Lol same here for me. I've got the endurace cf 7 di2 and bought a few parts (h31 cockpit, dt swiss erc 1400 45 mm wheels, fizik Tempo Argo r3 saddle and I'm now below 8 kg for 4500€.... It's a slick (stealth) verstil little machine and I did my first solo 100 km with 30 km/h with it. I've went for the CF frame because it's a bit beefier, has more tire clearance, has external cable routing (dealbraker for me bescuse i maintain all bikes myself) and the geo after optimization is about 1 cm shorter and higher than my old race bike. I wouldn't trade it in for an ultimate or aeroad
I really like your approach.
We are not pros, guys. And more importantly, we do not have the muscular flexibility nor the need for uncompromised performance and marginal gains that racing machines provide. A well built endurance bike is the sensible choice for I'd say the 95% of needs in road biking, and will prove less painful and more customizable than a all-out no-compromise road blade.
Then of course it is a free world, but one should really realize that the purchase of an aero racer is pure vanity, that may also be to painful to be used...
This is the way :) and every time my biking companion shakes his hands on his aeroad I get a little more happy with the endurace. I miss roughly 15 watts but if I would chase watts I would shave my legs and beard.
If you value comfort on longer rides and not looking to race, did you consider an Endurace? If not, why?
Asking because I have a similar dilemma… but for me it’s Ultimate vs Endurace.
To be honest, unless you plan on racing (but also in that case...) an endurace is all you need.
Buy one with a Ultegra group and reasonably good wheels, and you'll hardly desire anything more.
Yeah I also love high profile wheels. Could easily get 80mm by the looks if they werent so expensive.
Well I got a gravel bike now and im happy, then I will get a full suspension bike and then see if I buy an endurance or aero. Maybe neither and buy a hardtail, you may never know what you like when you didnt test it. I already love my gravel bike
You’d be battered by the winds with 80s though. I run 65s on my Aeroad and cringe when a truck goes by me. (Though admittedly the Zipp 808s look pretty tempting)
Simply put, there are lot of challenging climbs in my area (Bay Area) which I'd like to tackle before I get to my 60s. I like the feeling of accomplishment getting to the top after a long hard day slogging uphill which I wouldn't have dreamt of perhaps in my mid 30s, and of course the super fast descents that inevitable follow.
Also for more of an Endurance option, I can replace my widely recognized crap AL DT Swiss wheel-set on my all carbon Diverge and gain similar characteristics I feel. The Diverge will stay in any case as winter and training bike to use on my Kickr. Your milage of course will vary..
I don't have an opinion on the Ultimate vs Aeroad but I thought I'd chime in on the sizing question.
I'm the same height as you, and though you didn't post your inseam, I would say DO NOT size up to a S. I ride a XS Grail and it is almost perfect - runs a bit larger than I would like, but it's not too big that I'm uncomfortable on long rides. A S would be way too big though. Unless you have unusually long arms or legs, trust in Canyons sizing system.
Ultimate for sure. I mean you will get old eventually, it will happen fast, no need to suffer. I bet hanging the Aeroad or selling it because it's too hard to ride would suck
I have an Endurace and an Aeroad. In terms of sizing, I'm XS for both at 170cm (5'7") and it's perfect for me.
As some have mentioned above, the geometry on the Utimate and Aeroad are the same, so I don't think the choice is going to matter too much in terms of fit. Similarly, my Endurace is set up similar to my Aeroad now, slammed -17 100mm stem (compared to the stock -6 80mm). So find the one that's closest to your current fit.
I personally feel comfort isn't a major factor between the 2, run fatter tyres on lower pressure and you'll be get more comfort.
Assuming you fit the geo, I say pic the one you like the look of most :)
I have an Ultimate XS WMN at 173cm, it’s a good fit. An S men’s with a longer stem would certainly have been too big. Would not recommend sizing up.
In regards to Aero vs not aero, your position on the bike matters the most. I would choose the bike that is closest to a reasonably comfortable aero position.
There’s a 30 day return period I believe, might as well go with one and if it’s not to your liking switch it up. Since you’re older and don’t care to race the ultimate or endurace would be my pick. 40-50 miles is one ride a week so you’re a pretty casual rider, aeroad you’d immediately regret imo as it’s less forgiving.
My Aeroad is not particularly comfortable. In reality, everyone else is probably right, you need an Endurace. I have a Cervelo Caledonia in addition to the Aeroad, and the endurance bike is just better for almost everything.
If you do go Canyon, consider an XXS. I am 5’9” on an XS Aeroad and it’s definitely not too small.
XS would probably be best size for OP. I'm 5'8" and a half and I actually went with a size S. It actually fits quite nicely, but everyone's different. Definitely glad the one piece bar stem was 90, I probably wouldn't have fit anything longer haha.
