Test duel for 5000 euros: Top seller Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC vs Canyon Neuron:On CF7
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Mail order company versus specialist retail brand, this duel always harbours a certain explosiveness. Especially when the two opponents are Cube and Canyon. In this duel, we are also pitting two e-mountainbikes against each other, which appeal to a huge target group thanks to their wide range of use from touring to trail and their favourable price. Which candidate comes out on top in the end? The two all-mountain e-bikes Canyon Neuron:On CF7 and Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC in a test duel.
Cube vs Canyon at a glance: Trail bike versus comfort tourer?
Let's start with the motor question: Both manufacturers use Bosch's top-of-the-range Performance CX motor with a 750 Wh battery. The Swabian drive is an excellent choice, especially in demanding terrain, and the combination also achieves an impressive range. Key differences: Canyon mounts the battery permanently, which saves weight. Only the small mini remote button is clamped to the handlebar, which instructs the system controller in the top tube by radio. This is simple and stylish and is clearly aimed at the sporty trail biker. Cube has optimised its Stereo Hybrid for touring use: with a removable battery and .
The differences in character between the candidates become even clearer when it comes to geometry and suspension: with its long reach and shorter chainstays, the Canyon aims to be fun to ride on the trail. The crisp and lively, albeit less sensitive Rockshox suspension suits this. Here too, Cube consistently targets the comfort-orientated touring clientele: the fork and rear suspension are very sensitive and plush - this is easy on bikers on long rides and makes bumpy descents easier for inexperienced riders.
In terms of equipment, Cube scores with brakes and gears: they come from Shimano's XT line, while Canyon has to make do with Deore. But the Koblenz-based company counters with the Bosch Connect module: GPS tracker and motion sensor promise the best possible theft protection. What's more, the mail-order bike is cheaper.
In the end, the Canyon Neuron:On CF7 and the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC are neck-and-neck for the win on points, but they appeal to slightly different target groups: Canyon the more trail-hungry, Cube the more comfort-orientated touring biker.
Fact check: Cube Stereo Hybrid & Canyon Neuron:On in comparison
Canyon Neuron:On CF7
- Weight (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size L): 23 kg
- Wheel size: 29/29 inch
- Suspension travel: 140/140 mm
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (250 max. watts, 85 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 Wh
- Price: 4999 Euro
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2041 (+0)hm at an average speed of 13.8 km/h
Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC
- Weight (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size L): 24.6 kg
- Wheel size: 29/29 inch
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX (250 max. watts, 85 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 Wh
- Price:5299 Euro >> available here
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2011 (+0)hm at an average speed of 13.6 km/h
The e-drives: Both E-MTBs are equipped with the Bosch Performance CX
Both manufacturers use Bosch's top-of-the-range Performance CX power unit with a 750 Wh battery. The Schwaben drive is regarded as a benchmark and is an excellent choice, especially in demanding terrain, and the combination also has an impressive range. Off-road, the dynamic driving feel and sensitive modulation are particularly pleasing, from which both candidates benefit in this case.
Key differences: Canyon installs the battery permanently - this saves weight. Only the small mini remote button is attached to the handlebars, which instructs the system controller in the top tube by radio. This is simple and stylish and clearly aimed at the sporty trail biker. Cube has optimised its Stereo Hybrid for touring use: with a removable battery and Kiox 300 display.
The batteries: Bosch Powertube with 750 watt hours
The permanently installed battery in the Canyon Neuron:On CF7 may be the reason why the mail-order bike climbs a few more metres compared to the Cube Stereo Hybrid HPC 140. This is because the Canyon saves over 1.5 kilos in total weight compared to the Cube thanks to this design. However, the range advantage is marginal and lies within the production tolerances of the drive unit. All in all, both bikes have a very long range and are therefore ideal for long e-bike tours. Because of the removable battery, the Cube scores slightly more points overall.
E-All-Mountains from Canyon & Cube off-road
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. With the Cube, on the other hand, it's clear from the first time you sit on it that the Hybrid isn't aiming for the fastest times on rough downhills. The riding position is balanced, but more compact and tour-orientated than the Canyon thanks to the offset handlebars and shorter reach. There are also clear differences in terms of suspension: the Fox fork and shock in the Cube work sensitively and smoothly, especially at low speeds, the Fox suspension filters the bumps out of the ground better than the Rockshox combination in the Canyon. As a result, the Cube meanders through twisty trails, but still doesn't feel particularly light-footed. The lighter Neuron:On, on the other hand, accelerates willingly and can be pushed into tight corners with ease.
Thanks to the rather firm rear suspension, you can push the Canyon well through bumps and push off on small berms. At high speeds, the Rockshox suspension doesn't filter small and large bumps from the ground as reliably as the Fox suspension on the Cube, but the sporty geometry with a low bottom bracket, long reach and high stack gives you a lot of confidence even on steep, fast descents. Both bikes cut a fine figure on the climbs: the rear triangle of the Cube provides plenty of traction, stays high in its travel on steep climbs and doesn't bottom out even on steps. The long chainstays also help - the front only rears up late. Overall, the tyres and rear suspension on the Canyon provide less traction than on the Cube. Nevertheless, the Canyon is also 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.
The evaluation: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC vs Canyon Neuron:On CF7
Conclusion on the test: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC vs Canyon Neuron:On CF7
A duel at eye level: both Canyon and Cube offer very strong bikes at a fair price. With its modern geometry and lively ride feel, the Canyon is aimed at sporty trail bikers, but is also suitable for long tours thanks to its balanced riding position. Cube impresses with sensitive suspension and high-quality equipment. On tours, the Stereo Hybrid provides a lot of comfort, and on demanding descents, the more forgiving suspension offers less experienced bikers a lot of riding safety. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB
About the tests: Canyon Neuron:On CF7 & Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
