The Ultimate has a nice, square platform at 106x106 millimeters. The Mountain boasts a bit more real estate underfoot with a 106x112-millimeter wide platform, giving you some extra side-to-side width. That makes the larger Mountain a great option for riders with bigger feet or who are just looking for a larger contact patch. And on the other end of the spectrum, the Ultimate is likely a better fit for riders with smaller feet or who want to maximize side clearance for tight trails and terrain where squeezing through rocks and other obstacles is a priority.
Both taper down to ultra-thin impact edges at only 6 millimeters tall, which maximizes ground clearance. But those edges are also designed to slide off/over any accidental impacts rather than getting hung up like pedals with taller, more square edges, drastically improving your chances of staying on the bike should you have a high-speed pedal strike.
Both feature our patented (Patent #D615,003 S) convex shape which contours more naturally to the shape of your foot when compared to truly flat or concave pedals. This improves grip and control, and coupled with how thin Crampon pedals are, places your foot as close as possible to the spindle, which results in a more natural, efficient pedal stroke with fewer "dead spots" in the rotation. It also provides a more stable platform and reduces the chances of slipping/rolling a pedal compared to other flats where your foot is father from the spindle. How, you ask? Think of standing on the flat side of a 2x4 versus standing on a 4x4. Which would be more stable? Which would be more likely to roll over?
Due to what's happening inside the pedal body (we'll get to that later), the Mountain is marginally thicker over the spindle toward the edges of the pedal, but these raised areas provide additional tactile feel making foot placement even easier.
Beneath the surface of each of the beautifully CNC machined, anodized aluminum pedal bodies lies another major difference between the Crampon Ultimate and Mountain (told you we'd get there!).
Both use an extremely strong chromoly spindle. But how each pedal's body rides on that spindle is a bit different. In order to be as thin and light as possible, the Ultimate pedal body rides exclusively on DU bushings, one inner and one outer. Often referred to as "dry bearings," DU bushings are self-lubricating and are much thinner than traditional ball bearings. In our Crampon pedals, they are constructed of durable oil impregnated brass with a a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) liner.
More commonly known by the brand name Teflon, PTFE is an ultra-low friction, self-lubricating carrier that allows the pedal to rotate freely on the spindle. Over time, this PTFE layer can wear down, so occasionally repacking the pedal body with a durable, water-proof grease will greatly extend the life of the bushings and make having to do a full rebuild a much less frequent chore. We recommend repacking the grease every few months depending on how often you ride and, of course, the conditions. Like any other part on your bike, wet, muddy conditions will lead to more frequent maintenance.
Lazy or just forgetful? If the PTFE wears down, you may develop some minor side-to-side play in the pedal body, but the brass is ultra durable so you won't risk failure or greater damage riding longer intervals between service. Ride on!
Shop Crampon Ultimate Service Parts
But if you prefer low maintenance and longer service intervals, the Mountain could be worth a look. That slightly larger pedal body features a hybrid bearing system comprised of a similar DU bushing on the inboard side, and a traditional sealed ball-bearing on the outboard side. The sealed bearing improves load tolerance and extends service life quite a bit compared to the Ultimate, but when it is time for a rebuild, the Mountain takes a little more work (but not much). And of course, ride frequency and conditions play a role in service intervals here as well.
Shop Crampon Mountain Service Parts
Last but not least, we've made replacing pedal pins as easy as possible. Both Crampon models feature dual-sided pins. That means if you do manage to break or mangle any pins and getting an allen in the top side is no longer an option, you can still access them from the opposite side of the pedal for easy replacement.
When choosing between the Crampon Mountain and Crampon Ultimate pedals, there's no wrong answer! Both feature our patented convex shape, legendary grip and will look good on any bike (especially with up to 16 colors to choose from). We typically recommend the Ultimate to riders with smaller feet or who want the thinnest profile and lightest weight possible. The Mountain is usually the pedal of choice for those who prefer a larger platform and minimal maintenance.
Still have questions? Hit us up!
]]>
The Tilt and Lithium are Canfield's extremely popular mid- and long-travel CBF mountain bikes. Both are incredibly fun, efficient and capable, so you might find yourself on the fence as to which one is the right MTB for you.
Beyond the obvious travel numbers, how do these two full-suspension bikes compare?
The key differences between these 29ers mostly come down to the following two categories, but some of the differences and ride impressions are bit more nuanced.
1. Front and Rear Travel
2. Geometry
29" WHEELS // 138MM REAR // 140MM FRONT
1. Front and rear travel: Probably the most obvious difference between both bikes (and what many people base their choice on), is the amount of front and rear suspension travel each bike has. The Tilt has 138 millimeters of rear travel and is designed around a 140-millimeter fork, placing it fairly squarely in trail bike territory. Meanwhile, the Lithium is sporting 163 millimeters of rear travel paired with a 170-millimeter fork up front—what most of us would call a long-travel or enduro bike.
That being said, both of these bikes are surprisingly versatile. The Tilt punches well above its weight on the descents making it far more capable and confidence inspiring than its suspension travel might suggest. Chunk, drops and steeps don't make it flinch and thanks to the secret sauce of the patented CBF Suspension, it somehow feels like it has more travel on the descents yet less on the climbs (cliche, we know...but riding is believing).
Conversely, the Lithium climbs much better than any bike with this much travel has any right to. In fact, it pedals nearly identically to the Tilt, so if you decide a bike with more travel is the right choice, you can take comfort in the fact that there won't be much if any penalty on the uphills. Probably the most notable difference will be the slightly taller and slacker front end on the steepest of climbs, but it's still not a hindrance and you'd likely only notice the difference if you rode them both back to back. Yes, CBF is that good.
Now that we've got that sorted, let's complicate things a bit.
Both bikes can run forks that are 10 millimeters longer or shorter travel than specced, so 130 to 150 millimeters on the Tilt and 160 to 180 millimeters on the Lithium. Additionally, rear travel can be reduced by running a short-stroked shock, dropping the Tilt to 125 millimeters and the Lithium to 151.
That makes some interesting combinations possible. For example, if you want to nudge the Tilt into "downcountry" or aggressive XC territory, you can run it 125/130. If your ideal travel is somewhere between what either bike offers, well a 151/160 Lithium is possible.
29" WHEELS // 163MM REAR // 170MM FRONT
2. Geometry: Sizing between the two is very similar with identical reach numbers. Geo differences include head angle, which is 65 degrees on the Tilt and 64.5 on the Lithium. Something to keep in mind with the fork travel changes mentioned in the previous section is that every 10 millimeters in fork travel results in approximately a half degree change in head angle and a few millimeters of bottom-bracket height.
One of the other most noticeable geometry differences between the Tilt and Lithium that will have a noticeable effect on ride and handling is the chainstay length. The Tilt comes in at 425 millimeters, while the Lithium is 430 millimeters.
