In search of an attractively priced all-rounder, the BIKE test editorial team ordered the Canyon Lux Trail CF7. The fact that the choice against the highly interesting Cube AMS One 11 C:68X Pro 29 fell on the 120-millimetre fully from Canyon is of course no coincidence. Our experts reckon this bike category is a real insider tip. The lightweight fullys with progressive geo could have what it takes to be the ideal touring mountain bike. The € 3699 Lux Trail CF7 is positioned between a race and trail bike and is labelled by Canyon as a "downcountry model". On the test stand and trail, we wanted to find out whether the upgraded marathon bike can do more than just scrubbing the trail.
Canyon Lux Trail CF7: Facts & Figures
- Field of application: Downcountry (marathon to trail)
- Spring travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Weight: 12.7 kg (BIKE measurement without pedals)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Maximum permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Guarantee: 6 years
- Price: 3699 Euro
- Special features: Frame storage compartment, tool mount, handlebar stop limiter, two bottle cages
Equipment
- Fork: Fox Float 34 Performance SC
- Shock: Fox Float SL Performance Elite
- Gears / range: Shimano SLX / 510%
- Brakes: Shimano SLX, 180 / 160 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss X1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Wicked Will Evo Addix Speedgrip SuperRace TLE 29 x 2.40" / Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evo Addix Speed Super Ground TLE 29 x 2.35"
- Seatpost / Stroke: Fox Transfer SL / 150 mm
The Canyon Lux Trail on the trail
Attentive observers will have noticed that the Canyon Lux Trail shares its name with the cross-country model Lux Worldcup. In previous tests, we have already realised that the bike has retained some athletic characteristics even with the addition of the Trail name. These include the fast-rolling wheels. Equipped with the low-drag combo from Schwalbe Wicked Will and Racing Ralph tyres, they give the Koblenz rider a decent acceleration. Even though the total weight of over 13 kilos when ready to ride is far from breaking any records, the agility when accelerating is just right. Hardly any trail bike in this price range can keep up with the Lux Trail. Even livelier marathon specialists can cost twice the price. The sporty riding position can also be attributed to the race genes. A sweeping reach and handlebars with a rise of just ten millimetres keep the rider flat on the bike. Want to go the distance on a 30, 60 or even 90 kilometre tour? No problem on board the Canyon Lux Trail CF7.
A third tribute to the racing roots is located on the left-hand side of the handlebars. The Fox suspension elements can be tightened in three stages using a remote lever. In a spontaneous sprint, the Canyon easily outpaces its Cube rival. Even for non-racers, the feature saves energy on transfer stages over tarmac or hard gravel. Speaking of features: the Lux Trail is full of them and doesn't need to hide behind significantly more expensive bikes in this respect. The carbon frame has a storage compartment in the down tube that can hold a windbreaker and a spare inner tube, for example. The opening is a little small for our taste. On the other hand, the locking mechanism looks high-quality and a CO2 cartridge can be stored under the cover for quick access. There is also a small multi-tool under the top tube. The Lux Trail is armed against thirst thanks to two bottle cage mounts. A steering stop limiter protects the frame in the event of a fall. This means that touring bikers can get off to a carefree start with the Canyon.
Not everything under control
On climbs over loose ground, the Canyon Lux Trail CF7 scores with good suspension traction. If you're not looking for the last second, you can keep your hands off the remote, as the rear end barely bobs when pedalling. In order to catch up with the climbing skills of the best marathon bikes, the reasonably priced bike would have to shed around two kilos, but the Canyon Lux Trail makes it possible to cross the Alps at race pace, was proven by the BIKE editorial team at the BIKE-Transalp 2024. Even without optimised carbon wheels and high-end components, the Canyon is a good bike for many metres of climbing. Some people may wish for an intermediate step for technical climbs, which the Fox dropper post unfortunately can't provide, but you won't find any real weak points in the equipment list. Or is it? On our test bike, the Ergon grips without screw clamps twisted even at low forces - a no-go!
