Canyon Torque:On CF 9 on test: Canyon's E-freerider at full throttle
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 14.11.2023
In the past, there was a kind of separation of powers in the e-MTB industry. Bikes were either brute battery monsters that offered massive range but also a completely clumsy riding experience due to their high weight. On the other hand, there were bikes with small batteries that prioritised low weight and good handling over range.
This included the first Canyon Torque:On, which was rather puny with 500 watt hours (Test of the first Torque:On). The successor, the current Torque:On CF, now has a record-breakingly large tank with a whopping 900 watt hours - and is still supposed to excel on the nastiest descents with good handling. A paradigm shift.
It comes with a full carbon frame, sophisticated suspension and a battery concept specially designed by Canyon. But is that enough to turn this beast into a good downhill racer?
The facts about the Canyon Torque:On CF 9
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 900 Wh (removable), alternatively 720 Wh
- 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: 24.6 kg (test bike in size L, 900 Wh, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
- Max. permissible system weight: 130 kg
The e-bike drive
The unique selling point of the Torque:On CF is the battery concept, which Canyon has already developed. with the new Spectral:On CF has introduced. The down tube can hold either 720 or 900 watt hours, the batteries can be pulled out of the closed down tube and swapped as required without an adapter. With the large battery, Canyon bikes are the absolute kings of range. In our standardised range test, this motor-battery combination holds the absolute best mark. Pleasingly, the total weight of the bikes remains within reasonable limits.
This also applies to the Torque:On CF, which is no lightweight at 24.6 kilos, but this figure is more than acceptable considering the massive suspension elements and the huge battery. With the smaller 720 battery, it is theoretically possible to save another 900 grams. The batteries supply their energy to Shimano's EP8 motor. Unfortunately, the current 2023 models do not yet feature the slightly more powerful, newly launched EP801 (to the test: Shimano EP801).
The geometry
Length runs! That's the clear direction of the Torque:On CF. The wheelbase is a record 1310 mm in size L, and the reach is also super long. Overall, the bike is very large, so if in doubt we would recommend a smaller frame size. On paper, the seat angle is quite steep, but with the saddle extended and the shock compressed, we would have liked a more central riding position further forward over the bike. Four sizes from S to XL are available.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 430 mm
- Wheelbase: 1310 mm
- Reach: 491 mm
- Stack: 658 mm
- Steering angle: 63.4 degrees
- Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 446 mm
The features of the Canyon Torque:On CF 9
Canyon goes all out with the suspension. Fox 38 fork and X2 shock from the Factory range with Kashima coating and a huge range of adjustment options. More is not possible. Shifting and brakes come from Shimano's XT range. Only the inexpensive Sunringle wheels and the less robust rear tyre with the Exo+ trail casing are less impressive. Not enough for a mini downhiller with 180 millimetres of travel. At least a Maxxis Assegai tyre with sticky MaxxGrip rubber provides traction on the front wheel. Top: The telescopic seat post offers a generous 200 mm of adjustment travel.
- Suspension: Fox 38 Factroy Grip2 / X2 Factory
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 203/203 mm
- Gear system: Shimano XT 12-speed
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II Exo, 27.5 x 2.6''
- Wheels: Sun Ringle Düroc SD 37 / 42 Comp
Practical test: How the Canyon Torque:On CF 9 rides
Downhill
Downhill legend Fabien Barel himself, who played a key role in the development of the bike, describes the new Canyon model as a mini downhiller. And that is no exaggeration. If you are looking for an e-MTB with which you can chase seconds on fast, rough downhill tracks, you will probably not find a faster e-bike. The Torque:On CF's smoothness and pedalling qualities are phenomenal. This is where the enormous wheelbase comes into its own. Whether it's a nasty steep section, a nasty rocky section or big drops and jumps, the bike conveys a real sense of security. The rear suspension also remains confident in every situation. However, the character is less like a sedan, but rather sporty and defined. Experienced riders in particular will appreciate this. This also means that the bike remains lively even in calmer riding situations and does not get bogged down in the stroke of the shock absorber.
As much as the Torque:On convinced us on wild descents and at high speed: The sporty, firm suspension and long geometry also have disadvantages. The Torque:On can only realise its full potential with experienced riders and real full-throttle rides. If you are travelling downhill at a moderate speed, you will get a rather bulky bike and will hardly be able to make use of the travel of the rear suspension. Hardly any e-MTB has ever been so clearly geared towards experts.
Uphill
On steep climbs, you'll quickly be tempted to push the saddle all the way forwards and tilt the nose down a little. This is because the combination of a low-slung shock, slippery saddle and rear-heavy riding position makes the riding position on steep ramps too passive. This does not make the Torque:On CF a real mountain goat. Once you've found the right setup, the freerider takes even steep sections in its stride. The suspension is very active and offers plenty of traction. However, when things get really technical, it lacks a more active position and a more lively motor. This shows that the carbon bike was designed for a different discipline. The downhill.
On tour
To be honest, if you just want to buy a particularly comfortable touring bike with all that travel - we wouldn't recommend the Torque:On! The handling is designed for really active and experienced bikers, and this also applies to the explicitly defined suspension. The somewhat rear-heavy riding position is also not ideal for leisurely rides. However, if you interpret the term "tour" in the sense of a long, extreme enduro ride, you will certainly be delighted with the huge battery and thus the enormous range. More is hardly possible!
The EMTB conclusion
Consistent mini downhiller with mega range and equally blatant downhill power. The combination of a huge battery and top DH performance is impressive and unique on the market. However, the orientation and character of the racy Torque:On CF are sharp. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Pro
- Extremely smooth running and driving stability
- Strong, defined rear suspension
- Enormous range thanks to huge battery
- Variable battery size: 720 or 900 Wh
Contra
- Rear-heavy riding position, slippery saddle
- Only really blossoms on full-throttle descents
- Less robust rear tyre
- Older motor generation (Shimano EP800)
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
