2018 Canyon Sender CF 9.0 Team Bike

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During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Canyon Sender went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Sender. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more.

Highlights

• 27.5-inch wheels
• Carbon front end // 6066 T6 aluminum rear triangle
• 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel
• MX Link suspension design with industrial bearings and sag monitor
• Adjustable chainstay length and head angle (included headset cups) // Six distinct geometry options
• Integrated frame protection throughout // Rear fender
• Sound-proofed internal cable routing
• Threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 mount
• 12x157mm rear axle
• Measured Weight: 35.2-pounds (16.0kg, stock tires, without pedals)
• Size Tested: Medium with stock headsetcup, short chainstay position
• Model Tested: Sender CF 9.0 Team
• MSRP: $5,999 USD
• More Info: www.canyon.com

Strengths

True to its name, the Sender, well, SENDS! There's no doubt why this downhill weapon won Best in Test in our Downhill Test Sessions, as not only can it huck to flat without worry, the Sender has the ability to be the calmest and most composed rig under righteous amounts of force. While trying to fully compress the bikes in the name of science (and for the pure entertainment that is the G-Out Project), the Sender was the only machine that had more left for the track when both front and rear suspension were squished simultaneously.

The Sender was a multi-dimensional stand-out in our group, able to handle any and all downhill/bike park terrain with aplomb. There were no areas we feared treading aboard the bike. It stays steady when getting wild through the rough and rowdy, even at high speeds. If adjustments are needed, chainstay length, head angle, and stem length/rise can be tweaked to suit your needs.

As a direct-to-consumer brand, Canyon is able to offer remarkable value across all of their builds. The Sender also looks incredible with its paint job, sharp angles, and shaped head/seat tubes. It still looked great after several muddy ride days and washes.

Weaknesses

Be critical, nitpick and find reasons why these bikes don’t measure up for any and all reasons: This was the mindset whenever we threw a leg over any of the Test Session DH bikes. We have to give readers something to consider, but, to our dismay (and the enjoyment of all the haters out there), we really couldn’t find significant short-comings in our time testing this bike.

To nitpick, the Mavic Deemax DH wheelset (the rear wheel to be more specific) is uncomfortably and obnoxiously loud when going about its business over rough and rocky terrain. Despite all the pinging, the wheel remained structurally sound and we never had a major issue. None of the 28 double-butted bladed straight-pull spokes broke, the rim remained in good shape, and the 7.5-degree engagement didn't disappoint when it was time to put the pedal to the metal.

Our final nitpick could compromise ride quality tremendously if glossed over. While it's always a nice touch when companies provide an "easy button," the sag meter on our test bike was grossly inaccurate. We lined up the lines and had we not double-checked sag percentage and shock pressure, our first run would have been very rough.

Suggested upgrades for a few hundred dollars: 200mm rear rotor, RockShox BoXXer upgrade kit, and/or tire inserts

Geometry

Suspension Analysis

Using the bike industry's leading linkage analysis software, André Santos was able to determine a close approximation of the Sender's kinematics for the purpose of this review. Though they don't always tell the full story, these charts provide great insight into several key factors that impact how it rides.

André's Observations:

• The Canyon Sender has a progressive rear suspension design at 45%, which is a balanced value for a DH bike since it allows you to use all the travel while still offering good resistance against harsh bottom-outs.
• The rear suspension offers good resistance against pedal bob since the anti-squat values are relatively high (around 150% on average).
• Relatively high chain growth due to the high anti-squat values across the travel.
• Anti-rise near 70%, meaning that the geometry of the bike is barely affected by rear braking.
• Overall, the Sender offers a progressive rear suspension design with good pedaling performance.

Vital's preferred suspension settings for a 175-pound rider on stock components: 30% sag // Compression 4-clicks from closed (2-clicks from open)

What's The Bottom Line?

The Canyon Sender proved to be a peak performer in any riding situation under both of our testers. It's aesthetically pleasing, and the combination of a carbon front end and alloy rear work well together. For the baller on a budget, or for someone trying to break into the sport, the direct-to-consumer price tag can’t be beaten. It comes with many extras, and after the click of a mouse the Sender can show up on your doorstep ready to go. No matter your rhyme or reason for riding, this bike's namesake says it all. Don’t hesitate. SEND IT!

Visit www.canyon.com and the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions feature for more details.

Vital MTB Rating

About The Testers

Brian Buell - Age: 31 // Years Riding: 25+ // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 180-pounds (81.6kg)

Brian is kind of like Uncle Rico – even though he has a titanium rod in his tibia and is continuously trying to avoid obtaining a dad bod, he delusionaly daydreams of World Cup racing glory. That thought process transfers to the trail. Whether building trail, coaching on them, or just trying to recapture the glory days between the tape, he’s always in search of the racer line. Known for "Buelling" his bikes, Brian sometimes puts a serious hurt on parts pushing them to their limits. Although the Collegiate National Championship sweater vest jersey is collecting dust somewhere, whenever it’s time to race against the clock or perform for the camera you can bet he’s fully pinned putting it all on the line for you!

Brandon Turman - Age: 32 // Years Riding: 17 // Height: 5'10" (1.78m) // Weight: 175-pounds (79.4kg)

"I like to have fun, pop off the bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when I feel in tune with a bike, and really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill." Formerly a mechanical engineer and Pro downhill racer, Brandon brings a unique perspective to the testing game as Vital MTB's resident product guy. He has on-trail familiarity with nearly every new innovation in our sport from the past several years and a really good feel for what’s what.

Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Angel Fire Bike Park, Maxxis, and LITPro. Tester gear provided by Troy Lee Designs, Fasthouse, and Five Ten.

Photos by Sean Horton // Videos by Jake VanHeel and Brandon Turman