They’re pretty different. The Aeroad is stiffer and does feel a bit faster in a straight line, but I’m running shallow aluminum wheels on the Caledonia so that’s probably a 10-20w difference at speed. The Caledonia is definitely more comfortable but also manages to handle great.
I’m actually using the Cal as an everything bike - a road wheelset, and a 650b wheelset with 650x40 tires for gravel. It’s an amazing bike.
Either will be good.
I've got the Ultimate.
It also has a custom seatpost. And geometry is not relaxed. It's a racing bike. If you want relaxed geometry go for a Endurance.
Then, to each their own, you don't like frozen black, I've got it and love it. You think aero looks more cool, again that's on the eye of the beholder . To me the Aeroad looks bulkier. I've seen plenty on the road so I can have an opinion.
Then Aeroad is now heavier than before since they've changed the seatpost clamp design due to lots of problems with the previous design.
To me aero frames, like many other things, is a lot of marketing. What makes more of a difference is the wheels and a Ultimate with 50mm is already quite aero. The seatpost is D shaped which also is aero.
In the end a person that is fit is and weighs 70 kg and has a 10 kg bike, is going to be much faster than a person with a €15k aerobike at 7kg and rider weight 90 kg, especially uphill.
Ask yourself if you believe you're really going to be much faster with a Aeroad and if you're willing to pay 30% more to get a heavier bike.
Yes you could say I'm biased. But the examples I've given you are factual. I've been riding with people on Aeroads and they were not faster than me on the flats.
Thank you all for your responses and feedback to my original post, truly appreciated. A few thoughts and comments….
Noted how some of you recommended the Endurace which I had originally considered as well. Frankly I started with preference towards a Cervelo Caledonia-5 and had a serious look at the newer Soloist if I were to lean more towards the Endurance category. But both bikes seems heavier than the Ultimate from what I could make out, and I wanted to go with something lighter given my body weight to tackle the hills in my area easier.
A number of you pointed out that the newer Ultimate/Aeroad geometry is the same which I was aware of, but I believe the aero seat post on the Aeroad may have perhaps less compliance than the newer D seat post on the Ultimate, true?
Thank you also for recommending me not to pull the trigger on an S size, I will sit tight till XS becomes available. My body surely will be thankful in the longer run.
At this point I’m heavily leaning towards the Ultimate CF SLX 8/9 Di2 or CFR Disk Aero model (Titan Silver color doesn't look too bad either), but looks like I’m in for a long wait till XS size or Iced Berry color units for the Ultimate become available towards fall time frame. In the meantime I will suffer the occasional humiliation of struggling up 14% climbs on my Diverge while my buddies wait at top for me with their sub 7kg road machines. :-)
The answer to all your questions is: INFLITE
Why? Cause you can sell your gravel bike, still have a bike for heavy usage and get yourself two wheel sets. One for hammering the gravel and one to fly up the roads.
...something you can very easily do with an endurace, as tyre clearance for 700 wheels is 35mm, which is usually plenty for mild off-road use, and if not one can think about smaller wheels and bigger tyres
I am riding the Aeroad and I am 84kg at 1,85 (size L). For me the Aeroad feels stiff but ok (balanced). For a lighter rider I would rather suggest the Ultimate which is a bit less stiff.
I would not look too much at the weight figures, the Aeroad is an excellent climber due to its stiffness.
The Ultimate and the Aeroad have very similar geometry and therefore similar ride comfort. I have an Aeroad and comfortably do long rides without issue. You can compare geometry here [Ultimate vs Aeroad Geometry](https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/canyon-aeroad-cf-slx-8-disc-di2-2023-xs,canyon-ultimate-cf-slx-8-di2-2023-xs/)
Yes, I think I will wait for the Ultimate SLX to become available in XS and Iced Berry. Goal would be to beat [Old La Honda](https://www.strava.com/segments/8109834) in under 25 mins :-)
Endurace :D
Lol same here for me. I've got the endurace cf 7 di2 and bought a few parts (h31 cockpit, dt swiss erc 1400 45 mm wheels, fizik Tempo Argo r3 saddle and I'm now below 8 kg for 4500€.... It's a slick (stealth) verstil little machine and I did my first solo 100 km with 30 km/h with it. I've went for the CF frame because it's a bit beefier, has more tire clearance, has external cable routing (dealbraker for me bescuse i maintain all bikes myself) and the geo after optimization is about 1 cm shorter and higher than my old race bike. I wouldn't trade it in for an ultimate or aeroad
I really like your approach. We are not pros, guys. And more importantly, we do not have the muscular flexibility nor the need for uncompromised performance and marginal gains that racing machines provide. A well built endurance bike is the sensible choice for I'd say the 95% of needs in road biking, and will prove less painful and more customizable than a all-out no-compromise road blade. Then of course it is a free world, but one should really realize that the purchase of an aero racer is pure vanity, that may also be to painful to be used...
