I’m finally ready to buy an Aeroad CF SLX 8, but I’m torn between these two builds.
Ultegra Di2 + DT Swiss ARC 1600:
https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/aero-bikes/aeroad/cf-slx/aeroad-cf-slx-8-di2/4533.html?dwvar_4533_pv_rahmenfarbe=R107_P01
Force AXS + Zipp 404:
https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bikes/aero-bikes/aeroad/cf-slx/aeroad-cf-slx-8-axs/4532.html?dwvar_4532_pv_rahmenfarbe=R107_P01
I was honestly 99% set on the Force build. I really wanted the fully wireless setup, the Zipp wheels, and especially the Metallic Acid color. Unfortunately, the Metallic Acid bike isn’t available in my size (Small) on the North American site, and Canyon is showing October for availability. The only Force bike I could get sooner is white, and I’d honestly rather wait than buy a color I don’t really want.
For reference, I’m 5’10”, 31” inseam, 92 kg, and Canyon recommends a Small. This is definitely a “buy once, cry once” purchase that I plan on keeping for a long time.
For those who’ve ridden or owned these builds:
Which would you choose and why?
Which one is actually lighter?
Is Force AXS noticeably better than Ultegra Di2, or are they pretty much on par?
How do the DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels compare to the Zipp 404s? Are they just as good, or are the Zipps in another league?
Will the DT Swiss wheels have that same deep aero “whoosh” sound and ride feel, or do the Zipps feel noticeably more premium?
Is there anything I’m overlooking in terms of reliability, maintenance, resale, or long-term ownership?
One thing that’s also confusing me is the wheel specs. The canyon page mentions “50 mm Zipp 404 carbon wheels,” but I’ve also seen references to 404 Firecrests which are 58mm, and the photos look shallower than the last 404 on previous colors etc. Has anyone recently received this exact bike? If so, what wheels actually came on it?
If you were spending your own money, would you wait until October for the Force build in Metallic Acid, or would you just buy the Ultegra build now?
Thanks! I’d love to hear from anyone who’s owned either bike.
by Fearless-Air-5351
5 Comments
So I’ll comment with a slightly difference perspective. I have AXS Apex/GX on my gravel.
I contemplated SRAM for road but ended up with 105. I like it a lot. I prefer to have separate buttons for the front duerailler. I didn’t like SRAMs both-at-once shift. I customized the 105 buttons so that both right shifter buttons go to faster gears, and both left buttons go to easier gears.
L-FD down/RD down.
R-FD up/RD up
And as for DTs 1600 they’re fine but I’ve read they’re heavier than average for carbon. Like 1650g or something instead of say, 1200-1400g. Easy swap to a different ratchet set though at least and no other negative comments. I def didn’t want to get into hookless though.
Shimano.
I personally prefer the Shimano group set for two reasons. (1) The battery is one large battery in the seat stem. It will last for a very long time and you can’t forget to pack it. I had friends who forgot their SRAM battery on the charger and drove out for the group ride. If the battery does run low the system will limit to rear only shifting to conserve power. (2) The break fluid is mineral oil which is easy to clean and non-toxic. SRAM uses the same DOT break fluid your car uses.
I can’t comment on the wheels as I ride a cheaper set. The group set alone would decide it for me, though.
Switched from Shimano to Sram few years ago and there is no going back. I have the CF SLX 8 with force and it is such a fun bike 🙃
Someone mentioned that currently they still ship the bike with firecrests till a certain day but i don’t remember when was it that they will switch to the S.
I have DT Swiss on my gravel bike, the Zipp wheels are definitely nicer.
Lastly im almost the same height and inseam as you and S fits perfectly
I recently purchased the aeroad CF SLX 7 with SRAM Rival. I’m same specs as you except my inseam is 31.75 and I’m still a small. I’m also coming off an 54cm S-Works Roubaix with ultegra. I like being able to pull the front derailleur battery out and moving it to the rear (in a pinch) vs Di2. In terms of color, if you’re stating “buy once cry once” which I’m a big fan of btw, I would wait for what you want. The white is clean though and looks great. I pulled the trigger on the Kaze because charcoal always looks clean even when a little dirty. This is my first electronic group set and it’s super intuitive. Hope this helps and you get what you want!