The new Canyon Strive:ON in review: High-end enduro bike at a fair price

Test / E-MTB: For years, the Strive has been Canyon's undisputed enduro powerhouse. With the Canyon Strive:ON, this DNA was successfully electrified some time ago and piloted directly onto the podiums of the E-EWS. Now, the Koblenz-based company is sending the potent e-mountain bike into its next evolutionary stage. With a reinforced frame, the latest Bosch motors, and sensible improvements to the details, the bike aims to even better bridge the gap between racing performance and everyday trail fun. We analyzed all the technical details and put the bike to the test on the trails around Koblenz.

Between trail and freeride: The positioning

In Canyon's extensive e-MTB portfolio, the Strive:ON occupies a clearly defined role. It positions itself precisely between the playful, trail-oriented Spectral:ON and the downhill-focused freerider Torque:ON. The Strive:ON is designed as a classic enduro bike: 170 mm of travel up front and 160 mm in the rear, paired with a mullet wheel setup (29-inch front, 27,5-inch rear). The engineers' goal was to inject the EWS-winning genes of the unmotorized Strive into an e-MTB that performs equally well on the slicks of a racecourse and on challenging alpine trails.

Frame details: Designed for durability

At first glance, the Strive:ON remains true to its proven silhouette. However, a lot has changed beneath the surface. The full carbon frame has been specifically reinforced. Canyon states that the frame now meets the extremely stringent requirements of test category 4e, which attests to its durability just below that of downhill World Cup bikes. The CFR frame weighs in at a competitive 2,45 kilograms in size M.

According to the manufacturer, a key focus was on reducing maintenance ("Ride more, wrench less"). To achieve this, double-sealed bearings with special grease are used at the pivot points, complemented by threaded inserts designed to protect the carbon frame from stripped screws. The robust skid plate beneath the motor is also a striking feature. This isn't just for show; it protects the motor, chainring, and frame alike. It's directly connected to the motor via a dedicated mounting point and features two guide rails, inspired by enduro motocross, designed to prevent the motor from snagging on obstacles.

Bosch Power and battery choice

The biggest update is at the heart of the bike: the drive system. The new Strive:ON uses the latest generation of Bosch Performance Line CX motors, while the top-of-the-line CFR model is even equipped with the CX-Race (CX-R) motor. Peak power is 750 watts, and the maximum torque, after the latest update, is up to 120 Nm. The CX-R motor in the top model also offers the exclusive "Race Mode" with more direct acceleration and a longer Extended Boost.

The decision regarding the power supply is interesting. Instead of redesigning the frame for Bosch's completely new 800 Wh batteries, Canyon is sticking with the familiar 750 Wh battery. This battery is slightly longer but significantly narrower, which is what makes the Strive:ON's relatively slim downtube possible in the first place. The battery can be removed downwards via a redesigned flap that can be loosened with just one screw. In practice, the system works smoothly and quickly. The drive system is operated via the system controller integrated into the top tube and the wireless Bluetooth mini remote on the handlebars. A Kiox display is not included as standard; the space in the top tube also doesn't allow for a retrofit option for the larger display.

Aggressive geometry and KIS integration

The geometry of the Strive:ON underscores its high-speed aspirations. A slack 63,5-degree head angle ensures stability on steep terrain, while the steep 78-degree effective seat angle positions the rider in a central, efficient climbing position. The bottom bracket is intentionally not set extremely low to avoid excessive pedal strokes on technical climbs.

Additional control is promised by the KIS 2.0 system (Keep It Stable). This steering stabilizer, which uses pre-tensioned springs and bands in the top tube to exert a centering force on the fork steerer tube, is designed to filter out unwanted steering movements on rough terrain. The system is now standard equipment, its intensity can be adjusted with an Allen key, and purists can even remove it completely if they wish.

Features and prices: Back to reason

Canyon offers the Strive:ON in three different build options, all based on the same full carbon frame. The pricing is noteworthy, pleasantly departing from the trend of astronomical prices.

The Strive:ON CF8 marks the entry point for 4.999 The Euro model comes equipped with a RockShox Domain Gold fork, Super Deluxe Base shock, and Shimano Deore drivetrain. However, the absolute sweet spot for performance-oriented riders is likely the CF9 at €6.499. This model features a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork, a Float X2 shock, a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain, and powerful SRAM Maven Base brakes, paired with DT Swiss H1900 wheels. The flagship CFR model costs €7.499 and delivers RockShox Ultimate suspension components, a SRAM X0 transmission, and the Bosch CX-R motor.

The fact that even the top model is equipped with "only" an X0 groupset instead of an XX group and a Maven Silver instead of an Ultimate is a conscious decision by the product managers: maximum performance on the trail without artificially inflating the price with minor details. A very appealing approach.

The Canyon Strive:ON in practice

For our practical test, we took the Canyon Strive:ON CF9 variant to Canyon's home trails in the Koblenz city forest. One thing becomes clear immediately: this bike is not a comfortable cruiser, but a high-performance sports machine. Compared to the all-rounder Spectral:ON, the Strive:ON demands a more active riding style. Its basic setup is firmer and more progressive. Those who want to cruise leisurely over rooty forest paths might find the suspension a bit demanding.

However, as soon as the terrain becomes steeper and speeds increase, the Strive:ON truly comes alive. The kinematics provide tremendous support, preventing the bike from wallowing in its travel when pushing it through berms or launching off edges. It's a real powerhouse that inspires confidence. A major contributor to this confidence is the absolutely uncompromising tire choice from the factory: The Maxxis Assegai in the soft MaxxGrip compound up front practically glues itself to the ground, while the DHR II with its robust DoubleDown casing at the rear effortlessly absorbs punctures.

The KIS system performs its function discreetly. It intervenes noticeably, but in no way unpleasantly. More time on familiar trails is needed to assess the system as a definitive "game changer," but it doesn't disrupt the flow in any way and actually makes for a smoother ride in rocky sections.

whisper-quiet through the forest

What's extremely noticeable on the trail, aside from the pure riding dynamics, is the noise level – or rather, the lack thereof. The Strive:ON is whisper-quiet. There's no brake pad rattle, the cables are excellently secured internally, and even the new Bosch motor remains pleasantly quiet. The cable routing deserves special praise: Canyon has abandoned the error-prone routing through the headset and instead guides the cables neatly and classically through the head tube into the frame. A blessing for anyone who works on their own bike.

Due to its somewhat dated battery and robust components, the Strive:ON, at around 24,5 kilograms, is no lightweight. On the trail, the low and central positioning of the mass effectively masks the weight; only during very tight maneuvers or when airborne can the laws of physics not be completely defied. A significant advantage, however, is the newly gained ground clearance: thanks to the more compact motor integration and the closely fitting skid plate, the bottom bracket area is significantly less likely to scrape on steps and rocky uphill sections than with its predecessor.