The focus during the development of the Canyon Strive:On CFR was clear. The bike should score points without compromise in the newly created E-Enduro World Cup. None other than former downhill world champion Fabien Barel was involved in the development of the bike. The modern bike with a full carbon frame follows in the footsteps of of the non-motorised enduro bike Strive, which also has a lot of racing DNA and can definitely be described as extreme.
There has never been a Strive in the e-bike sector before - so the bike is a completely new concept. And don't worry: the new E-Enduro from Koblenz can also be ridden outside of race tracks. How well the bike performs on normal trails, you can read below.
The Canyon Strive:On is also the first E-MTB from the Koblenz-based company with Bosch's Performance CX. A drive that currently seems hard to beat on the difficult uphill stages of the race format. To match the design, there is also an LTD version of the Strive:On with the Race version of the Bosch motor. The newcomer lands in the large E-MTB range from Canyon between the all-mountain and trail bike Spectral:On and the even more extreme park bike Torque:On CF, which was also created from scratch and launched at the same time as the Strive:On.
Video: Canyon Strive:On CFR vs Canyon Torque:On CF
The facts about the Canyon Strive:On CFR
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (LTD model available with Race version)
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, either 750 or 625 watt hours
- Suspension travel: 170/165 mm
- MX wheel mix (29/27.5")
- Full carbon frame with extreme enduro geometry
- Three equipment variants between 5799 and 9699 euros
- Weight: from 23.3 kg (manufacturer's specification, top model with 625 Wh)
- Bosch Connect module (GPS tracking, theft protection)
- Four sizes S to XL
Motor and battery in the Canyon Strive:On CFR
All three of Canyon's E-MTBs to date have been equipped with a Shimano Steps drive. With the Strive:On and the new Grand Canyon:On hardtail, Canyon customers now also have the option of choosing a bike with the popular Bosch Performance CX. If you have competition ambitions, you'll want the aggressive race motor from the Swabians. This is exactly what the limited top model of the Strive has in the bottom bracket area. The Strive's chassis can accommodate either the 750cc PowerTube or the smaller and lighter 625cc PowerTube. You can choose the battery size for all three models in the online shop. Both battery variants can also be used in the same bike at a later date. The shorter 625 Powertube is fitted with an adapter for this purpose. The racing format of the E-World Cup also means that the battery can be removed quickly and easily. To save weight, Canyon has decided to remove the battery from the bottom of the closed down tube. To do this, the cover has to be loosened with a bolt (Allen key). You can see exactly how this works in the following picture gallery.
For the controls, Canyon has opted for a combination of mini-remote and smart controller. The feel and ergonomics of the shifter are superb. The wireless connection to the drive unit is also a special feature that provides real added value. The system controller is slimly integrated into the top tube and displays the support level and battery status. If you need more information, you can also get a Kiox display from Canyon's online shop or use your mobile phone as a display replacement via the eBike Flow app.
Theft protection thanks to the Connect module
Canyon is placing greater emphasis on connectivity for its 2023 e-bike range. The Bosch bikes all come with the Stuttgart-based company's Connect module. This GPS module allows you to view the location of your e-bike at any time. The e-bike alarm function also emits acoustic signals if the bike is moved without a digital key. In the event of theft, a message is also sent to the smartphone and automatic tracking starts. When purchasing a Canyon e-MTB, these functions are free of charge for twelve months. After that, the current annual fee is 40 euros.
The geometry of the Canyon Strive:On CFR
The geometry is crucial for a fast bike. But unlike in classic enduro races, an e-enduro bike doesn't just have to make up time on challenging descents. The so-called power stages of the format lead over technically demanding passages steeply uphill. A real challenge for the engineers. The very long and flat design of the Strive:On CF is hardly surprising. With a reach of 500 millimetres in size L, it is very long - even compared to other racy E-Enduros. Size S still has a reach of 450 millimetres. A value that was normal on size L E-MTBs just a few years ago. With a reach of 525 millimetres in size XL, even really tall riders up to two metres tall should be happy with the Strive:On. The head angle is slack at 63.5 degrees.
The chainstay length is an exciting question when it comes to the geometry of an E-Enduro for racing. This is because on steep climbs, a long rear end offers a lot of pressure on the front wheel and therefore very good climbing capabilities. However, the Canyon team led by Fabien Barel decided against this approach. Even though the stays are slightly longer than on the All Mountain Spectral:On at 445 millimetres, this value cannot be described as particularly long. In order to give the bike the best climbing capabilities, the seat angle is very steep at 78 degrees. This means that the rider sits far forward on the bike and can put even more pressure on the front wheel by shifting their weight. The idea is not new, but it is effective.
