The Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team on the trail
We were lucky enough to thoroughly test the Strive CFR 9.0 Team before the official launch event in sunny Malaga. We took it to San Remo and compared it there with 13 of this season’s hottest enduro bikes, and we tested it extensively in the trail paradise of Massa Vecchia. To find out how the bike fared against the competition, you’ll have to wait for the latest issue of ENDURO, which will be released on February 01.
Although the action shots suggest otherwise, we did do a fair share of climbing on board the new Canyon Strive. If you press the left lever of the Shapeshifter, the piston extends at the next available opportunity, steepening the bike’s seat tube angle and providing noticeably firmer suspension. Although the seat tube angle still isn’t exaggeratedly steep at 75 °, once you’ve pushed the saddle forward somewhat, you’ll sit comfortably on steep climbs. In XC mode, there is almost no rocking at the rear triangle and you can confidently spare yourself the effort of reaching for the climb switch on the shock. The bike is able to convince with plenty of traction, and thanks to the raised bottom bracket and the short cranks you won’t run into any problems on technical climbs peppered with jutting roots and rocks. If this has got you thinking that you might need stronger legs for shorter cranks, we can assure you, we were hardly able to tell a difference. When in doubt, shift to an easier gear and pedal a bit faster.
As soon as you activate downhill mode on the Shapeshifter, the Strive truly comes into its own. In this mode, the bike offers 150 mm of rear travel, although it feels like a lot more when you’re on the trail. The rear end is sensitive off the top while simultaneously offering lots of mid-stroke support. The progression towards is enough to prevent harsh bottoming out, but without limiting the availability of the travel. Like all good things, using the Shapeshifter requires a little practice to get used to, but after a few rides, it’ll quickly become second nature.
Due to the slightly longer chainstays, the handling of the new Strive feels even more balanced than that of its predecessor. Riding the bike, you’ll still feel like you’re integrated into the bike, tucked in behind the handlebars. If you stay off the brakes the Strive simply marches ahead, offering an excellent mix of composure and agility. If you come into a rock garden carrying more speed than you’re comfortable with, the bike stays relaxed. At the same time, however, the bike will always let you pick a different line or allow you to spontaneously to enter that corner a little higher up.
The steering of the 2019 Canyon Strive 29 is direct and precise without a hint of nervousness. The rear linkage offers lots of support and feedback, making it easy for you to pop off and over obstacles if you choose to. Despite 20 mm difference in travel, the performance of the suspension and the overall balance of the bike is spot on. In long, open corners you always have enough weight on the front wheel without having to shift your weight around too much – way to go! The workmanship and finish are top notch too. The bike remained very quiet throughout testing and there was no annoying rattling to be heard from the internal cables.
Conclusion
The brand new 2019 Canyon Strive convinced our test team with an outstanding overall package. It climbs efficiently up technical trails and descends with a perfect mix of agility and composure. And as if that wasn’t enough, it scores with a flawless choice of componentry and brilliant suspension. It is one of the most exciting bikes of the new season. Look forward to seeing how it fares in our big group test.
For more information head to canyon.com
In the next issue of ENDURO, which will be released on the 1st of February, we compare the Strive with 13 of this season’s hottest bikes – be excited! You’ll find more information about the release of the next issue in our Facebook event.
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