We’ve been chasing a ride on a Canyon bike for some time now and so when product manager Daniel Oster offered us an exclusive run on the new Canyon Torque FRX Racezone you could say we were more than willing…
From Dirt Issue 114 – August 2011
Words and Photos by Steve Jones.
OK, so the BIG news is the pricing on this bike and also the spec. Mavic Deemax Ultimate, SRAM X0 DH gearing, Elixir/Code brakes, SDG, Maxxis Minion tyres, e*thirteen chainset, Fox 40 RC2 Kashima and Cane Creek Double Barrel. That is correct. There are few bikes available today with such a prestigious fit out. Wheels and dampers alone would take a big chunk out of three grand but here you are getting the full works for €3599. It’s is an extremely serious proposition for a huge amount of riders currently flailing around on what’s often nothing more than scrap metal at that price. This bike is pretty much in a class of its own in terms of value.
How does it ride? Extremely well. Oster has obviously worked the angles game well and come up with a very contemporary collection of numbers. Have to say though Dan that the bike certainly felt way slacker than the claimed 64.5º head angle. Our test bike also hung around the 47” mark on the wheelbase.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (stated)| Size | Wheelbase | Headangle | Bottom Bracket | Chainstay | Standover |
| L | 1176mm (46.2”) | 64.5º | 353mm (13.89”) | 425mm (16.7”) | 746mm (29.3”) |
In terms of weight we know it’s less than 40lb, and that due to the slightly shorter than normal chainstay it provides a lively ride. I did feel a slight 
rearward bias because of this and needed to push more weight onto front the wheel, it’s just something you get used to. Obviously riders will be thinking ‘Cane Creek’ with this bike, but whilst we know it’s a superb performer on some bikes we did have an Intense M9 out here and both that bike and the Torque didn’t really offer the characteristic feel the damper can deliver.
In engineering terms what a gem, industrial sealed angular contact bearings on 13mm superlight axles, 4–piece deep groove bearings and fittings for internal routing adjustable seatposts. The build is high quality, something missing on a lot of bikes at this price.
Riding the Canyon simply made me feel like we need to get more bikes off the German company in the magazine. We also had a quick look at the Strive enduro 160mm bike, one that is also top of our wish list right now. Remember the Torque is also available in four other specs. The freeriding Playzone €2099, downhill Speedzone €2199, freeride touring Rockzone €2499 and another higher spec Freeride Dropzone €2999. Be quick.
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