Feature

Pro Bike Check: Fabien Barel’s Factory Canyon Strive CF

06.11.2015
by
EWS Finale Barel BikeCheck 1 of 171 810x540

It was an emotional farewell in Finale for Fabien as he bowed out of the sport after crossing over from downhill and being hugely successful in doing so. He’s been hugely involved in the development of Canyon’s Strive and we got the opportunity to have an up close and personal look at his last race bike hours before it took to the stages for one last time.

We had a chat with Fabien heading into his final race weekend, you can find that by clicking here.

Fabien's Canyon Strive, he runs the Large Race size frame.
Fabien’s Canyon Strive, he runs the Large Race size frame.
Opting to strap spares to his frame rather than run with a bag pack.
Opting to strap spares to his frame rather than run with a back pack.
A Rock Shox Lyrik with 170mm of travel takes care of the Finale tech with ease.
A Rock Shox Lyrik with 170mm of travel takes care of the Finale tech with ease.
Then on the back is a Rock Shox Monarch including remote.
Then on the back is a Rock Shox Monarch including remote.
Canyon's much talked about 'Shapeshifter' technology which allows for on the fly adjustment so the geometry adapts to suit everything from long Finale liaisons to hard racing down the infamous 'Mens Donwhill' stage.
Canyon’s much talked about ‘Shapeshifter’ technology which allows for on the fly adjustment so the geometry adapts to suit everything from long Finale liaisons to hard racing down the infamous ‘Mens Donwhill’ stage. This lowers the travel from 160mm to 130mm.
A cockpit decked out in Renthal parts. Fabien runs the FatBars at 780mm with a 30mm rise and the Apex stem at 50mm.
A cockpit decked out in Renthal parts. Fabien runs the FatBars at 780mm with a 30mm rise and the Apex stem at 50mm.
SRAM's Guide Ultimate takes care of Fabien's braking duties.
SRAM’s Guide Ultimate takes care of Fabien’s braking duties. The Ergon GA2 grips he runs are with a prototype compound.
He runs with 180mm rotors both front and back.
He runs with 180mm rotors both front and back.
SRAM XX1 shifting with added grip tape making sure Fabien won't miss a shift.
SRAM XX1 shifting with added grip tape making sure Fabien won’t miss a shift, the lever at the top takes care of the shock lockout duties.
The left hand side with the remote for the Reverb dropper post and lever for the Shapeshifter.
The left hand side with the remote for the Reverb dropper post and lever for the Shapeshifter which will slacken or steepen the headangle by 1.5 degrees.
The Strive is kited out with a full SRAM XX1 drivetrain. An 11 speed setup with a osymetric chain ring and E.Thirteen XCX E-Type guide for extra security.
The Strive is kitted out with a full SRAM XX1 drivetrain. An 11 speed setup with a osymetric chain ring and E.Thirteen XCX E-Type guide for extra security.
A bit of added bling with XX1 WC Golden cassette and chain.
A bit of added bling with XX1 WC Golden cassette and chain.
Fabien runs a full Mavic Crossmax Enduro wheelset.
Fabien runs a full Mavic Crossmax Enduro wheelset.
Closer look at Mavic's Crossmax Enduro hubs.
Closer look at Mavic’s Crossmax Enduro hubs.
Fabien and the Strive in action through one of Finale's long rock gardens.
Fabien and the Strive in action through one of Finale’s long rock gardens.

For more information on Fabien’s bike head to canyon.com

Words & Photos: Ross Bell

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