Is it worth upgrading a Canyon Ultimate CF SL 2023?

[k0M_hUnter]

Had a similar thread about wheelsets some time ago.

I still have too much free time, so I keep roaming websites like this and get jealous of all the new stuff.

• I have already upgraded it through the years with
  
  • Elite Wheels Drive 1
  • Sram Force E1 shifters/FD/Cassette
  • Sram Force D1 RD
  • Incolor crankarms + PQ Chainrings

• Probably a purchase of a “climbing” bike was a mistake since the beginning, as I am muscular guy (min. 77kg, usually 83, have reached also ~88 after few months of full body gym sessions. Now trying to go back to 83 and less, by focusing only on legs. Height: 177cm
• Also aero bikes weights are now close to the “old” climbing bikes
• There is some brake rub, but not always when I expect it. eg. when climbing out of the saddle, but not when I was doing sprints yesterday ~around 1200-1300Watts. Maybe it was there but didn’t hear it because of the adrenaline/air noise?
  
  • Not sure if all bikes do that. My previous bike was with rim brakes.
  • or Canyon Ultimate's (SL) fork is not that stiff

So after these thoughts and excuses...what will I get after buying a XMCS VRT, QuickPro ER: One, Tavelo Arow (or similar)?

• (Most probably I will just move the current gear to the new frame. Maybe change the wheels with Zen or XMCS)
• Will my life change?
• Will I be a better father?
• Will I get KOMs easier?
• Do the above selections have stiffer forks/front end?
• ...or I will just have spent ~2000 extra euros for the looks? (
• Any other suggestion for an aero frame <1000gr (Medium - 52)
• The geometry of the XMCS VRT is "identical" to my bike. Does it mean that it doesn't have progressive geo or that my Canyon had already a somewhat progressive one?
  
My current toy:

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[Da11as]

Not worth it if bigger tires still fit. With that much muscle mass you represent A LOT of the overall drag (I assume you have wide back and 3d printed deltoids), the same upper body muscle mass also prevents you from getting into sustainable aggressive position. Overall, you won't benefit much from a presumably more aero frame unless my assumptions are wrong and all these 88kgs are broiler legs.

BUT if you care and like aesthetics of an aero bike and want to have one, than it is totally worth it.

[k0M_hUnter]

  Not massive legs or MASSIVE back, but generally more muscular-wide than a skinny climber.
Here, I am around 85 kg

and here I think even more


Definitely like the aesthetics.
Now I have 30mm front (measuring ~32) and 32 back (measuring ~34mm) and there is still some space left.

[hubba]

It depends what you're looking for. For the performance it's not worth it. The frame itself is only a few watts difference. If you can afford it and want a better looking bike that motivates you then it might be worth it.

I changed from Canyon Endurace CF SLX to Quick Pro ER One. I'm definitely faster but not a lot. The Canyon was 7kg and the Quick Pro is 6.7kg. Aero bikes are now in climbing bike weights now as you said.

As a bigger guy with some watts it makes sense to get an aero bike and target the flats. But instead of going for the fastest frame look for a frame that puts yourself in a fast and comfortable position.

I have a decent amount of muscle I'm 186cm / 77kg you're built like a tank.

As for my upgrade I did basically spend 2000+ to get a better looking bike. But I don't regret it because that's mostly what I was after. Being a bit faster is a nice bonus.

[Serge_K]

1st of all, at your weight, solving for a sub 1000g frame makes no sense.

Your existing bike is capable.

In your shoes, i would consider a new frame that's 1. aero (you have the watts for it) and 2. clears the new conti gp5000 in 35C, which means 40mm measured on modern rims.
Such tyres will be a step up, and future proof the frame. Logically, such frame will also have a high stack, which should in turn allow you to be at FTP in a clean aero tuck, as opposed to being uncomfortable in that position.
Otherwise you're mostly just getting an aero frame for the looks (it's your money, if it makes you happy, go for it).

Bikes with high stack: Pinarello X, Reppit from that dude on YT, the light carbon 18D (to a lesser extent).
If you want to play with aero positions, you can buy a cockpit w positive stack and a long stem, see how that affects power efficiency and speed. Could let you tinker and optimise before you buy a whole new rig.

[k0M_hUnter]

What about an aero Gravel bike (eg. XMCS GRT, Tavelo Grow, Lightcarbon LCR72) with a set of wheels for 35mm tires and an optional one for "max clearance width" tires for off-road days.

Are there any aero tests between (aero) road bikes vs aero gravel bikes:
- with rider
- with road wheels/tires

If the difference is 2-3 watts, who cares?

I wouldn't mind having an all in one bike for:
- Racing: Higher stack, can hold aero position for longer + wider tires, won't worry for the crappy roads
- Brevets: Higher stack, shorter reach, like riding on a sofa
- Potential off-road fun to explore all the gravel roads in my area

...although I don't think 1x is convenient for both MAAAX speed (like 10% downhill ) plus 10% uphill for my weight, plus having enough gears in between to have always the optimal one

[Serge_K]

What about an aero Gravel bike (eg. XMCS GRT, Tavelo Grow, Lightcarbon LCR72) with a set of wheels for 35mm tires and an optional one for "max clearance width" tires for off-road days.

Are there any aero tests between (aero) road bikes vs aero gravel bikes:
- with rider
- with road wheels/tires

If the difference is 2-3 watts, who cares?

I wouldn't mind having an all in one bike for:
- Racing: Higher stack, can hold aero position for longer + wider tires, won't worry for the crappy roads
- Brevets: Higher stack, shorter reach, like riding on a sofa
- Potential off-road fun to explore all the gravel roads in my area

...although I don't think 1x is convenient for both MAAAX speed (like 10% downhill ) plus 10% uphill for my weight, plus having enough gears in between to have always the optimal one

be very careful there, comes down to geometry (and gearing, and equipment choices). I bought a VB G002 because i drank the koolaid from GCN with "one bike to do it all", and it sucked so bad i bought my current road bike within months.
If you do a jesse coyle and it turns out that the Tavelo Grow is indeed a quasi road bike and stuff, then sure.
But "a gravel bike is capable on the road" is NOT correct. "SOME gravel bikes are capable on the road". And a minute understanding of bike geometries / rider position is far from simple. Then layer on top gearing and component choices.