Endurance test performance: 3,350 kilometres | 45,850 vertical metres
The combination of 120 millimetres of travel and less than eleven kilos on the scales is rarely found on the trail. The Canyon Nerve CF is one of these rare species thanks to its slim carbon frame with 26-inch wheels, which is also helped by the high-end equipment fitted. The stiff lightweight rocket rides exactly as the data sheet suggests. Despite its suspension travel reserves, the Canyon is fast enough for any marathon and a well-trained touring companion. However, like any high-bred racehorse, the Nerve CF requires care. In addition to minor aches and pains such as a cracking bottom bracket and a chirping disc brake, the first unwanted forced stop came at kilometre 1200. The chain broke 200 metres below the Karwendelhaus. Thank goodness my brother-in-law had a spare chain link with him, so nothing stood in the way of cake at the hut. Just 180 kilometres later, the after-work ride with my wife turned into an unplanned Bike&Run event. The derailleur hanger broke, probably as a result of the broken chain, and I was allowed to jog home alongside her. Less than 150 kilometres later, I noticed a lot of bouncing in the rear wheel on the descent from the Zillertaler Höhenstraße. A spoke was broken and made it impossible to continue. In addition to three flat tyres, I was hit again on a trail loop in the Vinschgau Valley. Another spoke in the rear wheel broke and I had to push again.
ConclusionThe high-quality equipment and the associated outstanding propulsion make every ride a pleasure. Despite the low rider weight, however, the add-on parts were too vulnerable and caused too many failures. Reliability is something else. Apart from a stiff steering head bearing, the frame proved to be robust.
Functionality4 out of 6 points
Durability: 3 out of 6 points
TUNING
- 100 km - Grips replaced: The original grips had to give way to more comfortable Ergon grips.
- 720 km - Brake pads: Filing down the edges of the brake pads reduced the noise of the Formula brakes
DEFECTS
- 1200 km - Broken chain: The chain broke 200 metres before the Karwendelhaus
- 1380 km - derailleur hanger breaks: Probably as a result of the chain breakage, the derailleur hanger also broke
- 1,520 km - spoke breaks: A spoke in the rear wheel broke twice (2580 km)
TECHNICAL DATA CANYON NERVE CF 9.0 LTD (model year 2013)
Material/sizes Aluminium / S, M/L, XL
Weight 10.75 kg without pedals
Price/wheel size 4499 Euro / 26 inch
Spring travel fore/aft 120 / 120 mm
Info www.canon.com
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