Canyon has tweaked some specifications of its Strive shape-shifting enduro bike.
The Strive has developed a following among enduro riders who seek better climbing geometry. No matter how clever and considered the geometry of a modern enduro frame is, any bike with a 170mm fork propping up the front end is going to be a challenge climbing up the steepest gradients.
Canyon’s solution has been the Shapeshifter system. It uses a two-way gas valve on the rear suspension's rocker link to manipulate the shock orientation.
Two bikes in one
With the Shapeshifter function, riders can enable 1.5-degrees of head angle adjustment. If you are climbing, the Strive can become a 67.5-degree head angle bike, despite having a 170mm front fork.
On the descents, that head angle can be slackened to 66-degrees, which isn’t overly slack compared to other modern enduro bikes but is entirely appropriate for some riders.
Although the Shapeshifter system remains broadly unchanged, there have been some graphic and component upgrades to the new Strive.
Canyon now equips all its Strives with a 170mm fork, complemented by 150mm of rear suspension. The company has also attached Maxxis tires to all its Strives, with an Assegai 29x2.5” up front and Minion DHR II 29x2.4” at the rear.
The Strive range now starts at $3599, which buys you the CF7. This entry-level model comes with a RockShox Lyrik Select RC fork, Super Deluxe Select R shock and SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain.
At $4599, the CF8 comes built with a Fox 36 fork, DPX2 shock and Shimano Deore XT drivetrain, rolling along on DT Swiss E1700 wheels.
If you want one of the lightest 29er enduro bikes available, you'll want Canyon’s Strive CFR. The frame uses a better composite layup to achieve a 300g weight reduction, and it is equipped with some stellar components. The result is the Canyon Strive CFR weighing only 27lb (12.25kg).
Strive CFR features a Fox Factory fork and rear shock, while SRAM’s XO1 Eagle drivetrain converts rider power to forward momentum. Canyon’s premium Strive also rolls DT Swiss EXC 1200 carbon wheels and prices at $6999.
Canyon's Strive range, as well as all its other bikes, are available directly from Canyon.com.