Both are on the shorter side which should come as no surprise given owner and designer Lance Canfield's penchant for fun, maneuverable bikes. The Tilt really embodies razor sharp, sporty handling, railing corners and changing direction almost telepathically. The Lithium is certainly on the more playful side for a long-travel 29er, but balances its nimble nature with just the ride amount of stability for when the going gets fast and rough.
You can compare all geo numbers for both bikes here.
Conclusion
Both bikes are extremely versatile, and while there is some overlap, it ultimately will come down to personal preference, riding style, terrain and your own priorities.
The Tilt is incredibly efficient, playful and surprisingly capable for a shorter travel bike. Even here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it's probably the perfect bike for 90 percent of riding.
For those riders who want a little more travel and slacker angles when things get steep and nasty or simply prefer a longer-travel enduro rig, the Lithium makes a great every-day bike that pedals incredibly well and doesn't feel like overkill on more mellow trails, but comes alive when gravity takes over and things get rowdy. It's incredibly confidence inspiring on the descents without the trade-off in climbing efficiency inherent to most bikes in its category.
Still have questions? Hit us up!
]]>
Winter riding (or lack thereof) blues got you down?
Not all of us are fortunate enough to live in climes with year-round riding, so if the snow, mud and freezing temps are preventing you from satisfying your two-wheeled addiction or you just need to get away, we've compiled a list of a few of our favorite U.S. winter riding destinations.
By no means is this list exhaustive, so if we've missed something, be sure to let us know in the comments!
Without further adieu, and in no particular order, we present a few of our favorite winter riding destinations.
Nestled on the Western Slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains not far from the Southern Utah border lie the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita. While they can be brutally hot in the summer, these desert locales typically offer great winter riding with only the occasional windows of snow and mud. Spring and fall are even better. Grand Junction is known for the desert tech of The Ribbon trail and Lunch Loops system, while Fruita is known for the buff flow of the 18 Road system north of town near the base of the book cliffs.
Recommended Bike(s): Nimble 9 / Yelli Screamy (18-Road), Lithium (Ribbon/Lunch Loops), Tilt (Kokopelli Trails).
While Sedona's landscape looks similar to Moab at first glance, its trails have their own distinct style. Many trails here seem to magically combine flow with all the ledgy tech in a very unique way—maybe it's the vortex? Highline and Hangover are must-rides.
Recommend Bike(s): Lithium / Tilt
Recommend Bike(s): Jedi 29 / ONE.2
There's a reason pros from the U.K. and other parts of the world choose Laguna for winter training: sunshine, steep descents and palm trees and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. While the riding in Laguna and Aliso Woods offer shuttle and pedal access to short buy gnarly descents, there's plenty of variety nearby to keep you entertained if you get bored with world-class enduro and DH trails stone's throw from a beach paradise.
Recommended Bike(s): Lithium / ONE.2
This iconic desert destination likely needs no introduction, and with good reason. From mellow cross-country loops to all the relentless, rock-smashing descents you could ask for, Moab delivers. A few of our favorite rides include Blue Dot (Gold Bar) to Portal, Jackson Trail and of course the famous Whole Enchilada. The Whole Enchilada won't be rideable in winter since the upper sections see plenty of snow, but the final Porcupine Rim section is our favorite anyway and can be shuttled all winter long.
Recommend Bike(s): Lithium / Tilt
Windrock Bike Park offers world-class downhill that doesn't turn to ski slopes come the winter months. While there's no chairlift, shuttle trucks bring riders to the top with surprising efficiency to access a plethora of DH runs that rival the best lift-served options in the country. There's a good chance you'll be shoulder to shoulder with top-name pros on the ride up, but good luck keeping them in sight on the way down.
Recommend Bike(s): Jedi 29 / ONE.2
For those looking for a more family friendly vibe, Bentonville offers miles of singletrack for all abilities with enough built features thrown in to keep advanced riders entertained. While it doesn't have the vert of most of our other destinations, the amount of work that has gone into building trails here makes the most possible of the limited elevation. It's also a nice change if you're not a fan of the desert and most rides can be accessed directly from town without driving.
Recommend Bike(s): Nimble 9 / Tilt
Last but most certainly not least. Home to the world-famous Red Bull Rampage, Virgin has plenty of freeride terrain for those looking to earn an invite, but also has some excellent runs for the advanced yet still mortal among us. Our favorites include Grafton Mesa, Flying Monkey and of course, the infamous King Kong.
OK, we know hardtails aren't for everyone. But we think they're a heck of a lot of fun. So whether it's an N+1 for your quiver that only gets pulled out for certain rides or it's your one and only faithful steed, we've got two great options if you're like us and appreciate the simplicity and connected feeling of a modern hardtail mountain bike.
Both our Nimble 9 and Yelli Screamy are extremely popular bikes, but we often get asked about the differences. So, we figured we'd break down the main things that set these two apart.
The key differences are as follows:
1. Frame material
2. Fork travel
3. Dropouts
4. Geometry
Read on for more.
1. Frame Material: The Nimble 9 is crafted from 4130 chromoly steel while the Yelli Screamy is built from 6000 series aluminum. Both have some pros and cons, so it will come down what you prioritize when it comes to performance and ride quality.
Due to the material's naturally compliant properties, steel bike frames are known for having a more supple ride quality compared to their aluminum counterparts. Steel tubing coupled with radial-bent seat-stays give the Nimble 9 an exceptionally smooth ride for a hardtail. The trade-off is that it's slightly heaver; the N9 weighs approximately a pound more than the Yelli Screamy. But you'll probably be having too much fun to notice.
If you do prioritize shaving grams in your build, the aluminum Yelli might be worth a look. While not overly harsh, it doesn't ride quite as smoothly as the Nimble 9.
2. Fork Travel: The Nimble 9 is designed around a 150-millimeter fork, while the Yelli Screamy is built for a 130-millimeter fork.
Like most of our bikes, both have an acceptable range of plus or minus 10 millimeters. That means you can run from 140 to 160 millimeters on the N9 and 120 to 140 millimeters on the Yelli. Every 10-millimeter change in fork travel will change head angle by about half a degree as well (more travel = slacker, less travel = steeper). And of course bottom-bracket height will get a few millimeters higher or lower with more or less travel.
3. Geometry: Sizing between the two is very similar with identical reach numbers. Geo differences include head angle, which is 66 degrees on the Nimble 9 and 65.5 on the Yelli Screamy. It's a subtle difference, but we're often asked why the bike designed for a shorter travel fork is slacker: it's simply for some added stability descending to offset having less travel to tackle the rough stuff.
The Nimble 9 has a slightly higher bottom-bracket at 325 millimeters compared to the Yelli's 316.5 millimeters. Coupled with the longer fork, this taller BB height provides the necessary ground clearance at full compression and gives the N9 an edge in more chunky, technical terrain. On the flip side, the even lower BB on the Yelli gives it even more of that "in the bike" feel for railing corners.
The Nimble 9's chainstays are adjustable from an effective 415 millimeters to 430 (more on that in a minute) while the Yelli's are fixed at 434 millimeters.
You can compare all geo numbers for both bikes here.
