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I often forget which bike I’m on while riding, so that’s to say I don’t sense or measure much difference. If I change wheels or tires on them, sure I feel and can measure speed differences, but I don’t think too much comes from just the frame. Probably what helmet you wear determines more watts. I’d get the one that looks nicer and fits well first.

I’ve generally found their size recommending tools to be good, and more helpful if you know at least some key bike dimensions. Like if between two sizes, probably better to opt for the one where your saddle height isn’t at an end of the available range. Otherwise, if really on the fence I personally prefer a smaller frame. Good luck

I’ve been using a cycleops hammer 2 for a long time, no issues that I know of

Thanks for the response, I wonder if the latest version also works. Also does it rock side to side to relieve stress on the frame?@@travishunnicutt1332

On mine the Ultimate takes a few mm wider, but these are both rim brake versions. I've used 30s on the Ultimate (rated for 28) and even confirmed they narrowly fit the Aeroad (rated 25) with no rubbing. The newest ones are all disc and should fit wider than either of mine. Between the two it makes sense the Aeroad would require smaller tires since the seatpost is shaped around the wheel. In spite of what is listed (and danger to warranty), both probably would fit 32s, if not larger.

170cm, saddle height 70cm from bottom bracket. Relatively flexible in terms of bike positioning

Yes, basically every component is the same between these two bikes (groupsets, lubes), including even the bar/stem combo since I changed the Aeroad's for the narrower type that came with the Ultimate. Aerodynamics are still very important on most things people call climbs, though the most determinant factors in aero are how the rider is positioned and what they are wearing. One of the biggest variables I have found with these bikes is in which wheels/tires I use, with deeper and slightly wider rims needing fewer watts up faster climbs (5%) than shallower/narrower.

From the model years I have, I've come to favor the ultimate since it's just a bit easier to travel with, maintain, etc. and handles better. The handling is most likely due more to size than how the frames are made. Picking between current model years would be difficult. The width adjustable handlebars originally on the Aeroad are appealing to me, but I think they also added those to Ultimates now.

I swap wheels between bikes all the time, so factored that out. But totally agree wheels and tires can really change how a bike feels and performs

This is the most common question! I’m 5’7. The Aeroad is a S, but with two more recent Canyons I went XS which fit a bit better. I agree their sizes seem to line up smaller than other brands.

@@travishunnicutt1332 thank you for your rapid response. I am looking to purchase the Ultimate CF SL 8, I think I will purchase a small, worst case scenario if it’s not the right fit I can return it within 30 days and go a size up. I wish I had the option like most brands to test ride for sizing purposes. But thank you again

That is a big difference. The names mean the Aeroad should have a higher grade carbon. Having never ridden anything but their SLX frames, I'm not sure I could tell the difference, but maybe there is one. Good luck selecting!

@@travishunnicutt1332 that’s true, the Aeroad has higher grade cf, but still.

28 is probably the safe max for the Aeroad, 30 for the Ultimate. The current versions in disc brakes all can run even larger.

I’m a few sets of GP5000TL in on mine, and never had too much trouble getting them on. Make sure the tire bead is in the channel, finish the second side at the valve. Adding a bit of water or soapy water to the bead helps it pop on when inflating, but usually I found if you use that channel the tire goes on well. Good luck!

@@travishunnicutt1332 thanks... Mine was extremely difficult... Haven't tried soap water though...

My saddle height is roughly 70cm (bb ring to mid saddle), which is the only significant adjustment choice you get. I also have a Grizl in XS and if getting a new Aeroad would size down as well. I never feel too cramped on the smaller frames, but also spend a lot of time in drops compared to most riders, so maybe am using more available space. If the adjustment ranges of two bikes work with room on both ends, I would always pick the smaller frame since it's almost certainly faster. I would also prefer needing to get a slightly longer stem to perfect reach than deal with a long top tube then super short stem, which could make handling a bit odd.

@@travishunnicutt1332 Thanks for replying Travis, that is good info. However, what I was really looking for were your personal measurements, rather than the bike's measurements. The Canyon website only allows 2 sizing criteria for fitting a bike, height and inseam. That's why I added my measurements to see how close they may be to your measurements, in hopes it could get me to focus on a S or XS. If that info is too personal to post publicly, I fully understand ...

@@giosal8822 67", 30-30.5 ish inseam, depending how snug to get! Personally I prefer to consider the needed bike measurements since two people with the same limbs might have vastly different cleat positions, heel drop, flexibility, etc., and end up with different ideals. You might be like me in that either one works fine and will have enough adjustability to make your fit work. Some people just have preferences for relatively more or less top tube and how it makes the bike feel. I'm in the prefer less camp, but not sure either is necessarily better if they both fit.

Я не очень много пробовал Ultra, но люблю WTO. Это лучшие колеса, которые я пробовал.

@@travishunnicutt1332 какая? Разница, между Бора Ультра, и Бора wto.ведь на Бора ультра стоят лучшие шарики .

The standard groupsets are the same, so no difference in gearing

I get the benefit of pizza cutters for mtb, but just hope they keep giving us options on the road. Even two years later its been interesting to see pros keep reaching for rim brakes when it matters, wet mountain descents included.

Yes, I’d go XS Aeroad if replacing. My fit is within the S range too, but I prefer the less head tube, shorter top tube route to get there. You’re about the same size as me.

@@travishunnicutt1332 thank you for your help.

aeroad is much lower on the front end. unless you are riding very aggressively on the defy, choosing the ultimate may be a wiser choice. no point choosing the aeroad and still retaining inches of stem spacers. you can fit the ultimate with a set of slightly deeper wheels to regain the aero loses.

67in/170cm

@@travishunnicutt1332 we are the same height what is the size of your canyon aeroad?

@@pranavprashant3915 the Aeroad is S, Ultimate XS. If I got a new Aeroad I would go XS.

@@travishunnicutt1332 Thankyou for the reply mate.

Which one will it be?

@@travishunnicutt1332 I’m picking the Ultimate CF SL 8 Rim XS. My first was an Endurance AL 7 Disc M from the Outlet last Spring. Had to shorten the Stem a lot. It’s a wonderful bike and very comfortable. I’ve ridden close to a thousand miles so far. I’m really enjoying the road bike sport.

@@William24009 Rim. Good choice!

They're great. The wheels are by far my favorite of any I've had, and the tire combo seems very fast. The lack of holes to tape up for tubeless is also something I'll look for in any future wheel purpose as well. Enjoy yours!

@@travishunnicutt1332 awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

Get what you can get and will fit you well. The difference between these two frames is very small, and at most is a few seconds on a higher speed climb (e.g. 5% gradient averaging 14+ mph for 20 minutes). I also very well could be wrong about the Aeroad being just slightly faster on an uphill shallow time trial since the difference is that small! Changing wheels, optimizing tire pressures, your own position, or getting more power by riding a few more hours every week are all more likely to show up as speed than small differences in frames.

I'm glad you found it useful!

Yes, if it's the SLX frame. Officially they say 28mm is the max tire size, but I've seen a 30mm used with plenty of clearance still. The rim internal dimensions can make a difference on what the actual safe maximum is.

If air is leaking from around the valve, often it means the rim tape has gaps in it. Not necessarily near the valve though. These wheels dont need tape except around the valve since there are no spoke holes.

@@travishunnicutt1332 Hello, I have the exactly same wheels ( mine are disks ) but I think I managed to do so ( first time with tubeless ). I let you know Thanks

Start by shopping for a dogma then “settle” for something else.