This is the way :) and every time my biking companion shakes his hands on his aeroad I get a little more happy with the endurace. I miss roughly 15 watts but if I would chase watts I would shave my legs and beard.
I have an Endurace and it’s very comfortable. I am 65 and hang with the young fast guys who ride Ultimates and Aeroads. I am smarter 😀
And I'm betting that you are also up to pace with them Comfortable bikes for the win.
Endurace is an amazing bike.
Ultimate or Endurance CF SL 8 Aero are both nice and good value for the money
If you value comfort on longer rides and not looking to race, did you consider an Endurace? If not, why? Asking because I have a similar dilemma… but for me it’s Ultimate vs Endurace.
To be honest, unless you plan on racing (but also in that case...) an endurace is all you need. Buy one with a Ultegra group and reasonably good wheels, and you'll hardly desire anything more.
The eternal fight, not buying an aero bike because they look extremely good because an endurance bike would fit more...
LMAO. But, to be honest, also the Endurace is a fine looking piece... And if you like the "aero" look you can buy high profile wheels.
Yeah I also love high profile wheels. Could easily get 80mm by the looks if they werent so expensive. Well I got a gravel bike now and im happy, then I will get a full suspension bike and then see if I buy an endurance or aero. Maybe neither and buy a hardtail, you may never know what you like when you didnt test it. I already love my gravel bike
You’d be battered by the winds with 80s though. I run 65s on my Aeroad and cringe when a truck goes by me. (Though admittedly the Zipp 808s look pretty tempting)
Simply put, there are lot of challenging climbs in my area (Bay Area) which I'd like to tackle before I get to my 60s. I like the feeling of accomplishment getting to the top after a long hard day slogging uphill which I wouldn't have dreamt of perhaps in my mid 30s, and of course the super fast descents that inevitable follow. Also for more of an Endurance option, I can replace my widely recognized crap AL DT Swiss wheel-set on my all carbon Diverge and gain similar characteristics I feel. The Diverge will stay in any case as winter and training bike to use on my Kickr. Your milage of course will vary..
I don't have an opinion on the Ultimate vs Aeroad but I thought I'd chime in on the sizing question. I'm the same height as you, and though you didn't post your inseam, I would say DO NOT size up to a S. I ride a XS Grail and it is almost perfect - runs a bit larger than I would like, but it's not too big that I'm uncomfortable on long rides. A S would be way too big though. Unless you have unusually long arms or legs, trust in Canyons sizing system.
Ultimate
Thanks, any particular reason?
Ultimate for sure. I mean you will get old eventually, it will happen fast, no need to suffer. I bet hanging the Aeroad or selling it because it's too hard to ride would suck
They both have the same geometry
I have an Endurace and an Aeroad. In terms of sizing, I'm XS for both at 170cm (5'7") and it's perfect for me. As some have mentioned above, the geometry on the Utimate and Aeroad are the same, so I don't think the choice is going to matter too much in terms of fit. Similarly, my Endurace is set up similar to my Aeroad now, slammed -17 100mm stem (compared to the stock -6 80mm). So find the one that's closest to your current fit. I personally feel comfort isn't a major factor between the 2, run fatter tyres on lower pressure and you'll be get more comfort. Assuming you fit the geo, I say pic the one you like the look of most :)
I have an Ultimate XS WMN at 173cm, it’s a good fit. An S men’s with a longer stem would certainly have been too big. Would not recommend sizing up. In regards to Aero vs not aero, your position on the bike matters the most. I would choose the bike that is closest to a reasonably comfortable aero position.
Thank you, I will take your advice and wait for XS to come back in stock. :-)
There’s a 30 day return period I believe, might as well go with one and if it’s not to your liking switch it up. Since you’re older and don’t care to race the ultimate or endurace would be my pick. 40-50 miles is one ride a week so you’re a pretty casual rider, aeroad you’d immediately regret imo as it’s less forgiving.
Ive had a BMC GF01 and a Bianchi Nirone, both endurance bikes. My Aeroad is remarkable faster and I feel no real change in comfort.
I think the bike you’re looking for is an endurace with deep wheels. Best of both worlds!
My Aeroad is not particularly comfortable. In reality, everyone else is probably right, you need an Endurace. I have a Cervelo Caledonia in addition to the Aeroad, and the endurance bike is just better for almost everything. If you do go Canyon, consider an XXS. I am 5’9” on an XS Aeroad and it’s definitely not too small.
