REVIEW: Canfield Lithium

If you’re in the market for a do-it-all mountain bike that feels like a Swiss Army knife on two wheels, the Canfield Lithium might just be the one for you. It’s a bike that combines the versatility to tackle climbs, descents, and everything in between with an old-school aesthetic that stands out from the crowd. As a rider who has spent more than a few hours sweating through grueling climbs and flying down technical descents, we were eager to put this machine to the test. After a few months of riding it on various terrains, from steep, root-covered trails to flowy singletrack, we’ve come to realize that the Canfield Lithium is a bike that lives up to its name—it’s pure energy, waiting to explode.

CLIMBING LIKE A MOUNTAIN GOAT

Mountain bikes that handle downhill sections like a dream sometimes struggle when it comes to climbing. That’s not the case with the Canfield Lithium. Thanks to its Canfield Balance Formula (CBF) suspension system, this bike manages to maintain a surprisingly efficient pedaling platform. The suspension design essentially isolates pedaling from suspension movement, meaning you won’t feel like you’re losing energy to squishy shocks on the way up.

Despite weighing in at around 14 kg, the Lithium climbs like a bike much lighter than it is. The CBF technology ensures that your effort goes into moving the bike forward, not compressing the rear suspension. This is especially noticeable on technical climbs, where other bikes might bob under power. Whether it was grinding our way up long fire roads or powering through steep, punchy climbs, it never felt like we were fighting the bike. Instead, the Lithium felt like a willing partner in all uphill battles, responding well to each pedal stroke.

Of course, once the climb is behind you, it’s time for the real fun: the descents. This is where the CBF suspension truly shines. The suspension design keeps the rear wheel glued to the ground, providing excellent traction and control, even when you’re flying down rocky, rooty trails. What really stood out to me, though, was how well the bike handled braking. Thanks to the anti-rise feature, the bike doesn’t pitch forward under heavy braking, maintaining its geometry and keeping you centered. This results in a ride that feels smooth and in control, even when the trail gets rowdy.

HANDLING & STABILITY: A BALANCING ACT

Where the Lithium really shines, though, is on the downhill. The bike’s head tube angle is a bit steeper than most modern enduro bikes, which typically favor slack geometries for maximum downhill confidence. While some riders might initially be concerned about this, the reality is that the slightly steeper angle gives the bike a playful, agile feel in the corners. Instead of feeling sluggish when it comes time to weave through tight switchbacks or navigate narrow tree-lined sections, the Lithium stays nimble, making it a joy to ride on more technical terrain.

Yet, this isn’t at the expense of stability. The CBF system also contributes here with its anti-rise characteristics. Essentially, this means that when you hit the brakes hard—whether you’re diving into a corner or scrubbing speed on a steep descent—the bike’s geometry remains stable, and you don’t get that unwanted pitching forward feeling. In practical terms, it allows you to brake later and harder without losing control, which makes a huge difference when you’re pushing your limits downhill. It’s like having a safety net, letting you ride aggressively while keeping the bike feeling planted.

Despite its robust construction, the Lithium has a sense of flow to it. It’s smooth when you want it to be and responsive when you need it to be. On descents, the bike has a natural rhythm, and you’ll find yourself hitting lines and making transitions with ease.

BUILT TO LAST: DURABILITY MEETS DESIGN

You know how you look at a bike and just know it’s tough? That’s the Canfield Lithium. It’s a bike that’s built like a tank, thanks to its 7005 aluminum frame. This high-grade aluminum doesn’t just look tough—it is tough. Whether you’re bashing through rock gardens or taking the occasional tumble (hey, it happens), the Lithium holds up under punishment.

Despite its burliness, the bike doesn’t feel like a boat. The weight—14 kg—is on the heavier side for some, but it’s far from being cumbersome. In fact, the frame feels perfectly balanced. While riding, the Lithium feels substantial and solid beneath you, giving you the confidence to tackle rougher terrain. It’s a bike that feels like it could survive anything you throw at it—and, frankly, probably has.

The build process was also refreshingly straightforward. If you’ve ever spent hours cursing at fiddly internal cable routing, you’ll appreciate how Canfield designed this frame. Sure, it comes with the usual bells and whistles like internally routed cables, but the design makes sense. The result is a sleek-looking bike that’s a joy to work on.

GEOMETRY & FIT: CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING

At first glance, the geometry of the Canfield Lithium might raise some eyebrows. It’s not as slack as many other modern bikes, and the short chainstay brings your body into a slightly more forward position. This might sound like a recipe for over-the-bars moments, but in reality, it does the opposite. By pushing your weight onto the front wheel, the Lithium encourages you to ride more aggressively, and with more front-wheel traction, you end up feeling more confident in turns and technical sections.

In terms of fit and feel, the bike really wants you to take control. You can tell the bike was designed to respond well when you put your weight forward. There’s a feeling of being locked into a position that just works—whether you’re leaning into corners or pumping through rollers, the Lithium feels like it’s working with you, not against you.

OLD-SCHOOL VIBE, MODERN TECH

While the performance is undeniably modern, the design of the Canfield Lithium brings a bit of an old-school flair. With clean welds and a somewhat minimalist aesthetic, this bike doesn’t rely on flashy graphics or bold colors to make an impression. Instead, it’s the craftsmanship that turns heads. There’s something timeless about the Lithium’s looks, and the attention to detail is impressive.

Canfield’s decision to stick with this classic design language in an age of wild paint jobs and complex frame shapes is refreshing. It’s a bike that looks like it means business, and the visual appeal only adds to the overall experience.

READY FOR ANYTHING

In conclusion, the Canfield Lithium is the kind of bike that feels just as comfortable on steep descents as it does on long, grinding climbs. It’s a bike that doesn’t make you choose between efficiency and fun. Whether you’re tackling an all-day adventure in the mountains or smashing your local trail loops, this bike is more than capable of handling it all. The CBF suspension is the secret sauce that makes the Lithium such a joy to ride, offering excellent pedaling performance while still maintaining control on the descents.

If you’re the kind of rider who likes to mix it up—going from cross-country rides to enduro races—the Canfield Lithium is a worthy contender. It’s a bike that’s built to last, designed to perform, and ready for whatever the trail throws your way. Versatile might be an understatement when it comes to this machine—unstoppable seems more fitting.