Test: Ever since the market discovered the potential of the enduro discipline, there have been many technical innovations. A few grams are saved here, there is better traction there, but a lot has happened in the last two years, especially in terms of geometry. Many try to find the perfect compromise between uphill and downhill. The Canyon engineers in Koblenz were not satisfied with that. They quickly decided to provide the rider with two geometries at the touch of a button, resulting in the Canyon Strice CF with the Shape Shifter function, which we have been able to test extensively over the past few weeks.
With the Canyon Factory Enduro Team, Canyon has one of the strongest teams in the Enduro World Series at the moment. With Fabien Barel you not only have a multiple downhill world champion at the forefront, he is also an experienced engineer and can pass on his feedback from the trail very precisely.
Over the past few years, you've seen taped Canyon prototypes time and time again. Although the shape of the frame was clearly recognizable, the essential thing, the linkage of the damper, was always well hidden. The secret was revealed last summer and the new Canyon Strive CF with Shape Shifter was presented, a function that changes the position of the damper and thus the geometry.
Our test model, the Canyon Strive CF 8.0 Race, looks great out of the box. The shapely carbon frame harmonises perfectly with the Electric Blue finish and, thanks to the complete color match, looks as if it was made of one piece.
When it comes to components, there is only the best of the best. With the Pike RCT, Monarch Plus DebonAir, Guide RS, X01 and Roam 40, the chassis, brakes, wheels and drive all come from Sram or its subsidiary Rock Shox. The remote seat post is also from Rock Shox.
A highlight that particularly impressed us visually was the cockpit. CNC milled aluminum paired with the finest carbon fibers comes with the Renthal Apex stem and the matching carbon fat bar.
The Maxxis Highroller 2 at the front and the Minion DHR at the rear were also included in our test for the first time. Both come in a width of 2.3 inches and, despite the rims of the Roam 21 wheels, which are not too wide at 40 millimeters, are quite bulky.
The expectations of the bike were high, not entirely unfounded, after all, the team riders ride the same system in the Enduro World Series and it was specially adapted to their needs. The first thing that stands out is the weight. 12,7 kilograms for a race bike is an impressive weight considering the additional gas spring of the shape shifter, which is attached to the upper damping point. The gas pressure spring changes the position of the damper by extending or retracting it and can be operated from the handlebars with a remote lever on the left grip. The geometry thus changes between a downhill and an uphill mode.
Geometry change by Shape Shifter
- + 1.5 degree seat tube angle (from 73.5° to 75°)
- + 1.5 degree steering angle (from 66° to 67.5°)
- + 20mm bottom bracket height
The difference between the two modes is clearly noticeable and brings a great advantage for the area of application. A much more upright seating position is created for the climbs and the shock is very stiff, even when the platform on the shock is not switched on. Rocking of the rear triangle is hardly noticeable at all and the power that is introduced goes directly to the rear wheel.
At the top of the trail entrance, the damper is switched to downhill mode by actuating the remote lever and a force impulse in the damper. The angles shrink, the bottom bracket gets lower and you stand much more firmly in the bike. In general, the rider stands very centrally over the bike and can ride more over the front wheel or over the rear wheel, depending on their preference.
You quickly get used to the second lever, so that you are happy to use it for smaller counter climbs.
In addition to this unique technology, the bike is convincing in every situation and gives the rider a lot of feedback and security. While the Maxxis tires cannot compete in the premier class when it comes to rolling resistance, they offer an enormous amount of comfort and a high level of grip. The chassis also works very sensitively and is very active. The bike can jump, scrub and do manuals with bravura and so we let it collect a few flight miles on the new jump line in the Bikepark Schöneck.
In size M, the main frame is longer than the average frame and therefore offers a lot of freedom of movement. In combination with the short Apex stem and the stiff handlebars, the feedback is very direct and the Canyon follows the driver's instructions immediately.
Conclusion
Sometimes more really is more. Even if the weight suffers from the extra gas spring of the Shape Shifter, the great function and advantages of the system outweigh this. On the uphills, the Strive impresses with a very neutral rear end and a comfortable seating position, on the downhills it proves to be an easy-to-absorb and very well-balanced enduro. The bike can handle harder paces, making it a great all-rounder for the bike park too. With the Strive CF, Canyon offers two bikes in one. The system of changing the geometry works great and is more than worth its 3699 euros.
All information about the bike can be found below www.canyon.com