For many years, there was a crucial gap in Canyon’s ebike portfolio. What was missing? An electric version of the Strive, the German manufacturer’s enduro bruiser. The Strive:ON finally bridges this gap with its generous 170/160 mm of travel and powerful Bosch CX Race motor.
23.9 kg in size M | € 9,699 | Manufacturer’s website
If you’re a skater, having your own Pro skateboard model is the ultimate proof that you’ve made it into the professional circuit. In the mountain biking world, to celebrate 10 years of collaboration, Canyon are launching a signature bike for their rider Fabien Barell – the new Strive:ON CFR LTD. The bike was launched in May 2023 and has already competed in the EDR-E series with the CLLCTV Dainese E-Enduro Team, causing a stir in the electric edition of the Enduro World Cup. The Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD production bike has the exact same spec as Canyon’s race bike and, interestingly, is the only bike in this test field with Pirelli tires.
Retailing at € 9,699, the Strive:ON CFR LTD is the flagship model in the Strive:ON range and the only one to feature Bosch’s powerful CX Race motor. If you’re not too fussed about the race motor and can make do with a cable-operated drivetrain, you should take a closer look at the CFR variant, which costs € 2,500 less, and still has a great spec. All versions are built around a carbon frame and generate 170/160 mm of travel (f/r), tackling the toughest trails with a mullet wheel configuration. Moreover, the frame is compatible with either a 750 or 625 Wh battery. Our Strive:ON CFR LTD test bike in size M tips the scales at 23.9 kg, and comes equipped with a 750 Wh battery. Despite its inherent racing character, it’s supposed to be an excellent all-rounder – let’s find out if that’s true!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test
What sets the 2024 Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD apart from the competition?
At first glance, the Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD is fairly understated, with the discreet white/grey paint finish ensuring a pretty “conventional” look. However, upon closer inspection, a few red/chrome details in the bottom bracket area reveal that you’re looking at Fabien Barell’s Pro model. Canyon’s designers tilted the motor slightly upwards, thereby making way for the battery to slide out of the bottom of the down tube. To do this, you’ll simply have to unbolt the down tube protector, unclip the battery and pull it out from the frame. This is an excellent feature, not only for eMTB racers but also for those riders who want to remove the battery for external charging, or want to replace it with a fresh one on long rides. As a result, the Strive:ON has a significantly beefier bottom bracket area than other bikes, like the Orbea Wild and Pivot Shuttle AM, for example, which have the same motor but a permanently integrated battery.
The motor system is complemented by a Bosch System Controller on the top tube and wireless Mini Remote on the handlebars. Canyon forgo a display altogether, but this suits the sporty orientation of the bike very well. Moreover, the Strive:ON CFR LTD comes standard with a Bosch Connect Module, which allows you to track your bike and activate a practical anti-theft system. The cables are routed internally, and disappear into the frame through the headset. However, since these don’t run through the stem or special spacers, adjusting the cockpit is easy and straight-forward. Protective tape covers the most vulnerable parts of the frame, though the down tube protector is a little on the small side. A generously sized chainstay protector prevents paint chips and ensures a quiet ride. The frame details are rounded off with a tool mount on the top tube, which allows you to carry all your trail essentials directly on the bike.
The SRAM CODE RSC brakes generate plenty of braking power together with the massive 220 mm rotor at the front.
To remove the battery, simply unbolt the down tube protector and unclip the battery.
The stock Pirelli Scorpion Enduro tires provide good puncture protection and good cornering traction. However, lateral stability and braking traction are only average.
Four-piston SRAM CODE RSC brakes with a massive 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear provide powerful and reliable deceleration. However, the Canyon G5 dropper is on the short side with only 170 mm of travel and restricts your freedom of movement on the trail. The Pirelli Scorpion Enduro tires in the HardWALL and ProWALL casing delivered a solid performance throughout this test, generating excellent cornering traction and discreet puncture protection, proving just a tad less robust than MAXXIS’ DoubleDown or Schwalbe’s Super Gravity casings. However, braking traction is sub-par, especially when slamming on the brakes before corners. For more performance, we recommend upgrading to more aggressive, tougher tires.
The tool mount on the underside of the top tube allows you to attach all your trail essentials directly to the bike.
The cables disappear into the frame through the headset. However, adjusting the cockpit is still easy and straightforward.
Like all new Canyon bikes, the Strive:ON is on the long side. Before choosing your size, you should look at Canyon’s sizing chart and, if in doubt, choose the smaller frame size. However, sizing can still be an issue for smaller riders, with the smallest S frame boasting a very generous 450 mm reach.
Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD
€ 9,699
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Race 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate 170 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 160 mm
Seatpost Canyon G5 170 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 1x12
Stem Canyon G5 40 mm
Handlebar Canyon G5 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HX1501 29"/27.5"
Tires Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M/ Pirelli Scorpion Enduro R 2.6/2.4
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 23.9 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 116 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no
Tuning tip: Upgrade to more robust tires with tougher sidewalls and better braking traction
What is the 2024 Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD capable on the trail?
