Canyon Torque AL 2027 Test: Is the Strive Now Obsolete?

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-14

### Canyon Torque AL 2027: The Alloy Freeride Machine That Could Make the Strive Obsolete Canyon has completely redesigned the Torque for 2027, and the big news is that it's now aluminum-only. The carbon version is gone, and the new Torque AL comes with a tough alloy frame, 180mm of travel front and rear, adjustable geometry, and a starting price of around $2,700. We tested the range-topping Torque AL 9 to see if this simplified approach pays off on the trails. ### First Impressions and Key Specs The new Torque AL is unmistakable with its horizontally mounted shock that sits in line with the seatstay. Canyon has kept things simple: visible welds, sealed cartridge bearings, and cables routed through standard frame ports. This not only keeps the price down but also reduces potential failure points on the trail. Our test bike, the Torque AL 9, tips the scales at a reasonable 38.1 pounds (size M) and costs $4,300. It rolls on a mullet setup with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear (XS gets full 27.5-inch wheels). Other key facts: - Aluminum frame with 180mm travel front and rear - Mullet wheel setup (29"/27.5") except XS (full 27.5") - Flip chip and adjustable chainstay length - Five sizes from XS to XL ### What We Liked The Torque AL 9 impressed us with its integrated multitool on the top tube—a handy feature for quick adjustments on the go. The adjustable geometry and suspension kinematics let you fine-tune the bike to your riding style and terrain. The spec is solid for the price, and the robust aluminum frame gives us confidence that this bike can take a beating. ### What Could Be Better One downside is that the chainstay length is consistent across all sizes. While that keeps things simple, riders on the extremes of the size range might prefer size-specific chainstays for better balance. ### Does the Torque AL Make the Strive Obsolete? The Torque AL sits between Canyon's Strive enduro bike and the Sender downhill rig. With 180mm of travel and freeride-ready geometry, it's built for bike parks and big hits. The Strive, with its 160mm travel and enduro focus, still has its place for riders who want a lighter, more pedal-friendly bike. But if you're looking for a do-it-all freeride machine that won't break the bank, the Torque AL is a compelling option. > "The new Torque AL proves that you don't need carbon to have a blast on the trails. It's simple, tough, and ready for anything." ### The Verdict Canyon's decision to go all-in on aluminum for the Torque AL pays off. It's a robust, capable freeride bike at a price that's hard to beat. While the Strive still has its niche, the Torque AL makes a strong case for itself as the go-to bike for riders who prioritize downhill performance and durability over weight savings. For more details, check out Canyon's website (link nofollow).