4. Dropouts: The Nimble 9 features sliding dropouts which make it a great candidate if you plan to set it up as a singlespeed since this makes it very easy to adjust the chain without adding a chain tensioner. If you're going full beast mode and running SS, we even have a hangerless drive-side dropout available separately to keep things clean and tidy.
But even if you're not that masochistic, sliding dropouts allow you the flexibility to experiment with effectively shorter or longer chainstays for maximum fun factor and flick-ability or optimizing stability at speed or on steep climbs.
Pro tip: we prefer them slammed in the shortest setting and think every N9 owner should try it that way at least once!
The Yelli has traditional fixed dropouts.
Conclusion
According to Canfield Bikes founder and designer Lance Canfield, the Nimble 9 is meant to be well rounded and versatile on all terrain, but the steel ride quality and longer travel fork make it a more forgiving all-mountain/trail bike.
He says the Yelli is a bit like "an adult BMX bike mixed with a rally-car." It's snappy, stiff and responsive and just wants to pop and play making it great for flow and jump trails, but not as forgiving as the N9 once things get more technical.
Ultimately both the Nimble 9 and Yelli Screamy are incredibly fun hardtail mountain bikes with some subtle differences. There's no wrong answer, but it will come down to personal preference, riding style, terrain and your own priorities.
Still have questions? Hit us up!
]]>
Rider: Dylan Wood | Photo: JD Brantingham / BLISTER
We sent the Super Enduro version of the world's first CBF downhill bike, the Canfield ONE.2, over to the crew at BLISTER to see what a DH bike is capable of with a single-crown fork, dropper and wide-range cassette.
The BLISTER crew put it through its paces in renowned riding destinations such as Washington State; British Columbia, Canada; Crested Butte, CO; and Green River, UT.
"I think the ONE.2’s suspension feels outstanding..."
I found myself thoroughly impressed with how well this gravity-oriented steed was able to climb," Dylan Wood wrote. "Despite it being the longest-travel bike I’ve ever pedaled uphill for a significant amount of time, mileage, and/or vert. Maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise, given that I’ve found other bikes with the Canfield Balance Formula (CBF) suspension platform to be excellent climbers for how much suspension travel they have. Regardless, this 190mm-travel bike certainly climbs better than it should."
We're stoked to introduce a limited spring 2024 run of our iconic steel hardtail, the Nimble 9! Available in three all-new metallic finishes, Bug Zapper Blue, Purple Haze and Galaxy Black. Pre-orders are open now at special Black Friday pricing with April 2024 expected delivery. The last production run quickly sold out on pre-order, well ahead of delivery.
Now in its 5th generation, the Canfield Nimble 9 was perhaps the first steel hardtail to make fun its top priority back in 2010. While things have gotten longer, lower and slacker, the spirit remains the same. Built around aggressive all-mountain geometry and a 150mm fork, the N9 strikes the sweet spot between confident descending and zippy, playful handling, yet remains undeterred by steep climbs standing between it and gravity-fed redemption.
“The N9 just wants to jump and play and encourages you to take lines that you never thought you would on a hardtail."
A 66-degree head-angle dares you to drop in and short chainstays (adjustable down to 16.33-inches/415mm via sliding dropouts) make sure the Nimble 9 lives up to its name.
“We love our full suspension bikes,” says Lance. “But there is something so simple and fun about a steel hardtail with dialed geo. The N9 just wants to jump and play and encourages you to take lines that you never thought you would on a hardtail.”
Combining the revered ride quality of 4130 chromoly steel with vertically compliant, radial-bent seat-stays, the N9 challenges preconceptions of mountain bikes with rigid rear-ends. The Nimble 9 will accommodate 29-inch or 27.5-plus wheels.
FRUITA, CO (November 17, 2023) – Canfield Bikes, Colorado mountain-bike manufacturer, today announces it will make official Guerrilla Gravity service parts inventory available to owners of GG bikes and frames. Denver-based Guerrilla Gravity ceased operations in September, 2023, leaving many customers wondering if there would be any continued support for recently purchased bikes.
“Like the rest of the mountain-bike community, we were saddened by the news of GG’s departure from the industry,” said Lance Canfield, Canfield Bikes owner and designer. “I’ve enjoyed watching their innovations and contributions as they grew from a new brand to a major player over the past decade. Our sport will be a little less rad without them, but I hope we can offer a small silver lining by keeping their riders rolling a little longer.”
Canfield will offer the remaining Guerrilla Gravity inventory of frame and service parts as well as select merchandise through CanfieldBikes.com while supplies last. No new GG bikes will be sold.
“I’m glad our customers will be in good hands with a fellow Colorado bike company,” said Guerrilla Gravity president and co-founder Will Montague. “Creating and growing GG alongside our amazing team has been the experience of a lifetime. I’m eternally grateful to all the riders, employees and everyone else who supported us along the way. Having a great group like Canfield on board to provide riders with continued support provides peace of mind as we conclude our journey.”
"Having a great group like Canfield on board to provide riders with continued support provides peace of mind as we conclude our journey." -Will Montague
Tyler, a former GG employee, joined the Canfield Bikes team in September to manage sales and customer service. In addition to assisting Canfield customers, his product knowledge will help guarantee that GG customers continue to receive the level of care and customer service they’ve come to know and expect.
“We couldn’t do this without him,” said Lance Canfield.
Guerrilla Gravity customers can contact RideGG@CanfieldBikes.com for service and support.
Select GG inventory is available for purchase now at CanfieldBikes.com with an estimated mid-December ship date.
More parts are expected to be available soon.
]]>
After spending some time aboard the Lithium on his backyard trails on Colorado's Front Range and surrounding areas, he shared his impressions in a review.
"As I’ve experienced with the Tilt...there is a certain magic to the [CBF] suspension platform where the bike sort of glides when you’re pedaling. This aluminum enduro bike carries its weight well," writes Miller. "While the added weight of a coil was a concern of mine at the beginning, the added traction washed my worries away. It’s entertaining how good traction is with this bike and a coil shock. Fitness must account for my climbing shortfalls on the Lithium, because the bike is happy to claw its way up just about everything."
"The long-travel Canfield Lithium bike can handle big climbs, tight turns, and bombed out drops."
But of course climbing on the Lithium wasn't the only thing that impressed.
"The handling is quick and agile and the Lithium snakes through tight and fast sections with ease," he writes. "The Lithium is stable and planted, soaking up chunder...
"The CBF lets the rear wheel get out of the way so the bike can pick up speed over chunky, square-edged rocks. I haven’t felt any strong signs of pedal kickback either. The Lithium does an admirable job at keeping the bike’s stress separated from your feet."
Read the full Canfield Lithium review at Singletracks.com.
]]>
FRUITA, CO - Due to all the requests we've received for a Raw version of the Yelli Screamy—our immensely popular aluminum hardtail 29er—we've decided to do a limited run!
Now's your chance to own the hardtail mountain-bike that revolutionized the way 29ers ride in our classic Canfield raw aluminum finish. Every weld and detail is visible ensuring every frame has its own unique character.
