New 2019 Canyon Strive | GMBN Tech 'Geek Edition' First Look

Canyon have released the latest model of their EWS winning Strive mountain bike. The all new 2019 Strive has been redesigned from the ground up to meet the demands of modern MTB racing. The full carbon chassis rolls on 29 inch wheels which promises to be capable on even the most gnarly of mountain bike trails yet light enough to climb. But what about the heart of the Strive, the Shapeshifter? It’s been completely redesigned and overhauled and is now made in collaboration with Fox. Doddy was lucky enough to get up close and personal with the bike and talks you through all the details.

In association with Canyon.

Canyon have completely overhauled the Shapeshifter on the Strive, recognising that it was one of the weaker points of the old model. Working with Fox, they’ve redesigned the telescopic gas actuator which literally alters the rear suspension linkage position. This changes the shape of the bike dramatically when engaged, shortening the rear travel from 150mm to 135mm, increasing the head angle from a slack 66 degrees to 67.5, and raising the bottom bracket and seat angle. This dynamically transforms the way it climbs, offering a responsive and aggressive feel akin to a cross country bike. What’s more the Shapeshifter is compatible with all types of shocks, which makes the bike really versatile, you can even install a coil shock.

The new Strive also drops 10mm in suspension travel at the rear, now using a 150mm shock, and stays the same at 160mm for the front, although the CF R model which will be used by the Canyon Factory Racing Team comes with a 170mm fork.

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[gmbntech]

What do you think of the all new 2019 Strive?

[naoyukisasanami]

I'd like automatic tyre pressure changer 23 to 40 psi by pressing XC mode, and GO HOME mode up to 60 psi for road

[mainzman]

That is one beautiful bike. I'm not a big fan of the curvy frame tubes that tend to be the norm these days, it's lovely to see a classic looking frame again, especially the way the seat tubes run in the same line as and only slightly offset to the top tube. Great job Canyon, really great.

One thing though Doddy. Did nobody say the name Koblenz while you were at the factory? The natural way for a Brit to pronounce it is the way you did, the O being short and the accent being on the B. The O is actually pronounced long and the B is softer. Imagine it being spelt Coe-blenz and you'll get it : ))

[Max-pttx]

Seems like canyon have made some good moves with this iteration of the strive.

The fact its 29 only makes a lot of sense too. The last model wasnt particularly agressive in the slackest mode, and it doesn't look like its changed too much. Some might complain because they felt the slacker mode could have been more dh focused and it pedalled decently well even in low setting. However steepening it up cant hurt those who really need to do some long days in the saddle and up climbs. But overall for 2019 it looks promising.

Good to see they revised how the shapeshifter works too, cause it was a little clunky for some people from what I know.

[kendalls]

I'm still on the old old 2015 version.
26" ain't dead!

[davidmerlin]

I'm not regretting my heavily discounted 2018 Strive purchase.

[shel]

I recently just bought a Canyon Lux and I absolutely love it. Canyon is my favorite bike manufacturer out there and it’s awesome to see you guys go to their home base and check it out!

[MudSweatGears_TT]

It’s finally here. Well worth the wait. So many small but important updates

[igormijic]

This is a great quality video, this is what I expect from gmbn

[thesecondshambler]

Glad I watched this to finally understand what the new shapeshifter does. Put a coil shock on it and I can FINALLY replace my old Giant AC. Brilliant.

[awteventqueue]

Rode one at demo day at Duthie bike park recently. It really does feel like a race bike. Solid feel, and fast. Pretty too.

[calebmaddox]

I love the Sender in the background at 1:14 and the new strive looks like a dream machine

[Taylor]

I currently ride the 2018 Strive and can not rate it highly enough. I smash out miles of XC stuff, had it on races like Ard Rock and laps of BPW. It does it all. I had a feeling they would go 29er as they are now all the rage although I am little disappointed they did not add a 650b version. For me I like how the smaller wheels handle. Be interesting to see how the 29” wheel version compares to the 27.5” in a back to back timed lap. I do however really like the changes to the shapeshifter. I am yet to have any problems with mine but I have heard lots of stories. The new system looks slightly more intuitive.

[JK-toyl]

I live in Koblenz and I didn’t knew you guys are here.What about a fan meeting?

[jasoncraig]

It was really cool to see Doddy out riding.

[hillcountrymax]

Have to give the package just a 'Nice'. Disappointing to not have an AL option.

[GreslehnerMarcus]

Hello, I'm thinking of buying the new Canyon Strive. I'm 191 cm tall and I'm not sure which size I should take? I know that Canyon recommends XL from 188cm but I'm afraid it won't be as agil as the L, especially with the long reach and 29er. Would the L be too small for me? What disadvantages are there if I´d buy the L frame? Which size would you recommend? Thank you and all the best, Marcus

[mathman]

Doddy great video and content. You tried to pack quite a bit into the video. However the top end bikes deserve a little bit of separation between the technical and the ride review. Both should be in-depth.

My suggestion is to do:

1:) a live technical build of the bike at the factory with you observing and asking the questions from the mechanics. We need to build the mechanics and engineers together they are the ones that truly understand the design principles. As part of the live build with engineers and mechanics You need to ask lots of detailed questions on geometry, suspension, dropper posts, hubs, groupsets, bearings, bottom brackets etc that gives the viewer and purchaser a great overview of the quality and design principles of each component. You could keep the technical build to around 1h30. Many of us buying such expensive bikes deserve lots of details and hopefully it spurs manufacturers to build high quality engineered machines that ride like a dream.

2.) a full outdoor review with trail, race riding and detailed description of how things are working.

[luchofly]

I'm too broke to afford these expensive bikes...
I'm still on a Hard Tail 26" 😆

[cameronwhitbeck]

Can't wait to get my first full suspenension bike. Gonna take forever to get it. I'm probably getting the kona process 153