I’m trying to compare how much steering/cockpit flex is normal on recent Canyon Ultimate/Aeroad models.
I have a 2025 Ultimate CFR, and I’m getting noticeable torsional flex around the steering/cockpit area. The headset does not feel loose, the preload seems tight, and everything around the headset/cockpit has been torqued to spec, so it does not feel like simple headset play.
My previous Canyon Endurace felt rock solid descending at around 90 km/h. On this Ultimate CFR, the front end starts feeling dodgy above about 50 km/h, which has really affected my confidence.
Has anyone else had similar steering/cockpit flex? If so, did Canyon inspect it or fix/replace anything under warranty, such as the fork, steerer, or cockpit?
I'm not sure if Canyon support are trying to gaslight, but they said they have tested on their Ultimate CFR test bikes, and when holding the wheel between their knees and moving the cockpit, they experience the same thing.
Canyon Ultimate CFR Steering Flex
byu/i_dont_really_post inCanyonBikes
by i_dont_really_post
26 Comments
I have an Ultimate 2023. Cero flex. I think the normal is none. 😟
That’s certainly isn’t normal, should be zero. A missing part or not enough torque on the bolts?
That looks insane. Contact canyon.
Not normal. Keep pushing back on Canyon or take to trusted shop/mechanic for assessment.
I am pretty sure its not torqued enought. it seem you ony torqued the top screw and forget the one behind the handlebar
I have a 2025 Endurace CF and it’s also solid. No flex whatsoever. I can video if useful, but perhaps not a relevant comparison.
Weird flex but ok
Kinda Looks Like it’s Not torqued to spec and thats why it’s flexing that much
Warranty the frame.
Buy a tarmac.
No way thats all flex. Are you sure the stem is tight around the fork? Try and twist it only one direction.
I’ve been dealing with similar issues, 2024 Ultimate CF SLX. I’ve been trying to get Canyon to warranty the fork, as we’ve eliminated all other possibilities, but it’s a long long process. Mine isn’t nearly as bad as yours though- that looks horrifying- but otherwise exact same feeling g of loss of control and confidence getting over 50km/h on descents.
I HAVE been able to improve it- I replaced the fork clamp with their newer model of that part, replaced the headset bearings with SLT bearings from AireVelo, and made sure to put carbon paste where the screw clamps to the stem. As for the torque, I have the CP0018 bars, and they’re supposed to be at 12nm- I slightly over torque to 12.5nm. In the meantime, a local shop is helping on working to get Canyon to replace the fork. They have been very responsive and helpful, but like I said, it’s been a much longer process than it should be. I’ll post if there’s any updates, and good luck with yours!
Is the headset loose? I believe it’s spring loaded, and need the special tool too load the spring. Then you can tighten the exterior bolt on the stem
I wanna say it’s the GP7066-02 Fork Clamp Kit? It’s very similar to the previous version, but a better screw (less likely to get stripped) and I think the clamp itself is supposed to be less likely to get corroded.
That is not flex, the handle bars and stem are loose and moving side ways, probably not torqued enough or something isn’t right with the headset compression
Loose headset
return it please
That looks less like flex and more like something loose/assembled improperly. Be very direct with canyon, this is not OK.
My ultimate slx 8 has the same issue. Went to Canyon Service Center and they say it’s normal… I don’t think you did something wrong with the installation tbh.
Your grub screw that tightens the bars to the fork is loose. 12nm
Or the piece that it threads into is missing / broken
That’s not meant to happen on any bike. Warranty it
Sorry to state the maybe obvious but I did not know that when I first checked my ultimate. Do you have the cockpit where you need the “special tool” to tighten the headset?
It’s like a screw with a handle. It is canyon specific and I had to order it specifically to tighten mine.
Not okay. Don’t ride with this and get someone from a higher instance at canyon to look at it.
A few days ago there was a bike shop that made a post about this issue, they changed everything and the problem remained – canyon said it was normal. Which can only mean that canyon sucks, and their steerer design is borderline dangerous.
I have the same cockpit, and what fixed it for me was loosening the horizontal screw in the headset, making sure the bolt was centered in the hole, and then retightening it.
It could also be related to how the cables are routed through the headset. Either way, don’t ride it like this and have a proper mechanic take a look at it.
The other bike, not the Canyon, looks like the top cap is on backwards.
I have the Canyon Ultimate CF 7 which has what looks like the same cockpit and I had the same issue when I received the bike. I had to tighten the screws so much that made the bike uneasy ro ride. Since it was new, I reported to Canyon and I sent the bike to one of their bike shop partners. They told me it was due to an issue with the internal cables and that they had to replace them. After that, no issues.