2018 Canyon Torque CF 9.0 Pro

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Many young whipper snappers won’t remember the days where you either had a bike that could climb or a bike that could descend. Those of us who can remember truly appreciate how much technology and design have improved, in addition to the blurred line between the either/or of yesteryear. Canyon is blurring the line even further with the introduction of their updated Torque. This long-travel machine is said to be capable of a weekend of shuttles, all-day epics, and the odd enduro race thrown in for good measure.

Canyon’s latest ground-up redesign features a front end similar to their Sender and a rear end much like the Strive. The business in the front, party in the back approach combined with a whopping 175mm of rear travel just might be the ticket for those looking to ride seriously heinous terrain without suffering on the climb for a second lap.

Canyon Torque Highlights

• 27.5-inch (650b) wheels
• 175mm (6.9-inches) rear travel // 180mm (7.1-inches) front travel
• Two frame material options: Carbon front with 6066 aluminum rear (CF), 6066 aluminum (AL)
• Triple Phase, four-bar suspension design with Metric shock sizing
• Fully sealed industrial bearings
• Canyon Category 5 strength rating
• Integrated cable management channel and downtube guard
• Threaded bottom bracket
• 180mm post mount rear brake
• Boost 148mm rear spacing with unique hidden 12mm through axle
• Seven models to choose from
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Weight: Starting at 31.3-pounds (14.2kg, claimed)
• Available early 2018

"Put to the test by our downhill, enduro and freeride teams, the Torque is not a bike to be boxed in. With 175mm of rear suspension on offer from its new linkage and the triple-phase kinematic developed for the Sender, the bike provides next-level traction and comes alive on everything from the most challenging enduro tracks to jump lines at the bike park." - Canyon Bikes

Triple Phase Suspension

The suspension design of the new Torque is a familiar four-bar linkage, similar to what they have used in the past. Engineers utilized the kinematics from their Sender CF bike as a jumping off point, then made adjustments as needed in order to provide the character they were after for the Torque. The lateral shock orientation has allowed Canyon to make use of Metric shock sizing, in addition to providing improved standover and room for a 170mm travel dropper post on large and extra-large frames.

The new Torque features Canyon’s Triple Phase suspension kinematics, just like their recently released Spectral, although it utilizes a different linkage design to achieve the end result. While some brands prefer to choose one suspension strategy and use it across the lineup, Canyon has given their designers the freedom to choose whatever suspension layout they require in order to achieve their design goals for a particular bike. In addition to ride quality, durability and longevity were key factors when designing the Torque which led engineers to the proven four-bar layout.

The "Triple Phase" concept is similar to that of the Sender CF and isn't unlike many other progressive linkages. First, the response phase provides excellent small bump compliance with enough anti-squat that the Torque isn’t a chore to climb. Once sagged the suspension becomes much more supportive and stable. This allows for plenty of trail feedback and a platform that riders can press into for pumping along. The final phase is a good helping of end-stroke progression because the Torque is definitely a bike that will be seeing plenty of airtime and high-speed compressions. Compared to the new Spectral, the Torque has a much more DH-focused feeling, which isn’t a surprise given the intended purpose.

"Improved anti-squat means that the bike pedals well, but it also causes increased pedal kickback," said Canyon. "We struck a balance between the two that actively increases the rider’s momentum without causing instability or fatigue over fast repetitive hits."

Unruly, Unbound, Unreal

Call it what you want: super-enduro, freeride, park, or mountain biking, an ever-increasing number of riders are doing away with quivers of bikes in favor of a single machine capable of anything thrown at it. Canyon’s approach with the Torque was to create a durable, capable, and fun bike that’s ready for anything.

We already referred to the Triple Phase suspension, which – in combination with geometry, frame material, and components – is meant to enable riders to literally go anywhere, ride anything, and have a smile while doing it.

Geometry

The Torque’s geometry features a few notable traits. First and foremost, the front and rear ends are quite similar to the Sender CF and Spectral, respectively. The outcome is the stability of a DH bike on the front end combined with the agility and playfulness of a trail bike in the rear. Business in the front, party in the back.

The ‘unruly’ portion of the geometry comes through a few different means: the reach on a size large Torque is identical to that of the Spectral, however the slacker head angle and additional rear travel give the Torque a much more gravity-focused feel. The Torque utilizes even shorter chainstays than the Spectral, which measure in at a compact 425mm. Canyon deliberated about geometry adjustments, but they elected to go without the option on the Torque to keep things simple. For the sake of comparison: chainstay length is slightly shorter than the new Santa Cruz Nomad, with an additional 10mm of rear travel. The mullet analogy came from this seemingly divergent approach to the Torque’s geometry, which certainly deserves the ‘unruly’ label and offers the potential for a unique character.

There are a few small differences between the new aluminum Sender and its carbon sibling. Most notably, the aluminum version was altered to better suit a coil shock and has a simplified lower MX suspension link.

There are a few small differences between the new aluminum Sender and its carbon sibling. Most notably, the aluminum version was altered to better suit a coil shock and has a simplified lower MX suspension link. Canyon made these changes and went with aluminum to provide buyers with a streamlined, more affordable DH sled for banging out laps at the bike park with little concern about maintenance. Engineers noted that the lower link simplification has little effect on suspension performance, and riders who don’t constantly tinker with rear-end setup for each track are likely better served by the more affordable Sender AL.

In the US, the Sender AL 5.0 will be offered at $2,999 USD.

View all Sender AL models & specs | View Sender AL geometry

What’s The Bottom Line?

Canyon claims that “the only thing holding back the new Torque is your imagination.” In our brief experience, this statement rings pretty true. Canyon has put together a niche bike for riders who want to spend weeknights riding gnarly trails and their weekends at the local bike park hitting gaps. While 175mm of travel is overkill in places, the Torque handles climbing and moderate terrain better than it ought to which is an added bonus. Those who aren’t afraid to push their limits and are looking to have the most fun rather than shave milliseconds should look closely at the reinvigorated Canyon Torque.

Those looking for a dedicated downhill bike will find great value in the new Sender AL.

Visit www.canyon.com for more details.

Vital MTB First Ride Rating - Torque CF 9.0 Pro

• 
  Climbing: 3.5 stars - Very Good
• 
  Descending: 4 stars - Excellent
• 
  Fun Factor: 5 stars - Spectacular
• 
  Value: 4.5 stars - Outstanding
• 
  Overall Impression: 4 stars - Excellent

About The Reviewer

Joel Harwood – Age: 34 // Years Riding MTB: 20+ // Height: 5’11” (1.80m) // Weight: 185-pounds (83.9kg)

Joel’s unique coaching background and willingness to tinker with products bring an objective perspective to testing. He dabbles in all types of racing, but is happiest simply exploring the limitless trail networks surrounding his home of Squamish, BC. Attention to detail, time in the saddle, and an aggressive riding style make Joel a rider that demands the most from his products while exposing any shortcomings.

Photos by Boris Beyer / Canyon Bikes