If you look at the build of the Canyon Strive CF 5.0, you wouldn’t expect it to be enough for us to give it Best in Test in this group test. Nevertheless, the bike is at the top of the list – and there are some very good reasons for that.
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
The Strive has established itself as an absolute classic in the Canyon line-up. The latest evolution of the bike was introduced just a few months ago, rolls on 29″ wheels and is fitted with the new and improved Shapeshifter 2.0, allowing you to vary the rear travel between 150 mm and 135 mm and adjust geometry at the touch of a button. We reviewed the entry-level CF 5.0 in the Strive range, priced at € 2,999. The spec of the bike is rather low-end but overall it performs well enough, except for the underpowered SRAM Guide T brakes – we strongly recommend upgrading these! The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain shifts reliably and the FOX 36 Rhythm suspension fork is very capable too. It differs from its more expensive counterparts in the grade of aluminium used for the castings (6000 instead of 7000) and the air spring (not the EVOL version). However, the fork uses the same GRIP damper found in the Performance model. A particular highlight of the Canyon Strive CF 5.0 is the super grippy MAXXIS MINION DHR II MaxxGrip tire up front combined with the DHR II MaxxTerra at the rear. Canyon’s Race Face cockpit is generously dimensioned with a 780 mm wide handlebar and a 50 mm stem.
The Canyon Strive is a true all-rounder and excels on every trail!
The Canyon Strive CF 5.0 in detail
Fork FOX 36 Rhythm 160 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT DPX2 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide T 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM NX Eagle 11-50
Seatpost Iridium Dropper 150 mm
Stem Race Face Chester 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Chester 780 mm
Wheels Sun Ringle Duroc
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHR II Maxx Grip / Maxx Terra 2,4″
Unfortunately, the SRAM Guide T brakes don’t do the bike justice. You can tease more power out of them with Trickstuff Power pads, but we recommend replacing them with better brakes as soon as you can.
The FOX 36 Rhythm delivered a convincing performance. It responds with sensitivity and offers capable damping.
AUnlike its predecessor, the new Shapeshifter is very intuitive to use. Simply push the lever and the rear linkage shifts into the desired mode at the next suitable opportunity. It doesn’t get in the way of the dropper lever either.
The rear suspension of the Canyon Strive responds sensitively to small hits, offering lots of mid-stroke support and plenty of progression. It provides traction without making the bike feel cumbersome – excellent!
| 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 Drop | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,169 mm | 1,196 mm | 1,230 mm | 1,268 mm |
| Reach | 415 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
| Stack | 626 mm | 631 mm | 640 mm | 658 mm |
The Canyon Strive CF 5.0 in review
Despite the carbon frame, the size L we tested weighs 15.26 kg, making it one of the heavier bikes in the test field. The Strive remains one of the best climbers nonetheless. Activating the Shapeshifter lifts the bottom bracket, steepens the seat tube angle and firms up the rear suspension. With the saddle shifted forward on the 150 mm dropper post the riding position is nicely centred and even long, steep climbs are no problem. However, without question where the Strive CF 5.0 truly shines is on the descents. With regards to the handling, there is not much separating this bike from the flagship model we recently reviewed.
It offers the same superb balance and doesn’t only perform capably on the gnarliest trails, where the rear end feels like it offers much more than the specified 150 mm travel, but also on flowy trails, quickly picking up speed as you push and pump it through rollers and berms. The Strive CF 5.0 is very lively, but without feeling nervous. If you want to change direction it does so with immediate precision. Chuck it into a corner? No problem! Carry speed through off-camber sections? No other bike does it so well. Even on hard hits, the rear end doesn’t lose any of its composure and always has enough reserves with just the right amount of progression and support.
Fly high! The Strive loves catching air.
Conclusion
The Canyon Strive CF 5.0 impressed us with its agile yet confident handling. It performs well on every kind of trail and is always a hoot to ride! You want a super versatile enduro bike with excellent rear suspension and good geometry that is capable of tackling every kind of terrain? Then this is the bike you want. Despite some weaknesses in the spec, the Strive was the unanimous favourite amongst our test riders and is thus crowned the deserved Best in Test!
Tops
- lots of fun on every kind of trail
- excellent rear suspension
- very versatile
Flops
- brakes don't do the bike justice
For more info head to: canyon.com
The test field
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
All the bikes in test: FOCUS SAM 8.9 | Propain Spindrift Performance | RADON Swoop 9.0 | SCOTT Ransom 920 | Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Slash 8 | YT Capra 29 AL Comp
This article is from ENDURO issue #039
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