All about the 2022 Canyon Torque
Fun, practical, and versatile: The Canyon Torque “Super Enduro” offering is updated for 2022.
Canyon, a huge player in the EWS and DH circuits, have now updated their Torque model to cater to those who aren’t necessarily on the EWS or DH circuit. The new frame is lighter, stiffer, and slacker – all equating to a playful and fun park bike. But there’s no mistaking, the Torque remains a highly capable, big-travel bike: with 170mm travel up front, it sits directly alongside dedicated enduro bikes such as the Giant Reign, Trek Slash, and Specialized Enduro.
Where does it fit in the line up?
The Strive has long been Canyon’s tried and proven EWS-winning bike. Equipped with the versatile Shapeshifter technology, it’s designed for long climbs and exhausting descents. Appropriate for epic days in the saddle, the Strive is only available in a 29” wheel option. Then there’s the Spectral, a lighter machine with slightly less travel; available in 29” or 27.5” wheels, the Spectral is the everyday trail warrior’s bike of choice and ideal for those who appreciate the climbs as much as the descents.
The Torque sits somewhere between these two models. With the Spectral being such a capable bike, it’s hard to imagine why you would need another model. But the more we thought about it, the more it makes sense (which will be further detailed below). The Torque is lighter than the Strive, but beefier than the Spectral. It’s available in 29” and 27.5” wheel options, as well as carbon and alloy frames. The wheel size and frame material camps are becoming increasingly divisive, so we think it’s a great idea to cater to everyone in this regard. Some riders will prefer the weight and stiffness afforded by the Torque’s 2652g carbon frame, while others will appreciate the planted feel – and price – of the Torque’s 3250g alloy frame (this is still an impressive 250g lighter than the previous alloy model).
The Canyon Torque goes Mullet
Unlike the Strive or the Spectral, the Torque is available in dedicated mullet models. The jury’s still out on whether the mullet is here to stay, but this offering from Canyon does appear to further cement the “business up front, party out back” bike. Allegedly the perfect blend of fast and nimble, the mullet caters to those who descend hard and throw steez even harder. Coil shocks are standard on the mullet options, which will undoubtedly appeal to this demographic.
Who’s it for?
From Canyon’s perspective, the Torque is marketed at park rats who will inevitably find themselves having to pedal up the hill when the summer lifts stop running. But we think the Canyon Torque will find a home in several other garages as well. Firstly, it’s another option for those looking at a Specialized Enduro, Trek Slash, or equivalent; it’s also more versatile than many competitors, with the ability to choose between 27.5” and 29” wheels, carbon or alloy frames, and standard or mullet setups. This versatility will suit many budgets and individual prerequisites. Secondly, the Torque is perfect for the Aussie enduro racing scene; most club and state rounds don’t have enough climbing to warrant the Shapeshifter technology on the Strive. The Torque also claims to be more durable and require less maintenance thanks to its double-sealed bearings. With these considerations, the Torque is a far more practical and user-friendly option than the Strive. And while the Spectral is just as slack as the Torque, the latter’s extra travel will inspire more confidence, and of course, cushion more mistakes.
Canyon Torque pricing in Australia
The Torque range starts at $4,199 for the alloy Deore/ZEB Select equipped models, and peaks at $8,799 for the carbon XTR/Fox Factory versions. The majority of models are available to order now, with others viewable but still on the way.
