Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 vs Specialized Tarmac SL8 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2

Both are race bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.

The short answer

For a typical all-round rider the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 comes out ahead (74% against 71%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Canyon

Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2

74% for a typical rider

£5,249 at Brand website

✓ Checked

Specialized

Tarmac SL8 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2

71% for a typical rider

£5,499 at Brand website

✓ Checked

What actually separates them

Price: The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 is £250 cheaper — £5,249 against £5,499.
Climbing gear: The Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2 has the easier bottom gear (29 gear inches against 32), which matters more than weight on anything genuinely steep.

Side by side

Spec	Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2	Tarmac SL8 Expert - Shimano Ultegra Di2
Price	£5,249	£5,499
Weight	7.1 kg	7.2 kg
Frame	carbon	carbon
Groupset	Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 12-speed	Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 2x12 electronic
Stack / reach	1.42	1.43
Tyre clearance	32 mm	32 mm
Lowest gear	29 in	32 in
Mudguard mounts	No	No
Comfort	37	30
Speed	86	87
Climbing	81	72
Value	2	0

Neither might be the right answer

This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.

Find my bike