Canyon Strive Review - 2020 Bible of Bike Tests
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ม.ค. 2025
- A long-travel 29er with the accessibility of a trail bike. But we mostly talk about Shapeshifter and whether remote-control geometry is necessary in the era of steep seat tube angles. Find the full review and much, much more at BikeMag.com.
I'm not saying the shape shifter isn't worth talking about, but y'all spent 90% of the time on that topic. I'm interested in how the bike itself rides, less interested in its gimmicks.
I do agree with a lot of what you’ve said (I’ve actually given you a like), but a lot of what makes this bike different, is the fact that Canyon have done something a little radical in using the Shape Shifter. IMO, it deserves a lot of air time within the video, however, I do agree that too much time was taken in talking about it. Perhaps a slightly longer video wouldn’t have hurt?
@@chm1701 I think we're on the same page. I think the shape-shifter is a really cool concept, but there are lots of videos out there that are dedicated to the shape-shifter and how it works. I've watched a few because I think it's rad. But, I guess, I stil wanna know how the bike rides. I've heard reviews that people have taken off the twin lock system on the Scott Ransom because they thought the bike was fine without it. I guess I wanna know if the Strive would still be a bike worth having without the shape-shifter?
I mean, the Shapeshifter changes how it rides so they kinda go hand in hand. Reviews will generally describe how it rides in each mode.
@@Draxel Well said! That's exactly what I wanna know. How does the bike ride/feel in both modes?
mhmm I ride a 2019 Strive on the CO Front Range - longer climbs and longer descents. I put it in climb for the climbs and descent mode for the descents - pretty simple - I don’t change it mid-climb like they were describing. I’m more apt to lower the post and drop a gear going into a rocky climb - I never switch modes mid climb. The comments about what it takes to change modes - really just the button. After you hit the button, as soon as you pedal or hit a rock garden or drop it will switch modes. Pretty simple. I’m surprised with the way that they described the “body motion” that you have to make. Put it in slack/downhill mode and hit a drop or bump - it will switch every time. The climbing mode for me is all about a more efficient and comfortable climbing position with increased pedal/BB clearance. You can also use the climbing/higher mode for more XC trails for a snappier bike. My $0.02 - it has been great. Oh, my saddle is slammed forward, and I move to the nose for the steepest sections...
You don’t have to do a motion at all, when you switch to downhill mode the first big bump you hit will put it in that mode automatically. When you’re switching into pedal mode as soon as you weight the pedals or stand going uphill it automatically goes into that mode. No movement needed.
You guys seriously dropped the ball on this video. Talking SO much about the adj geo really missed the part. It was boring and repetitive. Talk about THIS BIKE. not others. Go into the interesting differences between the two modes and how that felt, up and down, smooth and chunky. You guys can do way better than this. It's like listening to the 29 vs 27.5 wheel discussions of years past....
Think you messed up this one. My wife has a strive 29 and there is no weight shifting involved. You press the button and it sorts itself out in a few pedal strokes. I don't know if you just rode the bike like the old shape shifter or you set up the gas spring on the shape shifter wrong. In my experience it does not work like you described it, but the old one does. When that said there are many good reasons for choosing other enduro bikes than the strive, but shifting your weight when using the shape shifter is not one of them any more.
We had the current-generation Shapeshifter, and we set up its pressure according to Canyon's instructions, matching it with that of the rear shock, with a maximum of 200 PSI. We even experimented with slightly more or less, to see if it gave it a bias towards shifting to descend or to climbing mode, but Canyon's recommended settings made the most sense.
You guys really missed how the shape shifter should work... its not instant but works when pedalling and or hitting a bump... what about the bike though?
Not trying to sound like an angry fanboy but that's the first thing I yelled out watching this video " You just hit the lever and it does its thing" SMDH
Completely agree.... I often use the shapeshifter in the middle of a pedally section of trail for 20-40 seconds and pop it back to party mode....something wasn't right with the shapeshifter...which needs to be called out of course, but it's a shame it soured the review as the first 8min was the guys giving their suspicions about the shapeshifter...then a minute at the end saying "oh yeah... it actually rides pretty good"
Like another commenter says - not trying to sound like an angry fan boy BUT... ;) I most unfortunately have as my local rides nothing but dead flat very tight twisty XC trails and with the xc mode engaged i have constantly surprised myself when seeing my times, and the flickablity , and how goat like it is on tech ascents with a high BB and a distinct planted front wheel then taken it in enduro races in the likes of Switzerland and absolutely smashed DH tracks with reckless abandon...
