Canyon Launch Two New Strive Factory Race Models and 2020 US Line

Feb 4, 2020 at 18:16
by Daniel Sapp  
Photo Courtesy of Canyon

PRESS RELEASE: Canyon

Canyon have announced the addition of two new Strive CFR (Canyon Factory Race) bikes to their line and also unveiled their 2020 models for the US this week.

The Strive CFR 9.0 and CFR 9.0 LTD were developed in conjunction with Canyon's Enduro team. The frames utilize a unique carbon fiber technology to reduce frame weight by 300-grams. Complete bike builds come in at 13.3kg for the CFR 9.0 in size medium.

The Strive uses its unique Shapeshifter platform that changes the geometry and characteristics of the bike on the fly, between uphill and downhill modes via a handlebar-mounted switch. The switch activates a gas spring, lowering the BB by 4mm and reducing the seat angle and head tube angle by 1.5-degrees for better descending performance. When the trail turns uphill, the switch will steepen things up and limit the rear-wheel travel to 135mm.

The bike has 150mm of rear travel and 170mm of upfront. Suspension duties are handled by Fox Factory suspension. The drivetrain and brakes are Shimano XTR, and other kit includes DT Swiss EXC carbon wheels.

Photo Courtesy of Canyon
The Strive CFR 9.0 LTD
Photo Courtesy of Canyon
The Strive CFR 9.0

The CFR 9.0 LTD weighs in at 14.2kg and is equipped with RockShox suspension, SRAM's XX1 Eagle AXS groupset and AXS Reverb seatpost, SRAM Code RSC brakes and Zipp 3Zero Moto carbon wheels.

The Strive CFR 9.0 sells for £5,599 and is available in European countries. The Strive CFR 9.0 LTD sells for £8,399 or $9,249 and is available in European countries and the US.

Photo Courtesy of Canyon




Canyon also have rolled out their 2020 line for the US this week.

photo
Lux CF SLX 9.0 Team

Lux CF SLX 9.0 Team, $6999: This XC bike is almost identical to Mathieu van Der Poel’s race-winning steed. Highlights include a frame that weighs 2 kilograms (size Medium, with shock), Shimano XTR M9100 1x drivetrain, DT Swiss XRC1200 carbon wheels, and Fox 32 Factory Stepcast remote fork.

photo
Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD

Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD, $6499: Just launched, this trail 29er is over half a pound lighter than the standard Neuron CF while boasting a balanced descend vs. climb personality via a Fox 34 Factory fork and Float DPS Factory shock, a Fox Transfer dropper, DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon hoops with 30mm internal rim width, and Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed shifting.

photo
Neuron AL 6.0 SL

Neuron AL 6.0 SL, $1900: At under $2,000, this full suspension trail bike rolls on Mavic rims mated to Shimano hubs, with SRAM NX Eagle 12s shifting, and 130mm of travel via a RockShox Recon RL in the front and Deluxe RT in back.

photo
Spectral AL 5.0

Spectral AL 5.0, $2699: At just over 31lbs, the 160mm/150mm travel Spectral boasts the newest RockShox Pike Select, SRAM NX Eagle, and Race Face AR30 wheelset with a deeper rim profile and asymmetric design for improved durability.

photo
Torque CF 7.0


Torque CF 7.0, $3999: The Torque CF 7.0 features a full-carbon frame, RockShox Lyrik Select Plus and Super Deluxe Select Plus RT suspension combo, SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, and SRAM Code R brakes.


For more information, visit www.canyon.com

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127 Comments
  • 108 4
 Is it me or have canyons prices gotten closer and closer to non-direct bike company prices? The prices seem pretty close to other companies. Maybe a bit less but not what you see from other direct to consumer pricing?
  • 65 3
 at least commencal is still holding it down with their $5k USD full AXS meta tr
  • 29 15
 @sosburn: only 35 pounds
  • 38 9
 Well they are now sponsoring pretty much everyone, that can't be cheap... Couple of millions for mvdp, couple more for the cllctv, this Wibmer guy probably isn't cheap either.... (And that's ignoring the road racers)