"Man this bike is fun. It rails corners. It feels really light and zippy, too. It jumps well. This thing's fun on pump tracks, on flow trails...surprisingly composed on black diamonds and chunk. Man, it's just so good!"
- Hardtail Party
The first hardtail to bring the party to wagon wheels is back with a vengeance. Long before “downcountry” was a word, the Yelli Screamy was an XC bike with an identity crisis.
Slice and dice singletrack. Rail pump tracks and jump lines. Load it with frame bags and get lost. Keep up with your spandex-clad friends on the climbs and embarrass them on the descents.
Do whatever you want on the Yelli Screamy, just don’t tell it that it’s a short-travel 29er hardtail.
]]>
We sent the Super Enduro version of the world's first CBF downhill bike, the Canfield ONE.2, over to the crew at BLISTER to see what a DH bike is capable of with a single-crown fork, dropper and wide-range cassette.
While the full review is still pending, tester David Golay recently shared some initial impressions of his time aboard this long-travel CBF beast in a "Flash Review."
You'll have to be a BLISTER member to access the full "Flash Review," but here's a sneak peek.
"I’m already confident in saying that there’s no ~170mm-travel Enduro bike whose suspension feels like the ONE.2’s. That extra travel makes a difference when you point the bike down the hill, and between the excellent RockShox suspension package and the well-sorted CBF linkage on the ONE.2, it feels great... So far my take is that the ONE.2 feels like a great choice for riders who are looking for a bike that they’re primarily going to ride in the bike park or shuttle up big jump lines and freeride trails, but who want something that they can pedal to the top from time to time, too."
BLISTER members can read the full Canfield ONE.2 Flash Review here.
Stay tuned for the full review.
FRUITA, CO (June 8, 2023) – Canfield Bikes is proud to introduce an all-new limited run Bomber Blue color-way for the 2023 Canfield Balance. To celebrate, we're offering 20% off MSRP on all Balance colors and build packages!
Boasting 169 millimeters of rear wheel travel and 27.5-inch wheels, the Balance combines efficient pedaling with big-hit performance and playful handling. It is also mullet-compatible for those seeking business in the front while keeping the party in the back.
Also available in Goat’s Blood deep-red powder coat and Stealth black anodized finishes, the 2023 Balance now features internal cable routing for the first time ever as well as other minor geometry updates across sizes to enhance fit and handling for a wider range of riders.
Built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system, the Balance is a big-mountain brawler unafraid to earn its turns. Canfield has been refining parallel-link suspension for two decades, and the result is maximum traction, effortless climbing and no room for excuses when the going gets rough.
The Balance’s CBF™ tuned linkage offers smooth, consistent travel and a slightly progressive leverage ratio that makes all 169 millimeters of travel available while offering a predictable bottomless feel.
The Balance features a slack 64-degree head-angle and longer front center combined with a 170-millimeter fork (with the ability to run up to a 180mm fork) provide confident descending, while short 16.5-inch chainstays keep handling nimble and playful.
All colors of the 2023 Balance are in-stock and shipping now.
Brendan Ruddy recently set out to ride the infamous Punk Rock mountain-bike trail at Radar Hill in Campbell Hill, BC.
The rock-rolls, drops and slabs were no match for the Canfield Lithium, our enduro 29er MTB equipped with patented CBF suspension.
The Lithium is the first long-travel 29er worthy of wearing a skull on the head tube. Designed to destroy big descents with reckless abandon, unafraid of the effort required to earn them.
]]>
Photo: Pinkbike/Satchel Cronk
We recently sent our flagship 29er DH bike, the Canfield Jedi 29, up to the crew at Pinkbike to put it through the wringer as part of the DH Bike Field Test.
After punishing it on the blown-out trails of an unusually dry season at Whistler Bike Park, tester Matt Beer came away impressed by the suspension performance of our latest high-pivot DH bike.
"No other bike touched the Jedi in terms of isolating the rider from the trail and keeping the wheels on the ground," writes Beer.
"The comfort, tracking, and carrying speed that the Jedi proved through rough sections was seriously impressive. I dubbed the Jedi the 'speed couch' in my head after the first lap through what was left of the driest bike park seasons in years."
Photo: Pinkbike/Satchel Cronk
Beer goes on to write that he, "...was totally shocked by how the kinematics of Canfield’s Formula 1 suspension carried speed through destroyed berms and ate up braking bumps. Riding the Jedi made me question whether or not I had lost the chain."
Photo: Pinkbike/Satchel Cronk
He also praised the Jedi's design for being durable and easy to work on, as well as component choices and build options.
"You can tell that Canfield has been to a race or two because all of the components are easily accessible and there are no complicated axles, pivots or hardware on this workhorse frame," Beer writes. "Changing the spring takes less time than smashing a slice of pizza."
Photo: Pinkbike/Satchel Cronk
"If you hold it wide and keep the speed up, the Jedi’s buttery suspension and rearward axle path will slice right through the roughest sections of bike park bomb holes."
Head on over to Pinkbike to see the video and read the full Canfield Jedi 29 review.
The first hardtail to bring the party to wagon wheels is back with a vengeance. Long before “downcountry” was a word, the Yelli Screamy was an XC bike with an identity crisis.
Slice and dice singletrack. Rail pump tracks and jump lines. Load it with frame bags and get lost. Keep up with your spandex-clad friends on the climbs and embarrass them on the descents.
Do whatever you want on the Yelli Screamy, just don’t tell it that it’s a short-travel hardtail 29er.
]]>
FRUITA, CO - We're stoked to introduce an all-new translucent Copper color for the 2023 Yelli Screamy, the aluminum hardtail 29er that revolutionized the way bikes with big wheels ride. Every weld and detail of the raw aluminum is visible beneath this stunning and durable translucent copper powder coat, ensuring every frame has its own unique character.
As a bonus, we'll be sending Canfield gift cards to anyone who pre-orders a 2023 Yelli Screamy: $400 for any complete pre-order, $300 for frame & fork and $200 for frames!
Pre-orders will be here as soon as March via optional expedited air shipping.
There are also a handful of Orange Dreamcycle and Blue It still available in select sizes—in-stock and shipping NOW!
The first hardtail to bring the party to wagon wheels is back with a vengeance. Long before “downcountry” was a word, the Yelli Screamy was an XC bike with an identity crisis.
Slice and dice singletrack. Rail pump tracks and jump lines. Load it with frame bags and get lost. Keep up with your spandex-clad friends on the climbs and embarrass them on the descents.
Do whatever you want on the Yelli Screamy, just don’t tell it that it’s a short-travel 29er hardtail.
]]>
FRUITA, CO (January 12, 2023) –Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain-bike manufacturer, today announces its all-new line of Special Blend Stems for both trail/enduro and downhill. Both are precision CNC machined from 7075 series aluminum billet with a 35-millimeter clamp diameter and feature laser-etched graphics.
