2024 Strive:ON

[Jdog]

Further update on the Strive, I have now ridden 4 days in a row, each ride 2/3 hours move time and covered 70+ miles.

So I’ll start with the saddle…I’m really impressed, it’s hands down the most comfortable I’ve ever used and enabled me to ride 4 consecutive days with no bum complaints.

Alarm - Still testing but have noticed a slight delay in picking my phone up, most the time it’s a couple of seconds but sometimes it’s 10+ seconds however the smart system flashes white until it picks the phone up so you know what’s going on. I’ve also noticed the bluetooth connection doesn’t always show as active but didn’t experience issues. The only “issue” I’ve had is the novelty of the noise every time I turn the bike on, it’s like an 80s car alarm and I’m not a fan.

Ride quality - excellent, Canyon have nailed it! Climbs like a billy goat descends like you’re on a magic carpet. Feels bottomless yet poppy and just handles everything so well. Something I found that isn’t bike specific is Fox is harder to setup than RockShox but once it’s setup the suspension package is very impressive.

Mullet wheels - I’m converted, mullet is king! I’ve noticed it more than I thought I would on local trails in the Surrey hills, it turns in so well. Having previously been full 27.5 and 29er I really like the mixed wheel and how it feels, for sure best of both worlds.

Fidlock mount - no update, bolt search continues.

Sizing - absolutely made the right decision on M at 5’10 where it matters…descending and peddling however it’s small if I’m sitting on a slammed saddle.

It’s clear at this point I’m a fan but justifiably as the bike is super impressive and well thought out. I’ve gelled with this bike so quickly and so far don’t have a bad thing to say.

Here’s a few more pictures:

 

[M AP]

I'm very sorry if people are getting tired of this, but I'm ending up smack in the middle of two sizes. I'm 185, and 90 inseam. That puts me on a late M and early L.

This is a lot of money, and I'm just really unsure on this. @Rob Rides EMTB tested his Strive in size L, but he is 5cm taller than me. I've always gone for the larger size, but I'm thinking that it might be a good time to go for a M on a bike that is not going to serve as a downhill-bike (I currently ride a Sender for that). I had a Kenevo Expert in size S5 and that was monsterous and clearly to big for me.

Any advice out there on what you think I should do?
Thank you all very much for any help

Unfortunately I think you should try it by yourself. For what it’s worth I’m 184 and 87 inseam and I’ve got an M this time. I’m coming from a Giant Reign E+ size L and I’m happy about the new size, I really think it’s comparable.

 

[M AP]

Frame protection wrap: matte or gloss? It seems that RideWrap is selling online a wrap tailored to the Spectral:ON at the price of 135 euro that it’s not cheap by any means.

 

[Jdog]

To have my likely controversial opinion on the models:

CFR
Underdog
CFR LTD

Personally I’d say the CFR model is the perfect spec. I love adding bits to my bike but honestly nothing is required functionally except a tubeless setup which all models require. I added Ergon fat grips and a 210mm Oneup dropper for personal preference and I’m struggling to justify changing anything else.

The underdog model seems great value with only the brakes I’d upgrade straight away and at £5699 that is very well priced for upgrades.

So for me the CFR LTD model is the model I’d choose last. Unless you are sponsored rider (likely the only reason it exists) or a die hard SRAM/RockShox fan I don’t see where the extra 2k price tag comes from. The AXS dropper is only 170mm so too small. SRAM brakes aren’t as good as Shimano (yes yes personal preference) Shimano drivetrains are the best performance bang for buck (AXS is good but is there a real world performance upgrade? Also a very expensive wear and tear item to replace) Maxxis > Pirelli everyday and Fox are still the kings of suspension. The ZEB is great I loved mine but the 38 is better. The wheels are an upgrade, certainly on paper but in the real world its marginal and everything else is identical. Therefore the only upgrade would be the LTD Bosch motor that replaces the turbo mode with race mode and I almost exclusively use EMTB mode.

Apologies in advance but this is my opinion .

 

[Jdog]

Frame protection wrap: matte or gloss? It seems that RideWrap is selling online a wrap tailored to the Spectral:ON at the price of 135 euro that it’s not cheap by any means.

100% gloss.
The frame is two tone but gloss all over. I’ve got the RideWrap kit on mine and can send pictures. The Strive kit is coming soon and trust me when I say gloss.

 

[RJUK]

Did you ever make a decision? These are the two bikes that I’m battling to choose between.

On paper the Wild M-Team and CFR are 95% the same, but there’s quite a big price difference in the Canyon’s favour.

The Wild has won numerous group tests and looks better.

I prefer the look of the Canyon, especially when you take into account the awful paint that the Wilds seem to have.

I guess the lower weight is due to lighter tyres etc?

