“Canfield The One”
The Good: Pedaling is excellant. Geometry is spot on for the entire spectrum. Due to the locking rear suspension in climbs far better than any xc, all-mountain, enduro, or FR bike I've been on. Supple, plush, and fluid suspension descends as good as the best DH bikes out there. It is as smooth as the specialized demo 8. (The only DH bike that I've tried with superior feeling suspension is the Canfield Jedi). Stable in the air. Built like a tank, it is very stiff. Corners like mad. Customer service is top notch.
The Bad: If you are buying this bike with the intention of doing everything from DH to XC IMO it only comes up short in one area. Because it is heavier than your xc specific bikes it isn't ideal for a long constant uphill ride. After 10+ miles of uphill you will be more tired than your 20lb bikes. With that in mind though it is far better for technical, steep, rocky climbs. It pedals anywhere. I have never ridden a bike that has outclimbed it. Other riders will wonder how out of shape they are when they see a dual crown bike pass them on up hill climbs.
I feel like Canfield has made a bike that is as good as the best, then given it something special (locking suspension) that puts it above and beyond the rest. For those who have always been unsure of buying a more DH oriented bike let your worries go. I always thought I would be sacrificing something I loved by not being able to climb and ride some of the things I used to ride by getting a bike with so much suspension. I couldn't have been more wrong. Everything I loved was enhanced. I gained more than I thought in every aspect of riding. I hardly dare ride the bikes I used to ride because they feel so akward and lacking. All the years I wasted by listening to what other people assumed about bigger travel bikes is maddening. This bike really is that good.
