Hardtails have a special role among e-mountainbikes. On the one hand, they are used by many people as a means of everyday transport. SUV style, where thick tyres and a beefy look ensure a good feeling and more safety. On the other hand, there are sporty mountain bikers who are happy to make do with an unsprung rear end for their bike tours. With the new edition of the Grand Canyon:On, the Koblenz-based mail-order company Canyon is trying to bridge the gap between the two user groups.
For a long time, Shimano motors were the norm on Canyon e-mountainbikes. This was also the case on the predecessor of the Grand Canyon:On. But that is now a thing of the past. The current model is one of the first Canyon E-MTBs alongside the Strive:On enduro bike with Bosch drive. However, Canyon has opted for a fixed battery integration in the frame of the hardtail. This means that the battery cannot be removed for charging, transporting or changing on the go. According to Canyon developers, they have found that only 15 per cent of buyers remove their battery.
Don't worry: If the battery is damaged, it can of course still be removed. However, the motor must be removed. For the controls, the Grand Canyon:On relies on the minimalist solution with Bosch's LED remote. The customer can purchase an optional Kiox display from Canyon's online shop.
Canyon is placing greater emphasis on connectivity for its 2023 e-bike range. The Bosch bikes all come with the Stuttgart-based company's Connect module. This GPS module allows you to view the location of your e-bike at any time. The e-bike alarm function also emits acoustic signals if the bike is moved without a digital key. In the event of theft, a message is also sent to the smartphone and automatic tracking starts. When purchasing a Canyon e-MTB, these functions are free of charge for twelve months. After that, as things stand at present, the Bosch service costs €40 per year.
The Grand Canyon:On is designed for the attachment of various add-on parts. Side stand, mudguards, pannier rack - Canyon offers all of these to match the frame. The Koblenz-based company has worked closely with accessories specialist SKS. However, all models come from the factory without these parts. If you are looking for a fully equipped bike, you have to buy the parts in Canyon's online shop.
Canyon offers four sizes of its aluminium frame. This should cover rider sizes from 166 to 200 centimetres. Compared to other hardtail E-MTBs, the frame is sporty with a fairly long reach. Anyone who wants to take their bike off-road will benefit from this. The riding position is slightly stretched.
Canyon is offering three models of the new e-hardtail, and the cheapest version is also available with two different battery sizes. It starts at 2999 euros. All models have Schwalbe's Nobby Nic tyres in common, unfortunately in the low-cost performance version. The suspension travel of 120 millimetres on the fork is also identical across the entire range.
The entry-level model Grand Canyon:On 7 is available with either a 625 or 750 Powertube battery. The corresponding prices are 2999 or 3199 euros. Comfort is provided by a Rockshox Judy suspension fork. Shifting is provided by Shimano's Deore groupset, while the DB8 brakes are from Sram. The luxury of a telescopic seatpost is not available on the cheapest version. Weight: 22.9 or 23.5 kilos.
The middle of the three HT models costs 3799 euros. In addition to the large 750 battery, it comes with high-quality XT gears from Shimano. The brakes are also from the Japanese company. The telescopic seat post, which can be lowered from the handlebars, offers a real comfort bonus, even off the trails. Weight according to the manufacturer: 23.8 kilos.
The top model in the series comes with Bosch's ABS system and the corresponding Magura stoppers. (Click here for all information and our test.) This drives up the price. 4299 euros are due for the bike. It comes with Fox AWL suspension at the front and Shimano's 12-speed XT groupset. A dropper post is also on board. Canyon gives the weight as 24.9 kilos.

Editor CvD