Issue #037, Review - February 22, 2019

Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team 2019 review

The Canyon Strive has long been one of the most popular Enduro bikes on the market, but as time has passed, it has started to become outdated. Now, there is a new version with 29 “wheels, revised geometry and an improved Shapeshifter – is that enough to position the Strive back at the top?

For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy

**Canyon** Strive CFR 9.0 Team | 170/150 mm (f/r) | 14.26 kg | € 5,499

At first glance, the new Canyon Strive CFR doesn’t look revolutionary. The frame shape is similar to that of its predecessor and the new Shapeshifter is neatly hidden in the rocker link. But if you look closely, you will recognise that besides the larger 29″ wheels, the geometry has undergone quite a few changes. As we’ve come to expect from Canyon, the Strive’s componentry is top notch. The Team model we tested has 150 mm of travel at the rear and 170 mm in the front. The RockShox suspension consists of a Super Deluxe shock and a Lyrik RC2 fork. Canyon will only be offering carbon fibre frames, but you have a choice between two different fibre grades. There are four models based on the more entry-level CF frame and two specced with a 300g lighter CFR frame. The two CFR models are fitted with 170mm travel forks, while the others have 160 mm travel. Prices for the new Strive starts at € 2,999 – the price of our test bike is € 5,499.

The Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team in detail

Fork RockShox Lyrik RC2 170 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RCT3 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth 150 mm
Stem Canyon G5 45 mm
Handlebar Canyon G5 CF 780 mm
Wheels Mavic Deemax Pro 29″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHR 2.4″
Weight 14.26 kg
Price € 5,499

**More intuitive**
In the past, it took practice and a little skill to switch between modes. With the new Shapeshifter all you’ve got to do is press the respective lever for descending and climbing. The Shapeshifter will automatically switch to the desired mode at the next opportunity.

**Fitting**
The in-house Canyon G5 cockpit suits the overall concept of the bike perfectly. The stem is the right length (40 mm) and the width of the handlebar is spot on (780 mm).

**Carbon only**
The frame of the all-new 2019 Canyon Strive 29 will only be available in carbon, coming in two different fibre grades, and for 29ers only.

**Finally!**!
Canyon fans have been waiting for 29″ wheels on the Strive for a long time! We also have to praise the brand from Koblenz choosing to spec the extremely grippy MaxxGrip variant for the front tire.

The geometry of the Canyon Strive CFR 9.0

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400 mm	440 mm	455 mm	500 mm
Top tube	600 mm	627 mm	660 mm	695 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	110 mm	130 mm
Head angle	66°/67.5°	66°/67.5°	66°/67.5°	66°/67.5°
Seat angle	73.5°/75°	73.5°/75°	73.5°/75°	73.5°/75°
Chainstays	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB hight	336 mm	336 mm	336 mm	336 mm
Wheelbase	1169 mm	1196 mm	1230 mm	1268 mm
Reach	415 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Stack	626 mm	631 mm	640 mm	658 mm

**Helmet** Giro Switchblade MIPS | **Goggle** 100% Accuri | **Jersey** Troy Lee Designs Sprint Jersey | **Short** Troy Lee Designs Ruckus

The Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team on the trail

In times of increasingly extreme geometries, the brand new Strive could almost be mistaken for old-school. The head angle of 65.5° (with a 170 mm fork) is on the steeper side and the reach of 470 mm (Size L) isn’t particularly long. Striking, however, is the high stack of 640 mm, in part due to the very low BB which has a drop of 36 mm. The new Shapeshifter now has two levers allowing you to activate either climb or descend mode. Once you’ve selected the mode, a check valve ensures the bike automatically changes to that mode at the next available opportunity. In climbing mode, the bottom bracket is raised, the rear travel is reduced to 135 mm and the seat and head tube angles are steepened by 1.5°. Once you’ve adjusted the saddle forward a bit, the climbing position is very balanced, making the Strive climb efficiently. Thanks to short, 165 mm cranks, you’ll be unlikely to clip your pedals on roots or rocks on technical climbs and the reduced travel of the rear suspension remains active on all terrain, generating a lot of traction.

Always in control – the Strive is extremely predictable.

The bike accelerates quickly, allowing you to pop over obstacles easily. Going downhill, you’ll feel nicely integrated with the bike, with enough traction on both wheels without having to shift your weight around too much. That even weight distribution makes it easier to ride open corners, but as the terrain becomes steeper and more challenging, the Strive really comes into its element. It offers plenty of reserves despite the relatively short amount of rear travel, scoring with a high degree of composure as well as agility. If you have to correct your line through a rock garden or spontaneously decide to hit the high line into the next corner, the Canyon responds directly to your steering input without any nervousness. The rear suspension is very effective, willingly soaking up large obstacles. It’s not quite as sensitive as the best in the test field, but it is very poppy, and thanks to the excellently tuned progression in the kinematics, the 150 mm of available travel feels like significantly more.

Conclusion

The new, 2019 Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 offers the best overall package in this group test. It excels on the descents with very balanced handling and loads of reserves, yet it remains extremely agile and precise. Not only will it instil you with confidence, but it is tons of fun and climbs efficiently to boot. If what you’re looking for is the perfect Enduro bike for every type of track, you will find it here! Best in Test!

Tops

Convincing performance on every trail
Very balanced handling
Simultaneously fun and composed
Top spec at a fair price

Flops

Using the Shapeshifter takes some getting used to
Seat tube angle could be steeper
Uncomfortable and super slippery saddle

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

For more info head to: canyon.com