At our last enduro group test back in 2015, the Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race was the out-and-out test winner – but the competition clearly hasn’t been sleeping. So as the market intensifies and the Canyon goes virtually unchanged, is it enough to keep the benchmark?
Back in the summer of 2014, the launch of the Canyon Strive CF heralded revolution, and its innovative Shapeshifter technology instantaneously propelled it to the top of most riders’ wish lists. Flick the lever, slightly shift your weight and ta-da: the bike goes from a downhill bruiser to an agile mountain goat.
Typically for Canyon, the bike’s spec and value for money were never questioned – and even today they’re able to dispel any doubts. The biggest change on our test bike compared to last year’s model is the suspension: Right now the latest Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race is kitted out with a FOX 36 fork sporting a lavish 170 mm of travel and a FOX FLOAT X rear shock. Add in the SRAM X01 shifters, SRAM Guide RSC brakes, and a Renthal cockpit, and you’ll see it’s a pretty nifty set-up.
Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race in spec
Fork: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 170 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT X Factory 160 – 135 mm
Brakes: SRAM Guide RSC
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 1×11
Seat post: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Renthal Trail 50 mm
Handlebar: Renthal Fat Bar Carbon 780 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline One
Tires: Maxxis Highroller II / Maxxis Minon SS
Weight: 12.87 kg
Price: € 4,099
The Shapeshifter lends two faces to the Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race: efficient and powerful on the climbs, then one click later and it’s a downhill missile for intoxicating thrills. Just thank the taut suspension and adjustable geometry.
With a massive 170 mm of travel, the FOX 36 FLOAT Factory fork is another bonus on this year’s more potent bike.
The Canyon Strive’s cockpit satisfies all of our desires with the ultimate stem length and bar width. Tops!
On dry, hard-packed trails, the rear Minion SS gets a seal of approval with its low rolling resistance and ample grip. However, let some rain fall and be prepared to wallow in mud: if you don’t fancy changing tires constantly, then it’ll be wise to mount a Minion DHF at the rear instead and cover your bases.
[/emaillocker]
Thanks to the reduction in the travel, steeper geometry, and higher bottom bracket courtesy of the Shapeshifter, Canyon have boosted the bike’s uphill handling, although its true strength lies firmly in the downhills. The plush suspension keeps it glued to the ground, turning every section of roots into silky smooth marble tiles. There’s no shortage of feedback and you’ll get back in speed whatever you put in; the more you push, the faster you’ll go, and the Strive loves it.
The Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race excels as the terrain gets more and more technical. However, it isn’t for everyone; the long frame and ultra-compact chainstays ask for a deft hand and aggressive weight distribution to hold your line – it wants to be ridden from the front, all bent arms and concentration. Hesitation and indecision won’t be taken lightly, so the long Race version of the Strive is probably best reserved for more full-on riders with experience. Less advanced riders will be better served by the standard non-race model with a less aggressive geometry, but this comes with a 2x drivetrain.
Conclusion
No change there, then: the Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race is still an outstanding bike. Thanks to the revised suspension set-up, there’s even more in reserve. The Race model’s aggressive geometry asks for experience, but rewards with excitement. A casual saunter on the trails? Forget it. This is screaming for high speeds.
Strengths
- Amazing suspension
- Top racing bike
- Great value for money
Weaknesses
- Race geometry is pretty demanding
For more information head to the Canyon website!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Does it get better than this? – 9 high-end enduro bikes in comparison
All bikes in review: BMC Trailfox 01 XX1 | Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 | CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 | Giant Reign Advanced 1 | SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned | ROTWILD R.E1 FS EVO | Yeti SB 5.5C X01 | YT Capra CF Pro Race
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words & Photos:
