Brand new and already on the test bench: The Canyon Lux World Cup CFR in a speed test

When it comes to value for money, the completely redesigned Canyon Lux World Cup CFR makes a clear statement: the Koblenz-based direct-to-consumer brand wants nothing less than to be the best. World-class cross-country and marathon full-suspension bikes cost five-figure sums from most manufacturers. Lightweight construction, racing heritage and high-end equipment are expensive. Even the Canyon Lux World Cup CFR XX SL AXS for 7499 euros would not necessarily be considered cheap by most bikers. However, for one of the lightest carbon frames we have ever measured in the BIKE test lab and absolute top parts, the price is hot - even a bargain in direct comparison with the competition! Does this mean the bike has to make compromises? The BIKE test puts the new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR to the test right at its market launch.

Canyon Lux World Cup CFR XX SL AXS in detail

• Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 110 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame weight: 1593 g (BIKE measurement, without rear shock, incl. brake mount, derailleur hanger and saddle clamp)
• Complete bike weight: 10.99 kg (BIKE measurement without pedals, size L)
• Price: 7499 Euro
• Available sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Special features: Anti-squat flip chip, tool mount, flex pivot

Lightweight construction for all

Even the old Canyon Lux World Cup CFR wasn't exactly chubby. However, with numerous improvements to the details, the new Canyon race bike shoots past the vast majority of its peers and onto the podium in the BIKE weight ranking. The painted frame weighs just under 1600 grams without shock but with derailleur hanger, seat clamp and brake mount, the third-best value we have ever weighed for modern 29er race fullys in our in-house test lab. The Canyon Lux World Cup CFR is only beaten by the Arc8 Evolve FS with its unusual frame construction and the short-travel Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup, which costs € 12,500. Canyon pulls ahead of similarly priced bikes from Giant, Yeti and Trek. Also nice: all the complete bikes in the Lux World Cup CFR line-up are built on the same lightweight frame. The Koblenz-based company is thus bringing lightweight construction into affordable spheres.

The new Cross Country Racer from Canyon on the trail

The fact that Canyon have not only given the new Lux World Cup CFR an anti-squat flip chip, but also increased the overall value, is noticeable in practice with a high level of drive neutrality. Even with the compression damping fully open and when pedalling, the rear end hardly bobs at all. With strong traction in the suspension, the Lux pulls up the trail climb. It's amazing that the Koblenz-based company has not only equipped its racing sled with Rockshox Ultimate components at a price of 7499 euros, but also a power meter. A GPS mount is also on board ex works and racers can always keep an eye on their pedalling performance. The elegant Sram XX SL groupset shifts gears smoothly and crisply. The modern riding position with a steep seat angle creates a lot of pressure on the front and makes the bike an ace climber.

Good but not excellent

The suspension elements can be shifted stiffly using the twist shifter for sprints on tarmac. The combination of Schwalbe wide tyres and carbon wheels from DT Swiss goes well, but is outperformed by even lighter setups on our test benches. Overall, the acceleration is high, but not world-class. On flat stages, the one-piece carbon cockpit shines with an ergonomic, wide hand rest for an aerodynamic riding position.

Sports suspension

In the past, not only Luca Schwarzbauer but also our test riders criticised the Lux World Cup CFR's lack of cushioning. The bike is still sporty and firm. It still provides defined support and feedback from the ground without making the Lux feel bitchy. Racers who value this character can also make use of the flip chip. The new rear suspension kinematics with one centimetre more crumple zone are a positive feature. With a little sensitivity during setup, you can tease out an astonishing amount of reserves. The now more linear characteristic curve makes the entire suspension travel usable and ends in a pleasant end progression.

There's more to it

The reduced steering angle is immediately noticeable on the downhill. Flat and with a long wheelbase, the Lux is unwavering on the course. The discreet overall weight and good rider integration make handling easier. However, technical lines and tight cornering radii on steep slopes require an experienced hand on the handlebars, as they are athletically low. Some testers longed for a shorter, wider control centre. In demanding terrain, taller riders might also wish for more Vario travel. The fast rubber of the tyres has a narrow limit range. Despite its aggressive downhill geometry, the bike is specified as a consistent racer.

Conclusion

The new Lux World Cup CFR is light, fast and noticeably more confident than its predecessor. In other words, it's a weapon between the flats. The way Canyon mixes geometry, suspension and details meets the demands of thoroughbred athletes very well. The ratio of price to equipment and riding performance is a statement that will make the race bike competition sit up and take notice. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

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