Canyon SL v SLX v Endurance

Crocked

So my heart has decided that I want need a new bike and I think we can all support it in this decision.

I've been looking online at Canyon and Rose and have come down on the Canyon side of things and three options are

Ultimate SLX 8.0 https://www.canyon.com/en/road/ultimate/2016/ultimate-cf-slx-8-0-di2.html

Ultimate SL 9.0 https://www.canyon.com/en/road/ultimate/2016/ultimate-cf-sl-9-0-di2.html

Endurance 9.0
http://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road/endurace/endurace-cf-9-0-di2.html

With the proviso that all of these bikes are more than my abilities require, I'm trying to suss out if the fit of the Ultimates are going to be more pain than they're worth. Canyon seem to talk about reach to stack ratios, and from what I can find the Endurance most closely matches my current bike.

Current bike works out at 1.51, the SLX at 1.45, SL at 1.46 and Endurance at 1.51

Canyon site is recommending a medium for me which seems about right at 5'10" and I don't seem to be right on the cusp of two different frame sizes

However they all ship with shorter stems then the current bike so that might affect things fit wise and bring the Ultimates more closely to my current bike, If changed out the SLX stem for a 90mm then it matches perfectly with current ratio (would that mess up handling?). So reach seems to be easily manipulated with different stem but the stacks on all off them are lower then I currently have. Interestingly the Ultimate Sl has a lower stack than the SLX and the Endurance slightly higher.

Basically I've never given any thought to stack, reach, tube angles etc before so most of these figure they may as well be quoting in bananas and it'd make as much sense to me.

I know which one I'd like to buy and which one the heart wants but the brain is sticking his oar in trying to talk some sense.

Also the SLX in available sooner (if there delivery times are based on reality again after the IT issues)

So anyone else got an Ultimate SL or SLX and how do they find them fit wise, especially if coming from a more relaxed entry level bike.

velo.2010

If going for the CF SL range, the biggest difference you could make is swapping the Canyon handlebar for a Ritchey WCS bar that the bikes originally came with. That's what I did with my CF SL that arrived last Autumn and its more comfortable. The fit on both the CF SL and CF SLx are the norm now for road bikes given that most brands stock an aggressive aero model like the Aeroad and a comfortable sportive type like the Endurace.

Sounds like you want a CF SLx but know the Endurace is the better fit?

Unknown Soldier

Out if interest, what is your current saddle height, from the centre of the BB to say 120mm from the back of the saddle? (mid saddle rails'ish)

Crocked

velo.2010 wrote: »

If going for the CF SL range, the biggest difference you could make is swapping the Canyon handlebar for a Ritchey WCS bar that the bikes originally came with. That's what I did with my CF SL that arrived last Autumn and its more comfortable. The fit on both the CF SL and CF SLx are the norm now for road bikes given that most brands stock an aggressive aero model like the Aeroad and a comfortable sportive type like the Endurace.

Sounds like you want a CF SLx but know the Endurace is the better fit?

The SLX is definitely the best looking alright but my fear is itd be like a supercar. Great to look at but not practical for most spins. I dont have any real flexibility issues any more than any person who sits at a desk all day so im sure I could adapt to racier fit handily enough.

Before I looked at the geometry it was a toss up between the the SL and endurance with a lean towards the SL as I assumed itd be closer to my current frame. Then I saw the ratio yoke canyon talked about and my current bike was more relaxed than I thought. The SLX is like that girl that you know is probably bad for you but cant help being drawn towards

Crocked

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

Out if interest, what is your current saddle height, from the centre of the BB to say 120mm from the back of the saddle? (mid saddle rails'ish)

I went and measured this. Then fluted about the house for 20 mins and forget the measurement!

Fairly sure it was 740mm, ill double check that though

Eamonnator

I have a CF SLX, with Sram Red. Mine is the correct colour, matte black, with red highlights.
It is eminently practical.
It is extremely comfortable.
It is lovely looking.
I could never, under any objective criteria, justify buying the bike.
I have not, for one moment, regretted buying the bike.
I am quite sure, that it makes me a better person.

Go for the SLX. You know you need it.

crosstownk

Just an observation, but the chainrings on the Endurance are 50/34 compared to 52/36 on the other two. This could well be a deciding factor for some people.

Crocked

crosstownk wrote: »

Just an observation, but the chainrings on the Endurance are 50/34 compared to 52/36 on the other two. This could well be a deciding factor for some people.

Thanks for that, it took me longer than it should have the other day to notice it though!! I've factored in switching over the chainrings so my puny legs don't cry!!

Crocked

Eamonnator wrote: »

I have a CF SLX, with Sram Red. Mine is the correct colour, matte black, with red highlights.
It is eminently practical.
It is extremely comfortable.
It is lovely looking.
I could never, under any objective criteria, justify buying the bike.
I have not, for one moment, regretted buying the bike.
I am quite sure, that it makes me a better person.