I don't think I'll be buying any more of their bikes. I want money to go to r+d instead of marketing...
  • 13 2
 Direct brands have gone up some and shop brands are offering lower priced/spec’d rides now. It’s not so much about price difference anymore as they are getting close. It’s more about the spec now. Direct brands still seem to be spec’d a little better for the money.
  • 1 0
 Generally agree, but they seem to keep at least one build per model that's a pretty good deal. Look at the Strive CF 7.0 But then, with traditional brands you rarely pay RSP you your LBS is any good
  • 1 0
 @LaurensVR: They went down one road team this year (Katusha Alpecin/Israel Startup Nation ride on De Rosa noe)
  • 4 3
 they apperantly wnat to make maximum cash from their carbon molds. Otherwise they would update the frame geo to be in touch with others in 2020. In geo department these bikes suck bike time, which is a shame because their pricing is really nice
  • 1 2
 Loss leading to establish a brand is not knew. Once they have some disciples, the spec goes down, the price goes up, and presto... marketing 1-0-1. Sad that this model puts undue stress on the industry, especially smaller brands.
  • 9 4
 @pepazz: Funny thing is the current strive just got released and still has shitty geo for a racebike
  • 7 0
 @LaurensVR: Such riders are R&D.
  • 11 0
 The Neuron 9.0 above with that spec would be $9,000 from Trek or Specialized. Look at the Topfuel with carbon hoops, XTR, Carbon Crank and Kashima Coated shafts... For $6,500 that's a a pole smoking deal...
  • 4 1
 @Boosting: carbon bikes are coming in at 32-35 as well so what's the difference?
  • 2 0
 @blum585: Indeed. Same for Spectral XTR DT Factory. Why the same sub-30lb Strive with EXC 1200 hasn't been brought in is a mystery.
  • 3 0
 @novajustin: I don’t get it either. My full carbon ripmo with 2.6” rubber weighs close enough to 31-32 that I honestly can’t see 33-35 being that significant of a difference. I’m guessing allow frame and carbon hoops would feel lighter in some situations than the inverse does.

Yoann Barelli would dust me in both directions still. So it’s not a bike issue.
  • 5 1
 @novajustin: the difference is the carbon bikes coming at 32 pounds are the low end garbage builds with NX eagle and 160mm travel. You can most of the time shed it down closer to 28 pounds. The Meta TR is 35 pounds with all the lightest components you can get... All that being said I know it's still perfectly rideable, I was more answering to the original comment asking why the commencals are so much cheaper. Well the good old strong, cheap, light, you can only pick two, applies here. The commencals are cheaper yeah but it comes with a weight penalty. Now it's up to you to decide what your priorities are. Having ridden a 28lbs bike for the past year I know what I would sacrifice. Sorry wallet!
  • 4 0
 @Boosting: the highest end 2020 s-works build enduro came in at 32.5lbs. you're telling me that's a garbage build? high end RM slayer, 33.2lbs... just because your bike has lower end components, doesn't mean that's where all the weight is.
  • 4 0
 Only for the high-end models. The Canyon Neuron CF 7.0 is still the cheapest full-carbon trail bike from any of the big, reputable manufacturers.
  • 4 1
 @novajustin: you're comparing 180mm Enduro/DH machines to a 140mm bike. Put the pipe down.
  • 32 2
 i would hate to be out on a great ride, beautiful day, and then have someone tell me, a fellow cyclist, that my geo wasn't current. I would feel so held back. What would be the point in riding until i could get a new frame?
  • 16 1
 But imagine how great you would feel on a Pole or Nicolai. You slowly cruise by a bunch of dentists and lawyers on Pivots and Yeti’s. You flash a smug smile at them as they jealously look on, silently seething that your geometry is from the future and is far superior to theirs.
  • 19 1
 @wibblywobbly: That is if it doesn't break as you do so.
  • 1 1
 @jamesstoup: That's why I'm waiting for the Grim Donut. Suspension means nothing, I mean look at the graphs, they are curved lines for crying out loud! Angles are where its at. Simple. Geometry. Just knowing geometry lets you know exactly how a bike will ride and can also help you pass 7th grade.
  • 3 0
 @jamesstoup: Are we pretending that Yeti bikes don't crack now?