The Special Blend Trail/Enduro Stem measures 40 millimeters in length with a 10-millimeter rise, while the Special Blend Direct-Mount DH Stem comes in at 45 millimeters with a 17-millimeter rise. They weigh in at 170 and 161 grams respectively.
While best known for high-end full-suspension and hardtail frames, Canfield also has a reputation for innovative components including its popular patented convex Crampon Pedals and was one of the earliest proponents of shorter crank lengths.
When he set out to design the brand’s latest cockpit centerpieces, owner and designer Lance Canfield did so with a clear vision of form and function.
“Like all of our products, I wanted them to be strong and perform well first and foremost,” says Canfield. “And I wanted them to look good, but performance and functionality are always my top priorities.”
“Performance and functionality are always my top priorities.-Lance Canfield
The result is a sleek yet understated aesthetic that is unmistakably Canfield but will look right at home on any bike.
Clean, eye-catching lines are blended with soft, beveled edges and rounded corners—a subtle yet important detail for Lance Canfield who cut his knee to the bone after catching it on a sharp-edged stem in a crash during Red Bull Rampage in the early 2000s.
Both stems are designed to be compatible with carbon and aluminum handlebars without any stress points or hot spots at the clamp interface.
Building on more than two decades of bicycle and component design, Canfield carefully crafted the new Special Blend stems for the optimal combination of strength, weight and good looks to tie any cockpit together in style.
Canfield Special Blend Trail/Enduro Stem Specs
• Material: 7075 Aluminum
• Length: 40mm
• Rise: 10mm
• Clamp Diameter: 35mm
• Weight: 170g (w/ hardware)
• Laser-Etched Graphics
Canfield Special Blend Direct Mount DH Stem Specs
• Material: 7075 Aluminum
• Length: 45mm
• Rise: 17mm
• Clamp Diameter: 35mm
• Weight: 161g (w/ hardware)
• Laser-Etched Graphics
The Special Blend Stems will be standard on complete bikes from Canfield and are in-stock and available for purchase separately now at CanfieldBikes.com.
FRUITA, CO – Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain bike manufacturer, today announces new builds including a pedal-friendly “super enduro” option for the first time on the popular ONE.2, the first and only downhill bike built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system.
Channeling the pedigree of the original Canfield The One, the ONE.2 is designed to be the most versatile 8-inch bike on the market. By default, it’s a 29-inch downhill bike with 203 millimeters of travel. But thanks to the ultra-efficient CBF™ tuned linkage, it pedals far better than any bike with this much travel has a right to. The ONE.2 also features a 76-degree effective seat-tube angle and stealth-dropper routing. Rear travel can be reduced to 190 millimeters by short-stroking the shock, and when paired with a 180 or 190-millimeter fork, dropper and wide-range drivetrain, it is perhaps the only true DH bike capable of earning its turns.
“A surprising number of customers built up their frames this way when we first launched the ONE.2,” says Lance Canfield, owner and designer. “And it’s how I set up my personal ONE.2. So we set out to offer it as an option for complete bikes, making it easier than ever to have the perfect enduro race weapon or ultimate freeride bike when shuttles and chairlifts aren’t an option. I’ve pedaled some big days on the ONE.2, and you’d never know it has that much travel until you point it down and open it up.”
“I’ve pedaled some big days on the ONE.2,
and you’d never know it has that much travel until you point it down and open it up.-Lance Canfield
Super Enduro versions of the ONE.2 will feature a 190-millimeter RockShox Zeb Ultimate and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil short-stroked to 60 millimeters, providing matching travel front and rear. A custom Spank Spike Race wheelset built to provide reasonable rolling weight while pairing the 150-millimeter rear hub spacing with an XD driver to accommodate 12-speed drivetrain options is standard. The rest of the build will be shared with Canfield’s Lithium.
Downhillers and park rats need not fret, as the ONE.2 will still be offered as a full DH bike as well, sharing most of its build with the venerable Jedi.
Designed to accept both 29 and 27.5-inch wheels, the ONE.2 can also be run as a mullet mixed-wheel setup.
A slack head-angle and generous reach across all sizes make it easy to find the sweet spot in the attack position, and 440-millimeter chainstays strike a balance between stability and agility. Details like internal cable routing featuring machined interchangeable ports to accommodate different cable configurations and a custom chainstay protector tie it all together.
The Canfield ONE.2 is available in Bentonite Grey with orange links, or Avalanche White with black links in three sizes. Available at discounted pre-order pricing now as Factory Build complete bikes, frame, fork & shock and frame & shock packages. Delivery expected in February, 2023 with optional expedited air shipping.
FRUITA, CO - Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain bike manufacturer, today introduces new colors and build options for the Tilt and Lithium, its popular 29-inch mountain bikes built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system. The Tilt, a mid-travel trail bike featuring 138 millimeters of rear-wheel travel and a 140-millimeter fork is available in an all-new Pinkle and Sandstorm powder coats as well as a Stealth Silver anodized finish. The Lithium, a long-travel AM/enduro bike, boasting 163 millimeters of rear-wheel travel paired with a 170-millimeter fork, makes its debut in Gnarigold and Blue Velvet powder coats as well as Stealth Black anodized.
Meet the new maniac on the mountain. The Lithium is the first long-travel 29er worthy of wearing a skull on the head tube. Designed to destroy big descents with reckless abandon, unafraid of the effort required to earn them. From enduro stages to bike park laps and backcountry adventures, the Lithium is a big-wheeled warrior ready for anything the mountain throws your way thanks to the secret sauce of the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension.
With 163 millimeters of rear wheel travel paired to the active and efficient CBF™ tuned linkage, the Lithium has a penchant for ludicrous speed and stands ready to flatten any terrain and wage all-out war on the Strava segments of lesser bikes.
But don’t think for a second fun was forgone in favor of going flat out. The signature Canfield geo has been optimized to create a bike as lively and intuitive as it is stable and confidence inspiring. The 430-millimeter chainstays make last-second maneuvers and manuals second nature, and a 64.5-degree head angle paired with a 170-millimeter fork makes any line choice possible.
The Canfield Lithium is the drug of choice for gravity junkies afflicted by big climbs standing between them and their fix.
There’s a party on the trails and you’re invited. The Tilt is a 29er trail-slayer built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension. The Tilt is a mid-travel 29-inch mountain bike designed from the dirt up to be the most fun you can have on two wheels, whether it’s an after-work rip or an all-day epic.
With 138 millimeters of rear wheel travel paired to CBF ™ linkage that’s been tuned to be slightly more progressive, the Tilt is an efficient all-rounder that climbs like a mountain goat with a meth habit. But make no mistake—like any bike with a skull on the headtube, it’s ready to party when gravity takes over.
The Canfield Tilt is destined to be your weapon of choice regardless of where the ride takes you.
Pre-orders are open now at special discounted pricing. The Tilt and Lithium are available as complete bikes, frame, fork & shock, framesets and an all-new "rolling chassis" option that pairs wheels with framesets or frame, shock and fork.
