STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
Canyon enlist Fox to help update their best-selling bike
Ever since Canyon released their Torque downhill bike and updated Spectral trail bike, we’ve been keen to see a new version of their best-selling mountain bike, the 150mm-travel Strive. Here it is, and you’ll notice that it has a similar silhouette and ‘Shapeshifter’ geometry/suspension adjustment system to its predecessor. So what’s new on the updated Strive that’ll keep it competitive?
1 Shapeshifter Stage 2.0
Canyon realised they needed outside counsel when designing their new Shapeshifter system. Step up Fox, who’ve brought a whole new design benefiting from lower pressures, reduced friction and a two-way valve that lets you activate ‘pedal’ or ‘shred’ mode without the old weight shift. Instead, you can just stand up on the pedals or let the first bump on the trail do the work for you.
2 Integrated lever
The Shapeshifter paddle has been redesigned so that it sits under the handlebar, not over the top. It’s now integrated with the brake lever and attached to the dropper post lever too, all in one nifty design.
3 29in wheels
For 2019 the Strive is only available with 29in wheels. After spending months testing with their factory enduro team, Canyon are convinced 29ers are fastest.
4 Two grades of carbon
All the new Strives are carbon, but there are two different frames. The top-flight ‘CFR’ chassis is said to be 300g lighter than the lower-spec ‘CF’ version, thanks to a different fibre, weave and construction process, but just as stiff.
5 Other tweaks
The rear end is now spaced for a Boost hub (previously, only the fork had been updated), cable routing is fully internal and there’s some integrated frame protection. Prices start from £2,699.