 

[thewanted]

I prefer the look of the Canyon, especially when you take into account the awful paint that the Wilds seem to have.

I guess the lower weight is due to lighter tyres etc?

I’ve just ordered the Strive:ON. My heart wants the Wild, but I can’t make sense of the big price difference for what is essentially the same bike. Excited

Are the Strive’s rims already taped for tubeless?

 

[M AP]

No idea why they say that. I’ve got it on 2 bikes fine.



Also:

View attachment 115873 View attachment 115874

Did you install Oneup threaded or theadless version?

 

[RJUK]

I’ve just ordered the Strive:ON. My heart wants the Wild, but I can’t make sense of the big price difference for what is essentially the same bike. Excited

Are the Strive’s rims already taped for tubeless?

I expect so. My 2022 Spectral (also with DT Swiss wheels) came pre-taped. Seems to be pretty standard these days. Annoyed me because I bought rim tape, not realising.

Are people running tyre inserts with tubeless? I did that with my Spectral and it nearly killed me getting the tyres back on, to the point where I wouldn't have even attempted to repair it trailside if I ever got a puncture.

However, I like the idea of protecting the rim...

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Did you install Oneup threaded or theadless version?

Did you install Oneup threaded or theadless version?

Threaded version.

 

[RJUK]

Did you install Oneup threaded or theadless version?

Threaded, I'd imagine. That's what I'm going to go for.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Threaded, I'd imagine. That's what I'm going to go for.

Nice.

Had to use it yesterday, got a puncture on the front on a rocky descent in the DD Assegai. Plugger kit on the OneUp EDC worked a dream and uses the OneUp 70cc pump to inflate it.

Absolutely smashed the bike over the past 3 days in Triscombe, Minehead and Quantock Hills. A mixture of DH tracks, steep rocky descents and punchy climbs. Bloody love this bike!

Glad I ordered a spare Skid plate as i already broke that!

Beating my PR's on Strava on both climbs and descents...

Bike is superb, really is a very good enduro ebike.

 

[RJUK]

Do you ever bother with the inflator? Seemed wasteful to me to use the CO2 bottles when you can just use a pump.

And is it best to get the OneUp stuff direct from OneUp, or do you know of better deals on the bits elsewhere?

Seems good value, until you add the tap kit, top cap, tyre plugged, pump, etc!

I also need to decide on a length for the dropper.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Do you ever bother with the inflator? Seemed wasteful to me to use the CO2 bottles when you can just use a pump.

And is it best to get the OneUp stuff direct from OneUp, or do you know of better deals on the bits elsewhere?

Seems good value, until you add the tap kit, top cap, tyre plugged, pump, etc!

I also need to decide on a length for the dropper.

I got it all from OneUp direct. Expensive, but pays for itself when you need to use it. I've been caught out without it a couple of months ago and had to walk home 3 miles.

Yesterday after I plugged the tyre I used the pump to inflate it back up as it wasn't completely flat.

As for C02, its useful if the tyre is completely flat and you need to plug and seal the tyre again - the pressure and speed from a C02 is far faster than the pump. My setup is C02 into the pump and EDC and plugger in the steerer.

 

[RJUK]

I got it all from OneUp direct. Expensive, but pays for itself when you need to use it. I've been caught out without it a couple of months ago and had to walk home 3 miles.

Yesterday after I plugged the tyre I used the pump to inflate it back up as it wasn't completely flat.

As for C02, its useful if the tyre is completely flat and you need to plug and seal the tyre again - the pressure and speed from a C02 is far faster than the pump. My setup is C02 into the pump and EDC and plugger in the steerer.

So does the plugged and chain pliers fit in the small capsule? Or did you used the shaved down large capsule?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

So does the plugged and chain pliers fit in the small capsule? Or did you used the shaved down large capsule?

Plugger fits in small capsule.

In my Pole Voima one I have the plug and pliers, but need the big capsule for the pliers.

Here's the small capsule with plugger and strips stored in the capsule.




Plugged this after a 1 minute rocky high speed descent:

 

[RJUK]

Plugger fits in small capsule.

In my Pole Voima one I have the plug and pliers, but need the big capsule for the pliers.

Here's the small capsule with plugger and strips stored in the capsule. View attachment 116429 View attachment 116430

Blimey, how did you get a puncture there?!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Blimey, how did you get a puncture there?!

High speed descent / rock pinch flat. Was worth it for the KOM tho!

 

[hansfrans]

I'm very sorry if people are getting tired of this, but I'm ending up smack in the middle of two sizes. I'm 185, and 90 inseam. That puts me on a late M and early L.

