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Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 SL Aero Complete Bike Light bike: 1165g frame and forks. You're saving something like 400g compared to a Giant Propel or Merida Reacto. The handling characteristics are excellent, the frame is comfortable and the position is designed for comfort (taller head tube means higher handlebars). Racers may lower the front end by requesting a low profile headset. Aerodynamically, this frame is on a par with the Canyon Aeroad CF. The frames would be almost identical over a simulated hilly 60 mile ride. In fact, they're now calling it the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Aero. Since Canyon sell direct to the consumer, some layers of profit margin are removed, so the price is excellent. Be aware that canyon also offer a sponsorship scheme where anyone with a racing licence can get a discount on certain models. (Approximately $200 discount on a $2500 frame). The Movistar team is using Campagnolo Super Record EPS with Bora ULTRA 2 wheels. Of course, this would cost more than the standard model on the Canyon website. Highly recommended. Brilliant bikes at a great price. Weight: 6800g RRP in USD: $6300 for the standard model on website. You can get Canyons at a discounted price from the factory outlet. | |
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Campagnolo BORA Ultra 2 tubular Wheels 50mm deep carbon rims, carbon hubs, ceramic bearings, low front spoke count, light weight, reputable manufacturer. Nothing there points to bad performance. They are well liked wheels which feel solid and reliable. I hesitate to say they feel fast, as in my opinion, wheels never do. How can you tell if you're going 1mph faster? The question is, do you like the bold graphics, and do you mind paying the high asking price? At that price you could look at the Lightweight Meilenstein which is 210g lighter (and $600 cheaper). Perhaps consider the Bora One wheels which have the same rim but alloy hubs and steel bearings and are only about 30-40g heavier but around $1,300 less. Weight: 1310g 565g front 745g rear RRP in USD: $4365 The Bora Ultra Two tubular wheelset sells for $3478 here  . There's no clincher version available.At this price, perhaps look at Lightweight or ENVE wheels at $2950. If you are a Campagnolo rider, you won't be able to run C50 tubular wheels - $2145 at Wiggle , which are a fair bit cheaper. | |
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Power2Max Movistar Campagnolo Power meter I know a couple of people who have these and they say they're fantastic. It is crank based, like the SRM, from Germany, and appears to do the job with minimal fuss and at a reasonable price ($1300 includes cranks but no rings or head unit). They are a little bit lighter than SRM. Early units had reports of temperature drift, but this has been addressed at Mar 14. Pros: Reliable, reasonable price, easy to swap between bikes, no magnets to install, calibrates to temperature, user can swap battery. Cons: Not as fancy as an SRM. Weight: 809g RRP in USD: $1299 no chain rings or head unit There's no web discounts seen on these so far as you need to buy direct from the manufacturer. The site is here and prices start from EURO 940 without cranks to EURO 1690 with Super Record cranks included. | |
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Ultra-Torque Ti EVO Cranks To fit the cranks requires Campagnolo's proprietary installation and removal tools. Campagnolo UT-BB120 tool Bottom Bracket Cup tool Campagnolo UT-BB110 tool Ultra Torque fixing bolt tool You can also get a BB30 model. All Super Record bottom brackets are supplied with ceramic bearings. I don't believe the 3.5W saving over steel bearings, however. If you get the standard 'Super Record 11 Ultra Torque Titanium Crankset' then you'll save about $300 but will be 56g heavier. Can you bear it? Weight: 584g 172.5mm arms compact RRP in USD: $1025 Super Record 11 cranks are selling for $789 here  although these are compact or for
$635 here (standard 53x39).
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Campagnolo Super Record 2014 11 Speed Front Derailleur Very similar to the Record model, just 4g lighter and it says "Super" on the top. Regardless, it works well, trims, and will accommodate 24-55 teeth chainrings. Expensive when you think that a Shimano Di2 front derailleur is selling at $350. Weight: 129g RRP in USD: $855 You can buy an entire EPS upgrade kit in a box here for $2700  or just the front derailleur for $756 .
