Typical for direct mail order companies: The extremely good equipment with Fox Performance Elite suspension, complete Shimano XT 2x11 drivetrain and high-quality DT Swiss system wheels. Only Radon and the small company Transalp can offer comparable equipment for the same money. With a ready-to-ride weight of 13.23 kilos and extremely light 29er wheels, the Canyon is particularly impressive on the climbs. If you want to keep the rear shock quiet, you can use the lockout-like platform or simply tighten the compression damping via the centre lever position. Conti's X-King tyre in the lightweight Race Sport version rolls well on the rear wheel, not only on the climbs but also on the straights. Downhill, the wide 2.4 Mountain King front tyre provides sufficient guidance in loose forest soil. The steep steering angle makes the handling a little nervous on fast trail sections. Pleasant for beginners: The linear rear suspension immediately releases a lot of travel in rough sections and thus ensures comfort in rough terrain. However, the shock occasionally bottoms out when the going gets tougher.
ConclusionWell thought-out and first-class equipment for 3000 euros. One of the fastest uphill bikes in the test.
The alternative: The Neuron AL 8.9 costs 400 euros less. You only have to compromise on the suspension and the wheels.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2017 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the issue in the DK shop reorder: