The equipment - with Race Face carbon cranks, complete XT drivetrain and remote suspension on the handlebars - is not entirely harmonious. Canyon advertises the Nerve as "the perfect Alpine cross bike". But after our test ride, we can only imagine this to a limited extent. The Nerve is nice and light and has two chainrings - which is particularly comfortable on long, steep climbs and will save a lot of energy. However, a long ascent in the Alps is followed by a long descent and we find the short bike too nervous for that. Due to the steep steering angle, there are smoother bikes on technical passages. The cockpit with remote controls for the shock and dropper post makes it easier to use, but it feels overloaded and causes cables to rattle on descents.
Nicole Beege, test driver: The bike is too unsteady for an Alpine crossing. But women who are looking for a light touring bike and want to try their hand at easy trail descents will feel very comfortable on the Nerve.
