Since its release a few years back, electronic shifting has been desired by many. There was always one, major snag - the whopping price tag.
All that changed earlier this year with the launch of Shimano's Ultegra Di2, with the Japanese component maker promising that the electronic version of their second tier groupset could be picked up for a price similar to mechanical Dura-Ace. Anyone still doubting the affordability of UDi2 will sit up and take notice at the price Canyon have got this aluminium Ultimate AL 9.0 Di2 down to.
Squeezing in under the £2,000 barrier looks to mark this 2012 bike down as exceptional value. Yes, it has an aluminium rather than carbon frame but the specification is appealing nonetheless. You get a carbon fork, full Ultegra Di2 groupset, a basalt fibre seat post for a more forgiving ride and the not-too-shabby Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels.
While there is a lack of carbon parts elsewhere - the alloy Ritchey WCS stem and handlebars make up the cockpit - the overall bike weight is certainly no heavyweight, tipping our scales at 7.8kg with pedals.
Cycling Plus will be reviewing this machine as part of their 2012 Bike of the Year test.
Full specification:
- Price: £1,989
- Frame: Canyon New F8 Technology
- Fork: Canyon One One Four SLX
- Headset: Acros Ai-70 Fiber
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Brake levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra glossy grey
- Hubs: Mavic Ksyrium Equipe
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 6700 11-28
- Rims: Mavic Ksyrium Equipe
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 4000 S
- Cranks: Shimano Ultegra glossy grey
- Chainrings: 50/34
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano Press-Fit SM-BB91
- Stem: Ritchey WCS 4-Axis (31,8)
- Handlebar: Ritchey WCS Evo Curve
- Saddle: Selle Italia Race Special Edition
- Seat post: Canyon VCLS Post
