Canyon Strive: 29 inch and with Shapeshifter

Peter Nilges

· 16.01.2019

Photo: Canyon Bicycles

Canyon Strive: 29 inch and with Shapeshifter

The Canyon Strive with 27.5-inch wheels and the first Shapeshifter has been around for four years. The changing of the guard for 2019: the enduro bike comes in 29 inches and with Shapeshifter 2.0.

Canyon Strive 2019: What's new?

The time has come: the new Canyon Strive is in the starting blocks. The new tool of the Canyon Factory Enduro Teams rolls on 29-inch wheels from the 2019 model year. Canyon is retaining the Shapeshifter for adjusting the geometry and suspension characteristics.

The compact gas spring of the Shapeshifter on the Strive sits between the bellcranks and moves the actual shock, which influences the geometry and spring characteristic.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles The compact gas spring of the Shapeshifter on the Strive sits between the bellcranks and moves the actual shock, which influences the geometry and spring characteristic.

The team version of the new Canyon Strive costs 5499 euros. All six models have a full carbon frame with prices ranging from 2999-6999 euros.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles The team version of the new Canyon Strive costs 5499 euros. All six models have a full carbon frame with prices ranging from 2999-6999 euros.

150 millimetres spring travel

In its new guise, the Strive has 150 millimetres of travel at the rear and is combined with a 160 or 170 mm fork (Strive CFR 9.0 Team and LTD only), depending on the model. Thanks to the Shapeshifter adjustment the rear suspension travel is reduced to 135 millimetres, the seat angle is steepened by 1.5 degrees and the anti-squat value of the kinematics is increased. The desired result: the bike can be pedalled more efficiently and climbs better. Four frame sizes from S to XL are available for the 2019 Strive, which should cover rider sizes from 1.58 to 2.00 metres.

New Canyon Strive only in carbon

Canyon has dispensed with an aluminium model for the new Strive. All six Strive bikes have a full carbon frame. The two top models (CFR) have a 300 gram lighter carbon frame thanks to higher quality fibres. According to the manufacturer, this should weigh 2400 grams without the shock.

The new Strive for 2019 also features the Shapeshifter, which influences the geometry and spring characteristics. The gas spring is even easier to operate from the handlebars.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles The new Strive for 2019 also features the Shapeshifter, which influences the geometry and spring characteristics. The gas spring is even easier to operate from the handlebars.

Shapeshifter 2.0

The gas spring - the Shapeshifter - has also been changed from the ground up on the new Strive. Canyon brought the suspension specialist Fox on board as a partner for the modernisation. Together, they developed a modified valve technology that ensures that the system now works with less pressure and a new operating logic on the lever. The Shapeshifter 2.0 is much easier to operate and can therefore be used more often.

Unlike other current Canyon models such as the Spectral or Neuron, the cables are routed internally in the frame and not in a plastic protector under the down tube.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles Unlike other current Canyon models such as the Spectral or Neuron, the cables are routed internally in the frame and not in a plastic protector under the down tube.

Geometry of the Canyon Strive 2019

In downhill mode, the steering angle with a 170 mm suspension fork is 65.7 degrees. At 435 millimetres, the chainstay length is normal. The bottom bracket is 341 millimetres above the ground, which ensures a low centre of gravity. The reach is between 466 and 472 millimetres - depending on the Shapeshifter position - and has hardly changed from its predecessor. Small but subtle changes that emphasise the racing aspirations of the Canyon Strive without being too extreme.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles The geometry of the Canyon Strive for 2019 at a glance.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles DH legend Fabien Barel and enduro racer Ines Thoma played a major role in the development of the new Strive.

All the facts about the Strive 2019 at a glance:

6 different models from 2999-6999 Euro
Only full carbon frames
29-inch wheels
170/160 mm suspension travel at the fork (depending on model) and 150 mm at the rear
Weight: 14.0 - 15.5 kg without pedals

The Canyon Strive, model year 2019, goes on sale on 17 January 2019. You can find the first complete test with the ride report and all lab data in BIKE 3/2019, available from newsagents from 4 February.

We have already been able to ride the Strive for two days on the trails around Malaga and test it extensively in the BIKE lab. The full test will be available in BIKE 3/19 from 4 February.

Photo: Canyon Bicycles We have already been able to ride the Strive for two days on the trails around Malaga and test it extensively in the BIKE lab. The full test will be available in BIKE 3/19 from 4 February.