Canyon Neuron CF 7 on test: Double victory - Canyon triumphs in a four-way comparison!
Max Fuchs
· 07.02.2025
Let's make a long story short: the Canyon Neuron CF 7 wins the test, which was predictable and shouldn't surprise even the most die-hard BIKE readers. Hardly any other bike so consistently wins our group tests. Now that the veil around the top score has been lifted, all that remains to be clarified is what gives the Neuron the upper hand in this test in particular.
The facts about the Canyon Neuron CF 7
- Price: 3099 Euro (RRP)
- Range of use: Trail/All Mountain
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front / 140 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 13.67 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
- Weight of wheels: 4664 g
- Acceleration wheels: 3522 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Mullet tyres for frame sizes XS and S
The price is hot
Since our BIKE test judgement is independent of price, the Neuron CF 7 can also take home an award for the best price-performance ratio in addition to the test victory. For just 3099 euros, the Koblenz-based company is by far the cheapest bike in the comparison - including the full carbon frame, mind you.
For comparison: the 1400 euro more expensive GT Sensor only the main frame is made of carbon, but the rear triangle is made of aluminium. The frame of the only 300 euro more expensive NS Define is even made entirely of light metal.
With the carbon chassis, Canyon lays the foundation for a good overall weight. Paired with the lightest wheels, it is easily enough for the best value: 13.67 kilos without pedals. This means that the Neuron CF 7 beats GT's second lightest bike by 580 grams!
The product managers skilfully invested the remaining budget in sensitive Fox suspension and grippy brakes. Although the simple Shimano Deore drivetrain is one of the cheapest in the test on paper, it doesn't have any weaknesses in practice.
The test group: 4 trail bikes in comparison
- Canyon Neuron CF 7 (in this article here)
- GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro
- NS Bikes Define 130 AL
- YT Industries Izzo Core 2
- An overview of our test can be found here
The features of the Canyon Neuron CF 7
- Fork / Shock: Fox 34 Performance/ Fox Float Rhythm
- Gears / range: Shimano Deore 1x12 / 510 %
- Brakes: Shimano Deore 6120/6100 / 180/180 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss M 1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic/Wicked Will Speedgrip Superground 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost: Canyon SP0081 / 170 mm
- max. system weight: 120kg
The perfect all-rounder
With this well thought-out equipment package in its luggage, the candidate sets off for the final sprint off-road. The Spring elements from Fox set the benchmark in this test in terms of response behaviour, comfort and absorption capacity. No suspension tames tricky terrain as confidently as the Neuron.
The combination of moderate reach and high front end places the rider upright and safely behind the cockpit. Add to that the long chainstays, and the Canyon's geometry keeps the safety factor high. Winding trails as well as trail playfulness are also easy to handle - even if not quite as easy as with the competition from YT Izzo.
The riding position is immediately pleasing. Perfectly balanced and pleasantly compact, the geometry places the rider above the frame triangle. Typical Canyon: on climbs, the rear suspension remains pleasantly stable even when pedalling. Only the suspension of the GT Sensor ST converts the driver's input into propulsion even more efficiently.
The low weight and fast tyres are a welcome added value on long tours. The only drawback: Even though the tyre combination rolls best, we would have liked to see a grippier soft rubber compound, at least at the front.
Canyon Neuron CF 7: Lab results & BIKE review
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Apart from the lab rating and the top price-performance ratio, the Canyon Neuron CF 7 is not an absolute high-flyer in any discipline. Rather, it scores consistently high marks in all areas and delivers the best overall package. Whether it's long tours, fast laps on the home trails or technical descents - the Neuron can cope with any scenario and is easy on the wallet at the same time.
Max Fuchs
Editor
