Canyon have reworked the Torque from the ground up. With a tough aluminium frame, a generous 180 mm of travel at both ends, adjustable geometry and competitive pricing from € 2,499, the new version is out to make its mark in the bike park and on the freeride scene. We tested the range-topping model.

Canyon Torque AL 9 | 180 mm (f/r) | 17.3 kg in size M | € 3,999 | Manufacturer’s website

The Torque has been a fixture in the German brand’s range for years. As a pure freeride bike, it sits between the Strive enduro bike and the Sender downhill rig. The core recipe hasn’t changed much: you still get 180 mm of travel at both ends and a mullet setup with a 29” front wheel and a 27.5” rear.

The focus is on simplicity, with a straightforward aluminium frame that sticks to what matters, backed up by a few smart details and adjustment options. Our size M test bike weighs a reasonable 17.3 kg and costs a tempting € 3,999. But does this stripped-back approach pay off where it counts? We took it to the trails to find out.

The new 2027 Canyon Torque AL in detail.

You’ll recognise the new Torque straight away. Its horizontally mounted shock, which sits in line with the seatstay, still gives the bike its unmistakable profile. For this generation, Canyon has dropped the carbon version and gone all-in on aluminium. The design is intentionally simple, featuring visible welds, sealed cartridge bearings and cables that run through standard frame ports. By skipping any unnecessary frills, Canyon keeps the price down and also limits the number of things that can fail on the trail.

For all its simplicity, our test bike has a distinctly high-end look. The black frame works perfectly with the polished aluminium parts, such as the shock rocker link, and the gold FOX Factory suspension brings a bit of extra flair. Canyon hasn’t overlooked practical touches, either. Hidden under the top tube is an integrated multitool with all the key functions. Releasing the retaining strap takes quite a firm grip, but in return the tool stays securely in place without a single rattle, even on rough terrain. The Torque is obviously made to survive years of bike park punishment, as shown by the large chainstay protector, the integrated chain guide and the sturdy rubber shuttle guard on the down tube, which shields the frame when the bike is loaded onto a pickup.

The spec of the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL 9.

We tested the range-topping Canyon Torque AL 9, which retails for € 3,999. The first thing that grabs your attention is the gold FOX Factory suspension. At the front sits a FOX 38 fork with the top-tier GRIP X2 damper, while a high-volume FLOAT X2 air shock handles the rear. Both offer just about everything you could want in terms of adjustment and performance.

Stopping duties are handled by powerful SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes and thick 200 mm HS2 rotors, which deliver ample bite. Even on long, steep descents, they reliably bring you to a controlled halt. When it comes to the drivetrain, Canyon has found a smart compromise between cost and performance. The mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission works faultlessly, with shifting precision that comes very close to its high-end electronic siblings.

Canyon’s in-house dropper post offers 200 mm of travel on our size M test bike and can be slammed all the way into the seat tube, giving you plenty of freedom to move around on the trail. The robust DT Swiss EX 1700 aluminium wheels are fitted with a tried-and-tested MAXXIS tyre combination: an ASSEGAI up front with the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound and a MINION DHR II at the rear with the slightly firmer MaxxTerra compound. Both feature the tough DoubleDown casing.

Canyon’s in-house dropper post has 200 mm of travel and can be slammed almost entirely into the frame.

The geometry of the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL

The Torque AL is available in five sizes, XS to XL. As the German brand’s bikes generally come up a little big, we went for a size M at 180 cm tall. That gives a reach of 470 mm and a slack 63.5° head angle. A flip chip in the seatstays allows you to raise or lower the bottom bracket by 7.5 mm, which also steepens the head angle to 64°.

Thanks to the modular dropouts, you can also switch between short 430 mm chainstays for extra agility on jump lines and slightly longer 440 mm chainstays for more stability at speed. That said, chainstay length stays the same across all frame sizes. While this works nicely on the size M, it could prove problematic on the XL, where it may lead to an imbalance between the front and rear ends of the bike.

All other spec options of the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL.

Alongside the top-spec AL9 model we tested, which retails at € 3,999, Canyon offer two more spec options. One step down is the AL8 at € 2,999, which comes equipped with RockShox suspension comprising a ZEB fork and Vivid air shock, both in the Select+ version. Braking duties are handled by SRAM MAVEN brakes, while a mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission takes care of shifting.

The entry-level AL7 rounds off the Torque range at € 2,499. It uses the same RockShox suspension, albeit in the more basic Base version, which leaves something to be desired in terms of adjustability and performance for more demanding riders. Shifting is handled by an affordable Shimano DEORE drivetrain. If your budget allows, we’d recommend spending the extra € 500 and upgrading straight to the AL8.

The new Canyon Torque AL on the trail.

How well does the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL climb?

While the Torque is built first and foremost for going downhill, it climbs better than you might expect. The seated position is centred and comfortable, so even several hours in the saddle are no problem. The rear suspension does bob noticeably when pedalling, but there’s an upside: the Torque finds loads of traction on technical ledges and steep pitches, even when it’s wet.

On long, drawn-out fire road climbs, though, it pays to flick the shock’s climb switch for more efficient pedalling. Provided you’re content to ride at an easy pace, the Torque will get you to the top without too much pain, and it’s more than up to the job of longer rides on your home trails.

How does the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL perform downhill?

As soon as the trail points downhill, the Torque comes into its own. You feel nicely integrated into the frame, with the tall front end inspiring confidence from the very first metres on the trail. The Torque really shines on jump lines and in the bike park, where its handling is stable, predictable and intuitive at all times. Whether you’re on the ground or flying through the air.

Braking bumps? Forget about them. The supple, responsive suspension smooths them out effortlessly. For all its sensitivity over small hits, the rear end still provides ample support on big landings and doesn’t sag when you pump through rollers or load up a berm. Rough, rock-strewn freeride lines are no match for the Torque either, as it flattens even the gnarliest terrain. On steep sections, the high front end gives you a massive confidence boost, tempting even less experienced riders to let go of the brakes.

The one drawback? On tight, twisting enduro trails, the Torque can feel slightly lazy. That’s largely down to the plush suspension and its ample 180 mm of travel. While the bike stays planted and serves up tons of grip, it also soaks up a good deal of your input when you try to ride actively. If you want to snap the Torque from one turn to the next, you’ll have to work noticeably harder with your body to haul it through tight corners.

Who is the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL the right bike for?

Conclusions about the new 2027 Canyon Torque AL

With the new Torque AL, Canyon created a seriously convincing package that hits the mark for gravity-oriented riders. It’s intentionally pared back to the basics, yet comes with a strong spec and lots of smart, practical details. And on the trail, it lives up to its promise. Whether you’re catching air, riding jump lines or blasting through rough freeride terrain, the Torque feels familiar almost right away. Only on tight singletrack does it ask for a bit more effort from the rider. All in all, the new Torque delivers loads of fun for riders of all kinds of abilities.

For more information about the Canyon Torque AL, head to Canyon Bikes.

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Words & Photos: Mike Hunger