Go for the SLX. You know you need it.

This is exactly the kind of real reasoned logic I was hoping for Even the long cage rear derailleur is enough to put me off the Endurance!!

dancrowley

For what it's worth, I've a 2014 Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Pro, am 5'10" and got the S frame. That ships with a 90mm stem, which I ultimately changed out for 120mm. The fit is great, now. I love it.

I have also recently received the headset top cap that will allow me to get lower; I had to order it directly via Acros, and will be installing it next week.



Yes, the bike is far beyond my abilities, but it is very comfortable and I love how it looks and handles. It came with compact chainrings which in recent months I've swapped out for standard 53/39.

Crocked

Did the Canyon site recommend the small frame for you or did you decide yourself that a small frame would suit you better at the time and you could then stretch it out with a longer stem as you got more comfortable on her?

dancrowley

Crocked wrote: »

Did the Canyon site recommend the small frame for you or did you decide yourself that a small frame would suit you better at the time and you could then stretch it out with a longer stem as you got more comfortable on her?

As per my own geometry, it was on the cusp of Small and Medium, and I opted for the Small.
I had the 90mm stem on it for a while before getting a proper bike fit (yes, I should have done the proper fit first) which prompted the 120mm stem installation. They're a superb bike and serious bang for buck.

furiousox

@Crocked

Be very careful with Canyon sizing.
They've altered their sizing this year so a 2014/15 'S' or 'M' frame will have different measurements to the 2016 model.
It might be worth studying both geometry charts and checking for suitability.
FWIW I have a M 2015 CF SL with a 100mm stem and it fits me perfectly. (I'm 5'9")
At 5'9" I think a 2015 S or M would have been suitable, I don't race so I went with the M to have a taller headtube etc.
I think this years model sizes are more defined, i.e. a 'S' would only suit someone up to 5'8" etc.

Crocked

I seem to be pretty much in the middle for M sizing based on their software and looking at geometry. I'll redo it tonight though to confirm everything on the size end of things

Eamonnator

Crocked wrote: »

Did the Canyon site recommend the small frame for you or did you decide yourself that a small frame would suit you better at the time and you could then stretch it out with a longer stem as you got more comfortable on her?

When I was going through the process, that you are now enjoying, I looked at a number of Canyons, that friends have. One friend, who is the same height as me has an L. He was convinced, that I should go for an L. I used Canyon's Chart. It told me to go for an XL. In the end, I followed the chart, with one exception, and that was the stem. I went for a shorter one, but only because, I am old and decrepit and am a martyr to my back. It was the correct decision. Bike fits me like a glove.
So, in my opinion, The Canyon chart works,

Unknown Soldier

I have the 2015 model of the bike you want need. And I also don't deserve to have it, but I might be dead tomorrow etc.

Truth, I'm having difficulty going from my AL SLX to it. The CF SLX is actually more relaxed than the AL version. I really, really love my AL SLX. It a shockingly good ride. It's not so brittle as the carbon yoke, which I am afraid to ride in case I damage it.

It's like going from a Porsche to a Ferrari tbh.

If you want to try out the S for size you know where to get me.

Shure you could be dead tomorrow! (This is a very costly way to live your life btw!)

Crocked

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

It's not so brittle as the carbon yoke, which I am afraid to ride in case I damage it.

It had crossed my mind as to whether I'd be asking the Gardaí to close roads and the councils to sweep them before I'd actually take it out onto the open road!!

I think I'm just going to pull the trigger before I suffer paralysis by analysis.

The bosses reaction in work when I told him I was going to do the bike to work and what the transfer needed was funny, Shure you already have a bike what do you need another one for and how much are you spending!! if only he knew!!

OleRodrigo

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

I have the 2015 model of the bike you want need. And I also don't deserve to have it, but I might be dead tomorrow etc.

Truth, I'm having difficulty going from my AL SLX to it. The CF SLX is actually more relaxed than the AL version. I really, really love my AL SLX. It a shockingly good ride. It's not so brittle as the carbon yoke, which I am afraid to ride in case I damage it.

It's like going from a Porsche to a Ferrari tbh.

If you want to try out the S for size you know where to get me.

Shure you could be dead tomorrow! (This is a very costly way to live your life btw!)

Which one do you prefer? Am contemplating an N+1, the AL SLX is on the shortlist.

Unknown Soldier

OleRodrigo wrote: »

Which one do you prefer? Am contemplating an N+1, the AL SLX is on the shortlist.

I haven't really given the CF SLX a lash tbh, which I'll be doing from now on. So as much as I love the AL SLX, it's hard to offer a review, yet.

You wouldn't be disappointed with the AL SLX though, if you bought one. Fabulously response yoke. Possibly one of the best AL bikes out there and better that a lot of the entry Carbon offerings.

OleRodrigo

Yeah, I had the roadlite for a few years and really liked it.

The AL SLX looks great. Think I need a summer bike.