Canyon Torque:On CF 7: E-Enduro with full downhill power for 3499 euros

BIKE's verdict on the Torque:On CF 7

There's probably never been so much downhill power on an e-mountainbike for 3500 euros! The Torque:On CF 7 is "ready for the bike park" even in entry-level trim and can also take on really tough enduro rides. However, you have to be satisfied with the weaker, older Shimano EP6. And beware: This e-bike is less suitable as a comfortable touring bike with a comfort plus, it wants to be moved sportily and actively and cries out for heavy, fast trails. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, test editor

At 180/175 mm, the Torque:On CF is the suspension travel monster in Canyon's range of e-mountainbikes. The range of use is therefore clearly defined: Somewhere between enduro, freeride and downhill - the main thing is that difficult descents are high on the list of priorities. The main frame and rear triangle of the chassis are made of carbon fibre - an absolute rarity in this price range, if not unique. However, the construction is already a few years old. The Canyon Torque:On CF was launched almost exactly three years ago.

Motor and battery

The most noticeable shortcoming is the motor. The Shimano Steps drives are no longer the latest e-motors on the market anyway and, on top of that, the entry-level model only has the cheaper and somewhat weaker Shimano EP6. In normal use, the power is perfectly adequate. However, in direct comparison to the current generation of Bosch Performance CX or even Avinox M2S motors, you have to make significant compromises. In terms of power and torque as well as modulation and background noise.

Canyon has completely redeveloped the battery. After there were safety problems with the original battery, the Koblenz-based company developed a particularly robust energy carrier with an aluminium casing. It delivers 800 watt hours, which provides an absolutely solid range, especially as the EP6 motor is not too thirsty, even with turbo boost. The battery can still be pulled downwards out of the down tube. This is somewhat more complex than classic folding solutions, but can be done quickly in case of doubt.

The facts about the Canyon Torque:On CF 7

• Price: 3499 euros (currently reduced from 3999)
• Motor: Shimano EP6, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: New aluminium battery with 800 Wh, removable
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 180 / 175 mm
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5''
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 7899 euros (7499 with 720 battery)
• Weight: 25.4 kg (BIKE measurement without pedals, size S)
• Max. permissible system weight: 130 kg

The geometry of the bike follows a clear motto: length matters! The wheelbase and reach are super long. The bike is also very large in other respects. If in doubt, you should go for the smaller frame size. Four sizes from S to XL are available. The weight of around 25.5 kilos is high for an e-MTB with a full carbon frame. This is due to the heavy battery and the robust suspension elements. The Torque:On CF has never been a proven lightweight. However, really long-travel E-MTBs are sometimes significantly heavier unless they are tuned with high-end parts.

How the Canyon Torque:On rides

We know from various tests: The term "mini downhiller" is no exaggeration for the Torque:On CF. If you're looking for an E-MTB that you can use to chase seconds on fast, rough downhill tracks, this is the bike for you. Smooth running and traction qualities are right up there. Even if you have to accept slight compromises with the favourable suspension elements on the CF 7. But even the inexpensive ZEB Base is a match for grown-up freeride and downhill trails. The steel spring damper anyway. The Sram Code brakes no longer belong to the crème de la crème of E-Enduro stoppers. But considering the price, even this small flaw is more than okay. Because even with this setup, you'll be well equipped on difficult trails. Nevertheless, a current Maven is of course noticeably more powerful.

We have always found the character of the bike to be sporty and defined. Experienced riders will appreciate this on rough terrain. However, those travelling downhill at a moderate speed might struggle with the comfort and handling in tight bends. This means that this bike is not necessarily the perfect touring partner. There are also better bikes for steep climbs. Only the slightly weaker motor prevents top marks and the riding position is not optimised for extreme climbing. On the other hand, the high-traction chassis scores points.

Equipment Canyon Torque:On CF 7

• Motor: Shimano EP6
• Battery: Canyon Custom aluminium battery (800 Wh)
• Suspension fork: RockShox Zeb Base (180 mm)
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select (175 mm)
• Gears: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Code R, 220 / 203 mm
• Wheels: SunRingle Düroc SD37
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip Exo+ / Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Doubledown

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Extremely attractive price (3499 €)
• powerful on rough terrain
• Sensible equipment

Weaknesses

• old, weaker engine
• demanding handling, needs speed