With the new model, Canyon is also paving the way for 29-inch bikes in the enduro segment and is fully focussing the bike on racing. Why? Numerous tests with Fabien Barel and Ines Thoma have confirmed that 29 inches is the fastest overall. Compared to its predecessor, this means a steering angle that is one degree slacker, ten millimetres longer chainstays and an overall wheelbase that is 20 millimetres longer. The 150 millimetre rear suspension travel has also been trimmed for efficiency, combined with a 170 mm fork on the two top models. However, fans of 27.5 inch bikes will have to reach for the Spectral in future.
In purely visual terms, the differences to the previous model are very subtle. The wheel size, lack of kink in the top tube and the hinted seat dome are the most striking features. The centrepiece of the Strive, the Shapeshifter, has of course remained and is also the reason why the look is not too similar to the other new models such as the Spectral and Torque. The technology for quick adjustment of geometry and suspension travel is also used on the new Strive, which explains the upright shock. However, the compact gas spring that moves the actual shock on the latest generation is the result of a collaboration with Fox and no longer a pure Canyon development.
BIKE was able to test the Strive CFR 9.0 Team in the lab and in practice before the presentation. At € 5499, the second most expensive model, just like the top model, comes with higher-quality carbon fibres, which should save the frame around 300 grams compared to the cheaper models. Only full carbon frames are on offer, with prices starting at 2999 euros. The effect of the Shapeshifter adjustment is also clearly noticeable on the new Strive. And thanks to the new operating logic, switching between modes is effortless and intuitive. In uphill mode, the seat angle is 1.5 degrees steeper when riding, which means that the shock sinks in less and more load is transferred to the front wheel. In addition, the rear suspension is firmer and the anti-squat value increases, which is why the rear suspension is very stable. Downhill, the new Strive has become smoother and more secure, but needs to be ridden more actively.
Thanks to the large wheels and low bottom bracket, you stand very well on the bike. The steep seat angle and short stem ensure that the riding position is not too long. The suspension works at a very high level and feels plush. With 150 millimetres of travel, the rear suspension offers enough pop and reserves for hard landings. The frame stiffness is low at 37 N/mm, which results in a poor STW value. In the practical test, however, the perceived stiffness was absolutely sufficient.
Conclusion on the Cayon Strive CFR 9.0 Team 29" by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Thanks to the upgrade to 29 inches, the Canyon Strive is faster than ever and ideally equipped for demanding trails. However, the realignment makes the enduro bike more specialised. The Shapeshifter enables efficient climbing.
Cayon Strive CFR 9.0 Team 29"
Price¹ 5499 Euro
Front / rear suspension travel 167 mm / 151; 134 mm
Material / Sizes Carbon / S / M / L / XL / XXL (45.5 cm)
Weight o. P. / frame 13.93 kg / 2803 g without damper
Fork / damper Rockshox Lyrik RCT3 / Rockshox Super Deluxe RC3
Cranks / gears Sram X01 Eagle / Sram X01 Eagle 1 x 12
Gear ratio / handlebar width 32; 10-50 / 780 mm
Brake system / Disc (f. / h.) Sram Code RSC / 200 mm / 180 mm
Telescopic support / stroke / Ø Rockshox Reverb / 150 mm / 30.9 mm
Impellers Mavic Deemax Pro system wheels; Maxxis Minion DHR II MaxxGrip / Terra Exo Protection 29 x 2.4 tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 466-472 mm / 644 mm / -31 mm
BIKE JUDGEMENT SUPER²
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and adjustment.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
You can find this article in BIKE 3/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
