Rapha’s kit has always attempted to represent a nexus of form + function. The same can probably be said of Canyon bikes, although maybe at more of a pricing value. Not long ago the two companies joined creative forces, and now have announced a super limited edition Ultimate CF SLX Aero road bike wrapped in an exclusive and striking Rapha Cycling Club livery.
Available only by invitation to Rapha Cycling Club members, each of the 50 hand-painted frames will wear the owner’s personal RCC member number and chapter logo. The gray-black fade paint is accented with Rapha pink in keeping with the club’s own personalized line of riding gear.
Rapha x Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Aero road bike
When deciding on a graphic scheme and build plan, Rapha’s designers said, “It was a case of looking at the bike as a whole and working with the lines Canyon have designed; bringing out the craftsmanship and engineering that have created such ground-breaking technology.”
The foundation for the build is Canyon’s Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Aero frameset. Using the brand’s Sport Pro geometry, it was developed for aerodynamic efficiency while racing, yet comfortable enough for long days in the saddle with other RCC members on their weekly club rides.
Rolling on Zipp NSW 404 carbon clinchers, its drivetrain builds around SRAM’s top road kit. The wireless Red eTap groupset accentuates the bike’s clean lines and delivers crisp shifting that can be fine tuned to the rider’s preferences. Available in seven sizes, the RCC Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Aero clocks in at UCI-illegal 6.35kg/14.0lb. The bike has a retail of €7,000, not including the annual RCC membership fee.
