Canfield Bikes Launches the V3 Tilt and Lithium — Two Bikes, One Platform, Zero Compromise

CBF Suspension. Adjustable Geometry. UDH Compatible. Available Now.

"I want to climb easily and descend confidently, and I don't want to compromise anywhere."
— Lance Canfield, Founder and Designer

PONCHA SPRINGS, CO – You've seen them on social. You've heard the buzz. Maybe you even demo'd one. The V3 Tilt and Lithium are officially here!  Both are built on Canfield's patented CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) suspension system and share a common rear triangle architecture that lets riders dial in chainstay length, wheel size, and travel without compromising geometry.

The Tilt and Lithium have earned a dedicated following among riders who demand both climbing efficiency and descending capability, and the V3 updates make both bikes even more capable. Adding UDH compatibility, a refined adjustable dropout system, and updated travel, the V3 evolves both bikes while retaining the suspension DNA that earned them their reputations.

Both V3s also mark the debut of an updated Canfield logo on the downtube — a subtle but deliberate refresh that reflects the same attention to detail driving the rest of the update.

The CBF Suspension Platform

Canfield's patented CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) is a parallel-link suspension design with one defining goal: eliminate the compromise between pedaling efficiency and descending performance. Most suspension designs make a tradeoff — firm and efficient on climbs, or active and composed on descents. CBF does both at once.

The key is centering the suspension's center of curvature at the top of the chainring, so the chain system and the rear suspension rotate around exactly the same point throughout the entire travel range. The chain never tensions against the suspension, which means the rear wheel stays active and tracking over rough ground even under hard pedaling loads. The result: traction on steep technical climbs, no kickback on descents, and a rear end that feels open and composed whether you're seated, standing, or sending it.

Anti-squat is tuned to approximately 120%. Enough upward support to resist pedaling lunges and body movement without stiffening the suspension under impact. Anti-rise is calibrated to allow the rear to compress naturally under braking, matching front fork dive for a balanced, pitch-free feel.

The V3 Tilt and Lithium represent CBF's most refined expression yet. Lance Canfield has been designing, racing, and riding CBF bikes for more than 15 years — longer than anyone else. That kind of time in the saddle doesn't just inform a bike. It shows.

Shared DNA. Different Bikes.

The Tilt and Lithium share the same rear triangle architecture, the same three chainstay positions, and the same geometry-static dropout system. But they're built for different riders and different terrain.

Here's where they diverge:

The V3 Tilt — Trail / All-Mountain 29er

The Tilt is Canfield's do-everything trail bike. With up to 141mm of rear travel paired to a 140mm fork, it's built for riders who want a bike that climbs like it's meant to and descends like it's not supposed to. A 65° head angle and 77.2° effective seat angle (on a 140mm fork) strike the balance between trail-ready handling and all-day capability on varied terrain.

Rear travel is adjustable via shock stroke: 141mm (210x55), 135mm (210x52.5), or 128mm (210x50), with geometry remaining constant across all configurations. The Tilt accepts forks from 130mm to 150mm, optimized around 140mm, giving riders further control over ride character without straying from the intended geometry.

Singletracks readers voted the Tilt the top all-mountain bike of 2024 — a distinction earned on geometry that hasn't changed, now made even more capable with the V3's refined adjustable rear triangle.

The V3 updates also bring UDH compatibility to the Tilt for the first time, keeping it compatible with current and future drivetrain options.

Frame details: head angle 65°, reach 425–500mm (S–XL), chainstay positions 427 / 435 / 442mm, 73mm threaded BB, Boost 148x12mm, ISCG-05, UDH compatible.

Available colors: Kryptonite, Black Anodized, Raw.

Full Tilt specs and geometry at canfieldbikes.com/tilt

The V3 Lithium — Long-Travel All-Mountain / Enduro 29er

The Lithium is built for riders who want more. More travel, more confidence on aggressive terrain, more bike for the long days where the descent earns every pedal stroke to get there. With up to 165mm of rear travel on a 170mm fork, it's an enduro platform that doesn't ask you to suffer on the way up.

Mountain Bike Action put it through its paces in March 2026 and called its climbing performance "impressive" — high praise for a bike with this much travel.

 The half-degree slacker head angle (64.5°) and slightly more relaxed effective seat angle (76.7°) dial in descending confidence without sacrificing climbing capability.

Like the Tilt, rear travel is adjustable via shock stroke: 165mm (230x65), 158mm (230x62.5), or 152mm (230x60). Fork range is 160–180mm, optimized around 170mm.

Frame details: head angle 64.5°, reach 425–500mm (S–XL), chainstay positions 427 / 435 / 442mm, 73mm threaded BB, Boost 148x12mm, ISCG-05, UDH compatible.

Available colors: Pinkle, Silver Anodized, Raw.

Full Lithium specs and geometry at canfieldbikes.com/lithium

One Platform. Endless Adjustment.

The Tilt and Lithium share a common rear triangle architecture built around Canfield's adjustable dropout system. Whether you're running mullet or full 29", three chainstay positions have you covered: 427mm for short 27.5", 435mm sits in the middle as long 27.5" or short 29", and 442mm rounds out the long 29" position. Switching between positions requires no additional hardware; everything needed ships with the frame.

The dropout system also enables true mullet compatibility: run a 27.5" rear wheel or stay full 29", and the head angle, seat angle, and bottom bracket height remain identical. No tradeoffs, no compromise geometry — just a different ride feel on demand.

Most adjustable dropout systems change head angle or bottom bracket height when you switch positions. The Canfield system doesn't. All three chainstay positions maintain identical head angle, seat angle, and bottom bracket height, whether you're running 29" or mullet. Riders can swap between chainstay positions or wheel sizes without the geometry compromises typical of flip-chip systems.

Both frames are UDH compatible, supporting current and future wireless drivetrains. Both use a 73mm threaded bottom bracket shell, ISCG-05 chain guide tabs, tapered 44x56mm head tube, and Boost 148x12mm rear spacing. Available in S, M, L, and XL.

Pricing & Availability

The V3 Tilt and Lithium are available now at canfieldbikes.com. Produced in small, deliberate runs, frames are arriving now through the end of June. If you've been waiting, now's the time. The next batch is several months out.

Both bikes are available in six build configurations spanning suspension, drivetrain, and brake options. If you don't see what you want, just call. We're always happy to talk through a custom spec. That's not a department here, it's just how we operate. There's even a good chance Lance will be on the other end of the line.

If you're able to make the trip to Poncha Springs to pick up your bike, we'd love to have you. There's nothing quite like riding away on a bike that's been set up for you by the people who built it, and the trails aren't bad either.

Shop the V3 Tilt — canfieldbikes.com/tilt

Shop the V3 Lithium — canfieldbikes.com/lithium