Review of the new Canyon Lux Trail CF 9 2027: A wonderfully ordinary trail bike

​It could well be exactly the bike many BIKE readers have been waiting for: the new Canyon Lux Trail CF is an affordable mountain bike with no frills and no excess weight. With 140 millimetres of front suspension travel and 125 millimetres at the rear, it fits squarely into the trail bike category. For many brands over the last few years, it seemed as though this bike category was merely a scaled-down offshoot of the illustrious enduro category: increasingly uncompromising geometries, highly sophisticated suspension systems, heavy components. If we described their products as ‘touring bikes’ in our test reports, the manufacturers would object.

​A well-balanced trail bike without any eccentric downhill characteristics was long regarded by marketing departments as old-fashioned and unsexy. The completely revamped Canyon Lux Trail is now set to shatter precisely these preconceptions. Many BIKE readers describe themselves as touring cyclists. For them, mountain biking is all about experiencing nature and the joy of being active. Some manufacturers don’t want to hear any of it. And that’s perfectly fine. Radical speed demons are great fun on the right terrain. However, if you don’t have a bike park on your doorstep, but perhaps some gentle low mountain ranges, you might be better off with a light, efficient bike like the Lux Trail. We’ve put Canyon’s new trail bike through its paces.

​Conclusion

​I’m convinced that the new Lux Trail is a brilliant choice for a great many cyclists out there. Canyon is launching a state-of-the-art touring bike – and by that I mean a versatile trail bike suitable for everything from everyday rides to the Transalp. The highlights are its easy handling and light weight, all at a competitive price. You won’t find anything extreme on the Lux Trail, but neither will you find a lack of rear-suspension comfort. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

In the video: BIKE reviews the Canyon Lux Trail CF

The Canyon Lux Trail CF 9 in detail

• Intended use: Trail bike
• Suspension travel: 140 / 125 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: carbon
• Frame weight: 1850 g (manufacturer’s specification)
• Weight of complete bike: 12.3 kg (BIKE measurement, size XL, excluding pedals)
• Maximum system weight: 120 kg
• Price: 5,999 euros
• Warranty: 6 years
• Special features: Frame storage compartment, tool mount, handlebar stop, two bottle cages, Flex-Pivot

Facilities

• Front fork / Shock: Fox 36 SL Grip X / Float Factory
• Gear system / Range: SRAM X0 AXS Transmission / 520%
• Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate, 180 / 180 mm
• Wheels: Canyon XC 30 CF
• Tyres: Maxxis Dissector / Rekon Exo TR, 29 x 2.40
• Seatpost / Travel: Fox Transfer Factory / 180 mm

Modern touring bike

​With two bottle cages, a frame storage compartment, a tool mount and a top rating in our service-friendliness ranking, the new Canyon Lux Trail is well equipped for long rides. However, this lightweight trail bike is ideally suited to endurance rides for more than just its many features. The combination of a compact main frame, generous stack height and a flat cockpit positions the rider neutrally on the bike. This balanced riding position is reminiscent of the much-loved Neuron and never feels too bulky or extreme. The overall, comparatively conservative approach to geometry creates a familiar feel and doesn’t overwhelm the rider, even on flat to undulating terrain. Only on very steep terrain would we prefer the seat angle to be steeper for greater efficiency.

The suspension speaks for itself: the Lux Trail is a nimble bike built for covering many kilometres of trails. Agile and without any bobbing, the bike climbs towards the summit. However, this does require an active riding style. Particularly when compared directly with other trail bikes, traction is not one of the Canyon’s strengths. On the other hand, the rider can push off powerfully and hardly wastes any energy. The top-of-the-range model features a power meter in the bottom bracket. Most trail cyclists could probably do without it. For training management, however, it’s a bonus.

Showing real character on the downhill

To get the most out of the suspension on descents, the new Canyon Lux Trail CF requires a delicate touch when it comes to setup. The Flex-Pivot rear triangle features kinematics modelled on the Racebike Lux World Cup CFR, with a low gear ratio, and requires very little shock pressure. There’s no doubt that the short-travel Lux Trail is one of the stiffer models in the trail bike category. This is complemented by the character of the Fox 36 SL fork with Grip X cartridge. It offers slightly more reserve than the rear suspension, but also makes very efficient use of its travel.

The suspension on the new Canyon Lux Trail has a long overall travel, and a well-defined bottom-out resistance allows for active riding over rough terrain. Trail cyclists shouldn’t expect a stoic, cushioned ride. Without anticipatory riding, the bike can get caught on large ledges. Thanks to pronounced progression throughout the entire travel range, the rear suspension handles rough terrain without bottoming out, but leaves no doubt as to its limited travel and reaches the limits of its comfort zone noticeably sooner than many of its peers.

A matter of comparison

The new Canyon Lux Trail doesn’t set itself up as a flying Flubber mat anyway, but rather as a downcountry bike. Grips without screw clamps are just as much a nod to the bike’s light weight as the sufficiently powerful but not particularly aggressive SRAM Motive brakes. For heavier riders and long, steep descents, more powerful brakes would be a sensible upgrade. In our view, the product managers have made the perfect choice of tyres.

The geometry is designed more for enjoyable handling than for full-throttle downhills. Our laser measurements in the BIKE test lab confirm that the Canyon has a strikingly short reach. On the trail, the short, high riding position makes steering a breeze. Input is responded to quickly despite the flat head angle. You don’t need to be a pro to have fun on the Canyon. Even at low speeds on technical sections, this lightweight bike is easy to position exactly where you want it. The combination of compact geometry and stiff suspension means the new Canyon Lux Trail offers less control than you’d expect from other trail bikes when riding fast through rough, root-strewn sections. At top speed, the margin for error is narrow.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• proper progress
• a very balanced riding position with incredibly easy handling
• a comprehensive, lightweight and competitively priced package

Cons

• Compromises in terms of ride comfort and traction

What do you think: would you prefer a downhill wonder with little suspension travel or an efficient, stiff touring bike? What really makes a good trail bike? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!