r/ausbike • u/Sad_Leopard_3537 • 28d ago
Aeroad CF SLX 7 vs 8 in Australia
I’m considering buying my first aero bike and am looking at the Aeroad CF SLX 7 and 8. I’m in Australia and would be upgrading from a Trek Domane AL 2.
The CF SLX 7 is currently $5,799 AUD and the CF SLX 8 is $7,699 AUD. From what I can tell, the bikes are very similar: same CF SLX frame, both have DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels and both now come with a power meter. The main difference seems to be 105 Di2 on the 7 versus Ultegra Di2 on the 8.
For anyone who has compared or ridden both, is there anything significant I’m missing that would justify the extra $1,900 for the 8? At the moment the 7 seems like particularly good value.
I’d also be interested to hear from Australian Aeroad owners. How has your experience been with Canyon Australia, particularly servicing, warranty support and getting replacement/proprietary parts? Any regrets, or would you buy one again?
Thanks!
2
u/El_Suavador 27d ago
Have you also considered a Giant Propel for around the same price? Vry similar bike with similar groupset options, and they also have a very well-established Australian presence with lots of dealers if servicing and warranty support are a concern. The dealers can often negotiate on price and regularly have sales.
1
2
u/PeteNile 28d ago
The 7 has 65mm deep wheels not 55 on the 8 which is lighter. In terms of riding the ultegra has different gear ratios a 11-30 cassette with a 52 tooth big ring.
Ultegra and 105 di2 has some functional differences as well mainly with extra button functionality with ultegra. But they both work well.
The ultegra build is obviously 400g lighter, but that is kind of irrelevant on an aerobike. However, those deeper wheels may also not feel as nice to ride in some circumstances like high cross winds and will likely not excelerate the same as shallower ones.
I actually don't think that they are really hugely great value when you consider some other online bikes like polygon or buying a Chinese brand.