I recently took a chance and ordered a 2018 Canyon Ultimate CF 10.0 LTD from the Canyon Bike Outlet. Knowing there were potential downsides, I decided to proceed, hoping for a good deal. However, my initial experience highlights some of the risks associated with purchasing from a bike outlet.
The first red flag was the packaging. It was clear the bike was simply repackaged in the box it was originally returned in. The small parts box, labeled “Di2,” was particularly concerning, as the bike I ordered has a SRAM eTap groupset. This lack of attention to detail didn’t inspire confidence from the start.
My biggest issue is the drastically cut steerer tube. It’s been shortened so much that there’s virtually no room for spacers above the stem – maybe five or six millimeters at most. I prefer to use at least one spacer for a more comfortable riding position and to ensure steerer tube security. I mistakenly assumed that bikes sold through the outlet would not have undergone such significant physical modifications. This is a major disappointment.
Another significant problem is the missing eTap battery chargers. The derailleurs arrived with dead batteries, and crucially, no chargers were included. It seems the previous owner didn’t return the chargers, and Canyon outlet failed to ensure they were included when “recertifying” the bike. This oversight raises serious questions about their quality control process.
Frankly, my confidence in this purchase and the outlet’s process is severely shaken. Given the “no return” policy typical of outlet purchases, I’m left wondering about my options and feeling unable to ride in this perfect weather. I bought this bike to replace my damaged frame from a recent accident, and now I’m facing unexpected hurdles.
For anyone considering a bike outlet purchase, my experience serves as a cautionary tale. While the deals can be tempting, be aware of potential issues and the level of scrutiny applied to these bikes before resale.
