2021 Canyon Sender 5 Review
- Price: €2,799 (about $2,905)
- Stroke: 200mm front, 200mm rear
- Tires: 27.5″
- Drivetrain: 1×7
What we like about it: The excellent shock absorption for a comfortable ride, very fast riding speed in the descent, and high-end brake configuration to ensure your riding safety.
What we don’t like about it: It doesn’t come with pedals and has no water bottle mount.
Rating (4.7/5)
For every mountain cross-country enthusiast, there is no greater pleasure than descending quickly down a steep road and feeling the thrill of extreme speed. Just between the ascent and descent, that second of stagnation is unforgettable.
As a well-known bicycle brand, Canyon’s bikes have been well-received by everyone, and their bikes have won several competitions. This makes us look forward to its new series of bikes.
The bike we’re about to introduce today is a full-suspension speed bike with high-end components, and it’s the Canyon Sender 5.
The RockShox Boxxer Select fork paired with the RockShox Super Deluxe Select R rear shock will allow you to jump through the mountains with abandon. Plus the SRAM Guide RE brakes keep you safe during speed descents.
Next, I will introduce you to this full shock speed bike in detail, we will mainly focus on its climbing, descending, main features, and main components, and compare with other versions, these aspects introduced.
If you want to know more about the rest of this bike, you can follow us and we will keep you updated.
Canyon Sender 5 Climbing
As a full-suspension speed bike, it may not perform as brightly on climbs as other mountain bikes, but it still gives me a great feeling when I’m riding it. Another thing that needs to be prepared in advance is booking accommodation. This time, I still booked accommodation on Skyscanner, hoping for a good rest.
First of all, the Canyon Sender 5 uses SRAM GX DH 7s shifters. Although it only has 1×7 shifting options, it minimizes chain slapping issues while riding. And with plenty of clearance between the seven cogs of the cassette, I can get to maximum speed quickly.
On this climb, the 1×7 drivetrain was sufficient for me as I chose not a very steep road. And it is only 16.4 kg, the light weight allows me to save a lot of energy when climbing.
Although many people say you can’t ride a speed bike up hills, I still use it to do some small climbs. Overall, I was satisfied with its performance.
Canyon Sender 5 Descending
When I first got this bike, I was expecting it to perform on descents. I can safely say that it is all set up for descending.
For this test, I chose Killington Bike Park. As the largest bike park in Vermont, you can find any terrain you need here.
As soon as I got on the bike, I felt the comfort it gave me. Undoubtedly, the Canyon G5 has a screw-in grip that gives me plenty of control when I hold it.
I leaped over the top of a hill, across a steep road, and down a fast descent through the woods. This is thanks to its RockShox Boxxer Select fork with RockShox Super Deluxe Select R rear shock. This is because the extra 200mm of travel effectively absorbs the feeling of bumps in the ride.
It’s worth mentioning that this bike uses MAXXIS Minion DHR II tires. This gives me plenty of confidence when facing the gravel and exposed roots in the woods. In other words, the great toughness allows me to drive off it with confidence.
As I got about halfway through the ride, the road started to get narrow and my left side turned into a slope. This also meant that if there was an accident, then I could roll down. But the SRAM Guide RE brakes gave me enough security, and the strong braking ability allowed me to stop and stabilize at any time during the descent, which is why I dared to choose this road.
I have to say that this Canyon Sender 5 did not disappoint me in terms of descent. At least, for this test, it gave me a very satisfactory performance.
Main Features
Frame Group
In addition to its superb descending performance, the Canyon Sender 5 also appealed to me in terms of appearance. I rode this bike paint color is Raw Stealth, black and silver paint with an aluminum alloy frame, giving a full metallic feel.
It also hides the cable very well in the frame. This protects the cable from damage and also facilitates your daily cleaning.
It also comes with MX-style fenders on its rear upper fork, which protects the rear shock from rocks and dirt. Of course, if you don’t like the design, it is removable.
It is worth mentioning that this bike is not designed with water bottle mounting holes. This may cause you some inconvenience during the ride, but I don’t think it’s a big problem.