I agree about the seat angle could have been steeper - I also have my seat slammed forward, but the result is a massive advantage on the climbs. I have the same build thats in the test and the only thing that needs to be upgraded is the brakes .... the guides couldn't deal with the speed this bike generates when stuff gets fun... a set of Magura MT7's have been amazing.
Appreciate the shapeshifter is a talking point with the bike, there is definitely something wrong with the SS by the sounds of it, And i understand not everyone wants an extra lever on the bar and that some will always want to burn differences like a witch on a stake but more focus on the actual capabilities of the bike would have been better....
For the rest though, keep up the awesome work you craft beer swilling dirtbags!
I also have the current shapeshifter / strive.. no messing with the weight shift.
Canyon didn't include instructions on pressure, but when I contacted them they said always keep it set to 200psi (max, psi set with the shock extended), but that could be because I am 220
I second what all the Strive lovers are saying. It happened to me at first too, it felt as if I had to make an effort for it to switch, and then I told a friend to watch me ride in both modes and he confirmed the bike was shifting as I pedaled, even though I wasn’t making “the extra move” to make it shift. I think it takes a little to get used to but after a while it’s seamless. I love my Strive. Awesome videos guys, thank you!
My initial experience with mine was similar.. partly because I didn't set it up right. After some difficulty finding instructions, I learned that the pressure has to be set with the shape shifter extended (in xc mode), and for my 220#, it has to be maxed at 200psi.
Works great now!
Its pretty common for this setup issue to happen, see it on the facebook group all the time. Once we help them sort it out, the love affair begins. Love my strive as well.
WTF! Did you guys actually ride the current model? Always thought you guys do good reviews but you just got this so wrong it’s hard to believe you rode the bike. I think you owe everyone an explanation.
Imagine being so wrong so fast in a video. This is absurd. They need to redact this whole video.
Testing something and forming an opinion without setting it up correctly and understanding how it works... the perfect way to lose credibility.
Fact #1: you only talk about SS / Fact #2: switching the SS is so easy / Fact #3: You didn't ride the Bike enough to talk about actual riding / Fact #4: worse review ever
The lady in the middle never has anything good to say. Yea they need someone to actually review the bike. For sure the worse
Damn, tough crowd
Sounds to me, like the shape shifter on the old canyon bikes...
@@boosieboo497 DUDE! You have serious gender recognition issues. *HE is the best of the best* of reviewers
... and yet I agree that I doubt they rode it... much?? - Why would they, it's a *THIRTY FOUR POUND TRAIL BIKE*
facts man, you dont need to pump the bike to get back to full travel, lern about the bike before you talk about it
Pretty weird just talking about the Shape shifter....
jesus, as a strive owner I can confirm that this is a terribly inaccurate review, the shapeshifter is awesome and you barely have to do anything to allow it to change
Is it pretty maintenance free?
A few years ago they bagged Scott for the lock out. Now they are all fans? I have always thought the lock out is a huge advantage for general riding. Got a road climb? No issue lock out front and back. Even smooth gravel is fine on lock out. Tune it so you get some fork movement if you want on lock out mode. Trail works well too for flowing single track.
Maybe you had the pressure set incorrectly in shapeshifter because I have a Strive and I don't have to drag my body weight when switching. Just
switch and forget. And CF 7.0 is on Fox build. Its CF 6.0.
I agree, I never shift my weight around unless Im trying to show someone how it works lol. The older version of the shapeshifter had this weight transfer feel to it and I think people are still stuck on that. The guys over at GMBN have the system down.
The US market 7.0 is Rockshox equipped
Not sure how all of you managed to have an issue with the Shapeshifter, that isn't how it works at all. Hit the lever, next bump will cycle it to the next mode. Easy. It sounds like you are describing the old bike. You do have to pressurize the system, so perhaps that was't done correctly?
had this bike for about 8 months now and the adjusting geometry makes a huge differnce when your in the saddle for longer days. recently with the corvid 19 lockdown ive been doing 40 mile rides on the bike and mixing the bike park in the middle while the car parks are closed. theres not another bike that can do that kind of differnt riding from crosscountry to downhill so easily, the shapeshift becomes natural after awhile but does definately take some getting used too. the strive is the best all rounder bike ive had and you guys could have done alot better on the review, it isnt accurate at all of the bike and id reccomend this bike to anyone that wants a do it all bike.
The Shapeshifter seems to be very prone for defects.
They claim to have solved the reliability issues from the previous Shapeshifter generation.
Mine (new Strive CF 2020) lasted just a couple of weeks, before it stopped working.
