Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7 on test: Reduced! Light e-MTB at a discounted price
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 28.03.2025
A low-slung top tube, long, flat chassis and clean lines: The Canyon Neuron:Onfly has a sporty trail attitude. For a bike in the 140-millimetre category, it looks quite downhill-heavy at first glance. This also applies to the entry-level model, which already uses the same stylish full carbon frame as its more expensive brothers. Speaking of price: the CF7 is currently reduced to € 3999 on the direct mail order company's homepage - a light e-MTB made entirely of carbon has probably never been so cheap! Basically, even below the 6000 euro mark, very few manufacturers have a light bike in their portfolio - because lightweight construction costs money.
But back to the almost enduro-like appearance of the Light Neuron. The bike's spec is rather moderate, especially as it doesn't just rely on high-end components at a low price. Can the cheapest Canyon Neuron:Onfly still impress with trail fun and good handling? We tested the bike extensively. In a direct duel with another light bike that aims to score points with a particularly favourable price and strong performance. The AMS Hybrid One44 Race from Cube.
The facts about the 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)
- Max. System weight: 130 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
Fully integrated: The Bosch Performance Line SX motor
Canyon relies on the Bosch Performance Line SX motor, which is not particularly compact or light, but impresses with its high peak performance. It weighs 2.1 kilos and offers powerful support when pedalling fast. On steep climbs, however, the lower torque compared to the 85 Nm class requires dedicated pedalling and a high cadence. For fans of classic e-bikes, this could be an exclusion criterion. Disadvantage of the Bosch light motor: Unlike the new CX, the SX still rattles out of the gearbox. This is particularly noticeable on bumpy sections when rolling.
The motor draws its power from the Bosch Compact Tube 400, a 400 watt-hour battery that is firmly integrated into the down tube. This means that the range is significantly shorter than with classic E-MTBs, such as the big brother Canyon Neuron:On CF with Powertube 750 from Bosch. On long tours, especially in the Alps, you should plan your light bike carefully and use the motor power sparingly. For longer tours, cyclists can extend the range of their Neuron:Onfly with an optional additional battery. The Bosch Power More 250 delivers 250 watt hours and currently costs around 400 euros. Weighing 1.6 kilograms, the battery can be attached to the down tube like a water bottle. A cable connects the additional battery to the bike's charging port.
The geometry
For a 140 mm trail bike, the geometry of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF is very modern and downhill orientated. The long wheelbase in particular has almost enduro dimensions. In addition to the long reach, this is also due to the rather long chainstays and the fairly slack head angle. The bottom bracket is low and, together with the long head tube, ensures a well-integrated position on the bike.
BIKE measurements at a glance (frame size L)
The features of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7
The geometry is modern, but a look at the spec makes it clear that the Canyon Neuron:Onfly is not intended to be an enduro-style downhill expert. Slim suspension elements and, above all, a skinny Nobby Nic rear tyre set the tone for touring and rather shallow trails.
The rest of the equipment is well chosen and gives little reason to complain. However, the parts show that even mail-order companies have to calculate with a hot needle to be able to push a light eMTB with a carbon frame up the ramp for under € 5000. Functionally, the parts are solid, but there is no real enthusiasm for the cheap Pike fork, the simple Code R brakes and certainly not for the heavy wheels. The long dropper post with 200 mm travel and the standard Bosch Connect module with GPS tracking and theft alarm stand out on the positive side.
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Base / Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Shimano Deore, 1 x 12
- Brakes: Sram Code R, 200/200 mm
- Wheels: Rodi Tryp 30 Evo
- Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf / Nobby Nic Supertrail Speedgrip, 29 x 2.35 / 2.4"
- Seatpost: Canyon Dropper / 200 mm
- Special features: Theft protection with Bosch Connect module
Practical test: How the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7 rides
Solid on the trail
The bike demonstrates its "Neuron DNA" off-road. It is uncomplicated and fun to ride off-road. The high front end and long wheelbase give the bike a smooth ride and a high level of riding safety. However, the bike doesn't want to mutate into a real downhill ace with the favourable suspension elements. The narrow, weak rear tyre also unnecessarily slows down the downhill qualities. On the other hand, the Neuron:Onfly is a favourite on flat and narrow trails. It rides more naturally and light-footedly than comparably expensive power eMTBs. However, the heavier and longer Canyon is a long way away from the lively handling of its duel partner, the Cube AMS Hybrid One44.
Small weaknesses on the uphill
On climbs, the Neuron is at a slight disadvantage. You have to tackle steep sections a little more actively to keep the bike on track and the traction isn't perfect either. But by light standards, the Neuron:Onfly climbs very well. This is because the SX motor revs up at a high cadence and then really delivers a lot of power. The modulation of the Bosch unit is also first-class. On long tours, however, you have to use the turbo sparingly. This is because the permanently installed 400-cell battery does not last forever. With moderate thrust, however, long rides are also possible with Bosch's Light system. For more range, there is the optional Powermore range extender with 250 watt hours.
BIKE review of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF 7
Strengths
- High-quality, rigid chassis
- sporty geometry
- Good detailed solutions
Weaknesses
- Chassis and tyre performance
- Permanently installed battery
- Engine rattles
The BIKE conclusion
The elegant carbon chassis of the Canyon Neuron:Onfly CF and the Bosch package form a strong basis for a successful light eMTB. The modern geometry is great, but the cheap suspension and tyres hamper the trail qualities of the entry-level model. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