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed EPS Levers These work as well as the Shimano Di2 levers. They are probably easier to get used to, since the shifting control is similar to the mechanical version. These levers also give a more audible click compared to Di2, which you may prefer (I don't). With the downshift lever on the inside of the hood, it can be reached with your thumb while in the drops, so a special sprint button isn't required. These are actually cheaper than Dura-Ace and feature integrated CPU functions, but you still need a CPU fixed to your stem with ugly zip-ties. Weight: 265g pair RRP in USD: $780 pair A single lever sells for $253 here 
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed EPS Rear Derailleur It does look good with all that carbon. The motor is quite well hidden inside the derailleur body. The pulleys have holes to save weight, but these tend to fill with oily gunk, which weighs more than plastic. So unless you keep them very clean, the benefits will be lost. As with Shimano Di2, this derailleur has a 'Ride Back Home' function. If the battery dies or if there is a crash, the motor is uncoupled, so the derailleur may be positioned manually. Weight: 206g RRP in USD: $750 A Campagnolo Super Record EPS 11S Rear Derailleur 11S Short Cage Carbon sells for $468 here  and $765 here.
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed Cassette Five of the sprockets are steel (the smallest ones i.e. 11-15). The other 6 are steel. They are mounted on an aluminium body. The reason for using steel is to save weight, reduce cost and improve wear. it is better to use Ti on the larger cogs as these have less load on them, and can be made lighter than with steel. Its a fine balancing act. Light and quiet running, it is nevertheless rather expensive. Available sizes: 11-23, 11-25, 12-25, 12-27, 12-29 Weight: 177g (Actual: 194g for 12-27) RRP in USD: $470 The Record 11 cassette is selling for $299 for 12-25 here (other sizes more expensive, but 12-25 is a good cassette) and Super Record for $332.45 here. Chorus cassettes $145  are a fair bit cheaper and only 59g heavier.
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Look Keo Blade 2 Ti Pedals I've used look pedals since 1988, but in the last few years I changed to Shimano. I found that the Look cleats tended to fall apart very quickly (the non slip grip tore off followed by rapid wear of the plastic) and the bearings got crunchy after some wet rides. The slightly worn cleats would also rock from side to side (i.e. pitch introduced) which may have caused some knee niggles. The Shimano platform is more solid. Perhaps this has been solved with Look's new pedal body shape. Let me know if it has. I've also seen issues with the carbon blade delaminating or snapping, so check yours regularly. Perhaps the issue is solved with this wider blade. Note that the blades come in different spring strengths, with blue as the highest. There have been complaints about an aggressive seal on the pedals, which adds friction. Having said that, these pedals look fantastic, and if you have a Campagnolo group set, you can't be putting Shimano pedals on, can you? The price is high, so consider the Keo 2 Cromo steel axle version which is 20g heavier per pedal but 40% cheaper. Weight: 90g per pedal, 34g cleat RRP in USD: $400 Look Blade 2 with Cr-Mo axles sell for $164 here  or $393 for the Ti version.
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Fi'zi:k Arione R1 Carbon braided Saddle
If you go with the standard model you'll be 50g heavier but about $170 lighter. If you fall off, your saddle will get scraped. On the other hand, your saddle is quite visible, so perhaps you want to get something carbon and special. Note that these wingflex saddle have a habit of breaking after a year or so. The plastic in the middle snaps, resulting in a saggy saddle. this has happened to every Fi'zi:k saddle I've ever owned (3) and also those of friends, so whilst anecdotal, it does seem to be an issue. Weight: 195g RRP in USD: $370 The Arione R1 Carbon braided sells for $245  or
for an Arione CX (169g),
$190 at Bikewagon
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed Brakes A great functioning brake caliper, only available in black. The main issue is cleaning the things with all those holes. Brake dust and grime will accumulate, and you'll need pipe cleaners and ear buds to get it out. Who can be bothered with that? Campagnolo has finally fixed their brake pad issue. They used to be impossible to remove, which is a pain if you need to regularly change the pads for carbon or alloy rims. The pads now slide easily out of the shoes. The rear brake has a single pivot design, which makes the brake a little lighter and less powerful than the front dual pivot. This is useful, as less braking force is required at the rear wheel. Weight: 272g Mono/Dual pivot RRP in USD: $335 The single pivot version is selling for $300 here  or
$312.50 here
. The dual pivot version costs a more at
$390 here
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Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed Chain This chain has a Ni-PTFE treatment which should yield lower friction and a longer life. It runs quietly, and has a high 'retention force' so it is less likely to snap when being shifted under load. The major downside is the requirement to use a special Campagnolo chain tool (UT-CN 300 that's an anagram eh?) to join it. At nearly $200 that's a lot of money for a chain riveter. Normal tools don't work right. I recommend using a quick link instead. Weight: 245g RRP in USD: $84 You can buy a Campagnolo Record 11 Chain for $65 here  .You can also buy a KMC 11 - Speed Missing Link for $31  . The Park Tools chain tool is $53.50 .
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