The new Canyon Torque:On CF no longer has much in common with its predecessor. The aluminium frame has given way to an elaborate carbon construction. The same applies to the rear suspension, which features a complex linkage and low-mounted shock. Instead of a measly 500 watt hours, there are up to 900 watt hours in the down tube. And the small front wheel, that turned the predecessor into a lively park bikehas given way to a grown-up 29er.
The geometry, which could already be described as quite progressive on the predecessor, has become even more extreme - but at the same time more balanced. The newcomer really is a completely new bike - with an equally new riding experience. But who is such a mini downhiller actually suitable for? And how does the bike differ from the brand-new E-Enduro Strive:On CFR?
Video: Canyon Strive:On CFR vs Canyon Torque:On CF
The facts about the Canyon Torque:On
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: Choice of 900 or 720 watt hours
- 180/175 mm spring travel
- MX wheel mix (29 / 27.5")
- Full carbon frame
- Three equipment variants between €5999 and €9399, each with a 720 or 900 battery (€400 price difference)
- Weight: from 23.7 kg (manufacturer's specification, CF 9 with 720 battery)
- Four sizes S to XL
- Category 5E - full gravity release like the Canyon Sender downhill MTB
The drive in the Canyon Torque:On
As far as the motor and battery are concerned, the Torque:On is in the same family as the the Spectral:On CF, which has already won several of our tests. The Freerider takes its self-developed battery system from its little brother. This means that the wide down tube can accommodate batteries with either 720 or 900 watt hours. Weight difference: 900 grams. This gives bikers plenty of range on board if they wish - or a slightly lighter bike.
The design, in which the battery is pulled downwards out of the closed down tube, has given the Spectral:On a really strong weight-to-range ratio. The Torque:On inherits this - albeit at a significantly higher level. At around 23.7 kilos and with a 720 battery, the bike is not a real lightweight. However, most competitor models in this suspension travel class are significantly heavier. Propulsion is provided by Shimano's EP8 motor - the all-new EP801 is not yet installed in the 2023 Torque:On.
The geometry of the Canyon Torque:On CF
The French former world champion and Canyon consultant Fabien Barel describes the Torque:On as a mini downhiller - made for riding on the razor's edge over really demanding downhill trails. The geometry is correspondingly extreme. At 500 millimetres in size L, the reach is very long by e-bike standards. Up to 525 millimetres are available in size XL. Size S still has a reach of 450 millimetres. A value that was normal on size L e-MTBs just a few years ago.
The steering angle is slack at 63.5 degrees. At 445 millimetres, the chainstays have grown significantly compared to the predecessor. Incidentally, these values are identical to the brand-new E-Enduro Strive:On CFR. There are differences in the seat angle. At 77.5 degrees, the Torque is still steep, but not as radical as the more climbing Strive:On. The bottom bracket is lower on the Torque:On. 1306 millimetres of wheelbase in size L is a lot. A value that cries out for massive smoothness!
Full throttle? Part of Canyon
Do I need a water bottle on my bike? For some, it's an absolute must, while others have their drink stowed elsewhere anyway. Canyon definitely wanted to get a water bottle on the bike. However, due to the complex shock linkage in the main frame, the engineers had to dig deep into their bag of tricks. A cut-out in the top tube and a special water bottle should solve the problem. 650 millilitres fit into the bottle, which chugs along diligently on the trail when half full. In terms of the centre of gravity, the weight is certainly not ideally positioned high up. To ensure that you don't lose the bottle even in the toughest terrain, you can optionally secure it with a strap.
Where is the limit? The Torque:On CF on the trail
When the new Canyon Torque:On was unveiled, we could only guess at the bike's actual suspension qualities. We took the newcomer out for a day on the trails of Monte Arsenti near Massa Marittima. To cut a long story short: the trails couldn't even come close to getting the bike out of its shell. How well the bike performs on really fast and rough trails, we can't say for sure at this stage.
But everything points to a promising package. The smoothness of the bike is just as impressive as the traction of the suspension. The rear suspension absorbs both rough and fine impacts very confidently and almost concretes the rear wheel to the ground. The rider sits low on the bike and can relax behind the high front end. This further increases the feeling of safety.
We were able to get a better feel for another characteristic during our test rides. Namely, how well the bike performs on flowy trails. Not an easy task for a big bike with a motor, 180 millimetres of travel and an incredibly long wheelbase. We were really surprised that the new Torque doesn't handle like a tanker lorry with these dimensions. The cornering is really good and we can attest to the Torque:On's great potential for fun.