Geometry
The geometry of this bike was well thought out from the start. Every angle and length of the bike is designed to be ready for speed.
The slack head tube angle (63°) compared to road bikes allows the fork to protrude forward. This provides greater speed stability and is well-suited for fast descents. Also, the steep seat tube angle (74°) allows me to maintain a comfortable upright ride, which makes my pedaling more efficient.
And with a standing height of 743mm, it’s just right for me. So I can just use my feet to hold the body steady without having to get out of the bike when I park.
Components and Specifications
RockShox Boxxer Select Fork
This RockShox Boxxer Select fork features a new damping fluid, which makes it have less internal friction than the previous version. As a result, it effectively reduces noise during the ride.
And it is equipped with DH-specific DebonAir air springs, which provide low-speed compression and rebound adjustment for a very responsive capability.
And with a 200 mm travel, it has a very good effect on the damping, giving you a more comfortable ride.
MAXXIS Minion DHR II Tires
In terms of tires, the Canyon Sender 5 uses this MAXXIS Minion DHR II tire. It has a sloping leading edge on the center tread with a knife groove pattern etched into the surface. This not only improves its acceleration but also allows for a smoother ride when leaning on the bike.
At the same time, it has an outer tire designed specifically for downhill use. And its butyl inserts help prevent flattening, protect the rim from impact and provide additional sidewall stability.
SRAM Guide RE Brakes
The Canyon Sender 5 uses SRAM Guide RE hydraulic disc brakes for its brakes. Compared to mechanical disc brakes, it is lighter in weight and has a more responsive capability.
Also in terms of composition, it combines SRAM’s Guide R lever assembly and 4-piston calipers, which gives it excellent braking ability. Therefore, it can provide accurate control and keep your ride safe whether you are going uphill or down.
Other versions of Canyon Sender
In this review, we also tested other versions of the Canyon Sender series, so we hope you have a better understanding of this bike. Let’s take a look at the Canyon Sender 6 next.
Although both bikes belong to the same series, this Canyon Sender 6 is 1kg heavier than the Canyon Sender 5 in terms of weight. This is something that can be felt while riding.
The Canyon Sender 5 uses the RockShox Boxxer Select fork and the Canyon Sender 6 uses the Marzocchi Bomber 58. Although the forks are different, both are equally good in terms of shock absorption. On the descent, they both do a good job of absorbing the vibration generated while riding, allowing you to descend more quickly.
However, in terms of price, Canyon Sender 6 is higher than the former. If your budget is not very high, then you can try this Canyon Sender 5.
If you want to know more about other bikes in this series, welcome to follow us and we will keep updating.
What we like about it
- RockShox Boxxer Select fork excellent shock absorption performance.
- SRAM Guide RE Hydraulic Disc Brake Powerful Braking Capability.
- MAXXIS Minion DHR II tires for a more comfortable ride.
- SRAM GX DH 7s drivetrain provides precise and fast shifting.
- The use of a high-end aluminum alloy frame, the body is only 16.4 kg.
What we don’t like about it
- No kettle mounting holes.
- Need to configure your pedals.
FAQs
- What is the drivetrain of the Canyon Sender 5?
The drivetrain of the Canyon Sender 5 is an SRAM GX DH 7s drive.
- What is the front fork of the Canyon Sender 5?
The fork on the Canyon Sender 5 is the RockShox Boxxer Select fork.
- What are the rear shocks on the Canyon Sender 5?
The rear shock on the Canyon Sender 5 is the RockShox Super Deluxe Select R.