Unfortunately no direct costumer support or warenty available from Canyon-Europe.
Haha you guys tested the old shape shifter. New ones from 2019 gave the better system.
We did have the current Shapeshifter. And you're right, it definitely is better than the previous system.
Bike Magazine ... But still nothing like how you described it. You are the only people that apparently have to do anything to use the SS correctly; my friend has one, you absolutely don’t need to do anything like what you said. Imagine spending almost all of a 10 minute video talking about a single feature of a bike and getting that wrong! 😂
It seems that you did not setup the shapeshifter correctly. The shapeshifter works perfect without any change of the weight-balance on the bike. It takes less than 2 seconds during the ride to change the geometry of the bike. Best regards Martin
As a strive owner I can confirm this review is really just garbage. The shapeshifter does not need weight. feel like you just googled crap about the last shapeshifter and talked more crap about the new way better shapeshifter 2.0
So basically you reviewed the shapeshifter and not the strive
The geometry look like slopestyle bike, is it same with slopestyle bike geometry?
As EVERYONE has said, absolutely no motion needed to shapeshift!??
Please change the name of this video to "Canyon strive shapeshifter review" absolute garbage.
Yep ive owned the old model since 2016 and dont have an issue with switching between modes numerous times on any trail, for short sections or long.
You also forgot to mention one of the best thins about the shapeshifter, The extra BB height. I also use it and flatter rocky sections where the extra pedal clearance is needed to throw in a few extra pedals where others might tap the crank.
pretty poor review in my mind, not use to using it and using it wrong doesnt make for a well rounded review imo
Man, I’m not sure if the guy who likes a clean cockpit knows how to have any fun.... so serious.... they didn’t even discuss how sexy there strive is. Scott might ride well. But they always look like spew. They probably should have mentioned that. But maybe it’s cause there was a lack of taste displayed by the presenters.... still the video does make you think. And appreciative of the ideas it raises
The Strive is all about going fast and the faster you go the better this bike gets. Having spent that last year on those same trails on the 2019 Strive I don't think the shapeshifter was setup to be its best. This is a common thing I see on the facebook groups but once you get it sorted out you'll fall in love. Disappointing to see so much of this focused on something that just wasnt right however it is completely fair. The instructions are a bit to sort out and this type of system is not for everyone. At least you didnt Pinkbike this like they did the slayer lol. Appreciate the review and feel like the feedback is fair. Hope you guys loved my back yard!
this was the worst review......like.....
And what about the amazing deal it is?
Is this the only Canyon bike Bible has ever tested? They get glowing reviews from other popular mountain bike magazines why do they not get tested more on bike Bible? The Spectral would probably be a better choice!
Are you sure you were riding a current 2020 model? Because the shape shifter on mine works super awesome without any delay or weight shifting required. It just clicks into the climb position all by its own. Also what is that bs talk about steep seat tube angles? Did you even yet realize that static and actual seat tube angle are totally different things? Probably your worst review in a long time.
I ride a Strive 8.0. Coming from an aluminum slash 29 it makes me have to be more conscious when descending. 5'11'' size large works well for me. You do need to be more calculated when riding a strive fast and it will be responsive to that input. If you go off line your sins will be forgiven. It is a great tool for those who want to interact with a trail in more detail.
2020: Canyon 74° seat tube angle. Everyone else 76°-77° seat tube angle.
What's up Canyon?
a bike is not just numbers...
@@HoKcc strange, cuz everyone seem to agree that a steeper seat angle benefits the climbing.
@James Burgess except the brands which have adopted 78°-80° seat tube angles.
Worst review ever. Did you guys even ride the thing? The shape shifter operates seamlessly. And on most normal trails you'll spend most of your time in the pedaling mode.
James Burgess like grumpy hipster wannabes. It’s like listening to PC nerds arguing about which graphics card is best. 😴
The real review starts at 9:58 - The rest is just complaining about the shapeshifter after what seems like a single ride.
You can’t compare a remote lockout with a remote geometry shifter. The Scott can’t change it’s geo, but the canyon can lockout
The comments on the feeling of the ss vs lsc control is pretty big. Sounds like you get every advantage with lsc, and a lot simpler.
Justin Bohner That’s totally false as LSC doesn’t change the geometry for climbing while SS does and it’s a significant difference. Whether you want that or not it’s another question but no, you won’t get the SS’s advantages with LSC.
@@tamasvarga67 With lsc the rear stays higher in the travel, so it does improve geo. Turn lsc off and bomb down the hill, a much simpler system than Canyon's setup.