However, the rider has to steer the bike very actively - and sufficient downward traction is an absolute prerequisite. But then the speedster is relatively manoeuvrable and also offers a certain amount of pop. It's hard to believe that in addition to the massive dimensions of the bike, a large 900cc battery also pulls on the pedalling instinct. However, the Torque:On is nowhere near the lively, light-footed handling of a successful trail bike on flowing sections. This must be clear to anyone who decides in favour of the bike.
In other words, the Torque:On is recommended for all those who are explicitly looking for a kick on challenging descents with their bike. These can be fast bike park trails with big jumps or hairy downhill tracks. Tighter trails, where precise steering and relaxed rolling are the order of the day, tend to underchallenge the bike. Here it comes across as bulky and oversized. This also applies to riders who only want to buy a little more comfort and riding safety by increasing the suspension travel. A Torque:On rider should know exactly what they are doing and put a good deal of effort into the descent.
Uphills are more of a means to an end for the Torque:On. The somewhat weaker EP8 motor alone makes the bike inferior to the Strive:On with Bosch on steep, technical climbs. In addition, the high-traction suspension is slightly lower in its travel, which makes the already slightly slacker seat angle appear even slacker in practice. This means you're not quite as centred on the bike as on its smaller enduro brother.
However, the 2023 Torque:On is not a bad climber either. Compared to its predecessor, for example, it has gone a whole lot further. Top: With the 900 battery, you can do really long trail laps! The ideal replacement when the lift or shuttle are too full, too slow or simply too boring.
One point of criticism, which we could only guess at on tame terrain, but which is still pretty obvious: the moderately puncture-resistant EXO+ casing from Maxxis is not the first choice for the rear wheel of this bike. At least a Doubledown model should be fitted to a bike with such a pronounced downhill drive.
Equipment and prices
The new Carbon-Torque is no longer the price-performance miracle that we labelled its predecessor. This is because the elegant full carbon frame and the specially developed batteries come at a price. In addition, the long-stroke bike does not come with favourable entry-level equipment. However, if you're looking for a very affordable E-freerider, you can still find the Torque:On AL, its predecessor, in the Canyon range.
You have to dig deeper into your pockets for the new bike. The carbon models are all available with either a 720 or 900 battery. Price difference for the two battery variants: 400 euros. The tyres are identical on all three models: Maxxis DHR II at the rear (27.5 x 2.6"), Assegai at the front (29 x 2.5"). The EXO+ casing is thin for this bike category - especially on the rear wheel. However, the soft MaxxGrip rubber at the front provides plenty of grip.
Canyon Torque:On CF 8
The Torque:On CF 8 starts at € 5999 (720 Wh) or € 6399 (900 Wh) and features Fox performance suspension with a 38 mm fork and X2 shock. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's SLX range. There are two colour options: black or orange. According to Canyon, the weight should land at 24 kilos with a small battery.
Canyon Torque:On CF 9
The CF9 model is already equipped with everything that demanding freeriders need for the toughest missions. The Fox Factory suspension comes with a 38 mm fork and X2 shock. The gears and brakes are Shimano XT. With the large battery, this package should weigh 24.6 kilos, i.e. 23.6 kilos with the 720 battery. Cost: 7499 (720 Wh) or 7899 (900 Wh) euros. Two colours: black and green/olive.
Canyon Torque:On CF Roczen
The top model in the series is a special edition by motocross star Ken Roczen. The most striking difference: the steel spring shock absorber and the brightly coloured paintwork. The bike is priced at 8999 or 9399 euros (depending on the battery size). The suspension comes from Rockshox and the Superdeluxe coil shock is accompanied by a ZEB Ultimate. The gears and brakes also come from Sram: wireless X01 AXS and Code RSC. With a large battery, the Roczen edition should weigh 24.76 kilos.
Conclusion on the Canyon Torque:On CF
Don't fancy a shuttle or lift - but still keen on shredding? Then the Canyon Torque:On CF could be the ideal companion. The bike's handling is promising, as it combines massive take-off qualities with amazingly fun handling. A real park shredder. It's hard to believe that there are a whopping 900 watt hours in this package. But beware: the bike needs fast trails with wild sections and an experienced rider to really blossom. If one of these parameters is missing, a slightly more sedate e-MTB probably makes more sense. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
