STRIVING FOR VICTORY
Canyon revamp their Strive CFR enduro bike with a focus on flat-out speed
THE NEWLY-UNVEILED BIKES & KIT GETTING US EXCITED THIS MONTH
NEED TO KNOW
With Canyon’s Torque park bike and Spectral trail rig moving from 650b to 29in wheels, the Strive is no longer their only long-travel 29er, so the German direct-sale brand have been able to design this new version with a sole focus on the top step of the podium. The geometry’s had a major overhaul and is seriously long, low and slack, and you still get the brand’s ‘Shapeshifter’ mechanism, which lets you adjust the geometry, firm up the suspension and reduce the rear-wheel travel on the fly. The front triangle is said to be 25 per cent stiffer, for more direct handling. Offset headset cups let you tailor the reach by +/-5mm.
WHO’S IT FOR?
This is a thoroughbred race bike for those who are after an uncompromising ride to hunt KOMs and podiums.
KEY STATS
Travel: 170mm front, 160/ 140mm rear, four-bar linkage
Wheels: 29in
Frame: ‘CFR’ carbon fibre, S-XL
Geometry: 63-degree head angle, 76.5-degree seat tube angle (+1.5 degrees in ‘pedal’ mode), 480 +/-5mm reach (M), 435mm chainstays
Extras: Tool storage mount
Pricing: From £4,749 + shipping
Available: Size L from May, others later in 2022
More info: www.canyon.com
NEO GETS ALL-NEW GEO
Cannondale update their Moterra Neo e-bike
NEED TO KNOW
With their new Moterra Neo trail e-MTB, Cannondale say they’ve focused on optimising handling. Not only have they updated the geometry, but each size gets a unique suspension layout and tweaks to its frame construction. The bike is powered by a Bosch motor, which delivers 85Nm of max torque and can boost your output by up to 340 per cent, with a large-capacity 750Wh battery. Add 150mm of travel and 29in wheels, and it should pack a powerful punch.
WHO’S IT FOR?
All-mountain and trail riders who want a rugged, powerful e-bike with a proven motor. Enduro riders after more travel and a mullet wheel set-up should check out the burlier Moterra Neo LT.
KEY STATS
Travel: 150mm front and rear, four-bar linkage
Wheels: 29in (650b rear on S)
Frame: Carbon fibre (Neo 1/2) or aluminium alloy (Neo 3/4), S-XL
Motor/battery: Bosch Performance Line CX/Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
Geometry: 65-degree head angle, 77-degree seat tube angle, 485mm reach (L), 455mm chainstays (452mm on S)
Extras: Mounts for bottle cage, mudguards, panniers and kickstand; light (Neo 1)
Pricing: £5,000 to £8,250
Available: Summer 2022
More info: www.cannondale.com
SWITCHING THINGS UP
New Orange Switch 7 boasts a hidden linkage
NEED TO KNOW
The new Switch 7 is that rarest of things – an Orange with a suspension linkage. Fans of the Halifax brand needn’t worry, though, because it still boasts their trademark single-pivot rear end. As on the ST 4 (2009-2012) – the last time Orange dabbled with linkages – the new ‘STRANGE power link’ merely drives the shock, allowing them to make the leverage curve more progressive. Unlike the ST 4, the Switch 7 retains a typically ‘Orange’ silhouette, as the linkage is concealed inside a cutaway in the swingarm, made from the brand’s familiar seam-welded aluminium sheet.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Enduro racers who want a UKmade alloy frame, claimed to weigh less than many carbon equivalents, which combines the fun ride feel Oranges are known for with more ramp-up.
KEY STATS
Travel: 170mm front and rear, single pivot with linkageactuated shock
Wheels: 29in front, 650b rear
Frame: 6061-T6 aluminium, S to XL
Geometry: 63-degree head angle, 76-degree seat tube angle, 484mm reach (L)
Extras: 5-year bearing warranty
Pricing: From £7,500
Available: Now!
YEAR OF THE METAL GOAT
YT bring out affordable alloy version of the Capra Mk.III
NEED TO KNOW
The YT Industries Capra has always been one of the bestvalue enduro bikes around, so there was disappointment in some quarters when the third-generation model was launched last year with a carbon fibre frame and £4k+ price tag. Thankfully, the German directsale brand have now launched a lower-budget but still highperformance alloyframed version, the Capra Core 2, which shares its geometry, suspension kinematics, wheel-size options and frame details with its carbon counterpart. The spec is decent, too, including a Performance-level Fox fork and shock, SRAM NX Eagle gearing and Code R brakes, Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro wheels and dual-compound Maxxis Assegai or Minion rubber.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Cash-conscious enduro riders who don’t mind buying online.
KEY STATS
Travel: 165mm (Core 2 29) or 170mm (Core 2 MX), four-bar linkage
Wheel size: 29in (Core 2 29) or 29in/650b (Core 2 MX)
Frame: Hydroformed aluminium alloy, S to XXL
Geometry: 64.2-degree head angle and 77.6-degree seat tube angle (‘low’ flip-chip setting), 467mm reach (L)
Extras: Top tube accessory mount and space for a 630ml water bottle
Pricing: £3,199 + shipping
More info: https://uk.ytindustries.com