Also, from an engineering standpoint, what Pole is doing with CNC is actually the most reliable method of manufacturing.
  • 2 0
 @wibblywobbly: The more relevant one is riding a Pole or Nicolai with others on Yetis or SCs, saying how they prefer a playful bike, but when the new 2020 Enduro came out, suddenly they all want one.
  • 2 2
 The best thing is to absolutely dust people on new bikes who claim your geo is "un-ridable"

I think someone once said it's not about the bike...
  • 4 1
 but seriously why is the geo on the strive so shithouse?
  • 1 0
 @Pennyrisk: most likely designed for Joey's who want to ride it sitting down and have the saddle same way as their road bike
  • 38 11
 I don’t understand the hump design on the top tube. Mondraker and Fezzari do it too. I don’t want my bike to look like Quasimodo; I don’t care how stiff or compliant it makes the bike ride.
  • 31 19
 Me thinks you're riding for the wrong reasons pal.
  • 8 1
 I like the look. It reminds me of a prowling big cat. each to their own
  • 13 3
 Hump-racist.
  • 14 1
 I suppose you don't like humpback whales either?
  • 3 0
 You clearly haven't heard of Quasimodo's Dream.
  • 5 2
 Agree, they look hideous. And yes, I know riding a bike isn’t about how it looks, but when you can get great bikes that look good also, I know what I’d prefer to buy.
  • 6 0
 @darrentheclaw: You mean shapist?
  • 1 0
 I dunno, I think they look pretty good. Any bike looks good to some, not so great to others. Just like cars.
  • 1 3
 @CrispyNuggs: stating you don't care about performance of your frame and only looks matter is a bit extreme tho, no?
  • 5 0
 You might be a Never-Humper.
  • 3 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: Too much of that hump-speech.
  • 4 0
 When did I say that then? Re-read what I said@Boosting:
  • 3 0
 I said you can get great bikes that also look better than this meaning there are better looking bikes that have exceptional performance too.@Boosting:
  • 2 3
 I would guess that at least 40% of pinkbikers just buy what looks cool and don't actually ride. MTB is just a status thing in cities like seattle.
  • 22 5
 How many more years until Canyon does away with the Shapeshifter?
  • 11 0
 Actually sounds pretty good thing as long as it doesn't take up too much room on the cockpit. Changes geo and lowers travel.
  • 12 3
 if they do away with it I think they'll sell a lot more. I'd never buy another bike with one.
  • 7 3
 @tacklingdummy: good in theory, janky in practice. So unreliable on the previous gen that conversions were sold (i think by bikeyoke?) to make it just a normal linkage Haven't heard anything about the newest Strive, but I'm wary of anything with a track record so negative.
  • 12 0
 Mine has worked flawlessly for three years now (3 years, three weeks and four days to be precise). The 2015 models had under-specced seals (wouldn't hold the pressure), but since they addressed that any issues have actually been maintenance of the cable actuating it. And you can change modes "on the fly"...pop off a root, hit the button, land and momentum puts you into DH mode...pop another root, touch the button, and with the rear unweighted it'll pop into trail mode...easy peasy lemon squeezie...
  • 8 0
 I dont know about this newer version but happy AF with it on my old 27.5. I dont faff with it mid trail though. Gotta climb? Set to high mode and go. Change it at the top for the decent.
I did away with it on my previous frame with a Bike yoke linkage but very happy to have kept it on this next frame.
  • 4 0
 When Trek ditches knock block.
  • 2 0
 I've been super sceptical at first aswell. Another thing you have to manage, it could be unreliable, etc. But now that I've had the opportunity to actually test it, I'm a firm believer. Its so much more and better than having just a lock-out switch on your shock. The bike gets super good at climbing all of a sudden but the suspension still works as intended. Also the operation is beyond simple and works pretty seamlessly imo.
  • 1 0
 Another one here with a 2016 model with no SS problems
  • 1 2
 Fully agree. Get rid of adjustable geometry all together. Contrary to popular belief, you can corner a slightly longer and slightly slacker bike just fine on tight single track.
  • 2 0
 I think the same year Scott stops f**king around with the TwinLok...
  • 2 1
