Canyon Neuron Young Hero: How does the price cracker perform in the tough endurance test?
Henri Lesewitz
· 26.10.2023
Technical data: Canyon Neuron Young Hero
- Price: 1599 Euro
- Weight without pedals: 13.75 kg
- Front / rear suspension travel: 130 / 130 m
- Material: Aluminium
- Wheels: 27.5 inch (complete weight 4996 g)
- Fork / shock: Manitou Machete Comp / Manitou Mara
- Gearing / transmission: Sram SX Eagle, 1 x 12 / 30 / 11-50 (= 454 %)
- Brake system / Disc front / rear : Tektro HDJ 285 Junior / 180 mm / 180 mm
- Handlebar width / seat height max. / min.: 700 mm / 640 mm / 800 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic / Rocket Ron 27.5 x 2.25"
The first story about the driving impression already provided an initial, fundamental insight. The performance of the Canyon Neuron Young Hero was convincing - once again. At least as long as it was downhill or the flat, technical terrain gave the sensitive suspension something to do. Uphill sections and longer rides on normal gravel paths immediately caused our junior tester's motivation to plummet. The weight of almost 14 kilos without pedals had already indicated before the first ride that the Kids-Fully was only suitable for touring to a limited extent. And so the Young Hero was mainly used in bike parks or regions with lifts. In Nauders. In Bischofsmais. In Leogang. And on the Samerberg near Munich.
Looking for a children's MTB? Also read these articles on the subject:
The material was anything but spared. The chassis was constantly massaged by both large and small road bumps and also had to cope with numerous landings after jumps. The brakes were just as much a challenge as the wheels. The gears were also kept on their toes, as the chain had to be shifted to the optimum sprocket every few bends. The only fun measure on the bike that was noticeable during such missions was the missing dropper post. Otherwise, the bike was a lot of fun. The tyres, which are designed more for touring, handled everything without complaint. However, we would recommend upgrading to tubeless tyres.
The big question: How good is a children's bike for 1599 euros in continuous use?
After almost a year of continuous use, it's time to check: Has everything held up? What's worn out? Can Canyon live up to its claim as a premium manufacturer with the Neuron Young Hero?
The first glance reveals a few scratches, but no real technical damage. Nothing rattles. Nothing creaks. That's a positive thing. But only a closer look at the details will reveal how hard-wearing the Neuron Young Hero is. Firstly, let's take a closer look at the bearings behind the black covers. Voilá! Although the product managers had to work with the proverbial sharp pencil in order to realise the competitive price of 1599 euros, no savings were made on the chassis. The high-quality industrial bearings are elaborately sealed. They rotate smoothly and have no play whatsoever. This applies to the bearings on the bell crank and also to those on the Horst link. Perfect.
Despite the countless bike park descents, the Manitou shock itself doesn't show the strain it has been subjected to over the months. The coating on the friction surface is intact, the seals are in good order and the shock sits rattle-free in the frame. That's how it should be. However, the majority of the rides took place in good, or at least dry weather. Which is normal for children's bikes. Very few kids are likely to get on their MTBs in constant rain.
A positive surprise: no savings were made on the bearings.
It continues with the headset. People like to save money here because most prospective buyers tend to look at the rear derailleur or the suspension fork rather than the components hidden inside the frame. Yet these are just as important for riding enjoyment. At first glance, the Acros headset fitted by Canyon looks inconspicuous and not exactly glamorous with its plastic cover, but inside it hides high-quality, top-sealed industrial bearings. They rotate as smoothly as on the first day. Top and bottom. Super.
The brakes of a mountain bike are one of the problematic parts when used continuously. The pistons can become stiff due to dirt, jam or produce annoying grinding noises. The pads can squeak, glaze or grind down, and the brake discs can bend. Canyon uses lightweight two-piston models from Tektro. The Taiwanese company's brakes have been used in the World Cup for years, but are still unknown to many bikers.
The braking performance was convincing in the endurance test. Pressure point, modulation, power: there is nothing to criticise. The wear on the pads is also limited. However, as already mentioned, they were largely spared mud and sludge.
Another impressive feature of the Tektro brakes: the pistons work excellently. They slide smoothly back into the brake housing. No annoying pushing back, for example when inserting the pads, is necessary. The brake callipers make a rock-solid impression. And the levers also gave no cause for complaint. The ergonomics are well suited to children's hands.
12 gears and super-affordable: Does the Sram SX rear derailleur match the high standards of the Canyon Fullys?
The drivetrain is normally the centrepiece of a mountain bike. But in contrast to the suspension, Canyon has reached for the bottom shelf here. The cheap SX rear derailleur, which is available from online retailers for less than 60 euros, is a compromise. Of course, this is due to the bike's hard-calculated sales price, but not one that has a negative impact on the riding behaviour. From a purely functional point of view, the SX drivetrain does its job. Although it is much simpler than the more expensive Sram derailleurs, it is still part of the Eagle line. This means: 12 gears, a wide range and precise gear changes.
The function of the Sram SX drivetrain was also good at the end of the endurance test. Nothing was crooked, nothing was broken, nothing rattled. The pulleys, which were only fitted with cheap bearings, still rotated without jamming and didn't need replacing. You can't expect more.
The signs of wear on the steel cassette were also more of a visual nature. The many gear changes had rubbed off the coating. Some teeth were slightly ground round. Otherwise, however, the Eagle cassette, like the chain, was still fit enough for more kilometres.
Small cause, big effect: A brake hose that is too long causes a cosmetic blemish
The wear and tear on the Canyon Neuron Young Hero is limited. That is pleasing. After all, replacing wearing parts can quickly add up. Even on kids' bikes. The season with the Fully has left the biggest marks on the powder coating, which is actually extremely resistant. Namely on the head tube. Annoying: The paint was rubbed off from the front brake line, which ran too close to the frame, down to the bare aluminium. At one of the first bike park weekends. Unfortunately, we saw it too late. Otherwise we could have shortened the line or protected the head tube with frame film.
The paint damage has no effect on the function, but of course it doesn't look nice. It can be repaired with a little skill. With spray paint from the DIY store and polish. At least the front would have to be dismantled. But that's no problem for experienced hobby mechanics. It's up to you to decide whether you want to go to the trouble. However, the cause of the rubbing should be eliminated in any case. Otherwise the frame will eventually develop real cracks in the aluminium.
We didn't expect the Canyon to hold up so reliably. The bike made a well thought-out, solid impression right from the start. However, given the favourable price, it wouldn't have been surprising if one or two components had turned out to be too cheap. The wheel hubs, for example. The cassette. The rear suspension bearings. Or the brake pistons. But everything has held up. The Canyon Neuron Young Hero is therefore an absolute recommendation for kids who like to accelerate in the bike park or on downhill trails with lift access. In our opinion, it is not suitable for demanding tours.
CONCLUSION from tester Tim L. (11)
The bike was really fun, especially in the bike park. The suspension works great. You can really accelerate and hardly notice when you land again after a jump. It's so much fun. But normal tours are too strenuous on the bike. It's too heavy for that and the suspension soaks up all the power.
What we liked
- Efficient, well-tuned chassis
- Sensible, functional equipment
- Robust parts
- Biting brakes with good lever ergonomics
There is still potential here
- Tele support: retrofitting makes sense for real off-road use
- Tubeless: Recommended in any case
- Cable routing was not optimal (avoid chafe marks or cover with frame protection film)
Also interesting:
