2024 Canyon Ultimate vs Pinarello F

Our bicycle maestro Bernard Lu compares the Canyon Ultimate and Pinarello F , comparing the variant, features, technologies and pricing.

Experienced cyclist turned writer with 7+ years working in bike shops, overseeing retail and workshop operations.
Updated:

This article compares the Canyon Ultimate and Pinarello F.

I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology (Canyon Carbon Fiber and Pinarello TorayCa Carbon) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.

The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Canyon Ultimate and Pinarello F.

Canyon UltimatePinarello F
Type of bikeAll-rounderAll-rounder
Frame materialCFR carbon
CF SLX carbon
CF SL carbon
TorayCa T900 carbon
TorayCa T700 carbon
Frame sizesXXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL430, 465, 500, 515, 530, 545, 560, 575, 595
GroupsetShimano, SRAM (12-speed)Shimano, SRAM (12-speed)
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
CablingInternalInternal
Price (USD)$3,999 to $9,999Check with local retailers
Overview of Canyon Ultimate and Pinarello F

Canyon Ultimate

Canyon Ultimate CFR Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2. Photo : Canyon

The Canyon Ultimate is an all-rounder bike. Canyon claims that the Ultimate has an unrivaled stiffness-to-weight ratio, debunking the myth that a lightweight bike is not stiff enough to perform at the highest levels of cycling.

It’s the bike the pros rode to two World Championships and three Grand Tours wins in recent years with Alejandro Valverde, Nairo Quintana, and Richard Carapaz.

The flagship model, Canyon Ultimate CFR is the latest addition with the lightest setup weighing 6.52kg. The Ultimate CFR has the best electronic shifting groupsets from SRAM or Shimano. Next in line is the CF SLX weighing 6.98kg, and CF at 7.6kg.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Canyon Ultimate CFR eTapCFR carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSZipp 353 NSW$9,999
Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2CFR carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2DT Swiss PRC 1100$9,499
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9 Di2CF SLX carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2DT Swiss ARC 1100$6,999
Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2CF SLX carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R9200)DT Swiss ARC 1400$5,499
Canyon Ultimate CF SL 7CF SL carbonSRAM Rival eTap AXSDT Swiss P 1800$3,999
Canyon Ultimate models lineup

Pinarello F

Pinarello F Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Pinarello F Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Photo : Pinarello

The Pinarello F, announced in February 2023 is a new series of road bikes that replaces the Pinarello Prince, which was a popular model for many years.

The Pinarello F is designed to be a more affordable version of the Pinarello Dogma F, which is the flagship race bike of the Italian brand. The Pinarello F has the same competition geometry as the Dogma F but uses a lower grade of carbon fiber to lower the overall cost. It carries all the distinctive features of the Dogma F, such as the Onda fork, the asymmetric frame, and the TiCR internal cable routing.,

The Pinarello F comes in three models; F9, F7, and F5, and only with Shimano Di2 groupsets. The difference between the F series models lies in the carbon fiber grade and groupset.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelset
Pinarello F9Toray T900 carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Most Ultrafast 40
Pinarello F7Toray T900 carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Most Ultrafast 40
Pinarello F5Toray T700 carbonShimano 105 Di2 (R7100)Most Ultrafast 40
Pinarello F models lineup

Canyon vs Pinarello carbon fiber

Canyon Carbon Fiber (CF)

Canyon’s innovative approach to bike design includes the utilization of advanced carbon fiber technology, resulting in performance-oriented bicycles that offer remarkable strength, reduced weight, and improved ride quality.

Canyon employs three main types of carbon fiber in their range of bikes; CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, each offering unique benefits to cater to your needs and budgets.

  1. Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) Carbon is the top-tier carbon fiber used by Canyon, designed for maximum performance. Bikes built with CFR carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Canyon line-up, favored by professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike. The CFR series represents the pinnacle of Canyon’s engineering prowess and innovation, employing state-of-the-art materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
  2. Canyon CF SLX Carbon is a step below CFR, but it still offers exceptional performance characteristics. It used to be the highest-grade carbon in Canyon’s arsenal until the introduction of the CFR series. Bikes with CF SLX carbon frames provide a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and comfort, making them highly versatile for a range of riding conditions.
  3. Canyon CF SL Carbon is the entry-level carbon fiber in Canyon’s range, but it still offers excellent performance. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme weight savings and stiffness of the CFR and CF SLX grades, CF SL frames are still impressively light and stiff, providing excellent performance for the value. Ideal for cyclists who desire a high-quality, performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank, the CF SL series is a testament to Canyon’s commitment to delivering value and performance.

Pinarello TorayCa

Pinarello uses Torayca carbon in their bikes due to the material’s performance characteristics and the consistency of its quality. Toray’s manufacturing processes ensure a high level of control over the properties of carbon fiber, resulting in a reliable and predictable material.

Different grades of Torayca carbon are used in Pinarello bikes, which are distinguished by their moduli. The T in T1100, T900, T700, and T600 refers to Torayca, and the number denotes the grade of the carbon fiber.

A higher number equates to a higher grade of carbon, which in turn offers more stiffness and less weight, but also typically costs more to produce.

  • T1100 carbon is the top Pinarello’s carbon offering. This high-end carbon fiber blend is created for the ultimate stiffness-to-weight ratio. Utilizing the highest quality carbon fiber available, Pinarello designs frames with T1100 Carbon for their flagship, Pinarello Dogma F series.
  • T900 carbon is another high-quality carbon fiber offering from Pinarello, albeit slightly less stiff and lightweight than T1100. It’s used in the Pinarello F series road bikes, such as the F9 and F7.
  • T700 carbon is a step down from the T900 but still offers a solid balance between weight, stiffness, and cost. It’s found in mid-range models, such as the Pinarello F5.
  • T600 carbon is the entry level of Pinarello’s carbon range, is heavier, less stiff, and more comfortable. It’s used in the Endurance road bike series, the Pinarello X.

Frameset technologies and innovations

Canyon Ultimate and Pinarello F framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.

Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.

Canyon Ultimate

NameDescription
CFR CarbonCanyon Factory Racing (CFR) Carbon is the highest-grade carbon fiber used by Canyon. It’s designed for ultimate performance, with CFR carbon frames being the lightest and stiffest in Canyon’s range. This carbon is employed for the most performance-driven models in Canyon’s lineup.
Pro GeometryPro Geometry is Canyon’s design approach that tailors each bike frame’s size with specific tube dimensions and carbon layups, optimizing performance and ride characteristics for riders of different sizes. This ensures that every rider, irrespective of their size, enjoys a consistent and optimal cycling experience.
Adjustable Cockpit CP0018The Canyon Ultimate CFR and CF SLX feature the innovative Cockpit CP0018, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and versatility. With fully internal cable routing, it offers a clean look and enhanced aerodynamics. The unique wing design allows for easy bike packing, eliminating the hassle of dealing with internal routing.

Its innovative width adjustment feature lets you switch between narrow, medium, and wide settings (390-430mm) using just one tool. It provides a total adjustment range of 40mm (+/- 20mm on each side), allowing you to fine-tune your fit for comfort and efficiency.
CP
Ultimate System CompleteThis design principle ensures that the Canyon Ultimate is developed as a complete system, incorporating frame, fork, seat post, stem, handlebar, and even spacers into the design process. The goal is to maximize performance and rider comfort, making the Ultimate a highly-efficient and enjoyable bike to ride.
Aero TestingCanyon uses cutting-edge technologies and tools to achieve aerodynamic efficiency, including wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

These tools help them simulate and analyze airflow over the bike, enabling Canyon to refine the design for optimal aerodynamics. Canyon’s rigorous testing approach ensures the Ultimate offers superior aerodynamic performance.
Canyon Ultimate’s frameset features and technologies

Pinarello F

NameDescription
TorayCa carbon fiberPinarello F series uses different types of carbon fiber to best suit each rider’s needs. The F9 models use TorayCa T900 UD, which is incredibly strong and lightweight.

The F7 models use T900 carbon fiber, which offers the ideal balance between responsiveness, weight, and vibration absorption.
Nanoalloy TechnologyImplemented in the carbon fiber resin, this technology uses microscopic nanoparticles to form a composite material highly resistant to impacts and fatigue. This means the bike frame maintains its structural integrity under stress and over time, reinforcing the quality of the Pinarello F.
TiCRTotal Internal Cable Routing (TiCR) is the state-of-the-art internal cable routing system that sets the standard across the whole bike industry. This system is versatile, accommodating both wireless and electro-mechanical group sets.

TiCR completely conceals the cables within the bar/stem or integrated handlebar. This not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves aerodynamic performance and protects the cables from external elements.
Asymmetric frameThe Pinarello F series has an asymmetric frame that compensates for the unbalanced forces generated by the drivetrain. The right side of the frame is stiffer and stronger than the left side, to improve power transfer and efficiency. The asymmetric frame also enhances the handling and stability of the bike
FlatBack ProfileThe FlatBack Profile is a significant aerodynamic feature in the Pinarello F. Essentially, it’s a truncated aerofoil design that provides an aerodynamic advantage while adhering to the 3:1 rule set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

By using this design, the bike achieves excellent aerodynamic performance with minimal lateral wind resistance. This means less energy is expended fighting wind resistance, leading to greater speed and efficiency.
Onda ForkThe Onda Fork is a distinctive Pinarello technology that has been around since 2000. This fork’s unique design offers precise steering abilities, stability, and a notable reduction of both longitudinal and lateral shocks. It does this by effectively absorbing road vibrations and dissipating them before they can reach the rider, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Pinarello F’s frameset features and technologies

Where to buy

Canyon shops

Pinarello retailers

Bernard Lu at Mr.Mamil

Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.

If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.