With the Neuron CF, Canyon gets right to the heart of the trail bike sector and, thanks to its attention to detail, confidently takes the lead in the field. In terms of equipment and workmanship, the Neuron is extremely high-quality: clean cockpit with good cable routing, additional bearing caps over the rear pivot points and steering stop limiters. And the equipment with Sram X01 drivetrain, Race Face components, Fox Transfer seatpost and Reynolds carbon rims is also top class - no other manufacturer can compete with the mail order company from Koblenz with this flood of top components. At 2529 grams, the frame is no lightweight like those from Specialized or Trek, but there is a full 143 millimetres of rear suspension travel available. The testers wished for a little more progression here. Thanks to the equipment, the total weight adds up to a bearable 12.8 kilos.
If you want a lighter bike, you'll have to invest heavily: For 2000 euros more, Canyon offers the SLX version on. This weighs around a kilo less, but brings only a slight improvement in terms of performance.
In practice, the Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL The Neuron offers an excellent compromise between climbing ability and downhill talent and, thanks to its moderately sporty riding position, makes you want to go on long tours. The test competitors from Cube, Trek and Scott climb a little better with slightly firmer suspension, but the Neuron's hour has come on the downhill. The tyres sit well on the 30 millimetre wide carbon rims and provide plenty of grip, while the plush rear suspension keeps things calm in root and rock fields. This keeps the handling controlled and direct. This gives you confidence, increases speed and is fun.
Test summary of the Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL
The Neuron CF for 4000 euros shines with its consistent overall performance and attention to detail. In terms of equipment, it pulls away from the competition, and its handling leaves little to be desired. The frame weight could be cited as a fly in the ointment, but this is more than compensated for by the high-quality components and generous suspension travel.
Measured values/data for the Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL - model year 2020
Price
¹ 3999 Euro (mail order)
Frame material / sizes Carbon/ XS / S / M / L / XL (48 cm)
Weight without pedals 12.88 kg
Frame weight without shock absorber 2529 g
Wheel size 29"
Weight of wheels 4457 g
Handlebar width 760 mm
Frame rigidity (absol. / STW) 46 N/mm / 16.3 N/mm/kg
Front suspension travel 130 mm
Rear suspension travel 143 mm
Fork Fox 34 Float Performance Elite Fit4 3Pos Adj
Damper Fox Float Performance
Cranks Truvativ Stylo
Circuit Sram X01 Eagle / 1x12 gears
Translation / bandwidth 30; 10-50 / 500 %
Brake system / disc front / rear Sram G2 RSC / 180 mm / 180 mm
Telescopic seat post / stroke / diameter Fox Transfer Performance Elite / 150 mm / 30.9 mm
Impellers Reynolds TR 309 system wheels
Tyres Maxxis Forekaster; 3C Maxxterra/-speed TR 29 x 2.35
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 454 / 622 mm / -41 mm
BIKE judgement VERY GOOD (204.75 points)²
In the Comparison test in BIKE 3/20 the Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL had to compete against seven other trail bikes for around 4000 euros. prove it. The complete test article on these eight trail bikes with all the results including points tables, technical data and grades is available as PDF for 1,99 Euro below in the download area. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
- Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 SL
- Cube Stereo 120 HPC SLT 29
- Giant Trance Advanced Pro 2
- Merida One-Twenty 9.7000
- Scott Spark 920
- Specialised Stumpjumper ST Comp Carbon
- Trek Top Fuel 9.7
- Whyte T-130C RS V2
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and adjustment. ²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
