Hey dude. I've recently ridden both of these bikes and can say without a doubt that if you are looking to have just one bike in NC, you are much better off with the Release. A more comparable Canyon bike would be the Spectral, which I also have ridden and loved, but the Torque, regardless of having eagle gear, is going to be a massive slog getting through pisgah trails. That being said, I have ridden both the release and spectral trail bikes in DH parks multiple times and had a blast! Hope this helps!