Canyon Bikes Introduce – The Sender
“To be the fastest, you have to get creative.” It was with this principal in mind that the Canyon Development Team set out to build an all-new thoroughbred downhill machine, the Sender CF
“To be the fastest, you have to get creative.” It was with this principle in mind that the Canyon Development Team set out to build an all-new thoroughbred downhill machine. With the performance to turn the racetrack into a blank canvas, their creation, the Sender CF, raises the bar to deliver the ultimate downhill racing platform.
From experimenting with initial prototypes back in 2014 to the final pre-production shakedown at Crankworx New Zealand, the Canyon Development Team including triple DH World Champion, Fabien Barel, left no line unridden in pursuit of creating the most advanced downhill bike ever.
The Sender CF comes stacked with a whole host of innovative performance features. Its geometry is at the forefront of the modern approach and can be adapted to terrain and riding style with Geo Tune. The Triple Phase Suspension system guarantees next-level control while enabling the rider to build momentum at crucial points on track. A rock- solid construction means going big comes naturally, while clever noise-cancelling details across the frame ensure that the Sender CF delivers the stealthiest ride out on the hill.
Three models and a wide range of specs make up the Sender CF range. Canyon now also offers downhillers one of the broadest size ranges on the market, from S to XL, so riders of all dimensions can find the perfect fit.
Kinematics
When developing the Sender’s four-bar suspension system we set out to create the perfect mix of three interlocking characteristics: anti-squat, pedal kickback and anti-rise.
High anti-squat enables efficient acceleration but also results in more pedal kickback. We optimised this to strike a balance that actively increases the rider’s momentum without causing undue leg fatigue over fast repetitive hits. Effective anti-rise means the rear end remains active and in contact with the ground under heavy braking for exceptional traction and control when they’re needed the most.
MX link
Inspired by motocross setups, our all-new MX Link enables us to tune the shock leverage ratio independent of anti-squat, pedal kickback or anti-rise. The combination of our MX Link and the latest generation of lightweight, highly adjustable air shocks means we can create the ideal racing suspension setup consisting of three distinct phases.
Geometry
Extending the wheelbase through the chainstays and front center increases stability and tracking through corners. We also opted to lower the bottom bracket and increase the head tube length for a great stack height. The result is a sensation of being “in” the bike for added confidence when taking on technical tracks at racing speeds.
Geo Tune
No two tracks are the same. Geo Tune means the Sender’s geometry can be transformed to match the terrain with six possible head angle and chainstay configurations.
Standard concentric headset cups give a head angle of 63°. For tracks that are either faster and steeper, or flatter and twistier, the standard cups can be swapped out for eccentric headset cups that enable a slacker 62° or steeper 64°.
Carbon Front Triangle
Carbon is the leading material for bike construction not simply due to lightness, but through its strength and vibration-damping properties. Modifying the main triangle’s fibre layup and wall thicknesses enabled us to come up with a highly puncture- resistant structure with extra strength guaranteed where the biggest loads are applied. This is the most solid, most fatigue-resistant chassis we have ever produced.
Aluminum Rear Triangle
Crashes happen, and when they do, the rear triangle’s width makes it most likely to hit the ground first and take the biggest impact. Taking its exposure to stone hits and constant drivetrain forces into account, aluminum is the most practical material for the rear end of the bike. Employing high-end 6066 T6 aluminum makes any potential damage easier to assess for a safer setup with no performance loss.
Bearings
Each of the pivots throughout the Sender’s four-bar suspension setup are fitted with robust and smooth industrial bearings for long-lasting responsiveness. Oversized bearings are then used on the main triangle to deal with the higher lateral forces applied in this area. Thanks to the MX Link’s floating configuration, the linkage and shock performance are unaffected by lateral forces applied when riding. At these points, Polymer bearings by Igus further boost suspension sensitivity and durability.
Quality In Control
At Canyon, our internal testing procedures far exceed any industry standard. Where our products fit into our five-category testing classification is determined by how they perform across a range of examinations in our labs where we test our products to destruction. Using our in-house CT scanner we examine wall thicknesses and the carbon layup with clinical accuracy to ensure all frame’s meet our exacting standards. In our test lab, we repeatedly simulate the most punishing downhill riding scenarios. Throughout development of the entire frame, any weak points were identified using a series of over- load and impact resistance tests before being eradicated from the final design. As a result, the Sender meets our most demanding safety standards and is classed in the top tier: Category 5. The G forces required for its structure to fail far exceed those that the human body is capable of coping with.