 @phops: The purpose of the shape shifter is not to steepen the head angle to make the bike more nimble or shorten the wheelbase. These are merely byproducts and marginally noticed at best. The purpose is to greatly change the anti squat characteristics and make climbing and flat travel easier and less taxing on the rider. A system bred and born from racing flowing over for everyday riders.
  • 1 0
 @phops @handynzl: The Shapeshifter is solely made to aid in climbing. Steepening the HTA by 1.5 degrees is substantial enough to help in climbing as well as also changing the leverage ratio, shortening the travel, and slightly raising the BB.
  • 17 0
 No $12,300 option? Eww...
  • 2 0
 The € 9000,- option comes pretty close...
  • 4 0
 @DutchmanPhotos: Its still better spec than a Yeti or Pivot for $13000 so it doesn't count.
  • 26 13
 These bikes look sharp, apparently an excellent suspension platform, value packed builds, too bad the geo is just not current. Update the geo and these bikes will sell like hot cakes.
  • 30 9
 you dont always need the so called "current" trend.
  • 9 4
 Yeah, I agree. Flo probably would have done better if it wouldn't have been for those old numbers...darn...
  • 4 0
 Spoken like a true believer
  • 4 4
 Exactly no need for new colors or300g lighter CF frames, but give as better geo!
  • 6 2
 Outside of the PB comment section, out on the trails, hardly anyone cares about "not current geo".
  • 4 1
 Yeah right, omfg how could anyone ever possibly have fun on a bike that doesn't have the most stupidly radical geometry?!?!! We basically should all buy Nicolai and not even consider anything else.
  • 3 1
 And seriously now, if it's good enough for a pro EWS athlete like Florian Nicolai to ride it to second place in the overall ranking, its probably also good enough for you.
  • 1 1
 @benmoosmann: Bro that's what I said in my post above....should be less sarcastic.
  • 5 2
 Too many nerds in the comment sections worried that they cant ride a bike because the numbers aren't trendy enough for them... If you are worried about the geo of a bike over how it feels when riding it, you're doing it wrong...
  • 2 0
 @VPS13: Comment of the year.
  • 1 1
 @VPS13: whatever. I’m not buying one. Yer probs bitter cause you bought one
  • 1 0
 @Golden-G: No I actually didn't, I have another bike which Im sure you would feel is in need of an update because it has geometry which is just plain un-rideable. How could anyone ever have fun on a bike that doesn't fit the current trendy formula?
  • 2 0
 @VPS13: fun can be had on a 30year old tricycle. No argument there. I have a modern geo bike and they are better. Older bikes are still plenty shredable. Obsolete is a state of mind. My point being that if Canyon wishes to sell more bikes they should update their geo. Enjoy the good times!
  • 6 0
 I had the 2019 strive and it was a great bike the shapeshifter is actually pretty neat, I know the seat angle isn’t up to date with other bikes but it still climbed well and the reach numbers were comfortable.
  • 4 0
 Love my '19 Strive. Geo and shapeshifter complaints are unfounded IMO. The shapeshifter is honestly a really simple design (I know because I took it apart to swap the shock) and I can't fathom the geo holding me back, it goes like hell up and down. Case in point Canyon rode this bike to an overall team win at EWS last year. Can't argue with that.
  • 9 6
 Got the 2019 Strive and it goes sick, Shapeshifter makes a massive difference for climbing and flatter trails. If you want a gravity sled buy the Torque or Sender, Strive makes a great Long travel trail/enduro.
Just added a DVO Jade X coil and the back end tracks like a dream!
  • 10 4
 Yeah... um... slack seat angles, high prices. Why chose this bike over the million other bikes out there?
  • 5 2
 Effective seat tube angle and actual seat tube angle are not the same thing. Seat angle on this is almost 75deg.
  • 2 2
 dont forget long seat tubes , short reach atc.
  • 3 0
 Funny how nobody really gave a shit about slack seat angles literally 2 years ago. Its not like everyone who rides bikes suddenly got better over 2 years to the point where the older seat angle doesn't work.
  • 1 0
 @phops: not totaly true, it's also that more companies are finally listening to their taller customers who don't want to be sitting over their rear wheel while they climb...

