2021 Canyon Sender CFR

(discontinued)

CFR stands for Canyon Factory Racing. Taken a bit broader, CFR relates to a new method of designing for Canyon that relies heavily on all of Canyon's best racers and their mechanics. The new Sender CFR downhill bike is the result of many talented people's efforts, ideas, inspirations, and race results. Bigger wheels, updated geometry with multiple adjustments, revised kinematics, and a big weight reduction are among the major updates. What else is new? Join Vital MTB's Product Editor, Brandon Turman, in the video above for an overview and his initial ride impressions.

It's pretty rad to see the culmination of input from professional racers and mechanics at the top of their game.

Highlights

• 200mm (7.9-inches) travel front and rear
• M086, CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) carbon frame
• Large and X-Large bikes have dual 29-inch wheels
• Small and Medium bikes have mixed “mullet” wheel sizing (29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear)
• Adjustable reach and chainstay length
• 250x75mm Metric shock with 30mm-wide shock mounts
• More progressive linkage and reduced pedal kickback from the previous generation
• Replaceable threaded inserts at all of the pivots and on the front shock mount
• All pivots use double-sealed bearings
• Integrated chainstay, seatstay, downtube, and fork bumper protection
• Integrated rear fender
• Vinyl protection in key rear triangle wear areas
• Fully-guided internal cable routing
• 12x157mm rear dropout
• Frame Weight: 7.1-pounds (3.2kg, claimed)
• Complete Weight: 35.0-pounds (15.9kg, actual, size M, with pedals)

Geometry

Canyon revised the geometry to update things to today's standards and create a more balanced feel, regardless of settings chosen. The Sender CFR offers a three-position adjustable reach (+ 8mm, 0mm, -8mm) and two-position chainstay length adjustment (10mm). Both reach and chainstay length have grown a little bit overall. The head angle is now fixed at 63-degrees.

Suspension Updates

You've likely seen prototype linkages under Canyon's racers the past few years. Part of that effort was to dial in the leverage curve a bit more, which is now claimed to be more progressive than the previous bike. They've gone with a 250x75mm metric shock size and the bike is both air and coil shock compatible.

The bigger update is a 60% reduction in pedal kickback. The main pivot is now lower and closer to the chain line, and the bike has a slightly less rearward axle path.

Build Kits & Pricing

The Sender CFR is offered in two build kits and both are very well priced. The frame is backed by a six-year warranty.

Canyon has no plans to make an aluminum version of the Sender CFR, but they will continue to offer the previous aluminum model for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.

What's The Bottom Line?

The previous Canyon Sender won "Best in Test" during our Downhill Test Sessions a year ago, and the new Sender CFR is a great improvement. The overall impression is silent, solid, and smooth. This bike is incredibly well put together with an eye towards longevity. It comes raring to go with even the smallest details sorted out of the box. Meaningful geometry adjustments will help dial things in on a track-by-track and rider-by-rider basis, providing good versatility.

In talking with Canyon. they strongly alluded to the fact that the technology and lessons learned from the Sender CFR will likely to work through their line over time. If this bike sets the precedent for some shorter-travel rides, it's a very encouraging sign.

For more details hit up www.canyon.com. Let us know what you think of the Sender CFR in the comments!

Vital MTB First Ride Rating: 5 Stars - Spectacular

About The Reviewer

Brandon Turman - Age: 34 // Years Riding: 19 // Height: 5'10" (1.78m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

"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 innovation in our sport from the past several years and a really good feel for what’s what.

Video by Brandon Turman and Shawn Spomer