PRESS RELEASE: Canyon
Canyon’s enduro machine, the Strive, has received a fresh coat of paint and updated spec for 2021. While 2020 has been an unpredictable year on all counts, with Jack Moir joining Canyon's CLLCTV Enduro Team, the Strive remains what Canyon's team feels is one of the fastest enduro bikes on the planet.
The Strive retains its unique 'Shapeshifter' technology. Produced in close collaboration with Canyon's partners at Fox Suspension, the Shapeshifter offers on-the-fly adjustment for both geometry and rear-suspension travel. By pushing a lever, riders can switch between descend mode (with low, slack geometry and more supple suspension performance) to climb mode (sharpening the handling and raising the BB) while simultaneously reducing the available travel at the rear and firming up the suspension.
All models in the range now feature 170mm travel forks, a tweak that was previously reserved for CFR bikes. This raises the front end and slackens the head tube angle for increased capability on steep, technical descents. Also new for 2021 is the move to GRIP2 dampers on the Fox fork equipped CF 8 and CFR models.
The CFR is now equipped with DT Swiss’s gravity focused EXC 1200 carbon wheels and a FOX 36 Factory fork. The CFR model also sees the inclusion of One Up’s V2 dropper post, while across the entire Strive range the droppers get more travel (depending on size). The Strive still rolls on Maxxis tires, only now the rear Minion DHR II tire moves to an even more durable EXO+ casing, and the front tire has been switched to the Maxxis’ Assegai.
As far as colors go, the X-Ray green is no longer reserved for the likes of Tahnee and Kaos Seagrave. It is now an option on the CF 7 and CF 8 models, while the CFR sees a move to a black and white colorway.
In the US, there are three models available, starting at $3,599 for the CF 7, with a race-ready build and a full carbon frame. The CF 8 is $4,599 with a full XT drivetrain, FOX 36/DPX2 suspension combo, and DT Swiss E1700 wheelset. The top-end CFR model at $6,999 is unique, with a bespoke frame layup and ultra-premium material mix saving 300g over the standard Strive CF. The build is kitted out with top-drawer components including the aforementioned DT Swiss carbon wheels and FOX 36 Factory fork, Code RSC brakes, and a SRAM X01 Eagle groupset.
All 3 models will be available from December 17th at www.canyon.com
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76 Comments
I was really looking forward to a full frame overhaul
This bike is going to stay with an old style geometry for a long time.
A friend of mine owns one of these, worst purchase ever.
Why do you think changing the STA would require changing the shapeshifter? There is plenty of room to move the kink in the ST closer to the wheel, allowing them to steepen the actual STA close to Grim Donut territory without having to move any of the pivots. If you don't believe me, get your friend to depressurise his shock and cycle the suspension, the wheel comes nowhere near the kinked part of the seat tube.
On the other side - the dropper post was dead-on-arrival and trying to get that warrantied was a BS process, so i simply bought a longer one and put that on! Also my Fox shock was built incorrectly and the internals came out on the 4th spin, I couldn't get that covered (again a BS process involving multiple emails and forms, boxing and sending) - so I paid for a full rebuild at my LBS - and it's fine now, That fault lies squarely with Fox. the shop couldn't believe it - the main seal was installed incorrectly leading to the failure. Again all at my cost.
so there you go - some balance - it's a great bike. But there may be some foibles
Things that make you go hmmmm
Major brands like Canyon specify OEM components years in advance, using cut-price leftovers isn't a strategy that works at volume - if anyone is using a cheaper part on a 2021 bike, it's because they chose the cheaper part in late 2019.
Generally speaking, those with shorter inseams seem to prefer a slacker STA so when the saddle is slammed for descents it's more out of the way. On the other end, taller riders ie with longer inseams, again generally speaking, prefer steeper STA's to prevent moving further over the rear axle.
A trend I've been seeing a lot lately is nosing the saddle down for climbs to stay forward on the bike and have a level platform to push off and generate power and efficiency. That makes a lot of sense to me but that saddle orientation isn't ideal for descending or undulating terrain.
Any thoughts on that?
I have a pretty short inseam (under 30in) and I definitely prefer steeper STAs, but I think riders with longer inseams should have even steeper STAs because their saddles will be higher (and therefore further rearwards over the axle). For someone with long legs, a 78 or 79 degree STA will feel similar to a 77 degree STA for someone with shorter inseam.
For saddle orientation, I totally agree. Nosing down the saddle feels great for steep climbs, but I find it pretty uncomfortable on flatter terrain. Again, I think it comes down to terrain and the bike's intended use. For bikes more towards the XC side of the spectrum, flatter saddle and slightly slacker STA is probably the best compromise, and for enduro bikes, steeper STA and a bit of saddle tilt works well. You're always going to have some compromises, but those have been the general guidelines I find work best.
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