]]>
We were stoked when the boys at The Loam Wolf wanted to include the Lithium, our long-travel 29er built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula suspension system, in their "2022 Enduro Bike Shootout." After spending some time aboard the Lithium, it was their turn to be stoked.
"Without a doubt, the Canfield Lithium surprised our riders more than any other bike in the shootout," they wrote. "Perhaps it was because we didn’t know what to expect, but the fact a small, independent brand can put out a bike that hangs with the big dogs on almost every kind of trail is impressive."
After testing the Lithium at Mount Bachelor and surrounding areas, the crew was collectively impressed by the CBF suspension performance up and down the mountain as well as how playful and responsive it was for a long-travel 29er.
"...our riders all commented on how active and fluttery the rear end was as we tackled trails day after day. The short rear end worked with the CBF suspension platform to give a very active and lively rear end. The Lithium really liked pumping and eking more speed out of every transition possible."
"The Lithium really liked pumping and eking more speed out of every transition possible."
"Luckily, the Canfield Lithium is also a very capable pedaler and unbelievably only ways a few ounces more than our fully carbon Specialized Enduro," The Loam Wolf continued. "At just over 33.7 pounds, we couldn’t believe a small brand was able to create an affordable, aluminum bike that hangs this well."
Read the full Canfield Lithium review over at The Loam Wolf now.
The crew at BLISTER brought our latest 29er DH bike, the Canfield Jedi 29, up to the great PNW to put it through the paces north of the border in Whistler and surrounding terrain earlier this season.
Tester David Golay teased a flash review a little while back, but the full review is finally out!
We've been refining high-pivot, dual-link bikes for more than 20 years, so it was no surprise that he proclaimed the Jedi has "...the best performing rear suspension of any bike I’ve been on recently."
"...the best performing rear suspension of any bike I’ve been on recently."
Golay praised the Jedi for feeling nimble by DH bike standards, but also remarked, "...when things open up and start getting faster, the Jedi 29 feels quite stable and composed, especially when you consider that it’s not a crazy long bike on paper. The suspension just felt smooth, planted, and composed — in a word, excellent."
He continued to praise our high-pivot downhill bike's versatility.
"Its suspension is outstanding, particularly when it comes to carrying speed in rough terrain," writes Golay. "And the Jedi 29 manages to be just a little more nimble and easy to throw around than a lot of similarly-stable bikes (or vice versa)."
Read the full Canfield Jedi 29 Review here.
FRUITA, CO (October 4, 2022) –Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain bike manufacturer, today introduces new colors and build options for a slightly updated version of the first CBF-equipped mountain bike, the Canfield Balance. Boasting 169 millimeters of rear wheel travel and 27.5-inch wheels, the Balance combines efficient pedaling with big-hit performance and playful handling. It is also mullet-compatible for those seeking business in the front while keeping the party in the back.
Available in Goat’s Blood deep-red powder coat and Stealth black anodized finishes, the 2023 Balance now features internal cable routing for the first time ever as well as other minor geometry updates across sizes to enhance fit and handling for a wider range of riders.
Build options will be centered around TRP's TR12 12-speed shifter and derailleur mated with e*thirteen's Helix Race cassette, but SRAM drivetrains will also be an optional upgrade. Riders will be able to choose Canfield cranks in lengths from 155 to 170mm paired with AbsoluteBlack premium chainrings.
Cockpit duties will be handled by Canfield's own all-new Special Blend bar and stem combo. The matte carbon bar with stealth graphics sits at 800 millimeters wide with pre-measured cut marks to make it easy for riders to get the right fit for them. Lance designed a beautifully machined 40-millimeter alloy stem to cradle the bar's 35-millimeter clamp diameter.
Several suspension options will be available from Cane Creek, RockShox, MRP, DVO, EXT and others. Wheel options include premium options from e*thirteen and Atomik Carbon. All rolling stock will be wrapped with the legendary grip of Maxxis rubber.
Stopping duties will by handled courtesy of several options from TRP and Magura.
Other details include size-specific SDG Tellis dropper posts, custom Canfield SDG saddles and Lizard Skins grips with custom Canfield lock-rings.
“The Balance holds a special place in our lineup. It was the first bike to feature CBF suspension, expanding the possibilities of a an aggressive big-hit bike burly enough for the bike park yet efficient enough for all-day epics.”
-Lance Canfield
“The Balance holds a special place in our lineup,” said Lance Canfield, CEO and designer. “It was the first bike to feature CBF suspension, expanding the possibilities of an aggressive big-hit bike burly enough for the bike park yet efficient enough for all-day epics. And we still think 27.5-inch wheels are a ton of fun.”
Built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system, the Balance is a big-mountain brawler unafraid to earn its turns. Canfield has been refining parallel-link suspension for two decades, and the result is maximum traction, effortless climbing and no room for excuses when the going gets rough.
The Balance’s CBF™ tuned linkage offers smooth, consistent travel and a slightly progressive leverage ratio that makes all 169 millimeters of travel available while offering a predictable bottomless feel.
The Balance features a slack 64-degree head-angle and longer front center combined with a 170-millimeter fork (with the ability to run up to a 180mm fork) provide confident descending, while short 16.5-inch chainstays keep handling nimble and playful.
The Balance is available in S, M, L and XL for pre-order now at special discounted pricing.
The crew at Vital MTB brought in our all-new 29er DH bike, the Canfield Jedi 29, for the most recent round of Downhill Bike Test Sessions at Mountain Creek Bike Park in New Jersey.
After several days smashing rocks and sending jumps, all three testers came away impressed with the latest version of our flagship high-pivot DH bike.
"The standout characteristic of the Formula 1 design is the rearward axle path that grows by 19mm as the suspension moves through its travel, allowing the rear wheel to move back, up, and out of the way of compressions," said Vital.
"This motion helps the Jedi 29 maintain speed through square-edge impacts where other designs can feel like the rear wheel is hanging up."
Testers praised the Jedi's ability maintain speed and smooth out the roughest sections of trail while remaining agile.
"Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Jedi 29. The bike rode with the no-gimmick, hard-charging mentality I expected but surprised me with its eagerness to change direction and respond to rider input," remarked Jason Schroeder.
"On top of that, I loved the balanced frame compliance that never felt harsh or rigid, matched with linkage pivots that remained tight and rattle-free."
"No matter how deep the compression or sharp the square edge hit, the Jedi was unaffected and held a line better than the other bikes in gnarly sections."
"While the lively demeanor of the Jedi was surprising, its true strength was smashing and plowing through rocks," added Alfonso Garcia.
"No matter how deep the compression or sharp the square edge hit, the Jedi was unaffected and held a line better than the other bikes in gnarly sections. The rear suspension was super sensitive off the top, allowing the Jedi to track the ground and remain planted and stable with little feedback felt over trail chatter. On big hits, the suspension did a fantastic job absorbing impacts without causing the bike to squirm or react unpredictably."