This is a lot of money, and I'm just really unsure on this. @Rob Rides EMTB tested his Strive in size L, but he is 5cm taller than me. I've always gone for the larger size bike when I've purchased a new bike and ended up between sizes. But I'm thinking that it might be a good time to go for a M on a bike that is not going to serve as a downhill-bike (I currently ride a Sender size L for that). I had a Kenevo Expert in size S5 and that was monsterous and clearly to big for me.

Any advice out there on what you think I should do?
Thank you all very much for any help

I’d say L for more comfort but if you found s5 clearly too big then you won’t be unhappy with M I guess. At 187cm with around 88cm inseam I chose L coming from an XL Levo 2020. For a new Levo I’d choose s5.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Had a scary moment on the ride this weekend. I had brake failure for the first time ever. Hope Tech 4 V4 with Purple Pads. 223mm on the front, 203mm on the rear.

Crazy steepest descent (-49.5% degree gradient, hitting almost 50Kmh, on small loose rock / grass) and my Hope brakes hit failure point. Had to bail out/crash into the woods!!

 

[Jph]

Had a scary moment on the ride this weekend. Ii had brake failure for the first time ever. Hope Tech 4 V4 with Purple Pads. 223mm on the front, 203mm on the rear.

Crazy steepest descent (-49.5 degree gradient, hitting almost 50Kmh, on small loose rock / grass) and my Hope brakes hit failure point. Had to bail out/crash into the woods!!

Sounds like you had a lucky escape - what were the details of the failure?

Hopefully no damage to you or the rest of the bike?

 

[RJUK]

Had a scary moment on the ride this weekend. I had brake failure for the first time ever. Hope Tech 4 V4 with Purple Pads. 223mm on the front, 203mm on the rear.

Crazy steepest descent (-49.5% degree gradient, hitting almost 50Kmh, on small loose rock / grass) and my Hope brakes hit failure point. Had to bail out/crash into the woods!!


View attachment 116432 View attachment 116433

Jeez! Lol at the quick stop and increased heart rate!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Sounds like you had a lucky escape - what were the details of the failure?

Hopefully no damage to you or the rest of the bike?

Its the steepest descent in the area and at -49.5% gradient at the steepest and riding it 50Kmh, stopping 100KG+ is a hard ask for any brake.

The purple brake pads are not as heat resistant / powerful as the `Hope Green pads so I am swapping them out today!

 

[RJUK]

Out of interest# what happens if you have issues with the bike/motor system? Since there are no Canyon stores, how do you get things rectified? (Although I know this was your own aftermarket part, so it's not specifically in relation to this.)

 

[hubertsk]

Hey @Rob Rides EMTB , great bike build - you've inspired me for buying Strive:ON!
I have one question about OneUp EDC: is there any particular reason for going with the threaded version if you cannot fit the big capsule into Fox 38 anyway?
It seems like a threadless version gives me the same value without the hassle of tapping the steerer tube.
Am I missing something here?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Hey @Rob Rides EMTB , great bike build - you've inspired me for buying Strive:ON!
I have one question about OneUp EDC: is there any particular reason for going with the threaded version if you cannot fit the big capsule into Fox 38 anyway?
It seems like a threadless version gives me the same value without the hassle of tapping the steerer tube.
Am I missing something here?

I think the threaded version is a bit neater overall (you can use the nicer stem cap). Also, I manage to fit the big capsule into a Fox 38 by shaving down the big capsule approx 1mm. (I've done it on 2 of them now).

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Out of interest# what happens if you have issues with the bike/motor system? Since there are no Canyon stores, how do you get things rectified? (Although I know this was your own aftermarket part, so it's not specifically in relation to this.)

Cant say I've ever experienced this (hopefully wont need to, but you never know) - but Canyon have Service partners who help, and can apparantly even ship bikes back if they cant fix:

Bike service near me

Our new service and repair search tool makes it easier to find the nearest bike service. Find our certified Canyon partners to get your bike repaired.

www.canyon.com

 

[samjlevy]

Out of interest# what happens if you have issues with the bike/motor system? Since there are no Canyon stores, how do you get things rectified? (Although I know this was your own aftermarket part, so it's not specifically in relation to this.)

They have service centres around the UK, you can check your closest one here:

Bike service near me

Our new service and repair search tool makes it easier to find the nearest bike service. Find our certified Canyon partners to get your bike repaired.

www.canyon.com

 

[RJUK]

Sweet, thanks gents. It didn't concern me with the Spectral as it was acoustic, but it's more of a concern with an ebike.

 

[san822]

Hey @Rob Rides EMTB , very cool Vid on the strive on .. can you give a comparison (besides the motor) between the spectral on and strive on since i think you have ridden both?

Im coming from an old torque on and im not sure if i should get the new strive on or spectral on since the torque on is just too much travel for me. Im riding lots of enduro trails but im just not the fastest rider so im leaning to the spectral on cause of the steeper head angle. But the strive on looks so nice too.