At 435 millimetres in size L, the seat tube is short enough that even smaller riders can reach for the larger size. Even if this is unlikely to be the case with the already generous reach values. The sizes L and XL also come with a long dropper post with 200 millimetres of travel. With a wheelbase of 1306 millimetres in size L, the new Strive:On almost screams for a smooth ride.
Equipment and prices
The Canyon Strive:On CFR is located in the high-end range of the Koblenz-based mail order company. The cheapest of the three equipment variants starts at 5799 euros. All three models are available with either a 625 or 750 PowerTube battery. The surcharge for the large battery is 200 euros, with an additional weight of around 700 grams. The frame is identical on all models. Apart from the limited Barel edition, the bikes roll on the popular Maxxis combination of Minion DHR II with Doubledown casing on the rear wheel and Assegai EXO+ with a soft rubber compound on the front.
Canyon Strive:On CFR Underdog - from 5799 euros
The CFR Underdog model marks the entry into the world of the Strive:On. 5799 or 5999 euros are due for it. With a Fox 38 Rythm and Shimano Deore groupset, the equipment still leaves room for improvement.
Canyon Strive:On CFR - from 6999 euros
The Strive:On CFR, on the other hand, offers everything to make even the most demanding enduro riders happy. For 6999 or 7199 euros, it comes with Fox suspension with 38 Performance Elite and X2 shock. The only thing missing from the Factory version is the glamorous Kashima coating. On the damping side, the Grip2 technology of the top model is used. There is also a shifting mix of Shimano XT and SLX, as well as brakes from the XT range. In addition, high-quality HX1700 wheels from DT Swiss.
Strive:On CFR LTD - from 9499 euros
Right at the top is the Strive:On CFR LTD with Bosch's Performance CX Race motor. The model is Fabien Barel's personalised edition. Rockshox suspension with ZEB Ultimate and Superdeluxe Ultimate. Shifting is with the new transmission gear system from Sram, braking with Code RSC. Price point: 9499 or 9699 euros. Another special feature of the Barel edition are the Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M tyres.
The Strive:On CFR on the trail
Let's get this out of the way: No, we didn't compete in the E-Bike World Cup with the new racing bike from Canyon. And probably only a very small proportion of all future users will do so. But still: the Scarlino trail area near Punta Ala served as a test area for our first riding impression. The place where the very first Enduro World Series took place ten years ago. Incidentally, the winner back then was a Frenchman called Fabien Barel.
The trails in the Punta Ala hinterland are mostly rocky, fast, sometimes steep and rough. And yes: this trail character is ideal for the new Strive:On. With its super-long wheelbase, the bike provides a lot of riding stability in the fast and rough sections. The riding feel is super safe and allows the rider to reach high speeds. This means that any moments of shock are either mild - or completely absent. You are well integrated into the bike and we found the front end to be neither excessively high nor conspicuously low. The suspension is sensitive and generates a lot of traction. Nevertheless, it offers enough support to give the bike a lively character. However, traction takes priority over excessive pop with this rear suspension.
The long bike is not particularly manoeuvrable or playful. It cannot and will not hide its racing genes. This is also reflected in the fact that it is not particularly easy to pull onto the rear wheel. And: High speed definitely tastes better on the bike than moderate cruising. If you are travelling slowly and more passively, you have to use more force to steer the bike.
Striking: For a rider weight of 86 kilos, we had to run the rebound damping almost completely closed. There is little room for manoeuvre for heavier riders. A pity, but hardly surprising: Canyon hasn't found a way to stop the familiar rattling of the Bosch motor. As a result, the otherwise very quiet bike is accompanied by a constant clacking noise on the descents, as we are unfortunately used to from Bosch bikes.
The Strive:On makes an excellent first impression on the climbs. Bosch's Performance CX works as confidently and powerfully as usual. The suspension is well planted and, together with the steep seat angle, the rider sits in the centre of the bike even on steep sections. This makes it easy to shift your weight forwards and gives you a lot of control. There is always enough pressure on the front wheel, which also has a positive effect in tight bends and technical passages. Together with the good traction on the rear wheel, we had absolutely no reason to complain on the climbs. On the flat, the riding position is not overly sporty, despite the very long reach. The steep seat angle places the rider far forward and very centred on the bike. This is better suited to uphills than long transfers on the flat.
Conclusion on the Canyon Strive:On CFR
With the Strive:On CFR, Canyon has created an uncompromising race enduro bike. This package includes plenty of riding safety for high speeds in demanding terrain! Even uphill, no-one can beat this bike. Top for technical trail climbs. But beware: this extreme bike is neither particularly comfortable nor overly manoeuvrable for leisurely trail and touring rides. With the Bosch Performance CX, Canyon is expanding its E-MTB portfolio with a new drive - so everyone can find the right bike for them. The price-performance ratio is super fair, the weight is good - but not record-breaking. All in all, the Strive:On CFR is an absolutely successful addition to the Canyon fleet! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
