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Canyon and Cube in a duelTwo affordable light eMTBs for plenty of riding fun

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 28.03.2025

Showdown in Finale Ligure: Cube and Canyon had to prove themselves on varied trails. In a direct back-to-back comparison!
Photo: Max Fuchs

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Light e-MTBs benefit from high-end equipment and lightweight parts. Both drive up the price. The category has a hard time in the budget segment. Cube and Canyon want to disprove this theory with full-fledged carbon bikes under 5000 euros.
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No bike category has caused as much outrage among price-conscious bikers in recent years as the light e-MTBs. Top models in the five-digit price range? Quite normal! Logical, because the unique selling point of these bikes is their weight. And lightweight construction is expensive. As a result, the category remained in the absolute premium segment for some time. Now the popular value-for-money brands Cube and Canyon are launching entry-level models for under 5000 euros.

Both come with full carbon frames and attractive weights. Even if Canyon misses the 20-kilo mark: Classic power eMTBs in this price range land at 24 to 25 kilos on average. A drastic difference. Cube even manages 18.7 kilos with its low-cost speedster AMS Hybrid One44 Race. A value that even many high-end light e-bikes can't crack.

>> Noble light duel: Santa Cruz Heckler SL vs. Specialized Levo SL

Showdown in Finale Ligure: Cube and Canyon had to prove themselves on varied trails. In a direct back-to-back comparison!Photo: Max FuchsShowdown in Finale Ligure: Cube and Canyon had to prove themselves on varied trails. In a direct back-to-back comparison!

Canyon vs Cube: these are the rivals in the light e-bike duel

Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF7 // Bosch Perf. SX // 400 Wh // 140 mm // 29 inch // 20.4 kg // 4849 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsCanyon Neuron:Onfly CF7 // Bosch Perf. SX // 400 Wh // 140 mm // 29 inch // 20.4 kg // 4849 Euro

>> HERE is the detailed test of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF7!

Cube AMS Hybrid One 44 Race // Bosch Perf. SX // 400 Wh // 140 mm // 29 inch // 18.7 kg // 4999 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsCube AMS Hybrid One 44 Race // Bosch Perf. SX // 400 Wh // 140 mm // 29 inch // 18.7 kg // 4999 Euro

>> Click HERE for the detailed test of the Cube AMS Hybrid One 44 Race!

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Lightweight construction despite the engine?

E-bikes and lightweight construction is a nonsensical combination for some, because the powerful motor pushes the extra weight away uphill, and the higher weight brings a full trail position and therefore a lot of riding safety downhill. However, active riders in particular complain about the unpleasant sluggishness of heavy e-MTBs. And this is exactly where the Light class can score points. Even in the price range below 5000 euros.

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Sleek and weight-optimised: The frame of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 is very light - around 1200 grams less than the Canyon chassis!Photo: Max FuchsSleek and weight-optimised: The frame of the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 is very light - around 1200 grams less than the Canyon chassis!

Our two candidates prove it: The handling differs drastically from that of the heavier full-power brothers, and the riding experience is closer to that of a classic mountain bike than to the e-bike feeling. The lightweight Cube AMS in particular is fun and nimble around tight corners and can be hopped from one line to the next with ease.

>> For comparison: 8 E-All Mountains with power drive under 6000 euros in the test!

Fact check: A comparison of the opponents

Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7

  • Motor: Bosch Perf. SX, 55 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 140/140 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 4849 Euro
  • Weight: 20.39 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Wheel weight: 5940 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
  • Max. System weight: 130 kg
  • Warranty: 6 years

Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race

  • Motor: Bosch Perf. SX, 55 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 140 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 4999 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 18.68 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Wheel weight: 5337 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
  • Max. System weight: 135 kg
  • Warranty: 2 years
The Rockshox Psylo in the Cube is the new entry-level fork in the Rockshox portfolio. In the test, it performed better than the affordable Pike in the Canyon.Photo: Max FuchsThe Rockshox Psylo in the Cube is the new entry-level fork in the Rockshox portfolio. In the test, it performed better than the affordable Pike in the Canyon.
The slender Nobby Nic on the rear wheel of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly offers little grip and a harsh ride feel. This unnecessarily limits the off-road capabilities of the Neuron:Onfly.Photo: Max FuchsThe slender Nobby Nic on the rear wheel of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly offers little grip and a harsh ride feel. This unnecessarily limits the off-road capabilities of the Neuron:Onfly.