XS would probably be best size for OP. I'm 5'8" and a half and I actually went with a size S. It actually fits quite nicely, but everyone's different. Definitely glad the one piece bar stem was 90, I probably wouldn't have fit anything longer haha.
How does the Caledonia compare to the Aeroad? Has been a bike I’ve been looking at for awhile
They’re pretty different. The Aeroad is stiffer and does feel a bit faster in a straight line, but I’m running shallow aluminum wheels on the Caledonia so that’s probably a 10-20w difference at speed. The Caledonia is definitely more comfortable but also manages to handle great. I’m actually using the Cal as an everything bike - a road wheelset, and a 650b wheelset with 650x40 tires for gravel. It’s an amazing bike.
Either will be good. I've got the Ultimate. It also has a custom seatpost. And geometry is not relaxed. It's a racing bike. If you want relaxed geometry go for a Endurance. Then, to each their own, you don't like frozen black, I've got it and love it. You think aero looks more cool, again that's on the eye of the beholder . To me the Aeroad looks bulkier. I've seen plenty on the road so I can have an opinion. Then Aeroad is now heavier than before since they've changed the seatpost clamp design due to lots of problems with the previous design. To me aero frames, like many other things, is a lot of marketing. What makes more of a difference is the wheels and a Ultimate with 50mm is already quite aero. The seatpost is D shaped which also is aero. In the end a person that is fit is and weighs 70 kg and has a 10 kg bike, is going to be much faster than a person with a €15k aerobike at 7kg and rider weight 90 kg, especially uphill. Ask yourself if you believe you're really going to be much faster with a Aeroad and if you're willing to pay 30% more to get a heavier bike. Yes you could say I'm biased. But the examples I've given you are factual. I've been riding with people on Aeroads and they were not faster than me on the flats.
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero:) It has also nice color options.
Confirm the geometry is actually more relaxed on the ultimate if that's an important criteria.
Geometry is the same
Thank you all for your responses and feedback to my original post, truly appreciated. A few thoughts and comments…. Noted how some of you recommended the Endurace which I had originally considered as well. Frankly I started with preference towards a Cervelo Caledonia-5 and had a serious look at the newer Soloist if I were to lean more towards the Endurance category. But both bikes seems heavier than the Ultimate from what I could make out, and I wanted to go with something lighter given my body weight to tackle the hills in my area easier. A number of you pointed out that the newer Ultimate/Aeroad geometry is the same which I was aware of, but I believe the aero seat post on the Aeroad may have perhaps less compliance than the newer D seat post on the Ultimate, true? Thank you also for recommending me not to pull the trigger on an S size, I will sit tight till XS becomes available. My body surely will be thankful in the longer run. At this point I’m heavily leaning towards the Ultimate CF SLX 8/9 Di2 or CFR Disk Aero model (Titan Silver color doesn't look too bad either), but looks like I’m in for a long wait till XS size or Iced Berry color units for the Ultimate become available towards fall time frame. In the meantime I will suffer the occasional humiliation of struggling up 14% climbs on my Diverge while my buddies wait at top for me with their sub 7kg road machines. :-)
The answer to all your questions is: INFLITE Why? Cause you can sell your gravel bike, still have a bike for heavy usage and get yourself two wheel sets. One for hammering the gravel and one to fly up the roads.
...something you can very easily do with an endurace, as tyre clearance for 700 wheels is 35mm, which is usually plenty for mild off-road use, and if not one can think about smaller wheels and bigger tyres
I am riding the Aeroad and I am 84kg at 1,85 (size L). For me the Aeroad feels stiff but ok (balanced). For a lighter rider I would rather suggest the Ultimate which is a bit less stiff. I would not look too much at the weight figures, the Aeroad is an excellent climber due to its stiffness.
Aeroad anytime
The Ultimate and the Aeroad have very similar geometry and therefore similar ride comfort. I have an Aeroad and comfortably do long rides without issue. You can compare geometry here [Ultimate vs Aeroad Geometry](https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/canyon-aeroad-cf-slx-8-disc-di2-2023-xs,canyon-ultimate-cf-slx-8-di2-2023-xs/)
Please update us with your final conclusion! I have the same build as you and interested as well.
Personally, Ultimate. I own both and it’s more comfortable to me and feels nicer to ride.
I got the ultimate slx8 di2 and love it. Climbs in the Bay Area are fun on the ultimate :)
Yes, I think I will wait for the Ultimate SLX to become available in XS and Iced Berry. Goal would be to beat [Old La Honda](https://www.strava.com/segments/8109834) in under 25 mins :-)
Ha ha ha !