"Overall, the Jedi 29 is an excellent option for racers or day-day riders alike who want a bike with a lot of heritage, built around a highly capable suspension design that will allow them to drop their heels and let the bike go to work," said Willem Cooper.
"...the Jedi also fared our abuse with the least amount of wear and tear to show."
Head on over to Vital MTB to read the full Canfield Jedi 29 review.
While the full review is still pending, tester David Golay recently shared some initial impressions of his time aboard this big-wheeled high-pivot downhill bike in a "Flash Review" and "Reviewer Reports" podcast.
You'll have to be a BLISTER member to access the full "Flash Review," but here's a sneak peek.
"I’ve started spending time on the new Canfield Jedi 29, and my early impressions are that Canfield has done a really nice job of preserving what the earlier iterations of the bike did so well — chiefly plowing through stuff in a straight line — while also mitigating a lot of its quirkier aspects.
In particular, the rear suspension performance is hugely impressive. Our review bike came with the optional EXT Arma MX shock upgrade (though the base Öhlins TTX22 is also an extremely good shock) and the combination of shock and suspension kinematics makes for an ultra-composed, planted bike when going very fast in rough, choppy sections of trail. Small bump sensitivity is good, and there’s a lot of rear wheel traction available, but the Jedi really starts to come into its own when the speeds pick up and you start hitting things harder."
BLISTER members can read the full Canfield Jedi 29 Flash Review here.
Golay also discusses his time on the Jedi at the 38:45 mark in this "Reviewer Reports" episode of the "Bikes & Big Ideas" podcast below.
Stay tuned for the full review.
Canfield Bikes is partnering with our friends at COMBA (Colorado Mountain Bike Association) to support their June membership drive by giving away the winner's choice of a Tilt or Lithium. To celebrate, COMBA put together this sweet video of the new Tilt and Lithium shredding Hard Money at Maryland Mountain near Black Hawk, CO. This bike-only, downhill-only trail (and the rest of the network) is thanks to COMBA's hard work and advocacy. And they aren't done yet—a new black tech trail at Maryland Mountain is currently under way!
Special thanks to Colorowdies Justin Kelm and Jeremy Bradshaw for being Canfield stunt pilots!
Here's how it works:
Join or renew now to maximize your prize entries and feel great about being part of the largest trail stewardship community in the country.
COMBA has been around since 1991, but has made exponential strides in the last few years that include several new bike-only, downhill-only trails on Colorado's Front Range. A non-profit organization, COMBA relies solely on memberships and donations to continue its mission of advocacy, trail stewardship and community involvement.
A few examples of what COMBA is doing to keep Colorado mountain biking moving forward:
• New technical bike-only black-diamond downhill trail at Maryland Mountain starts construction Memorial Day Weekend, planned opening in August 2022
• Staunton Ranch Trail extension to Borderline (no more road) OPEN!
• New Rusty Buckle Trail in the North Elk Creek system opening in late-June
• New funding secured for first bike-only trail in Idaho Springs
• Warren Gulch Trail realignment and construction OPEN!
• New flow-trail section at the bottom of Fast Money. OPEN!
• COMBA seasonal maintenance team started May 24th, 5-months of funding for 7-man team
• Floyd Hill Session Series enduro racing through June 8th
• Indian Creek Master Planning effort this summer to improve the trail experiences, create better routes and access
• Expanded Women’s Program with more rides, clinics and events (BIPOC, Bilingual)
• Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition founded and running
• Outside 285 planning effort becoming a regional partnership to continue work
• Clear Creek countywide master plan for outdoor recreation this summer
• Advocating for new bike park in Douglas County
• Continued improvements to Golden Bike Park
• Improvements to the skills area at Village Greens Park (Cherry Creek)
• Advocating for a master plan for Lakewood trails (Green Mountain & BCLP)
• Partnering with Save Bear Creek Lake Park
• Partnering with Front Range Back Country Horsemen on Bike/Equestrian etiquette
• Designing a trail to connect Floyd Hill to Highway 6, Peaks to Plains trail
And more in the works to come...
]]>
Gabe Rivera recently headed out to ride some of his favorite trails on the Canfield Lithium, our signature long-travel 29er mountain bike.
Iwata Productions was in tow to capture all the kitty litter-slashing action.
"I’ve wanted to put together a more quality piece of work over the last couple of years and I finally had the opportunity with Iwata Productions," says Rivera. "I wanted something that showcased me and my riding and I think this is the best depiction of that."
Designed to destroy big descents with reckless abandon, unafraid of the effort required to earn them. From enduro stages to bike park laps and backcountry adventures, the Lithium is a big-wheeled MTB warrior ready for anything the mountain throws your way thanks to the secret sauce of the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ (CBF) suspension.
"The lithium is the most versatile bike I’ve ridden"
"The lithium is the most versatile bike I’ve ridden," says Rivera. "It can handle everything you throw at it but isn’t afraid to climb."
Gabe thanks his sponsors for supporting him this year: Canfield Bikes, Smith Optics, 7idp/Tag Metals, ODI Grips, Twisted Spoke CBD, RAD Apparel, Pearl Izumi, Churchill Mortgage, Right Health Clinic, Bicycle Experience, Ryno Power and SRAM Colorado.
Pre-orders are 2022 Lithiums are open now at special discounted pricing. The Lithium is available as complete bikes, frame, fork & shock, framesets and an all-new "rolling chassis" option that pairs premium carbon wheels with framesets or frame, shock and fork.
When Steve over at Hardtail Party shared some of his dream geo numbers with us last year, we told him, "Just wait..." When we finally got the new version of our beloved aluminum hardtail 29er—the Canfield Yelli Screamy—in our warehouse, we wasted no time in getting one on its way to Sedona.
The wait is now over.
In this review video, Steve puts the Yelli through its paces on some of his favorite Sedona singletrack.
"Man this bike is fun. It rails corners. It feels really light and zippy, too. It jumps well. This thing's fun on pump tracks, on flow trails...surprisingly composed on black diamonds and chunk. Man, it's just so good!"
Scope the full review in the video above or head on over to join the Hardtail Party on Youtube here.
"This bike is such a joy to ride."
FRUITA, CO - Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain bike manufacturer, today introduces new colors and build options for the Tilt and Lithium, its popular 29-inch mountain bikes built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system. The Tilt, a mid-travel trail bike featuring 138 millimeters of rear-wheel travel and a 140-millimeter fork is available in an all-new Pearl Night Blue powder coat. The Lithium, a long-travel AM/enduro bike, boasting 163 millimeters of rear-wheel travel paired with a 170-millimeter fork, makes its debut in Pearl Patina Green. Both bikes are available with Canfield's classic raw aluminum finish for the first time as well.
Build options will be centered around TRP's TR12 12-speed shifter and derailleur mated with e*thirteen's Helix Race cassette. Riders will be able to choose Canfield cranks in lengths from 155 to 170mm paired with AbsoluteBlack premium chainrings.
