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E-freerider duelCommencal Meta Power vs Canyon Torque:ON

E-freerider duel: Commencal Meta Power vs Canyon Torque:ONPhoto: Colin Stewart
E-freerider duel: Commencal Meta Power vs Canyon Torque:ON
These e-freeriders weigh around eight kilos more than conventional freeriders, but the motor guarantees at least twice as many descents.

These bikes cry out to be ridden downhill in two ways. On the one hand, this is due to the massive travel of the bikes and, on the other, the powerful motors - a guarantee for effortless climbs. We pitted the Commencal Meta Power SX against the Canyon Torque:ON and rode both bikes in the bike park, on jump tracks and downhills. We also tested the bikes on our home circuit and on mountain tours.

Left: The Commencal Signature model shown here is now sold out, but the cheaper Race and Ride models are still available / Right: The Canyon Torque:ON was not available at the time of going to press. It will be back soon, says the manufacturer.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Left: The Commencal Signature model shown here is now sold out, but the cheaper Race and Ride models are still available / Right: The Canyon Torque:ON was not available at the time of going to press. It will be back soon, says the manufacturer.

The Canyon Torque has been part of the Koblenz-based mail-order company's range since 2006. At the end of 2020, Canyon gave the freerider a motor and the Torque became the Torque:ON. The Commencal Meta Power from Andorra has a Shimano motor, just like the Canyon, but with a larger battery.

Equipment:

Both bikes feature the expensive Fox Factory suspension and are also identical in terms of wheel size (27.5") and frame material (aluminium). However, the Canyon Torque:ON is only equipped with a 500 watt-hour battery. Although this saves around 600 grams of weight and ensures a low centre of gravity, you have to make concessions in terms of range. Fans of turbo mode will run out of juice in no time. The battery in the down tube of the Commencal with 630 watt hours, on the other hand, allows a little more range.

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Geometry:

The frame geometry of the two e-freeriders is noticeably different. The Canyon Torque:ON is consistently trimmed for downhill riding. This means that the very slack 62.5° head angle and the low bottom bracket position the rider low on the bike. Great: Thanks to the very short 430 mm chainstays, manual rides are child's play. The geometry of the Commencal is more moderate - this extends the range of use and strengthens the all-round capabilities. The Commencal is very compact in frame size M. We say: All riders taller than 1.75 metres should go for the L frame size.

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The Uphill:

Climbs are easier with the Commencal. The steep seat angle positions the rider compactly on the bike and you get a lot of pressure on the front wheel. Also good: In contrast to the Canyon, the Fox X2 shock can be additionally stabilised using the platform lever. In a direct comparison, the Torque loses out in the uphill classification. This is due to the slack steering and seat angle. This means that the rider has to pedal from behind when the seatpost is extended, and steep, technical climbs require more skill. The somewhat bobbly rear end has no platform function. Annoying: The Shimano motor in the Torque:ON was also louder than the one in the Commencal.

Canyon eye-catcher: The 180 mm rear end of the Canyon generates grip, a lot of comfort and allows a lot of speed. However, we would have liked a platform function for the climbs. The rear end bobs noticeably when pedalling.Photo: Colin Stewart Canyon eye-catcher: The 180 mm rear end of the Canyon generates grip, a lot of comfort and allows a lot of speed. However, we would have liked a platform function for the climbs. The rear end bobs noticeably when pedalling.

On tame trails ...

Easy descents with moderate gradients suit the Commencal. This is where the firmer suspension comes into its own, generating more counter-pressure and pop for off-road edges. The moderate geometry also helps here. It's easier to maintain speed on flatter sections than the Canyon Torque:ON, which requires more support and needs to be ridden actively. The Torque:ON takes some getting used to: the very low bottom bracket, which often comes into contact with the ground when pedalling off-road.

... in the bike park and downhill

We liked both bikes here. It's crazy how stable both e-freeriders are on angry downhill trails. You hardly have to make any compromises compared to the downhiller. On the jump track, both bikes perform similarly well, are willing to shoot over jumps and also feel comfortable in the air. We liked the poppier suspension of the Commencal a little better, even if the steeper steering angle gives less of a freeride feeling.

When things get steep and rough, the Canyon comes up trumps with its hoover suspension and DH geometry. It craves traction, swallows, damps and sends a signal to the rider: Stop the throttle! The Torque:ON also steers willingly in turns. Super! The Commencal is similarly pleasing, but has to admit defeat in a direct comparison on the downhill track with its shorter stroke.

Eye-catching Commencal: The Meta Power isn't quite as comfortable as the Canyon, but it utilises the shorter travel (160 mm) efficiently and develops pop for jumping. Super!Photo: Colin Stewart Eye-catching Commencal: The Meta Power isn't quite as comfortable as the Canyon, but it utilises the shorter travel (160 mm) efficiently and develops pop for jumping. Super!

Conclusion on the Commencal Meta Power SX vs Canyon Torque:ON 9.0 duel:

The Commencal Meta Power SX wins the duel. This is because it steers more directly, has more pop and therefore cuts a fine figure even off angry downhills. That too is freeride. The Canyon Torque:ON is the better descender and wins on steep, rough descents with its consistent downhill orientation. The small 500 watt-hour battery limits the range.

Max Fuchs, tester (1.74 metres): "The Commencal may not be the more consistent freerider, but it's fun in any terrain. Even I would go for the L-frame."Photo: Max Schumann Max Fuchs, tester (1.74 metres): "The Commencal may not be the more consistent freerider, but it's fun in any terrain. Even I would go for the L-frame." Dimitri Lehner, tester (1.79 metres): "The Torque:ON is a thoroughbred freerider. It knows no limits in DH. A steeper seat angle and more battery power would increase the range of use."Photo: Laurin Lehner Dimitri Lehner, tester (1.79 metres): "The Torque:ON is a thoroughbred freerider. It knows no limits in DH. A steeper seat angle and more battery power would increase the range of use."

Technical data Commencal Meta Power SX

  • Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M, L, XL (tested in size M)
  • Price / weight without pedals: 7700 Euro / 24 kg
  • Fork / shock: Fox 38 Float Factory / Float X2 Factory
  • Cranks / gears: eThirteen e*Spec/ Shimano XT RD
  • Brake system: Shimano XT
  • Wheels: DT Swiss H1700 Hybrid 30 system wheelset
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR 2.5 / Maxxis Dissector DD TR 3C MaxxGrip 2.4
  • Reach: 463 mm
  • Stack: 612 mm
  • BB drop: -2 mm
  • STRENGTHSRange of use (Geo), sporty riding behaviour
  • WEAKNESSESPrice

Technical data Canyon Torque:ON 9.0

  • Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M, L, XL (tested in size M)
  • Price / weight without pedals: 5999 euros / 23.9 kg
  • Fork / shock: Fox 38 Factory / Float X2 Factory
  • Cranks / gears: Shimano FC EM600 / Sram GX Eagle
  • Brake system: Sram Code RSC
  • Wheels: DT-Swiss 1700 hybrid system wheelset
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C DD TR MaxxGrip 2.5 / Maxxis Minion DHR II Exo+ TR 3C MaxxTerra 2.6
  • Reach: 453 mm
  • Stack: 628 mm
  • BB drop: -28 mm
  • STRENGTHS: Take-off qualities, chassis
  • WEAKNESSES: Small battery, loud motor

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