Mountain biking is an expensive sport, and fullys suitable for trails and touring usually start at 2500 euros. However, there are always a few bikes that fall well below this limit. The latest example is the recently launched new aluminium version of the Canyon Neuron. At 1599 euros, the AL 6.0 is the most affordable bike in the range and has been brought up to date: Boost standard on the hubs, a redesigned seat tube for the current Canyon look and, of course, a longer reach combined with a slacker head angle and steeper seat angle. In addition, the complete bike comes with a 120-millimetre dropper post. However, the long overhang has also increased the overall length of the seat tube by four centimetres, which is why the saddle can no longer be lowered quite as far. At 14.4 kilos without pedals, the AL 6.0 is not particularly light, but considering the price, you wouldn't expect it to be.
Thanks to the moderately increased reach, the riding position is still comfortable. On the other hand, the steeper seat angle puts more pressure on the front wheel and the rear works noticeably more effectively when pedalling out of the saddle. However, the biggest change can be experienced downhill and on the trail. The slacker steering angle (-2.8 degrees) calms the handling and gives the Neuron AL more confidence. The 2.35 tyres and an increase in travel to a good 130 millimetres at the front and rear are also a step in the same direction. Overall, the sensitive suspension works very harmoniously, offers a lot of comfort and the rear suspension offers sufficient progression. Less attractive: the very coarse compression damping on the fork and the favourable brakes with long, rattling levers.
CONCLUSION on the Canyon Neuron AL 6.0 by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Even though very little has changed visually, apart from the seat tube, the new edition of the Neuron fulfils the current requirements of a trail bike. Suspension, function and equipment including the dropper post make the Neuron an attractive package for a top price. Weight records are not to be expected in this price category.
TECHNICAL DATA CANYON NEURON AL 6.0
Price¹ 1599 Euro
Available via mail order
Front / rear suspension travel 135 mm / 133 mm
Material / Sizes Aluminium / XS / S / M / L / XL (48 cm)
Weight o. P. / Frame o. D. 14.4 kg / 2846 g
Fork / damper Rockshox Recon RL / Rockshox Deluxe RL
Cranks / gears Shimano FC-MT600 / Shimano XT / SLX; 2 x 11
Gear ratio / handlebar width 36/26; 11-42 / 760 mm
Brake system / Disc (f. / h.) Shimano MT 200 / 180 mm / 180 mm
Telescopic support / stroke / ø Canyon Iridium Drop / 120 mm / 30.9 mm
Impellers Mavic EN 427 / XM 424 rims; Shim. MT 400-B hubs; Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance Addix Comp. 29 x 2.35 tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 429 mm / 613 mm / -43 mm
BIKE JUDGEMENT GOOD²
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and tuning. ²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements:
super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
You can find this article in BIKE 12/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
