Inside Line: Canfield Brothers Launches Redesigned Balance

Bellingham, Washington-based Canfield Brothers has launched its redesigned 2016 Balance, a 165-millimeter all-mountain bike drawing heavily from the company’s downhill heritage. Now in its third generation, the Balance combines gravity oriented geometry with the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension.

“Long before the enduro craze, we had our own idea of what an all-mountain bike should be—just as capable of flagrant disregard for line choice and taking big hits in stride as it is of getting you to the top under your own power,” said Lance Canfield, co-owner and designer.

The Balance is built around the Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension, a design intended to balance the suspension’s center of curvature and chainline forces within a precise radius, reportedly resulting in virtually 100-percent anti-squat that is not sag dependent.

“What that means for the rider is you’ll have the most efficient pedaling possible, regardless of where your sag is set,” explained Chris Canfield, co-owner and designer. “So if you like to run more sag for better downhill performance, you’re not going to be sacrificing anything on the ups. If anything, you’ll have even better traction and bump compliance without unwanted pedal bob.”

When it debuted a decade ago, the original Balance was one of the first freeride rigs capable of earning its turns. The Balance was resurrected in 2014 as an efficient all-rounder but, for 2016, the all-new Balance is re-engineered with longer travel and a lower leverage ratio for more consistent, smooth travel under hard riding, and a more progressive end stroke to swallow big hits. An all-new CNCed upper link increases stiffness, while a redesigned rear triangle improves tire clearance.

The frame is built around 27.5-inch (650b) wheels with a 65-degree head angle and 16.5-inch (419-millimeter) chainstays.

The 2016 Balance is available in S, M, L and XL now at CanfieldBrothers.com in polished raw and black anodizing. It ships with a Cane Creek Double Barrel Air CS for $2,099 USD. Frame, fork and component packages also available.