The Neuron:On is the volume model in Canyon's eMTB programme, and with the CF7 we have picked out the most attractively priced of the three models: With a retail price (SRP) of €4999, we had ordered the bike for testing. It is now being offered a whopping 500 euros cheaper on the mail order company's website. That's a real bargain, because for this - for e-mountainbikes - low price you get a well-balanced bike with modern geometry and excellent workmanship.
The Canyon cuts a fine figure both as a fun guarantee on trail excursions and as a sporty touring bike. The suspension travel of 140 millimetres at the front and rear is rather short for an all-mountain bike, and the suspension is rather firm. If you are generally looking for more travel, Canyon's all-mountain range also includes the Spectral:On with 160/150 millimetres of travel and Shimano EP8. The spec of the Canyon Neuron:On CF7 is functional and the 750 Wh Bosch battery is permanently integrated. This has disadvantages in everyday use, but saves weight: 23 kilos is an excellent value for a bike with Bosch CX and 750 Wh battery.
The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On CF7 2023
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140/140 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 23 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Range: 2041 altitude metres at an average speed of 13.8 km/h
- Price: 4999 euros (as of 15 November 2023: 4499 euros)
The drive unit in the Canyon Neuron:On CF7
Powerful motor with sensitive modulation: The Bosch Performance CX is currently the benchmark on the market. In particular In more demanding terrain, the Bosch drive can impress with its dynamic power delivery and high maximum power. The 750 Wh battery can't be removed for charging - that's a point deduction. On the other hand, the Canyon is very light: 23 kilos is a great value for a bike with Bosch CX and a 750 Wh battery. Canyon opted for the reduced version of the control unit: a clean cockpit with mini remote and system controller on the top tube - a tribute to the more sporty target group that Canyon seems to be aiming at with the Neuron:On.
The features of the Neuron:On CF7
The spec of the Canyon Neuron:On CF7 is functional: Deore shifting and braking system, dropper post with a generous 170 millimetres of travel, sporty cockpit and reduced display combination of mini-remote and system controller. As a goodie, there is the Bosch Connect module: GPS tracker and alarm system in one. Canyon loses points mainly with the choice of tyres: The 2.4 inch wide Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres are slightly undersized with the thin Superground casing. The workmanship is exemplary: frame finish, cable routing, add-on parts - everything on the Neuron:On is as if cast from a single mould.
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Base / Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Gears: Shimano Deore 12-speed, 36 x 10-51
- Brakes: Shimano Deore, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Rodi TRYP30 Evo
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Super Ground Speedgrip, 29 x 2.4
- Telescopic post: dropper post with 170 mm stroke
The geometry of the Canyon Neuron:On CF7
The geometry of the Neuron is modern, the riding position pleasantly balanced: low bottom bracket, fairly high stack, but flat cockpit and a long reach - so you sit well integrated into the bike and feel secure on steep descents. The long wheelbase provides purposeful handling and composure at high speeds.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 458 mm
- Wheelbase: 1270 mm
- Reach: 476 mm
- Stack: 656 mm
- Steering angle: 65°
- Seat angle: 76.8°
- Chainstay length: 450 mm
How the Neuron:On CF7 rides
140 millimetres front and rear, poppy suspension, sporty geometry: for a bike from the more affordable and conservative touring class, the Canyon is a real trail predator with a playful instinct. The bike accelerates willingly and can be pushed into tight corners with ease. Thanks to the rather firm rear suspension, it's easy to push through bumps and pull the trigger on small berms. At high speeds, the Rockshox suspension doesn't filter out small and large bumps from the ground particularly sensitively. However, the sporty geometry with a low bottom bracket, long reach and high stack gives you a lot of confidence even on steep, fast descents.
The tyres on the Neuron:On CF7 are the main limiting factor. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic in the Superground version offers too little puncture protection, too little comfort and too little grip. This is also evident on steep climbs: the tyres and rear triangle have little traction overall. Our tuning tip is therefore: change the tyres! Nevertheless, the Canyon is a really good climber: the long chainstays prevent the front end from rearing up early, the rear suspension provides a lot of counter-pressure and keeps the rider well positioned.
Strengths
- Injection moulded trail bike
- Balanced seating position
- Top motor
- Good range
- Bosch Connect module
- Low weight
Weaknesses
- Chassis not very comfortable
- Weak tyres
- Permanently installed battery
Conclusion Josh Welz, EMTB editor-in-chief
With the Neuron:On CF7, Canyon presents a balanced bike with modern geometry, strong performance, pragmatic equipment and high-quality workmanship. With its firm suspension, the bike is aimed more at sporty trail bikers, but is also suitable for long tours thanks to its balanced performance and comfortable riding position. Tuning tip: tyres with a more stable carcass for more comfort and better traction. The official retail price of 4999 euros is fair. At the moment (mid-November) Canyon is asking 4499 euros for the bike - you don't really have to think twice about that.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
