Canyon Torque AL: The Bike That Could Make the Strive Obsolete

James Moore · 2026-10-14

### Is the Strive About to Be Replaced? Canyon just dropped a bombshell on the mountain biking world. They've completely reworked the Torque from the ground up, and this new aluminum version might just make the Strive enduro bike a thing of the past. We took the range-topping Torque AL 9 for a spin to see what all the fuss is about. At first glance, the Torque AL looks like a no-nonsense freeride machine. And that's exactly what it is. With 180mm of travel front and rear, a mullet wheel setup (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear), and a burly aluminum frame, it's built to handle everything from bike park laps to big mountain lines. ### The Specs That Matter Let's break down the numbers: - **Frame:** Aluminum, 180mm travel - **Wheels:** Mullet (29" front, 27.5" rear) - **Weight:** 38.1 lbs (size M) - **Price:** $4,200 (range-topping AL 9) - **Sizes:** XS to XL But numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic is in the details. ### Smart Features, Simple Design Canyon kept things intentionally simple. You won't find any carbon here—just good old aluminum with visible welds and sealed cartridge bearings. That means fewer things to break and a lower price tag. But they didn't skimp on the clever bits. There's an integrated multitool on the top tube, adjustable geometry via a flip chip, and even adjustable chainstay length. That last one is a big deal for riders who want to fine-tune their ride. > "The new Torque AL is proof that you don't need carbon to have a blast on the trails." ### How Does It Ride? We spent a few weeks on the Torque AL 9, and it quickly became clear that this bike is a party on wheels. The 180mm of travel soaks up big hits with ease, and the mullet setup gives you the best of both worlds: a stable front wheel for rolling over obstacles and a playful rear wheel for whipping around corners. The adjustable geometry is a game-changer. You can slacken it out for steep descents or steepen it for more technical climbs. And the chainstay adjustment lets you dial in the handling to your liking. ### The Verdict So, is the Strive obsolete? Not quite—but the Torque AL definitely makes a strong case for itself. It's more affordable, more durable, and arguably more fun. If you're in the market for a freeride bike that can handle everything from bike park laps to backcountry adventures, the Torque AL should be at the top of your list. Just be prepared to answer a lot of questions at the trailhead. This bike turns heads.