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TECH NEWS

Canyon unveils 6.2kg Ultimate CFR road bike

Two disc brake-equipped models are built around a 675g frame

Canyon has revealed a CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) version of its Ultimate road bike with a frame that weighs just 675g, a fork that's 285g, and a complete bike weight of 6.2kg (13lb 11oz) – well below the UCI's 6.8kg minimum weight limit for racing.

2021 Canyon_Ultimate_CFR_Disc_EPS.jpg

CFR is the name the German brand gives to existing models that have been reworked in pursuit of lightness and speed. 

If you want the marketing spiel, Canyon says, "Canyon Factory Racing is to step up to the next level: to force ourselves to go faster, be smarter, and build better."

2021 Canyon Ultimate_CFRCredit_Tino_Pohlmann_7.jpg

 Action images: Tino Pohlmann

Although there have already been CFR mountain bikes, this is the first time that a road bike has been given the treatment.

"The Ultimate CFR continues the success of the benchmark-setting Ultimate CF Evo Disc, the lightest production disc brake road bike," says Canyon. "It is the first in a range of CFR road bikes that will define performance within their categories."

2021 Canyon Ultimate CFR Credit_Tino_Pohlmann_6.jpg

We already know that a Canyon Aeroad CFR is on the way because it has been on the UCI's List of Approved Models of Frames and Forks for almost a year.

Read our First Ride Review of the Canyon Ultimate CF Evo Disc from last year

"A celebrated all-round, Grand Tour-winning pedigree, the Ultimate CFR is all about delivering unparalleled stiffness-to-weight for absolute efficiency," says Canyon. "Lightness is essential to these builds, but so is durability, which is why all 675g frames and 285g forks exceed our rigorous testing standards.

2021 Canyon Ultimate CFR Credit_Tino_Pohlmann_3.jpg

"This incredible weight is achieved by applying quality ultra-high modulus pitch-based carbon fibres rarely seen in the industry. The material is so special, we initially had to be granted exclusive permission by the Japanese Ministry of Defence just to gain access to it."

2021 Canyon Ultimate CFR Credit_Tino_Pohlmann_8.jpg

Believe it or not, that's not the first time that the Japanese Ministry of Defence has got a mention on road.cc, Canyon having been talking about the connection in reference to the Ultimate CF Evo since 2017. Konnichiwa guys.

"In order to create a structure that is strong and durable, as well as light, the ultra-high modulus fibres are blended with various other modulus and high-tensile fibres to create the complete all-round package.

"This layup is then applied to moulds with clinical precision, ensuring minimal fibre overlap to save material and thus precious grams."

2021 Canyon_Ultimate_CFR_Disc_Di2.jpg

The Ultimate CFR is available now in two complete builds. The Ultimate CFR Disc Di2 (above, £7,149) is fitted with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and 50mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT wheels. Canyon claims a complete bike weight of 6.5 kg.

The Ultimate CFR Disc EPS (higher up the page, £8,499) features a Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset and DT Swiss PRC 1100 25Y Anniversary wheels. This is the version that's a claimed 6.2kg. 

2021 Canyon ultimate CFR .jpg

You can also buy the Ultimate CFR as a frameset (£3,299) with Canyon's 270g CP0020 Cockpit (combined handlebar and stem) and a Schmolke 1K carbon seatpost. Canyon claims that these weigh from 1.5kg (depending on the size).

Get more info over at www.canyon.com

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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8 comments

Avatar
Prosper0 | 4 years ago
0 likes

Canyon don't you know that aero is faster than lightness now? Where are the NEW aero frames?

Avatar
bobrayner | 4 years ago
0 likes

It's pretty cool. So many gram-shaving ultralight bikes seem to be really compromised (or, at best, really laser-focussed so they're only good for one rider with quite specific interests). This one has disc brakes; a full 2x groupset; it's even rather aero. 

Avatar
Sriracha | 4 years ago
0 likes

Seems odd to style it "factory racing" when that is its signal disqualification.

Avatar
Christopher TR1 | 4 years ago
0 likes

Light?! Oh, you mean for a disc brake bike. (Smug smile) I just discovered that my new tyres have nudged my Izalco Max under the 5.5 kilo mark.

Still, kudos to Canyon for continuing to give us the choice of rims or discs.

Avatar
peted76 | 4 years ago
0 likes

Oh.. suits you sir. 

That Shimano spec with DTSwiss wheels looks like a cracking top end machine for thousands less than their competitors. 

Avatar
@soundtrooper | 4 years ago
3 likes

Is it just me or do Canyon seem to be rehashing the same old frame designs for the best part of a decade with ever lighter components? They haven't really launched a new road frame with the exception of the grail in over 5years, Aeroad I'm looking at you... they might be good bikes and still selling but you think they would have some new designs by now.... 

Avatar
RNTRMP replied to @soundtrooper | 4 years ago
0 likes

Completely agree. Odd that the new Aeroad frame is still clearly being shown in Zwift's social media ads, but there is no sign of it been released yet. It was first leaked about a year ago wasn't it? 

Avatar
RobD | 4 years ago
0 likes

While not cheap, it's not exactly outrageous vs some high end builds.

Not sure the rider doing a bike throw at an imaginary finishing line with no competitors is really selling it for me though.

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