries, lighter, bb386


The Vial has a more relaxed geo as those 2 bikes! Not endurance like, but more relaxed for sure (at least in my size, L)

Redfist75
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 03, 2017 4:37 am

by Redfist75

I had 2015 canyon ultimate CF SLX & Giant Adv. SL1
In my experience, on climb, Giant is better than Canyon

shineplus
Posts: 21
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 3:32 pm

by shineplus

Maybe the canyon is a water level.
But we are amateurs.
Is not it a big difference?

sykkelerik
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat May 13, 2017 7:30 pm

by sykkelerik

Thanks for all your input!

I ended up with the Canyon, and after a few rides I can safely say that it is a great bike both in the hills and on the flats. Slightly more forgiving than the SuperSix, but every bit as brilliant to climb with. The wheels seem fine too, although I'd have preferred if Canyon equipped the bike with better climbing wheels.

The bike including two bottle cages from Elite, a pair of Speedplay Ti-pedals and a 120 mm stem with the barfly add-on brings the bike to 7.05 kilos. Chopping the head tube after slamming them stem may save a few grams, though.

Image

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Mr.Gib
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by Mr.Gib

Nice bike, not sure why you were concerned about the wheels. Weight?

I have the shallower Ksyrium Pro Carbon SL and I cannot say enough good things about them. The new hubs are outstanding, the weight is similar or lower then most of the competitive brands, and the braking is as good as carbon gets at present. And you can remove the little yellow stickers. (Don't try to remove the very small white bar code sticker).

A couple of things about those wheels though. First remove the supplied rim tape and inner tubes and replace with your best. You have never seen heavier rim tape, and the inner tube is the thickest, heaviest chunk of rubber ever created - like it was made for a tractor tire.

The second thing, and it pains me to mention it, is that my wheels, while perfectly round and true, arrived with uneven spoke tension. I check every new wheel when it arrives, and all my wheels on a regular basis to make sure spoke tensions are perfect - it's my obsession. Sorting this out was an easy fix but at this level the wheels should be perfect. I am sure it was a rare slip in QC but still not acceptable.

You say your not mechanical but are you musical? just tap each spoke with an allen key. If the sound is the same on all spokes on the same side of a wheel than you are good to go. If you have some flat or sharp notes than take it to a shop and ask them to check. Or better yet, get yourself a tensiometer and sort the wheel out yourself.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.

sykkelerik
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat May 13, 2017 7:30 pm

by sykkelerik

Two things concern me with the Mavics: The weight, and that I have had mixed experiences with Mavic's wheels previously (first generation R-Sys was fragile, their CrossOne disc brake wheels' freehub broke down after around 5,000 km, and I'd have preferred wider rims). Having that said, the first few rides with the bike have been amazing and I can't fault the wheels neither going up nor downhill.

Assuming the weather gods are generous in the Alps in July, the bike including the wheels will be put to the ultimate test: Tour du Mont Blanc.

Thanks for your input, Mr. Gib, I will certainly give the wheels some extra attention the next time I put the bike on the mech stand (where I usually limit myself to cleaning, replacing the chain, etc.). :)

robertbb
Posts: 2179
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:35 am

by robertbb

Thought I'd chime in on the topic after a recent experience, in case anyone else comes apon this thread.

I own the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (2017) in size S and recently took a Giant TCR SL (2017) in size M for some hillclimbs (and descents) and had a close look inside and outside of the frame.

Very similar build quality, both frames super clean and well finished. Both are rim brake frames.

Handling-wise, at least in the sizes that fit my height of 178cm, the Canyon is a far more stable bike. The wheelbase is longer as are the chainstays.

Both are super responsive uphill, lots of fun, but the TCR feels twitchy and far less stable when the road points down. The Canyon just goes where you want it to and never feels out of control. It's a super solid geometry, very well thought through. Comfort also in favour of the Canyon with the rubber bushing inside the lowered seat clamp (even though the TCR has 28mm tyres and I was on 25's on the Canyon).

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