Rapha has announced that 50 of its Cycle Club members are to be invited to be proud owners of a very limited edition run of Canyon Ultimate SLX Aero road bikes – an extension of the partnership that sees the German brand supply rental bikes to RCC riders out of the clothing manufacturer’s clubhouses, known as ‘chapters’.

The changes to Canyon’s Ultimate SLX frames are purely cosmetic, with the bikes featuring a distinctive black-to-grey fade colourway with pink highlights. Each machine will also feature the owner’s personal RCC number and chapter logo to ensure each bike is bespoke to the individual, says designer Patrick Wylde-Mafham.

However, underneath the new paintjob the Ultimate SLX frame is widely regarded as one of the leading all-round race frames in the pro peloton, and boasts Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España wins to its name under Movistar rider Nairo Quintana.

The Rapha Cycle Club prides itself on a strong connection with racing as well as social club riding, and so claims the Ultimate’s balanced ‘Sport Pro’ geometry is equally at home for both tasks. To give you some context, Canyon’s Aeroad race bike has a more aggressive ‘Pro’ geometry, while the Endurace has a more relaxed ‘Sport’ setup.