As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD places you in a comfortable pedalling position, integrating you nicely between its wheels. The front end is pleasantly high, preventing unpleasant pressure points on your hands on flat ground. Even when the gradient steepens, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, tracking reliably without forcing you to weight the handlebars. When climbing, the rear suspension is on the firm side but still generates good traction. As a result, the Strive isn’t just a comfortable tourer, but also a very capable climber in combination with the powerful CX Race motor.
The Strive:ON is a true powerhouse on the trail. Despite its mind-boggling level of composure, it’s incredibly agile, and handles all sorts of trails with extreme nonchalance, no matter how rowdy things get.
As soon as you drop into the trail – whether on race day or in your local woods – the Strive:ON makes you feel at ease from the get-go. Handling is intuitive and predictable, meaning that you could virtually ride blindfolded. As a result, the Strive:ON is suitable not only for pros but for riders of all levels. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, while the high front end inspires huge amounts of confidence without making the bike feel like a bulldozer. The Canyon implements steering input willingly and precisely, and is more direct than Merida, for example, without feeling harsh or unpredictable. And no matter how fast and rough it gets, the Strive:ON remains very composed. At the same time, it’s surprisingly agile, which is extraordinary given how smooth it feels on the trail. Spontaneous direction changes are a tad easier than with the Orbea WILD, which is partly due to the smaller rear wheel. The suspension gobbles up hits and obstacles with great nonchalance, delivering a tremendous performance in all riding situations.
Overall, it’s on the firm side: it’s very defined and provides plenty of support, allowing you to pump through rollers and berms without breaking a sweat. At the same time, the Canyon generates tons of traction, thus striking an excellent balance between grip and support. This makes the Strive:ON an excellent companion for all sorts of trails, from flowing singletrack to gnarly DH lines, making it easier and more fun to open the taps than most bikes in this test. And while the Canyon is pretty much unstoppable on the trail, it still has to admit defeat to the Orbea WILD, which offers an even more well-rounded overall package.
With its easily removable battery, the Strive:ON is a great companion not only for racing but also for everyday riding scenarios.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 584 mm | 610 mm | 637 mm | 665 mm |
| Seat tube | 395 | 420mm | 435 mm | 460 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 145 mm |
| Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Seat angle | 78° | 78° | 78° | 78° |
| Chainstay | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Drop | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,245 mm | 1,274 mm | 1,304 mm | 1,336 mm |
| Reach | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm | 525 mm |
| Stack | 628 mm | 637 mm | 646 mm | 660 mm |
Who should take a closer look at the 2023 Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD, and who should look elsewhere?
The Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD is an excellent eMTB all-rounder, and really comes to life on the trail. That said, it’s not your typical, harsh-natured racer but rather a fun, intuitive riding companion for riders of all levels. The comfortable riding position, powerful motor and removable battery also make it suitable for touring.
Riding Characteristics
DESIGN
- unbalanced
- coherent
USER FRIENDLINESS
- cumbersome
- clever
VALUE FOR MONEY
- flop
- top
TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY
- low
- high
HANDLING
- demanding
- intuitive
FUN FACTOR
- boring
- lively
Intended Use
Gravel roads
Technical climbs
Flowtrail descents
Technical descents
Our conclusion about the Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD 2023
With the Strive:ON CFR LTD, Canyon didn’t just fill a gap in their portfolio, but added an authentic top dog to their ebike lineup! Even in our huge 2024 eMTB test field, few other bikes managed to keep up with the Canyon. It’s easy and intuitive to ride, and strikes an excellent balance between composure and agility. With its extraordinary rear suspension, it can handle any sort of trail, while the comfortable riding position and easily interchangeable battery also make it a great option off the trail without breaking the bank. A well-deserved Best Buy Tip!
Tops
- Combines composure and agility like no other bike in this test
- Super fast yet easy to handle
- Removable battery
- Near-flawless spec
Flops
- Small riders walk away empty-handed
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test
All bikes in test: BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 (Click for review) | BULLS SONIC EVO AM SX-I (Click for review) | Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD | Canyon Torque:ON CF Roczen (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo SL R8000i (Click for review) | CUBE AMS Hybrid ONE44 (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc X 8.70 (Click for review) | FOCUS SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | GASGAS ECC 6 (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP3 (Click for review) | Merida eOne-Sixty 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Neat RR SL (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle AM Team (Click for review) | Propain Ekano 2 CF (Click for review) | RADON RENDER 10.0 HD (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X 1000 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 ST (Click for review) | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax Pinion (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Pro (Click for review) | Spherik E-SMT XX AXS (Click for review)
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Mike hunger
