SUVs are all the rage. We have already been able to in our test of classic trekking bikes with the new CX motor at the beginning of 2025. And full-suspension bikes - once real exotics among touring e-bikes - are also appealing to an ever wider audience. With the Pathlite:On, Canyon is seeking to strike a balance between the two categories. The new SUV bike from the Koblenz-based company aims to maximise comfort with a long suspension fork and suspension dropper post without having to resort to the technically much more complex and expensive full suspension. A classic trekking bike, in other words, but spiced up with a big pinch of adventure thanks to lightweight studded tyres.
The Canyon Pathlite:On 8 SUV bike at a glance
- Price: 3799 Euro
- Weight: 26.2 kilograms (MYBIKE measurement)
- Drive: Bosch CX Gen 5, Purion 200, 600 Wh
- Circuit: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Translation: 40; 10 - 51 teeth
- Brakes: MT Thirty (four-piston front)
- Tyres: Maxxis Crossmark, 57 mm
- Lighting system: f. / h. Supernova Mini 2 Pro, 160 Lux / Sate-Lite M15 Rear
- Luggage carrier: Canyon, MIK, 27 kg
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes: Diamond, Wave
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR 34, 120 mm
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Guarantee: 6 years on frame
- Special features: Ortlieb Quick-Lock system, spring tele support, SP-Connect, brake and high beam ex works
Who else knows the predecessor (here in the test)If you take a look at the facts, you'll see that a lot has changed with Canyon's Pathlite:On. The new bike is much straighter and has shed almost two kilos. The extravagant low down tube is weighted towards a classic design and the battery is easier to remove. At the same time, the Koblenz-based company has also reduced the price by 200 euros, despite the fact that the bike still has extensive and high-quality features.
Bosch motor with 600 or 800 watt hours
The most important innovation is of course the new Bosch CX motor (tested here)which can be combined with 600 or 800 watt hours in the down tube, depending on your preferences. We tested the bike with 600 watt hours for 200 euros less, the range of around 75 kilometres is sufficient for most uses anyway. As usual, the new Bosch motor pushes powerfully and quietly and decouples comfortably above 25 kilometres per hour. If you want, you can now give the Swabian drive even more power via firmware: A maximum of 750 watts and 100 Nm are possible. The Purion display shows the most important information about the journey. A mobile phone can be used as a sat nav, which can be mounted on the stem via the SP Connect interface.
Sporty & comfortable: the Canyon SUV bike in a practical test
Typical Canyon: The riding position on the Pathlite:On is slightly sporty despite the focus on comfort. However, it can be fine-tuned using an adjustable stem. We left the stem in a low position and experienced an easily manoeuvrable bike that cuts a fine figure both in the city and on longer rides. For a full-grown E-SUV, the Canyon feels lively and the weight of over 25 kilograms is never uncomfortable to ride. The small wheel size of 27.5 inches and the moderate handlebar width of 680 millimetres should also benefit the Canyon here. Modern E-SUVs often have much wider mountain bike handlebars and are then noticeably bulkier to ride.
Strong in driving comfort
The Canyon also performs well in terms of comfort. The wing grips from Ergon are tried and tested, and the simple but easily adjustable Suntour suspension fork defuses larger bumps with ease. The bike doesn't have rear suspension, but the wide SUV tyres and the Tele seatpost with suspension function effectively keep bumps away from the rider when seated. This means that you can casually rumble over bad roads or rough gravel tracks. The Canyon only reaches its limits on real trails with large roots or rocks.
A small point of criticism: The gear changes of the XT drivetrain on the Sunrace cassette are not quite as harmonious as you'd expect from the original Shimano hardware, and the wide saddle is too soft and quickly sags. Otherwise, however, the Canyon can hardly be criticised. The rack with MIK standard carries 27 kilos and is compatible with Ortlieb's quick-release system. Practical expander straps replace the classic spring flap and can be easily removed if necessary. The rest of the equipment is also excellent, from the extra-wide mudguards to the Magura brakes with four pistons at the front. The Supernova lighting with high beam at the front and brake light function at the rear is a clear highlight and above-average brightness, especially for this price range.
MYBIKE review of the Canyon Pathlite:On 8 SUV
Strengths
- High ride comfort
- Sophisticated details
- Price-performance ratio
Weaknesses
- Saddle sits through easily
- Cassette does not shift completely smoothly
MYBIKE verdict on the Canyon Pathlite:On 8 SUV
With the Pathlite:On 8, Canyon delivers a really well-rounded package. Good riding characteristics, high comfort, well thought-out details - even the equipment is really good. Without full suspension, it's not an off-road specialist, but for less than 4000 euros there's hardly anything left to be desired. - Barbara Merz-Weigandt, Editor-in-Chief MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