E-drive tie - Bosch vs Bosch

Cube and Canyon use the same system for the motor and battery. Bosch's Performance SX provides the propulsion. It is not particularly compact compared to the Light and is also not record-breakingly light. However, the peak power is extremely high. With fast and sporty pedalling, the little Bosch is lively and powerful. However, the bikes with this drive are not a carefree tool for long discovery tours. The lower torque of the Performance SX is clearly noticeable on steep climbs. This requires dedicated pedalling and a sporty high cadence. For some, this is a no-go, for others it may be just the right thing.

>> A detailed test of the Bosch Performance Line SX can be found here

The Bosch Performance SX impresses with its fine modulation and sporty, dynamic thrust. There is plenty of power at a high cadence.Photo: Max FuchsThe Bosch Performance SX impresses with its fine modulation and sporty, dynamic thrust. There is plenty of power at a high cadence.Canyon has completely encapsulated the SX in the frame. At high temperatures and on long climbs, the lack of ventilation can have a negative effect on the stability of the motor.Photo: Max FuchsCanyon has completely encapsulated the SX in the frame. At high temperatures and on long climbs, the lack of ventilation can have a negative effect on the stability of the motor.

Disadvantage of the Bosch SX: The motor rattles out of the gearbox on the trail. This means that both bikes are not entirely quiet on descents. Especially for light eMTBs that want to deliver a natural, discreet riding experience, this is a significant drawback.

You also have to compromise on range for the low weight. With 400 watt hours, and on top of that permanently installed in the down tube, the range of the two Bosch SX bikes is significantly less than that of classic e-MTBs. On long tours, especially in the Alps, you have to plan carefully and use the motor power with caution.

Steep climbs require significantly more effort and fitness from the rider on a light bike. The Bosch SX delivers - as long as you can keep the cadence up.Photo: Max FuchsSteep climbs require significantly more effort and fitness from the rider on a light bike. The Bosch SX delivers - as long as you can keep the cadence up.

Both bikes offer the option of increasing the range a little with an optional additional battery. The Bosch Power More 250 delivers 250 watt hours and can be strapped onto the down tube like a water bottle, weighing 1.6 kilos. The additional battery is connected to the bike's charging port via a cable.

The additional Bosch Power More 250 battery, which fits into the bottle cage mount, is available at a street price of just under 400 euros.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe additional Bosch Power More 250 battery, which fits into the bottle cage mount, is available at a street price of just under 400 euros.

The BIKE rating:

The Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7 is very well-balanced, but the budget version doesn't quite hit the mark. The suspension and tyres limit its trail capabilities.Photo: BIKE MagazinThe Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7 is very well-balanced, but the budget version doesn't quite hit the mark. The suspension and tyres limit its trail capabilities.The Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race outperforms the competition, especially when it comes to riding fun and handling. A real playmate.Photo: BIKE MagazinThe Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race outperforms the competition, especially when it comes to riding fun and handling. A real playmate.The Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race wins the points in the BIKE test.Photo: BIKE MagazinThe Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race wins the points in the BIKE test.

The detailed test reports of both bikes can be found here:

>> In test: Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7

>> In test: Cube AMS Hybrid One44 Race

BIKE summary of the Canyon vs Cube duel

Cube and Canyon prove that the light e-MTB concept can also work in an affordable price range. With their sporty and lively riding feel, these bikes are more mountain bike than e-bike. The overall even more harmonious Cube AMS* can score even higher in terms of weight and handling. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE Magazine. He has been following the technical development of light e-MTBs closely from the very beginning.Photo: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE Magazine. He has been following the technical development of light e-MTBs closely from the very beginning.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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