When we tested the top model of the Canyon Sender together with Worldcupper Wyn Masters on the tough track in Schladming in summer 2017, it was clear to us: this bike will be our service vehicle for tough missions! Because the Canyon impressed us with its successful mix of speed machine and playmobile. Thanks to its short chainstays (430 mm), low centre of gravity, pleasantly balanced chassis and low weight (16.2 kg), it offers dream handling that you rarely experience on a big bike. Sit on it and feel good - as DH pro Wyn Masters also attested and whipped his heart out on the carbon bike. In Wyn's speed check, the German mail-order bike even took first place against top-class competition, some of which was twice as expensive (Mondraker, Intense, Specialized, Trek, YT). Our verdict at the time: top score of 10 and price-performance tip.
We also liked the look of the Canyon with the shock nested deep in the seat tube and the strikingly shaped seat dome. Only the Sram Guide RSC brake system turned out to be undersized. We upgraded with a monster disc from Trickstuff (223 mm) - problem solved!
We rode this Black Beauty through the bike parks for two years - and it remained unimpressed. Although two of the plastic fenders that are supposed to protect the shock splintered, the chain guide lost its roller and the chain rattled the paint off the rear triangle, the Sender was otherwise unimpressed by all the bike park bumps, bad landings, jumps that were too short or too long and missed ideal lines.
Yes, even more - in many situations the bike saved our arse. For example, in Leogang, when I didn't pull off enough on an off-road double on the World Cup course, exploded on the counter-slope and spent the next few metres leaning over the Fox 40 on the front wheel. Whenever we carried out a big bike test, we always had the Sender with us as a reference bike. For example, it had to compete against the new 29er fraction such as Scott's new Gambler or the Santa Cruz V10 - and the Sender never had to hide. On the contrary: it was always right at the front, was similarly pleasing and often more playful. So, enough praise - now we just have to tell the Canyon guys that we want to ride their bike for a third season!
PLUS Chassis, handling, smooth running, looks
Minus Brake
CONCLUSION: For us, the Canyon Sender is the epitome of a big bike. It's fast and playful. It can do racing and park stunts - even in the top version at an affordable price.
Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE editor-in-chief, can understand the trend towards long-stroke enduro bikes in the bike park, but he feels safest on a big bike. Preferably on a big bike like the Canyon Sender. For him, it's the ideal park bike because it's handy, potent, affordable and tough.
Canyon Sender CF 9.0
SizeMedium
Spring travel: 200 mm / 200 mm
Steering angle: 63°
Reach / Stack: 438 mm / 605 mm
Weight: 16,2 Kilo
Price: 4499 Euro
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