- Size chart for 2021 Canyon Sender 5
| Size | Rider height |
| SM | < 171 CM |
| MD | 169 CM – 181 CM |
| LG | 179 CM -191 CM |
| XL | 189 CM + |
2021 Canyon Sender 5 Specs
Build
| Frame | Canyon Sender AL, Material: Aluminium (AL) BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Raw Stealth; Rampant Purple |
| Fork | RockShox Boxxer Select, Travel: 200 mm, Technology: Charger RC, Axle Dimension: 20 x 110 mm |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select R, Length: 225 x 75 |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM BSA DUB |
| Stem | Race Face Chester |
| Handlebar | Race Face Chester Riserbar, Material: Aluminium, Rise: 20 mm |
| Saddle | Ergon SMD20 |
| Seat post | Canyon G5, Canyon G5 aluminum seat post. length: 300 mm. clamping diameter: 30.9 mm., Clamp diameter: 30,9 mm. |
| Pedals | None included |
| Grips | Canyon G5 Grips, Gravity-specific screw-on design. Get huge control and plenty of grip in all situations. |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX DH 7s, Cage Length: medium |
| Crank | SRAM Descendant DH, Number of chainrings: 1 |
| Shifters | SRAM GX DH Trigger 7s |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-720 DH 11-25 7s |
| Chain | SRAM PC 1110 11-speed |
| Chain Guide | e*thirteen LG1 ISCG05 |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide RE |
Wheels
| Rims | Sun Ringle ADD Comp SH11, Rim Material: Aluminium, Inner Width: 30 mm, Weight: 790 g | Sun Ringle ADD Comp, Rim Material: Aluminium, Inner Width: 30 mm, Weight: 1530 g |
| Tires | MAXXIS Minion DHR II 2.4”, Compound: 3C Maxx Grip |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline, 180mm, Diameter: 180 mm. | SRAM Centerline, 200mm, SRAM’s 200mm Centerline front rotor ensures you always have to stop power to spare. |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| 2022 YT Industries Tues Base AL 27 | $3499 | 1×7 | SRAM CODE R hydraulic disc | 27.5″ x 2.5″ | Click View |
| 2022 Commencal CLASH ORIGIN | $2900 | 1×12 | SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc | Front: 27.5″ x 2.5″ Rear: 27.5″ x 2.4″ | Click View |
| 2022 CUBE TWO15 PRO | $2799 | 1×7 | Magura MT Thirty hydraulic disc | 27.5″ x 2.4″ | Click View |
2021 Canyon Sender 5 VS 2022 YT Industries Tues Base AL 27
Also a full shock speed bike, this YT Industries Tues Base AL 27 is 1.2kg heavier than the Canyon Sender 5. If you are a rider with a lot of experience in speed riding, then you may feel the difference between the two when riding.
Although both bikes share the same choice of fork and drivetrain, both have 200mm of travel front and rear. But the Canyon Sender 5 gives me a much more comfortable ride when I’m riding, and it allows me to go more extreme in my descent in search of excitement.
And in terms of price, the YT Industries Tues Base AL 27 is quite a bit more $$$ than the former. This is not very friendly for some riders who don’t have a big budget.
If you are like me and love more exciting speed riding and are not on a budget, then the Canyon Sender 5 may be the right choice for you.
2021 Canyon Sender 5 VS 2022 Commencal CLASH ORIGIN
This Commencal CLASH ORIGIN uses an SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain in its drivetrain, which has more options in terms of gearing. But for a speed bike, the 1×7 drivetrain is adequate and doesn’t give me too much of a gap in real-world riding.
Meanwhile, the Commencal CLASH ORIGIN’s front and rear travel are 180mm and 170mm respectively. This is compared to the 200mm front and rear travel of the Canyon Sender 5, which has much better damping performance. It can absorb more vibration when riding.
For both bikes, I would prefer the Canyon Sender 5.
2021 Canyon Sender 5 VS 2022 CUBE TWO15 PRO
In terms of price, these two bikes are priced the same. But in terms of component configuration, the Canyon Sender 5 uses a higher-end fork, which is superior to the CUBE TWO15 PRO both in terms of weight and shock absorption.
When I tested the CUBE TWO15 PRO I found that it has a steeper seat tube angle (78.3°) and a shorter seat tube length. This also means you will bend more when riding.
It is worth mentioning that this CUBE TWO15 PRO does not have a mudguard setup. So on the ride, this might expose your rear shock to mud.
If you like to ride upright and need a fender set-up, then you can try this Canyon Sender 5.
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