A collaboration between Canyon and the German music group Kraftwerk sounds like music to us. Together they designed the extremely limited Ultimate CF SLX Kraftwerk of which only 21 pieces are made.
The Tour-start in Düsseldorf brings a lot of things to our German friends. Tony Martin is focused on getting a yellow jersey in his own country, but the music world is also getting involved in the Tour circus. In honor of his contribution to music history, Kraftwerk gets its own bicycle design at Canyon. The artwork is based on the distinct sounds that Kraftwerk produces and with which it opened the door for many other artists.
PERSONAL MEMORIES
For Roman Arnold, founder, and CEO of Canyon, this collaboration is very personal. “My memories of parties in the cellars of friends as a teenager are dominated by the numbers of Kraftwerk,” he says. “The band has a special and unique connection with bikes. Everything they do and their music inspired our work at Canyon in many different ways. It is very special for us to be able to honor Kraftwerk in such an appropriate way with these beautiful bikes.”
SEVEN HOUR HANDWORK PER FRAME
The Ultimate CF SLX Kraftwerk is designed with the focus on performing in style. It consists of a frameset that has already won large rounds, combined with the wireless eTap group of Sram and Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels. The handmade piece of art is inspired by the famous live performances, the technical qualities of the band and his visionary approach to music. The geometric pattern that Ralf Hütter of Kraftwerk co-designed is said to be one of the most complex designs that the Canyon Design Team has ever used. Each reflective strip is cut to size and then applied manually with great precision. This complicated process takes no less than seven hours per frameset.
TOUR DE FRANCE-ALBUM
Düsseldorf is also the city where Kraftwerk first made its name in the legendary Kling Klang Studios. After that, the band of co-founder Ralf Hütter became more famous and even made an album about cycling. Hütter had been obsessed with the Tour de France for a long time, so the band released their ‘Tour de France soundtracks’ album in 2003. That obsession also formed the basis for the collaboration with Canyon.
BOOK YOUR COPY
Can’t stop drooling when you look at the Ultimate CF SLX Kraftwerk? Then be there on Monday, July 3 from 12 noon as the chickens to claim your copy. For that, you have to go to the website of Canyon and keep 10,000 euros free. Every owner receives his bike in a specially designed Canyon Bike Guard, in which you will also find a special package that celebrates this collaboration.
TONY “KRAFTWORK” MARTIN
In addition to the 21 limited cars that will be available to consumers, world champion Tony Martin will also complete the opening time trial with the special Speedmax CF SLX in an iconic Kraftwerk jacket. Who knows maybe the reflective tapes will help him to flash to the first leader’s jersey in the Tour. You can clearly see and read that he is keen on winning!