The Canyon engineers have modernised the Torque over the years, once again for the 2022 model year. The Canyon Torque in 2022 is longer, flatter and stiffer. Canyon offers a full range of tyres: 27.5 inch, Mullet and 29 inch. While the 29-inch version poaches in the enduro segment, there is no doubt that the 27.5-inch aluminium model is intended for bike park shredders. The equipment results in a coherent overall package. Unlike the carbon model of the Torque, Canyon has dispensed with a flip chip. The aluminium Torque is always positioned in the slack setting.
Was the Canyon Torque test bike a pre-production model?
Our test bike irritated us. We were familiar with the top model from the last test (FREERIDE 1/22), but this model seemed too squat. And indeed: the laboratory value deviated significantly from the manufacturer's specifications: 445 millimetres instead of 460 millimetres! The Fox suspension on our test model worked grumpily, passing the bumps on to the rider. Comfort? Not a thing. As much as we twisted and tuned, we couldn't tease out any more comfort. The tried and tested 38 mm fork in particular lacked sensitivity. The Canyon Torque allowed the least speed, firing itself willingly over jumps, but it couldn't really score points. Uphills work just as well as on the competition thanks to the steep seat angle and efficient platform.
StrengthsEquipment, price/performance
Weaknesses: Taut chassis, geometry on our test model
Test summary of the Canyon Torque AL 6:
Our Torque couldn't convince us with its tight suspension and cramped geo. The freeride bike is best suited as a bike park bike on jump tracks. A pre-production model? We'll find out.
Follow up: Update Canyon Torque AL 6
In comparison we have Three freeride bikes for around 3500 euros testedincluding the Canyon Torque AL 6 (27.5 inches). In the practical test, the geometry felt unbalanced with a squat riding position; the suspension was stingy with comfort. Quite different to what we were used to from the Torque in other tests. Our laboratory measurements revealed that the geometry data deviated significantly from the manufacturer's specifications. According to the manufacturer, there was a production error.
Statement from Lukas Behning (Canyon):
"Unfortunately, an error occurred during the production of the Torque AL frames when switching from manual frame welding to machine frame production. This led to a deviation in the geometry of some frames that were not intended for sale. Unfortunately, one of these frames made it into the test fleet. We are currently investigating whether this is an isolated incident. Ensuring the quality of our products is our top priority."
Other Torque models in the check:
Technical data Canyon Torque AL 6:
General information
- Price: 3299 Euro
- to the Canyon website
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, tested in size M, L
Measurement data
- Weight: 16.1 kg
- Front / rear suspension travel: 180 mm / 175 mm
- Four-link rear suspension system
- Reach: 445 mm
- Stack: 635 mm
- BB drop: -14 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Performance / Fox Float X2 Performance
- Cranks / gears : Shimano SLX / Shimano SLX
- Brake system: Shimano SLX BR-M7120
- Wheels: DT-Swiss FR 2170 system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip Evo+ 2.5 / Maxxis Minion DHR 2 3C MaxxTerra DH 2.4
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Laurin Lehner
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