Question regarding upgrades on Caynon Strive:ON

Hello everyone,

I am currently thinking about buying an e-MTB. I read some guides on the current bike models and found multiple statements that basically say all brand MTBs are pretty good nowadays and you can’t really say brand x > brand y.

Since I am located in western Germany, I thought about buying a Canyon Strive:ON. Canyon’s headquarters is like 1h drive from me, there are lots of bike shops that work with Canyon in the area and I think that’s a great advantage. Also, I like to support local industries.

Now, regarding my question. I am currently thinking about which version of the Strive:ON I should set m eyes on: the CFR Underdog or the CFR. Money isn’t really that tight, but I wonder if an average rider like myself will really notice the 1k extra I would spend. I mostly ride single trails in the woods, some more technical stuff and plan on going to bike parks in the future. I will also move to an area with more trails and more difficult trails, so the bike should be future-proof.

Both bikes in comparison:

CFR Underdog: https://www.canyon.com/en-de/electric-bikes/electric-mountain-bikes/mountain-ebikes-striveon/strive-on-cfr-underdog/3428.html

CFR: https://www.canyon.com/en-de/electric-bikes/electric-mountain-bikes/mountain-ebikes-striveon/strive-on-cfr/3429.html?dwvar_3429_pv_rahmenfarbe=GN

I figured the biggest upgrades would be fork and the brakes – right? For me, it is kinda difficult to estimate how much of a difference these upgrades will make for some average riding and would gladly listen to some of your opinions. Thank you!

by pehter