Canyon presents the Sender CFR, a completely newly developed downhill bike. The centrepiece of the new model is a high-pivot suspension system with idler pulley. According to the manufacturer, this design is intended to provide maximum traction and control in demanding terrain. The suspension travel is a generous 200 millimetres.
Finally! High-pivot.
The kinematics are designed to minimise pedal kickback. At the same time, the suspension responds very sensitively to ensure maximum grip even on small bumps. The centre of gravity is low and centred, which should improve cornering behaviour and responsiveness. With 130 per cent anti-rise, the suspension is designed to enable even weight distribution between the front and rear wheels when braking. As a result, the suspension remains active even in steep passages and tight bends.
The irony of fate
We received the first Canyon Sender for testing in spring 2016. "What, you already have one?" said Canyon team rider and freeride icon Darren Berrecloth (a Red Bull-sponsored superstar at the time) and could hardly believe it, as he still had to make do with the Canyon Torque DHX, the previous big bike from the Koblenz-based bike supplier. The new Sender amazed us with its extravagant look, we jokingly called it "the iPhone" among big bikes, because the designers had equipped it with a particularly chic carbon seat dome and integrated the shock so elegantly that the competition looked chunky and clumsy in comparison. In the comparison test, the new carbon bike had to compete against bikes from Bulls, Commencal, Lapierre, Norco and Specialized. We took celebrity tester and German series champion Marcus Klausmann along to the tough track in Bolzano, who was tasked with riding all the bikes for time. Irony of fate: the two bikes with high-pivot rear triangles (Bulls and Commencal) took the first two places in the speed ranking.
We say: If the Canyon guys had read the test more carefully (FREERIDE 2/2016) and not taken so long - ha ha!
Progressive chassis optimised for racing
The suspension kinematics of the Sender CFR are designed for progression and anti-squat, says Canyon. This should ensure that the bike is more stable in the mid-travel range and enables predictable, responsive behaviour when pushing, accelerating out of corners and jumping. The final progression can be individually adapted to the riding style or track conditions via the transmission ratio of the shock. To do this, you have to change the damper. One setting is more linear, the other more progressive for big drops and hard hits. As the abbreviation CF suggests, the frame is made entirely of carbon and is designed for maximum stiffness and durability. Canyon is particularly proud of its polymer-reinforced HIT technology, i.e. plastic shells that protect the frame from damage. Down tube protection and fenders are also installed. To minimise riding noise, the chainstays are armoured with thick rubber.
Mullet wheel combination for agility and control
Canyon relies on a mullet wheel combination with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels for the Sender CFR. This should offer the optimum balance between stability and manoeuvrability. We have just heard the new downhill star Asa Vermette say: "Mullet is the best choice for downhill racing and faster in corners compared to All-29!" Compared to the previous model, the reach has been lengthened by 8 millimetres. The stack has been increased by 4 to 9 millimetres, depending on the frame size. The steering angle is now 62.7 degrees (low) and 63 degrees in the high setting. The bottom bracket height is 347 millimetres in the low setting and 352 millimetres in the high setting. The geometry can be adjusted by 5 millimetres using a flip chip. A reach adjustment in the head tube also allows an adjustment of plus/minus 8 millimetres.
Extensive setting options for optimum setup
The Sender CFR offers numerous options for adapting the suspension to personal preferences and track conditions. The shocks from RockShox and Fox are specially matched to the kinematics of the frame, says the manufacturer. You can choose between 32.7 and 37 per cent progression on the upper shock mount. The standard KIS steering stabiliser from Canyon can be adjusted in its effect or removed completely if required. All bearing points and bolts are easily accessible for maintenance. The cable routing is completely internal. The rear triangle is based on the 148 x 12 millimetre Boost standard, which ensures compatibility with common wheels.
Two equipment variants for hobby racers, park riders and professionals
Canyon offers the Sender CFR in two equipment variants. The basic Sender CFR model is aimed at ambitious private riders and comes with a Fox 40 suspension fork, Fox DHX2 performance shock and SRAM Maven Bronze brakes. The RRP is 4499 euros.
The top model Sender CFR Team on the other hand, says Canyon, corresponds to the equipment of the World Cup team and is very similar to the bike with which Troy Brosnan won the World Cup in Mont Sainte Anne last autumn. It has a RockShox Boxxer Ultimate suspension fork, a Vivid Coil Ultimate shock, SRAM Maven Silver brakes and an X01 DH drivetrain. The price: 5999 euros. Both models will be available from 6 May 2025 on the Canyon website and in the Canyon app.
Technical specifications
Canyon Sender CFR "Underdog"
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 200 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch front, 27.5 inch rear (Mullet)
- Suspension fork: Fox 40
- Shock: Fox DHX2 Performance
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze
- Gear system: SRAM GX DH
- Weight: n.a.
- RRP: 4499 Euro
Canyon Transmitter CFR Team
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 200 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch front, 27.5 inch rear (Mullet)
- Suspension fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
- Gear system: SRAM X01 DH
- Weight: 18.1 kg
- RRP: 5999 Euro
Frame geometry
- Steering angle: 62.7 degrees (low), 63 degrees (high)
- Reach: +8 mm compared to the predecessor
- Stack: +4 to +9 mm depending on frame size
- Bottom bracket height: 347 mm (low), 352 mm (high)
- Reach adjustment: +/- 8 mm
Setting options
- Progression: 32.7 % or 37 %
- Flip chip for geometry adjustment: +/- 5 mm
- KIS steering stabiliser: adjustable or removable
What else might interest you
+ The big transmitter competition: the YT Tues big bike on test
+ The pioneer among high-pivot bikes: Commencal Supreme on test
+ The class leader: Santa Cruz V10
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
