Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race Review

The new Canyon Strive caused quite a stir when its Shapeshifter technology was unveiled, promising two bikes in one. The character of the bike could be switched from nimble mountain goat to a charging bull with the flick of a switch.

Update August 2016: This is a review of the 2015 model, we’ve now reviewed the current Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race 2016!

The shape is shifted with a body movement, and it takes a little bit of practice. Our enthusiastic initial pelvic thrusting in the car park certainly raised some eyebrows, but as soon as we had the movement dialled, it became second nature. Hitting the Reverb down while simultaneously dropping the Shapeshifter into DH mode becomes instantaneous. This is one of the reasons why this technology won the prestigious Gold Award in the Design & Innovation Award 2015.

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The Shapeshifter caused quite a stir when the Strive was released.

The Canyon Strive CF’s carbon frame is beautifully finished, and the attention to detail extends to the component choices too. We are always happy to see a RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir rear shock and a Pike RCT3 Solo Air fork. The easy setup and forgiving performance of this pairing are perfect for a bike that is sold directly. The cockpit feels instantly familiar and high quality, while the satisfyingly wide 780mm Renthal Fatbar Carbon and 40mm Apex stem add an air of seriousness. A full SRAM XO1 drivetrain leaves nothing to be desired, and the addition of a e.thirteen XCX+ chain guide will please racers. The SRAM Guide RSC Brakes had a nice lever feel, but they leaked fluid onto the rear pad during one brutal descent.

We were happy to see a set of SRAM Rail 50 wheels, as the 23mm internal width provides a secure footing for the 2.3 Maxxis Highroller II and DHR II tyres. The wheels withstood a huge amount of punishment throughout the testing, and the good tyres made the Canyon a first choice when the bikes were allocated. Climbing onto the Strive CF Race, the bike feels instantly familiar although the race geometry is very extreme with a huge 468mm reach and a 1207mm wheelbase. A standard geometry version with a less extreme top tube length is also available for those who are looking for a more upright riding position. The 66° head angle is not as slack as the more aggressive bikes on the market, but the tall 135mm head tube height makes the front feel high for shorter riders.

When it came to big day rides the Canyon was a popular choice; running in XC mode (139 mm travel) the higher bottom bracket allows rocky passages to be negotiated easily, and the 13.15 kg weight helped too. The bike feels taut and efficient, and the forward seat position allows you to transfer power better and keep weight on the front wheel when tracking through rooty climbs. The Strive climbed with the best of them and even on big six hour pedals, it felt light and free of pedal squat.

Dropping the Strive into DH mode results in a total change in personality – the Strive has got game! The Shape Shifter opens up the full 163mm of travel and cuts 1.5 degrees from the head angle (slackening it to 66°), while slamming the bottom bracket 19mm towards the ground. Although lacking the pure ‘mini DH’ bike feel of others, the Strive feels totally confident and composed over rough terrain; efficient and nimble, it’s a racer rather than a steamroller. The frame feels stiff laterally and held rough and rocky lines tenaciously, and despite the long wheelbase, the ultra-short 423mm chainstays allow the bike to carve through tight switchbacks without fuss.

Details

Two-faced: With the flick of this Shape Shifter lever you have two bikes in one. It takes a few minutes of practice to get the weight shifting right, but soon you will have an XC climber or a DH shredder at the tip of your finger. — **Two-faced:** With the flick of this Shape Shifter lever you have two bikes in one. It takes a few minutes of practice to get the weight shifting right, but soon you will have an XC climber or a DH shredder at the tip of your finger.

Clean Cockpit: We liked the clean integration of the SRAM Guide brakes with the shifter and Reverb control, keeping the cockpit clean. This does, however, limit choices for those who prefer to run their brakes and shifters farther apart. — **Clean Cockpit:** We liked the clean integration of the SRAM Guide brakes with the shifter and Reverb control, keeping the cockpit clean. This does, however, limit choices for those who prefer to run their brakes and shifters farther apart.

Hidden secrets: The Shape Shifter actuator is almost hidden below the linkage plate. The geometry is shifted by shifting your bodyweight as the bar mounted lever is pressed. — **Hidden secrets:** The Shapeshifter actuator is almost hidden below the linkage plate. The geometry is shifted by moving your bodyweight as the bar mounted lever is pressed.

Race proven: The Canyon Strive has been well-tested through Enduro World Series races. The Canyon Strive CF Race features a race-orientated longer reach, maximising its downhill performance on steep trails. — **Race proven:** The Canyon Strive has been well-tested through Enduro World Series races. The Canyon Strive CF Race features a race-orientated longer reach, maximising its downhill performance on steep trails.

Specification: Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race

Fork: RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air 160mm
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Debonair 160mm
Drivetrain: SRAM X01
Brakes: SRAM Guide RSC
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Renthal Apex 50mm
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar Carbon 780mm
Tyres: MAXXIS High Roller II / Minion DHR II
Wheelsize: 27.5″
Wheels: SRAM Rail 50
Price: € 4,299

Strengths

Shape Shifter is ground-breaking.
Unbelievable value.

Weaknesses

SRAM Guide brake leaked.
There is currently a waiting list.

Conclusion

As a bike to do everything, the Strive is an incredible package. It can climb to the top of remote mountains efficiently, and with the flick of a switch can mix it with the best of them on descents. It’s intoxicatingly fun at speed and a riotous ride, and was our Best in Test winner. The Shape Shifter really does give the bike a split personality, and at that bargain price it must be scaring the pants off the competition.

For more information on the Canyon Strive visit canyon.com

This article is part of our Enduro Bike Group Test 2015.