When it comes to the rest of the equipment, the mail-order company pulls a joker and invests the money saved on the specialist retail network in consistently functional parts. The mechanical Shimano SLX drivetrain sorts the gears crisply and has the same range as the drivetrains of more expensive assemblies. A sense of proportion is required when choosing the size of the Canyon Lux Trail. The seat tube is extremely short at 450 millimetres and the reach is quite long at 478 millimetres. Canyon recommends the Lux Trail in size L for riders up to 192 centimetres tall. While classic L riders coped well with the Canyon in our test, 1.90 metres require an extremely long saddle extension. In such borderline cases, a test ride makes sense, but is not always easy to realise due to the lack of a dealer network.
120 mm suspension travel - no more
As the trail descends, it becomes clear that there is more to the Canyon Lux Trail than just an efficient racer. The suspension willingly absorbs bumps and keeps shocks away from the rider surprisingly well. The advantage of the sensitive rear suspension is that the rider tires more slowly. Nevertheless, the downcountry bike has good suspension support and can be safely pulled into the air on off-road edges without bottoming out. The kinematics counter big impacts with a pronounced end progression. In previous tests, we already found it somewhat difficult to utilise the entire suspension travel. As only 120 millimetres of this is available anyway, the Lux Trail leaves potential on rough, bumpy trails. This is where classic trail bikes have their advantages.
However, the Canyon draws reserves not only from its suspension, but also from the long geometry of the main frame. The bike is not afraid of fast sections. Thanks to the 435 millimetre short chainstays, the Lux Trail remains pleasantly agile. The 67 degree head angle is on a par with marathon bikes, like the Cannondale Scalpeland is supported by sports colleagues, like the Specialised Epiceven undercut. The combination with the long main frame works well on the Canyon. With a discreet stack value and a flat cockpit, the Lux Trail requires a more experienced hand on the handlebars compared to the Cube AMS One11. The handling is harmonious but not quite as intuitive as on the Antagonist or on board a full-blown trail bike. The Shimano brakes deliver good stopping power and the grip of the Schwalbe tyres is absolutely fine on dry days. However, if you ride a lot of trails, you will want to switch to a softer rubber in autumn at the latest.
Canyon Lux Trail: This is where it comes into its own
Evaluation of the Canyon Lux Trail CF7 in the BIKE spider diagram: Uphill, playfulness and downhill refer to the riding behaviour. The higher the scale, the better the suitability. The evaluation of the equipment is made up of various points such as quality, workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume and saddle lowerability. The deflection for propulsion refers to the influence of total weight and wheel inertia.
Measurement data from the BIKE test lab
- Total weight: 12.70 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 4670 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
- Wheel inertia: 3482 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the easier it is to accelerate)
Valuation
The BIKE grade is based on the impressions of the test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price and analogue to the school grading system (grading range: 0.5-5.5).
Driving behaviour
- Uphill riding behaviour (15 %): 3,00
- Uphill efficiency chassis (15 %): 1.75
- Play instinct (8 %): 3,00
- Downhill riding behaviour (12 %): 2.50
- Downhill chassis (15 %): 2.50
- Driving behaviour grade: 2.50
Laboratory
- Weight without pedals (6 %): 3,25
- Inertia impellers (4 %): 2.50
- Lab grade: 2.95
Equipment
- Equipment quality (5 %): 2.91
- Usability / added value (5 %): 1.75
- Transport volume bottle cage (5 %): 1.25
- Saddle retractability (5 %): 1.00
- Quality / processing (5 %): 0.50
- Equipment grade: 1.48
Overall grade: 2.3
BIKE conclusion
In addition to its sporty character, the Canyon Lux Trail CF7 impresses with a successful symbiosis of comfort and propulsion. The decent weight and efficient riding position and suspension predestine the bike for long laps. The Canyon is a versatile all-rounder at a fair price. You could also say: a perfect touring bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Sensitive chassis
- sporty and enduring riding characteristics
- Richness of detail
- Price-performance ratio
Contra
- long, flat front centre requires experienced pilots
- Rear suspension travel utilisation not ideal
Jan Timmermann
Editor