Justin Bohner You might need to try one before forming an opinion because again, it’s not remotely the same. I had an old Strive for four years and the SS made it like two different bikes it’s nothing like the effect of switching the LSC on my current Orbea Occam. Having said that, I can live with only the LSC switch on my Occam because it’s a shorter travel different geometry trail bike, but it still doesn’t make it the same, that’s all...
@@tamasvarga67 I am certainly interested in trying one.
Guys please re-do this review and talk about the overall bike rather than just banging on about the shape shifter! Really boring!!
Beautiful bike.
the long haired guy gets it! improve performance in xc (130) mode... accelerates better compared to the dh (150) mode, rear travel.
After watching this review, which is full of patently incorrect information, I can't watch any more Bike Mag content ever again. I suspect they didn't even ride the bike, and spend a lot of time talking like they know it intimately. How many of their other reviews are based on a Google search. Seriously asks questions about Bike Mags integrity. Worst review I've ever seen.
And this is how you get misinformation.
The shapeshifter is a big deal for Canyon, it’s deserves a good conversation. But I think the reviewer sums it up, steeper seat angle might help even remove the need for it. The main reason you buy this bike is for the shapeshifter, what’s with all the negatives for the review explaining how it works and the pros cons to potential buyers!
What the fuck was this lol
You make the shapeshifter sound like a lot more work that it really is ?
Did you guys even ride the thing
I have the bike for 2 month not and I have to say I really like the shapeshifter
You guys just talked about the shapeshifter like srsly just that not about geometry or riding
There are acutally more bikes out there with shape shifter...for e.g. the Rose Pikes Peak...
safe to say these guys don't like canyon at all? so much shit talking with very few facts
Could you all go over how it actually rides and not spend 90% of the time going over the shapeshifter system. It’s a clean enough setup, the system is easy to change from my experience on a spectral my friend owns and it was the old system, not the revised one.
This is the first time I’ve heard sick mixed reviews on the strive. Makes me wonder should I not order one.
jtothada06 My friend has a Strive and we ride a massive variety of terrain from dirt jumping to all day technical trail rides, to all day bike park chunk and flow. The bike takes it all and is in perfect running order
jtothada06 I thing I can recommend for sure, don’t base your decision on this review... :)
Tamas Varga My Strive pedal as good as Ibis Ripmo, granted you used the Click mode. This is a better review over here.
crankjoy.com/long-travel-29er-shootout-canyon-strive-vs-ibis-ripmo/
Yeah forget about the strive and get the torque. Canyon make a nice bike they just don’t have as good a warranty as Santa Cruz or specialized. The torque doesn’t climb as bad as they say just use the climb switch. It descends like a demon!!!!!
@@WAZmc sorry I'm a 29er only
You just hit the switch and it works , you blokes have no idea, that was a crap review, extremely disappointing.
Kudos to an amazing series of bike reviews. The Bible tests really are something to look forward to. Awesome job
Cannondale 2018-present Jekyll and Trigger use Gemini Fox rear suspension. Not quite the same as Scott, but 🤷♂️. Love my 2018 Trigger 2. Totally disagree on the the use of Jekyll/Cannondale Hustle mode becoming pogo stick. The dampening and rebound is still completely accessible and not affected in the more progressive Hustle mode. That characterization is just wrong. Go back to their Jekyll and Trigger reviews. No mention of pogo sticks or anything close. 🤦♂️ Gemini is not for everyone, but don't trash it so dismissively when your own reviews don't support your characterization, at least on the 27.5. I don't recall the 29er Jekyll review as well. They for sure didn't like the longer stays. Now longer travel and longer stays for 29ers are the rage.
Hello
large and stable.
Shock bible
Please use a different word other than like.. that's all I heard.
You guys sponsored by craft beer
When a Strive review just confirms I've made the right choice with my new Ransom :D
Wow Canyon, what's with the old fashioned geo?! 73.5 Seat angle? It's 2020 guys!
Windband1 On the way down SA doesn’t matter, on the way up SS changes the geometry which makes 77 SA unnecessary.
6 minutes about how everyone feels about the shapeshifter.
Such a cool bike, it just looks so boring.
Blablabla.......
I keep hearing buy a canyon or yt because they are cheap. Difference is you are not buying from a shop with quick warranty support and free repairs and parts, which I get from my local specialized shop. Even get awesome discounts on upgrades
The guy with the beany is like.....
no e fence but i think its over rated
Heavy bike for so much money.
Batscat No heavier than most other comparable enduro bikes...