Canyon Lux Trail or Lux World Cup?: Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the new Lux range

With its new Lux range, Canyon is making a strong statement – and not just in terms of price. Lightweight carbon frames are combined with new geometry concepts and attractive spec packs. Cross-country riders are eyeing up the new Lux World Cup CFR, whilst trail and touring riders might well be adding the Lux Trail CF to their virtual shopping basket. Two siblings, a clear distinction. But it’s not quite as simple as that, as our practical and lab tests show. For the same price, these dissimilar brothers have very different characters. In truth, the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR can do more than many cyclists would expect from a race model, whilst the Lux Trail is, in the modern sense, not quite your average trail bike.

Conclusion

Canyon has made a clever move with the redesign of its Lux range. Both models are lightweight and rank very highly in terms of value for money. The Lux Trail impresses with its straightforward handling and wide range of uses. But the Lux World Cup is also more versatile than you might think. With more sophisticated geometry and suspension, the race bike is my personal favourite. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

A comparison of the Canyon Lux models

A Canyon Lux Trail CF 9 and a Canyon Lux World Cup CFR X0 AXS rolled into the BIKE test lab for a comparison. Both bikes arrived in size XL. We measured these dissimilar siblings meticulously on our test benches.

Big differences, small differences

Despite the obvious difference in travel, both Canyon Lux models feature a Flex-Pivot rear suspension system. The Trail version incorporates a storage compartment in the down tube, which its Racebike counterpart does without in order to save weight. Incidentally, despite significant differences in tyres and suspension components, there is only a one-kilo difference in weight between the bikes. To put this into perspective, the Lux Trail CF is a particularly light trail bike, whilst the Lux World Cup CFR is an average-weight race bike. Considering the price, both models offer impressive specifications and weight figures.

Unlike the Lux Trail CF, the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR comes with an anti-squat flip chip, which allows the suspension kinematics to be adjusted to accommodate larger chainrings. Both bikes feature a handlebar stop limiter. However, on the Race version, the cables are routed through the headset, whilst on the Trail version they are routed through the head tube in the traditional manner. The latter is fitted with additional frame protection for tougher riding, but still retains a second bottle cage mount. Both Canyon Lux models feature a tool mount beneath the top tube.

Key features

When it comes to spec, the two Canyon Lux models take different approaches. Both come fitted with SRAM Motive brakes. For just under 6,000 euros, the Trail CF variant features the top-of-the-range Ultimate model and an 180-millimetre rear rotor. On the equally priced World Cup CFR version, the Koblenz-based brand has fitted mid-range SLVR Motives brakes and only a 180-millimetre front brake disc – though this is also the thicker HS2 version. Whilst the Canyon Lux Trail CF 9 is fitted with Fox Factory suspension, the Lux World Cup CF enters our test for the same price with RockShox Select+ suspension components. The difference in performance compared to the Ultimate model is, however, minimal.

Canyon saves money on the wheels of the Canyon Lux Trail CF. Whilst the in-house carbon rims are also pleasingly light, the cross-country version benefits from tried-and-tested carbon wheelsets from DT Swiss, featuring even higher-quality hubs. Although the Trail Lux features a coarser tyre tread, it still comes with a hard rubber compound. The one-piece carbon cockpit on the race bike saves weight and allows for an efficient aero position, whilst the two-piece version on the trail bike is easier to adjust ergonomically.

Conservative versus progressive

It’s interesting to take a look at the geometry table. With its slack head angle and long reach, the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR joins the ranks of the very latest cross-country full-suspension bikes. In capable hands, it delivers astonishing performance both uphill and downhill. Although the suspension has a short travel, it is very responsive and offers exemplary control. As a result, the Lux World Cup can tackle terrain that is considerably more challenging than one might expect at first glance.

For a trail bike, the Lux Trail CF also has a sporty set-up. Canyon describes it as a “downcountry bike”. Agile manoeuvres are a joy thanks to the bike’s easy handling. On descents, the particularly flat head angle instils confidence above all else. However, the reach in size XL is not only shorter than specified by Canyon, but measures a full 16 millimetres less than on the Racebike. Even in a direct comparison with its predecessor, the Lux Trail has lost reach. At high speeds and on rough terrain, the Canyon Lux Trail CF therefore does not offer quite the same level of riding confidence as other trail bikes.

Whilst the Lux World Cup CFR plays a pioneering role in its category and is aimed at advanced riders, the Trail version remains more conservative and is geared towards less technically proficient cyclists who aren’t constantly riding at full throttle.

What do you think: would you rather go for the Canyon Lux Trail CF or the Lux World Cup CFR? Let us know in the comments.