Cockpit duties will be handled by Canfield's own all-new Special Blend bar and stem combo. The matte carbon bar with stealth graphics sits at 800 millimeters wide with pre-measured cut marks to make it easy for riders to get the right fit for them. Lance designed a beautifully machined 40-millimeter alloy stem to cradle the bar's 35-millimeter clamp diameter.
Several suspension options will be available from Cane Creek, MRP, EXT and others. Wheel options include Canfield's own Special Blend wheels as well as premium options from e*thirteen, Atomik Carbon and RideFast Racing. All will be wrapped with the legendary grip of Maxxis rubber.
Stopping duties will by handled courtesy of several options from TRP and Magura.
Other details include size-specific SDG Tellis dropper posts, custom Canfield SDG saddles and Lizard Skins grips with custom Canfield lock-rings.
"It's no secret that sourcing parts in the bike industry is no easy task. We're fortunate to have relationships with premium brands allowing us to offer riders options to customize their bikes with high-performance parts as well as have the ability to make our own where necessary.
-Lance Canfield
Meet the new maniac on the mountain. The Lithium is the first long-travel 29er worthy of wearing a skull on the head tube. Designed to destroy big descents with reckless abandon, unafraid of the effort required to earn them. From enduro stages to bike park laps and backcountry adventures, the Lithium is a big-wheeled warrior ready for anything the mountain throws your way thanks to the secret sauce of the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension.
With 163 millimeters of rear wheel travel paired to the active and efficient CBF™ tuned linkage, the Lithium has a penchant for ludicrous speed and stands ready to flatten any terrain and wage all-out war on the Strava segments of lesser bikes.
But don’t think for a second fun was forgone in favor of going flat out. The signature Canfield geo has been optimized to create a bike as lively and intuitive as it is stable and confidence inspiring. The 430-millimeter chainstays make last-second maneuvers and manuals second nature, and a 64.5-degree head angle paired with a 170-millimeter fork makes any line choice possible.
The Canfield Lithium is the drug of choice for gravity junkies afflicted by big climbs standing between them and their fix.
There’s a party on the trails and you’re invited. The Tilt is a 29er trail-slayer built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension. The Tilt is a mid-travel 29-inch mountain bike designed from the dirt up to be the most fun you can have on two wheels, whether it’s an after-work rip or an all-day epic.
With 138 millimeters of rear wheel travel paired to CBF ™ linkage that’s been tuned to be slightly more progressive, the Tilt is an efficient all-rounder that climbs like a mountain goat with a meth habit. But make no mistake—like any bike with a skull on the headtube, it’s ready to party when gravity takes over.
The geo has been dialed to strike the perfect balance of snappy, responsive handling and stability at speed. A 65-degree head angle leads the charge when the going gets rowdy and 425-millimeter chainstays let you change direction just by thinking about your next line choice. A 77-degree effective seat angle keeps you in the power position while climbing.
The Canfield Tilt is destined to be your weapon of choice regardless of where the ride takes you.
Pre-orders are open now at special discounted pricing. The Tilt and Lithium are available as complete bikes, frame, fork & shock, framesets and an all-new "rolling chassis" option that pairs premium carbon wheels with framesets or frame, shock and fork.
]]>
If there's one trusted authority on all things hardtail mountain bikes, it's Hardtail Party. So when we released the new version of our beloved aluminum hardtail 29er—the Canfield Yelli Screamy—we knew we had to get one into Steve's hands.
In this First Look video, Steve unboxes and builds the Yelli Screamy.
"I'm excited for this one. This bike is going to shred. Hard."
Scope the full first look in the video above or head on over to join the Hardtail Party on Youtube here. And be sure to stay tuned for the full ride review.
Apparently we don't learn from out mistakes. Canfield returns to the Couch to discuss our new 29er DH bike, the Canfield Jedi 29, why Lance is a wizard when it comes to high-pivot sorcery and angry Gnard mobs.
Give it a listen in the player above or by heading over to the main Gnar Couch Podcast page.
If you want to keep at least some brain cells intact, skip ahead to 7:15 for some Jedi love.
Our apologies in advance.
[LISTEN] "Gnar Couch Podcast 59, Part 1 - Lance Canfield and the New Jedi"
Return of the legend. Introducing the Canfield Jedi 29. One of the most revered downhill bikes is back and faster than ever before. But big wheels are just the beginning. With a redesigned frame, linkage layout and suspension kinematics, the all-new Jedi does what many thought impossible and improves one of the most iconic gravity machines in nearly every aspect.
Going back to the drawing board on our flagship DH bike was no easy task. With a pedigree stretching back more than 20 years—from the first Big Fat Fatty Fat prototypes to the most recent 27.5 Jedi—there’s a lot to live up to. But also a lot to build on. Having refined rearward axle-path multi-link designs for over two decades, Lance Canfield knew exactly what he wanted—and what he didn’t want—from the latest downhill bike to wear the Jedi name.
The result not only surpasses expectations, it leaves them in the dust.
“This Jedi is a direct evolution of the first bikes I designed. This is a new bike, but it’s a bike more than 20 years in the making. The Jedi is a very special bike for me and the new one embodies everything I’ve always wanted it to be.
-Lance Canfield
Like its predecessors, the all-new Canfield Jedi 29 is a two-wheeled podium-seeking missile designed to annihilate anything standing between it and the finish line. The rearward axle-path of the Canfield Formula 1 suspension design gives the Jedi the unnatural ability to not only maintain its speed, but actually accelerate through rough terrain. Thanks to 29-inch wheels, the new Jedi is even faster and smoother through nasty sections of trail, but a revised axle path allows it to corner and jump more intuitively than previous versions.
Updated sizing and rider-centric geometry make the Jedi 29 feel more balanced and composed at speed and in the air. And despite begging its rider to go bigger and faster than ever before, the new Jedi’s precise handling makes changing direction and snapping corners feel nearly telepathic.
Canfield pioneered high-pivot, multi-link bikes in the late '90s, and is still one of the only brands—if not the only one—doing so today. Unlike other high-pivot, pulley-wheel designs (which rely on some form of single pivot or modified/linkage-driven single pivot), the Jedi continues to use a multi-link layout that allows all aspects of kinematics to be fine-tuned. This virtually eliminates the compromises and unwanted characteristics of suspension performance common in most single-pivot designs.
A revised leverage rate provides more supple small-bump sensitivity at the top of the stroke, while a more progressive end-stroke offers a smooth, bottomless transition on big hits. Improved mid-stroke support results in a more poppy, responsive ride. Neutral chain growth (less than 1mm) creates a smooth, disconnected feeling at the pedals, completely isolated from suspension forces.
Braking performance has also been revised for slightly less anti-rise, remaining more neutral and predictable when you drop the anchor. Anti-squat is now more focused and consistent throughout travel, providing unparalleled acceleration at the pedals for a bike this gravity focused.
With a lineage this legendary, we didn’t take redesigning the Jedi lightly. The Canfield Jedi 29 is a bike more than two decades in the making, and it’s the fastest, most refined version yet.
The force is strong with this one. Use it. We dare you.