Vital Test Sessions - Canyon Strive

The Strive is the second bike in our test with an EWS title to its name under 2021 EWS overall champion Jack Moir. The Strive has been in Canyons lineup since 2010 and has undergone several facelifts since then. Now in its 4th iteration, the Strive is larger than ever and was the biggest bike in our test in terms of wheelbase and reach numbers.
The Strive is undoubtedly one of the best deals on the market at a mere $4,999 for a spec that would put most bikes at a $2-3k higher price point. Price point aside, the Strive has a proven track record on the Enduro world stage, and it is clear to see why after spending some time on it.
Read our full Canyon Strive review - www.vitalmtb.com/features/vit...
Watch our complete 2023 Enduro Test Sessions - www.vitalmtb.com/features/can...
We stayed right at the base of the mountain, courtesy of Visit Big Bear, and couldn't have asked for a more convenient way to spend the week testing bikes. With our condo less than a minute from the Snow Summit village, we could easily head back to our unit between laps and had plenty of space to work on our bikes. If you'd like to explore Snow Summit or Big Bear, California for yourself, check out Visit Big Bear - book.bigbear.com/search.php
Thanks to these brands for supporting the test!
Tannus Armour Inserts - tannusamerica.com/products/ta...
1UP USA - 1up-usa.com
Feedback Sports - feedbacksports.com
Snow Summit Bike Park - www.bigbearmountainresort.com...
Maxxis Tires - www.maxxis.com/us/tires/bicyc...
#MTB #mountainbike #enduro

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Absolutely love the Strive. I bought the CFR version several months ago and coming from a Propain Tyee and Evil Wreckoning (both 2022's), I just feel more at home and faster on the Strive. I will say though that I ended up sizing down compared to my usual sizing as the Medium Strive is as long or longer than the Larges I have been riding (I am 5'10"). The shapeshifter works great at stiffening the rear on climbs making it feel more spirited when pedaling. The bike just somehow allows me to rip turns when I want but yet is still a missile through chunk and steeps giving tons of confidence. It is not the poppiest, but still has decent pop off jumps and lips so I do not feel that is holding me back in any way. Plus Canyon has random sales where you can get their bikes for a insane price for the spec.

[@frienduro24]

The reach numbers are way freaking off. I’m 6’1 and would 100% be on a med. My guess the next Strive will go back to normal ranges or offer XS.

[@tomassanesson902]

So awesome bike lovet❤❤❤

[@kid-kapow]

the chain stay length is 442, not 435 as stated - as measured both by myself and several reviewers.

[@panajotisgravanis3911]

First comment hahaha youre awesome guys

[@angelfalcon2452]

Feels like the spectral while climbing? Or it’s a big difference… I’m about buying one of these… and don’t know what to do

[@helori7731]

It an amazing bike in climb for enduro and still super fast on downhill it an amazing bike (it won world cup so😂)

[@Puddinghead]

Almost every test you guys have kinda complained about the length of the bikes. Who planned this test with ridiculous sized bikes? Are you all 6’5”??

[@charliesponsel5091]

Fair question! We told the six companies our heights and weights and we tested the bikes they sent us based on their recommendations: I'm 6'3", Lear is 6'4", and Jonny is 6'5". Like you said, this was a common complaint of ours about the various bikes in the test this year, not just the Canyon. The only bike that no one complained about being too long was the Nukeproof, which was also the shortest bike on test. So maybe that says something about the trends in the bike industry for bikes to get longer and longer every year, or maybe the three of us are just weird. Your call.

[@Puddinghead]

@@charliesponsel5091 well I really appreciate you responding. You are all tall bunch. I feel the long bike thing is dead in the water but I guess the manufacturers don’t agree. Let’s face it, weird is better than normal.

[@AliasHSW]

⁠@@charliesponsel5091- didn’t jack moir choose run one size down on his canyon in season because of the reach?

[@YongluoLi]

Honestly the Acros headset's plastic crown race is shittttttt, annoys me for a long fk time, their replace parts on canyon website is also expensive. You need to change a new full headset for just eliminate the knocking sound.

[@Pienimusta]

Too hard choice between Spectral, Strive, and Torque

[@YongluoLi]

Absolutely spectral, the most playable bike ever in Canyon

[@karlbrodie2331]

I’ve got the Torque and loving it. Using it mostly as a trail/enduro bike and it’s been great so far. It’s not a rocket when it comes to climbing but you get up and over anything. Used it a few times at a Swedish bike park too, and it goes really fast, builds speed up with a few pumps.

[@kivvm]

@@karlbrodie2331 ah i was deciding between torque and strive for so long. Been wanting the torque after actually seeing a guy in Åre sweden on the torque. Decided on the strive tho, since i live at an area with alot of climbing. There is some flow trails but most is enduro like. It's coming this week so hopefully i will feel good on it

[@karlbrodie2331]

@@kivvmI was looking at the Strive this past weekend in Stockholm. Canyon was showing bikes at Hellas. It looks really good, didn’t try it as I would want it. Haha
I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@DavidFoundCo]

First

[@user-hu5eu4gj2p]

First…. Okay, 7th.

[@user-ty1xw4lf8p]

First

[@user-ty1xw4lf8p]

@VitalMTB_Bikes wow this is serious