Geo needs to reflect sizing, what works on a medium iften doesn't work as well in an XL. The 75* STA doesn't sound too bad, but at my seat height it's gonna be much slacker than that and compared to a steeper STA that keeps you more centered it kinda sucks. So I'll slam the seat forward to compensate for that and then my cockpit/ETT gets too short which also kinda sucks. Longer stem can fix that for climbing, but then your out in front of your center decending which is stupid.

Compared to something with a steeper STA, or at least with companies that don't fudge their numbers to make their STA "seem" steeper. Newer Geo is amazing...

Admitedly the shape shifter probably does compensate somewhat, but I'd still rather have that steeper STA...
  • 3 0
 Wish they'd offer the Neuron CF SLX as a frameset. They do for all the other super high end MTBs. Aside from being a great bike (IMO), their framesets actually represent good value, unlike their full builds. They usually include the shock, a dropper, and other assorted hardware for quite a bit less than the big boys sell for frame only.
  • 4 2
 Their prices are getting too damn high! 3 years ago i bought a spectral with great spec for 2500. 2 years ago they offered a spectral for 2500 as well, but instead of m1700 wheels it was m1900. 1 year ago, same money, but no longer you get raceface turbine kit, instead its iridium inhouse components. Similar story with an exceed. Sadface.
  • 4 1
 I think the old pricing structure of direct sales brands was mostly a promotional thing, like probablyy didnt make much money on the first few years of canyon and yt just to grow the brands following. Now they have to make some money.
  • 7 0
 @skerby: No. While most North Americans think that Canyon or YT are new brands, that is far from true. They have been established, profitable brands in Europe for 10-15 years.

Their value is suffering from the fact that MTB has become far too trendy for its own good. Bikers, for the most part, are blindly gobbling up everything the marketing departments are coming up with. Why sell cheap bikes if bikers keep buying a new 5k+ bike every season? Plus, someone has to pay for the gigantic marketing machine.
  • 6 1
 Again no Alu Strives?????
  • 4 1
 asking real questions here. I would seriosly consider it for buying, but no aluminum frames is turn off for me.
  • 6 5
 It’s hard to tell that all the bikes are made by the same company, none of them look similar.. It’s easy to identify a Yeti, SC or Specialized.... The Strive looks cool, they should make them all like that.
  • 1 0
 Totally. Pretty much every brand that comes to mind has some continuity in its line. It’s important for their own marketing.
  • 6 4
 Santa Cruz's don't all look the same. Coming from a proud owner of a hightower.. or a Tallboy.
  • 2 0
 If you get a bike for looks, Id say you are in the sport for the wrong reasons, but thats just me.
  • 1 0
 @phops: it’s not about us liking the looks of a bike. I agree with you, bike a bike for its ride quality, not it’s looks. Although, some bikes are just plain sexy.

It’s about brand recognition. There is a reason other brand’s bikes are recognizable. It’s advertising for them.

