Canyon Strive:On CF 2026: E-Enduro in full carbon fibre from 4999 euros

BIKE Conclusion on the Canyon Strive:On CF

Evolution instead of revolution. The new edition of the Strive:On CF dispenses with superlatives or major innovations. Instead, it delivers enormous downhill power with super traction and safety at a fair price. A powerful E-Enduro that only really blossoms on rough terrain.

The Strive:On is high up on the BIKE test team's list of powerful e-enduro bikes. However, the upgrade to the latest motor hardware from Bosch has been missing until now. Just in time for the Swabians' next software update, the Performance Upgrade 2.0, the refreshed version of the Strive:On with the latest Bosch motor is finally in the starting blocks. But even though the bike remains true to the principles and basic lines of its predecessor: More has happened than the update to the Bosch Performance CX.

The entire chassis of the Strive:On CF has been redesigned. The focus was on robustness and ease of servicing. The carbon frame is designed to be more durable and is approved for enduro use in accordance with category 4e. This was already the case with the predecessor. The motor cover has been significantly reinforced in the new edition. Canyon has also eliminated the integrated and vulnerable cable routing through the headset. This should particularly please those who work on their bike themselves. Cables and hoses now run behind the head tube into the frame.

The facts about the new Canyon Strive:On CF

• Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
• Wheel size: Mullet
• Full carbon frame
• K.I.S. 2.0 steering stabiliser
• Motor: Bosch Perf. CX / CX-R
• Battery: 750 Wh, removable
• Weight: 25.1 kg (size L, without pedals, measured in the BIKE lab)
• Price: from 4999 Euro

Motor and battery

The Bosch Performance CX now delivers up to 120 Newton metres and a higher level of assistance of up to 600 percent. The peak power remains at 750 watts. The top model Strive:On CRF features the exclusive CX-R motor from Bosch, which is slightly lighter and has an aggressive race mode. However, the performance data is identical.

With the battery, Canyon remains true to the concept of its predecessor. The battery can be pulled further down from the closed down tube. There is no update to the new Bosch Powertube 800 or 600 batteries. All models are fitted with the Powertube 750 - which is unfortunately quite heavy. At 4.35 kilos, it is even significantly heavier than the new, longer-range Powertube 800 (just under 4 kilos).

The updates for 2026

• Latest generation of motors with up to 120 Nm / 600 % support
• More robust carbon frame tested according to category 4e
• more stable skid plate
• Service-friendly cable routing
• K.I.S. 2.0 steering stabiliser
• reduced prices from 4999 Euro

Ace up your sleeve

In addition, there is another innovation that should also have a noticeable effect on the bike's handling: The Strive:On CF has been fitted with the K.I.S. steering stabiliser. The system from the pen of Syntace's Jo Klieber counteracts the tilting of the steering and should therefore provide more control and riding stability. In our tests, K.I.S. brought recognisable advantages, both uphill and downhill. However, the ride feel is not uncontroversial and is partly a matter of taste. The slider on the top tube allows you to adjust the effect. In the latest 2.0 version, the adjustment range has become even greater. From almost imperceptible to very significant.

On the trail

The Strive:On is an enduro bike that absolutely deserves this designation. The wilder the trails get, the more it is in its element. The riding position is great and instils the rider with confidence right from the start. Low bottom bracket, high front - you're well integrated into the bike. A strength that the Strive can capitalise on, especially on steep terrain.

When the going gets rough, the Strive:On impresses with enormous traction. Root fields can be mastered with precision and control, even when the speed is high. This bike doesn't lose its composure easily. The plush character of the rear suspension matches the new Fox 38 Performance Elite really well in our test bike. With the revised Grip X2 cartridge comfort and traction increase even more. Tyres, brakes, suspension elements - with the setup of this bike, you can hit the ground running.

However, when the trail is just meandering along flat and moderate, the downside of this traction-happy wonder becomes apparent. The Strive doesn't feel really lively and lively. The slightly higher weight is also noticeable here. A glance at the very long geometry also shows the calibre of the bike. But don't worry: as soon as gravity pulls on the Strive, the play instinct blossoms. It's not a bike that just wants to waltz straight through the terrain. The cornering is really good and in the right terrain it's a lot of fun to ride. Pleasant: Our test bike remained nice and quiet on the trail. Only the whirring of the tyres accompanied the ride.

The Strive:On can also shine uphill with a lot of traction. You can also use this on difficult climbs - because when it gets steep, the bike needs to be actively kept on track. The bike is not a proven steep wall specialist. The chainstays are too short and the front too high for that. However, thanks to the powerful Bosch motor and plenty of traction, nothing stands in the way of the odd uphill challenge. On technical terrain, however, the low bottom bracket can provoke crank bumps.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• powerful and smooth-running
• High-traction chassis
• fair price
• Quiet on the trail

Weaknesses

• heavy
• Sluggish on flat trails

Models and prices: Full carbon from 4999 euros

The Strive:On CF follows Canyon's clear strategy of offering bikes at a lower price again. There are three models to choose from, all with identical full carbon frames. The top model comes with an exclusive CX-R motor and Rockshox Ultimate suspension for 7499 euros. It starts at a fair 4999 euros. For our first test, we had the middle model CF 9 for 6499 euros.

Canyon Strive:On CF 8 - 4999 Euro

• Fork: RockShox Domain Gold
• DamperRockShox Super Deluxe Base
• CircuitShimano Deore 12s
• BrakesShimano SLX MT7120
• ImpellersSun Ringle SR309
• TyresSchwalbe Magic Mary
• Seat post: SP0081 (170-230)

Canyon Strive:On CF 9 - 6499 Euro

• Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite
• DamperFox Float X2 Performance
• CircuitSRAM Eagle 90 12s
• BrakesSRAM Maven Base
• ImpellersDT Swiss H1900
• TyresMaxxis Assegai, Exo+, Maxxgrip & DHR2, DD, Maxxterra
• Seat post: SP0081 (170-230)

Canyon Strive:On CFR - 7499 Euro

• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate
• DamperRockShox Vivid Air Ultimate
• CircuitSRAM XO ET AXS 12s
• BrakesSRAM Maven Silver
• ImpellersDT Swiss HX1700
• TyresMaxxis Assegai, Exo+, Maxxgrip & DHR2, DD, Maxxterra
• Seat post: SP0081 (170-230)