Ultimate or Endurace: Which is better for you?

Just like bicycle riders have strengths and preferences, so, too, do Canyon bike models. Luckily, finding the right road bike for you has never been easier. 

So what kind of rider are you? Do you long for epic ride days? Is your idea of pedaling nirvana a six-hour ride over back roads? Start your search on the Endurace bike page. But if you live for your weekend race series or see a town-limit sign as an opportunity to outsprint your ride buddies, then you’ll love Canyon’s Ultimate line of high-performance race bikes. Here’s why. 

Most of a bike’s handling characteristics are determined by its geometry. A true race bike, the Ultimate features more aggressive geometry. If you love riding low in the drops, this is the bike for you. The Endurace is still a fast bike, but the subtle geometry differences allow you to sit more upright for comfort. 

The stack – the vertical height from the bottom bracket to the head tube – and reach – the horizontal distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the head tube – are key. The bigger stack number, the more upright your riding position. An increased reach means a longer riding position, which is key for a race bike. Likewise, shorter chainstays help a bike feel twitchier and more responsive. 

Comparing the Ultimate and Endurace models in a size medium, the Endurace has 30mm taller stack height, while the Ultimate has 15mm longer reach and slightly shorter chainstays and wheelbase. These seemingly subtle differences give each model their unique character. 

Certain Endurace models, such as the CF 8 Di2, offer the unique S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost, giving riders 20 mm of vertical deflection while in the saddle. Basically, the carbon leaf spring construction feels firm when on flat roads, but absorbs the bumps and jolts when riding over rough payment. That little bit of extra comfort truly helps during long-ride days. 

No Ultimate models offer a suspension seatpost. A slightly harsher ride is the price you pay for speed. 

Canyon engineers claim the fifth-generation Ultimate offers the perfect balance of weight, aerodynamics, stiffness, robustness, and comfort. The lightweight frame floats at the bottom of the legal UCI minimums, but still has a carbon-reinforced top tube, as well as seat and chain stays, to withstand stress from racing. On its CFR models, Canyon uses the most advanced carbon fiber to create a bike with class-leading stiffness-to-weight ratio. 

The Ultimate frame is also one of the most aero Canyon engineers have ever designed; even the seatpost has been redesigned to keep drag to an absolute minimum. Head tube stiffness was increased by 15 percent over the previous Ultimate model, making it even more agile. It responds to the lightest movement, perfect for when you’re riding in a tight bunch and need to respond to an attack or possible crash. 

Although the Endurace is considered an endurance bike, it shares much of the Ultimate aero-profile. Even with its more upright riding position, it may be the fastest endurance bike ever. Higher-end SLX and CFR Endurace models feature internal top tube storage, while the less expensive CF models include top tube rivets to fit your preferred storage case.  

Cable routing is completely internal for both the Endurace and Ultimate models. 

When you purchase a Canyon bike, you’re buying years worth of engineering and expertise. Canyon’s engineers and sponsored athletes, including current world road-racing champion Mathieu van der Poel, worked with one another and aerodynamic experts Swiss Side to create and refine the best bicycles in the world. Much of the innovation that was introduced on the Ultimate has made its way into this newest iteration of the Endurace. 

Both the Endurace and Ultimate boast the Canyon’s integrated handlebar and stem combo that allows for three width choices and hassle-free height adjustment, while eliminating the need to saw off part of the steerer tube. Not only does this integrated cockpit work tremendously well, it’s sleek appearance makes the bike look even sleeker. 

Components are going to be remarkably similar between the models. Buyers can choose between models built with quality SRAM or Shimano components, either cable-actuated or electronic. 

Ultimate wheels may have more of an aero profile than the Endurace models, depending on which model you choose. The Endurace can accept wheels with up to 35 mm tires, while the Ultimate accepts up to 32 mm tires. 

The Endurace and Ultimate are both incredible bikes, so it can be a bit daunting to choose, but don’t fret. Luckily, both lines feature multiple options to fit within nearly every rider’s budget.  

For more detailed information on the specifications or if you have additional questions, be sure to check out our bike comparison tool. Just hit compare on the page, and you can choose up to two other bikes to analyze components, geometry, and more. 

Still can’t decide between the two models (and you can’t afford or have the garage space for both)? Try taking them for a test ride at one of Canyon’s demo centers such as the one in Carlsbad, California and test ride centers in Europe. If after a few rides you feel like you’ve made the wrong decision, you can easily exchange it, thanks to Canyon’s generous 30-day return policy.