If your a brand, you want people to recognize one of your bikes just form it’s shape. It’s like a giant logo people are riding.
  • 2 0
 Is the Neuron AL still on a previous generation design? The CF frame looks so much nicer, pity they didn’t bother updating the AL:
  • 1 1
 Its the same old boring geo as it was
  • 1 1
 Shape shifter could be so much better if it had more variation in geometry. Especially as it doesn't have as modern geometry as it's competition to start with. I'd buy one if it had super slack geometry in downhill mode and in climb mode it switched to steep trail geometry. At the moment it's a choice of conservative or even more conservative geometry.
  • 2 0
 Have you tried one? I had a Strive like 3 years back, black one with blue/orange text (super nice graphics actually) and i was surprised at how big the small difference in gemoetry actually felt when riding. No clue about current model tho
  • 3 0
 I thought the same about the Shapeshifter when I tested it, but Canyon said they did test out bigger shifts in geometry but it didn't work well - too much change makes lots of things feel weird. Which does make sense if you ever rode a Bionicon!
  • 4 0
 Spectral is a bad ass bike no matter what.
  • 4 0
 That spectral is super sick!!!!
  • 9 6
 What the actual f*ck is going on with these seat tube angles?
  • 13 0
 Well, it is almost Wheelie Wednesday.
  • 1 3
 exactly 73,5 is like 3-4 year old geometry . Seat tube lenght is also enourmous ..
  • 3 2
 @pepazz: 73.5 for descending... measured @ averge seat height. So, @ stackheight it gives 76,1° for a size L in climb mode.
  • 1 0
 @font style="vertical-align: inherit;">font style="vertical-align: inherit;">chmod /font>/font>:
Quels sont vos calculs pour arriver à 76?.Sur les docs, c'est 75.merci
  • 2 2
 @Sylvio73: this guy doesn't know what he is talking about obviously. The virtual seat angle is 75, confirmed by Canyon. Virtual measurement is measured with the seatpost at equal height with the stack measurement. Which means a position you will never ride in. The angle of your seat when you will be pedalling ( the measurement that actually matters ) will be way slacker than 75, approaching as low as 70 and going even lower the taller you are. That's why clueless midget chaps like chmod don't understand what the frustration is about and it pushes them to defend their home country company, spreading the lies the company want us to believe.

Cheers
  • 1 0
 @Boosting:

>which means a position you will never ride in

Depends on which size you chose, and what you are used to. I ride with my seat about handlebar height without issues.

Slack actual seat tube angles are also better at getting the seat out of the way.
  • 1 0
 LMAO!! That was hilarious, but I totally agree.
  • 3 0
 @Boosting: Do understand, that's why Canyon gives angles for average seatpost height for that size and not like other companys at stackheight, which seems better on paper, but not in reality.
If you measure a strive at stack, with shapeshifter on, Size S = 75.5° / M = 75,8° / L = 76.1° / 76.2°.

Your angle will be further away, correct. Like on every bike. You didn't even consider that a shapeshifter like system gives you less sag and lifts the bike even more. Which gives a steeper angle, again... Better think before giving a clueless reactions.

PS Canyon is German, learn your flags.
  • 3 0
 Zipp 3Zero Moto rims are cool
  • 1 0
 Ahem, the Torque doesn't feature a "full-carbon" frame. Only the front triangle is carbon, as you can also see in the product picture.
  • 3 0
 Oo yeea me like it.
  • 1 1
 So lining up the CFR 9.0 LTD and the specialized turbo levo founders, both carbon frame, carbon wheels, AXS, etc but a motor is going to cost you an extra $7276?
  • 1 0
 Ever heard of R&D costs?
  • 1 0
 For a measly +£2,800 you can get to own a bike that is 900 grams lighter. ;-)
  • 1 0
 Shimano still having issues supplying XTR cranks. RF gotta be laughing all the way to the bank.
  • 2 0
 Still no Canadian distribution or website or buying options or anything?
  • 1 0
 Can they give me a naked frame fully in that beautiful muted grey on the top tube?
  • 3 3
 The ax-s dropper is not aesthetic, those frame lines are superb but then there's that square underside of the saddle, bleh
  • 2 2
 None LTD version seems better but why a none kashima dropper and no X2. Not really top of the line.
  • 2 3
 no changes in Geo? Where is the slacker HA, shorter seat tube and better STAngle, no 29 Spectral, just lighter frames ....boring
  • 2 0
 what's this talk about bike geometry? Have i missed something? been out riding for the last several years.
and what's up with slacker HA? If i went from 70 to 69.5 i would forever fear my bars would hit my top tube when throwing bars. scary af!
  • 1 0
 what does that tape off look like on the XS
  • 2 0
 Sender??
  • 1 0
 Wheel size??
  • 1 1
 That down tube hump.... even try to hide it with the crank...
  • 1 0
 $9000 for a bike? Jeez.
  • 2 2
 trials bike, please!







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