You know that bike that you would build up in your head if money wasn’t a concern? The one with every highest end product you could think of? That bike might very well look like the new Strive CFR LTD from Canyon. Part of two new Canyon Factory Racing trim levels added to their global line up, the Strive CFR 9.0 LTD is definitely a dream build – and yet under $10k.
Just what does $9,500 get you with the 9.0 LTD? For starters, the bike retains the Shapeshifter 2.0 suspension system which changes the bike’s geometry and suspension travel with a handlebar mounted remote. The system transforms the Strive’s 150mm rear travel into 135mm with steeper angles while the front remains at 170mm travel.
That hasn’t changes. What’s new here is the completely top shelf build which seems to include a full SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS group, RockShox Ultimate suspension with a Shockwiz, Zipp 3Zero Moto wheels with TireWiz, SRAM Code RSC brakes, and a Reverb AXS dropper.
For something a bit more modest (though not available in the U.S.), the Strive CFR 9.0 is almost as impressive with a Shimano XTR build and Fox suspension – just without all the electronic bells and whistles. This bike will sell in Europe for €5,999 which seems like it could make it the popular choice for a dream build without completely draining your bank account.
Canyon USA MY2020 MTB Line
If you’re one of our readers based in the U.S., then this next part is for you. Canyon has been shipping bikes in the U.S. since late 2017, but the brand seems to be ramping up operations exponentially in an effort to get more bikes out the door and onto trails around the U.S. While the the full MY2020 MTB line includes a number of additional models than the bikes shown here, these are the bikes that Canyon feels are the standouts for this year.
Press Release:
Strive CF 8.0 $4699: This is the same all-trail ripper seen under Braydon Bringhurst in Interpret, where he easily rode up the Waterfall section of St. George, UT’s Zen Trail–a section of trail that many riders struggle to ride *down* cleanly. The Strive comes with Shimano’s new XT brakes and 1×12 drivetrain, a FOX 36 fork and DPX2 rear shock combo, FOX Transfer dropper post, and DT Swiss E 1700 wheelset, all draped on the revamped frame featuring Shapeshifter 2.0 which toggles shock travel between 150mm and 135mm at the push of a button.
Lux CF SLX 9.0 Team $6999: This XC machine is almost identical to Mathieu van Der Poel’s
race-winning steed. Highlights here include a frame that weighs just 2 kilograms (size Medium, with shock), Shimano XTR M9100 1x drivetrain, DT Swiss XRC1200 carbon wheels, and Fox 32 Factory Stepcast remote fork.
Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD $6499: Just launched, this featherweight trail 29er is over half a pound lighter than the standard Neuron CF while boasting a balanced descend vs. climb personality enabled by Fox 34 Factory fork and Float DPS Factory shock, a Fox Transfer dropper, DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon hoops with 30mm internal rim width, and Shimano XTR M9100 12s shifting.
Neuron AL 6.0 SL $1900: A truly impressive value for under $2k, this capable full suspension trail bike rolls on dependable Mavic rims mated to Shimano hubs, with SRAM NX Eagle 12s shifting, and 130mm of travel courtesy of RockShox Recon RL in front and Deluxe RT in back.
Spectral AL 5.0 $2699: At just a hair over 31lbs., the 160mm/150mm travel Spectral boasts the newest RockShox Pike Select, SRAM NX Eagle, and Race Face AR30 wheelset with a deeper rim profile and asymmetric design for improved durability.
Torque CF 7.0 $3999: The Torque CF 7.0 is proof that you can get a truly capable gravity bike without coughing up a mint. Consider the stellar full-carbon frame, RockShox Lyrik Select + and Super Deluxe Select + RT suspension combo, SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain and powerful SRAM Code R brakes.
