Canyon Torque AL 9 Tested: Is the Strive Now Obsolete?

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-14

Canyon's Torque has always been that rowdy cousin in the lineup—the one built for bike parks and freeride lines, not just enduro tracks. For 2027, Canyon stripped it down to aluminum and rebuilt it from the ground up. We spent a few weeks on the range-topping Torque AL 9 to see if this simplified approach actually makes sense on the trail. ### First Impressions: Aluminum Done Right The new Torque AL 9 is unapologetically aluminum. Canyon dropped the carbon version entirely, and honestly, that's a smart move. The frame has visible welds, sealed cartridge bearings, and external cable routing—all things that make maintenance easier and crashes less expensive. It's a bike you can actually ride hard without sweating the repair bill. Our size medium test bike weighed in at 38.1 pounds, which is reasonable for a 7.1-inch travel freeride rig. At $4,300 (converted from €3,999), it's not cheap, but it's competitive for the spec. The entry-level Torque AL starts at $2,700, making the platform accessible if you're willing to compromise on components. ### The Ride: Mullet Magic and Adjustable Geometry Canyon stuck with the mullet setup—29-inch front wheel, 27.5-inch rear—except on the XS size, which runs full 27.5. That mixed-wheel design gives you the rollover confidence of a 29er up front and the playful rear end of a smaller wheel out back. It's a combo that works beautifully in steep, technical terrain. What really sets this bike apart is the adjustability. A flip chip lets you tweak the geometry, and you can also change the chainstay length. That's rare at this price point. Want a more stable feel for high-speed park laps? Flip the chip. Prefer a snappier ride for jumps and berms? Adjust the chainstays. It's like having two bikes in one. ### Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn't) On the trail, the Torque AL 9 feels planted and confident. The 7.1 inches of travel front and rear soak up big hits without wallowing, and the suspension kinematics are well-tuned for aggressive riding. The integrated multitool on the top tube is a nice touch—you'll actually use it. But there's one notable drawback: the chainstay length is the same across all sizes. That means shorter riders on small frames get proportionally longer chainstays, which can make the bike feel less nimble. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth noting if you're on the smaller side. ### Is the Strive Obsolete? Not exactly. The Strive is still Canyon's enduro race bike, and it's built for speed and efficiency on pedally courses. The Torque, on the other hand, is a freeride machine. It's heavier, more playful, and designed for lift-access laps and big drops. If you're racing enduro, the Strive makes more sense. But if you're chasing gravity and want a bike that can handle anything you throw at it, the Torque AL 9 is the better tool. ### The Verdict Canyon's decision to go all-in on aluminum for the Torque is a win for riders who value durability and simplicity. The adjustable geometry and mullet setup make it versatile, and the spec is solid for the price. It's not the lightest or the cheapest, but it's a hell of a lot of fun. If you're in the market for a freeride bike that won't break the bank—or your spirit when you crash—the Torque AL 9 deserves a serious look. > "The Torque AL 9 isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's a freeride bike, plain and simple, and it excels at exactly that."