Canyon with a world first for variable geometry

After three years of development, Canyon is launching the "Strive CF", a completely new enduro bike with geometry that can be adjusted while riding. The revolutionary "Shapeshifter" system changes the geometry without the need for a special shock.

Back in spring last year, the mountain bike scene was already puzzling over what was hidden under the mysterious cover on Fabien Barel's enduro bike. Now the German bike manufacturer Canyon is letting the cat - or rather the secret Shapeshifter system - out of the bag. A world first that Canyon didn't want to reveal to the competition just like that.

The Shapeshifter system consists of a remote control that is mounted on the handlebars, the actuator (gas spring) and a patented linkage for the shock absorber. The Shapeshifter system changes the rear suspension kinematics at the touch of a button, creating two different geometries, spring characteristics and suspension travel without the need for a special suspension strut. The big advantage of this is that the performance of the suspension elements is not impaired by the usual lowering mechanisms.

As you pedal uphill, you switch the system to XC mode and enjoy the benefits of a steeper seat and steering angle as well as a firmer suspension that has been shortened to 130 millimetres of travel. Once at the top, the system is switched to DH mode while riding. This lowers the bottom bracket by 19 millimetres and the seat and steering angles are flattened by 1.5 degrees to 73.5 and 66 degrees respectively. This gives the rider a downhill-oriented bike with 160 millimetres of linear suspension travel at the touch of a button.

Simply put, the Shapeshifter system changes the path between the bellcrank and the shock absorber. In cross-country mode, the actuator is extended, thereby lengthening the distance between the bumper and the bellcrank. As the shock is also pushed forward at the same time, the lever also changes and therefore the suspension travel is also shorter. In downhill mode, the distance is shortened again. If the system needs servicing, it can be ordered from Canyon, installed and only then sent in for servicing. In this way, Canyon ensures that the customer never has to do without their bike.

However, the system has nothing to do with simple. The idea was born back in June 2011 and in spring 2013, former downhill world champion Fabien Barel won the first race of the Enduro World Series on a prototype of the "Strive CF" - but with a cover that concealed the entire Shapeshifter system, including the shock. Today, around three years later, the "Strive CF" enduro bike from Canyon is now available to buy. Swiss customers will only have to wait two weeks longer until the enduro bikes, which are available in this country under Purecycling* and only with the model name, are available.

For the time being, Canyon is relying on carbon for the frame. Aluminum versions will be available at a later date. The bike comes in the sizes Regular S, M, L and XL for the more all-mountain-oriented mountain biker. For those who like it sportier or ride races, the Race S, M or L sizes are recommended. The top tubes of the Race models are longer, but the stem is shorter, which results in more direct steering behavior. Wider handlebars are also used.

Strive CF models