Canyon Neuron:On CF: New Canyon e-bike for touring and trail riding
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 13.06.2023
The Canyon Neuron:On CF is set to be the new all-rounder for touring and trails in the E-MTB portfolio. To achieve this, Canyon has turned the popular E-Fully completely inside out. The newcomer has with its predecessor no longer have much in common. With the relaunch, the Tourer has been its big brother, the Spectral:On CFtook as an example. The engineers used the successful model as a blueprint for both the geometry and the suspension kinematics and designed the new construction in a similar way. The Canyon Neuron:On CF has thus become significantly more modern and sportier. The aluminium frame has given way to an elegant chassis made of carbon fibre from front to back.
Contents
The next similarity with the Spectral:On: low weight was also high on the Canyon Neuron:On's list of specifications. But with Bosch's Smartsystem and the heavy 750 battery this is no easy task. So Canyon decided to take a radical step: The battery is permanently installed in the down tube and cannot be removed for charging or changing on tour. This design saves weight, but comes with certain restrictions. However, at 22.6 kilos in size L, the Neuron:On CF 8 is actually the lightest E-Fully with a 750 power tube that we have ever been able to put on the scales in the EMTB lab.
The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On CF
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smartsystem
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, in the entry-level model optionally PT 625
- Battery permanently integrated in the down tube
- Full carbon frame
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front and rear
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Bosch Connect module included (GPS tracker for theft protection)
- Weight: from 22.6 kg (CF8 model, size L, measured in the EMTB lab)
- Four equipment variants between 4799 and 6999 euros
- Four sizes S - XL
Bikes that break weight records usually play in the high-end league. For e-MTBs, this means a price point above 10,000 euros. In the field of e-bikes with Bosch's Smartsystem, for example, this is the new Orbea Wild. The new Canyon Neuron:On CF is a refreshing exception. The lightest model, our test bike CF8, has a comparatively fair price and is available over the virtual shop counter for 5599 euros. With the generous use of carbon (e.g. wheels, handlebars, cranks), a significant weight reduction would still be possible. However, the Koblenz-based company leaves little savings potential for the fork and tyres. With Fox 34 and thin-walled Nobby Nics, the E-Fully pushes the limits of what is reasonable for heavy E-MTBs. This cements the range of use quite clearly in the shallow trail and touring segment.
The drive unit of the Canyon Neuron:On CF
After the recently presented E-Enduro Strive:On CFR and the equally fresh aluminium hardtail Grand Canyon:On the Neuron:On CF is now the third E-MTB in the full-grown Canyon portfolio that relies on Bosch's Performance CX motor. As already described, the Powertube battery is permanently installed in the down tube. But don't worry: if the battery should ever become defective, it can of course be replaced. All you have to do is remove the motor. However, if you want to change the battery on tour or have to charge your battery separately at home, the Neuron:On CF is not for you. The thick version with 750 watt hours is used, while the entry-level model CF 7 is also available with the smaller Powertube 625.
When it comes to the controls, Canyon relies entirely on the slimline combination of Bosch's Mini Remote and the LED module system controller. This is slimly integrated into the top tube and uses LEDs to indicate the selected support level and the battery charge status. The minimalist part does not have a speedometer display for data such as speed. If you need more information, you can retrofit a Kiox display. A special feature of the slim Mini Remote is the wireless connection to the system. Operation is also successful and intuitive.
Theft protection thanks to Bosch Connect module
The Bosch smart system also includes the Connect module, which is installed on all Bosch bikes from Canyon. This GPS module allows you to view the location of your e-bike on your smartphone at any time. The e-bike alarm function also emits acoustic signals if the bike is moved without a digital key. In the event of theft, the system sends a message to the smartphone and automatic tracking starts. When purchasing a Canyon e-MTB, these functions, which rely on a dedicated mobile phone connection, are free of charge for twelve months. After that, as things stand at present, the Bosch service costs €40 per year.
The geometry of the Canyon Neuron:On CF
Longer, flatter, lower - aren't these the trends on wild enduro bikes? That's right. But Canyon is also following the same small-scale approach with its Neuron:On CF touring bike. Reach and wheelbase increase, but remain moderate. The head and seat angles are not extreme either. The four sizes cover a broad spectrum - but things could get tight for very small riders. The predecessor was even available in an XS size with significantly more compact dimensions. Both the seat tube length and the reach have now increased significantly in the smallest available size.
Equipment and prices
The new Canyon all-rounder is available in four equipment variants between 4799 and 6999 euros. The design of the Canyon Neuron:On CF as a moderate touring bike can be seen in the equipment of all models. A shock without a reservoir, Schwalbes Nobby Nic tyres with a thin casing and thin forks in the Pike and 34 class. Extreme descents are not at the top of the list here. This reduces the weight, but also comes at the expense of puncture protection and riding safety.
Canyon Neuron:On CF 7 - from 4799 euros
The entry-level CF 7 model is available with either a 625 or 750 power tube. The difference in price is 200 euros, while the small battery saves 800 grams in terms of weight. According to Canyon, the weight of the complete bike with the small battery is 22.8 kilos. The suspension comes from Rockshox and consists of a Pike Base fork and a Deluxe Select shock. The gears and brakes are Shimano Deore. There are three colour options to choose from.
Canyon Neuron:On CF 8 - 5599 Euro
The Neuron:On CF 8 is the lightest model in the range. We weighed it at 22.6 kilos in size L. Comfort and traction are provided by Fox suspension with 34 Performance at the front and DPS dampers at the rear. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's XT range. The price is 5599 euros.
Canyon Neuron:On CF 9 - 6999 Euro
The top model of the Neuron:On CF will be released by Canyon at a later date. Details will follow!
Canyon Neuron:On 6
A variant of the old aluminium model with Shimano drivetrain will also be available in 2023. The Neuron:On 6 is available from 3799 euros.
Practical test: How the Canyon Neuron:On CF 8 E-Fully rides
The character of the new Canyon Neuron:On is quickly explained: balanced and uncomplicated! Uphill or downhill? Manoeuvrable or stable? Sporty or cosy? The tourer strikes the golden mean in all these questions. This makes it exciting for a broad target group. However, it is also clear, and this is evident from the spec alone, that those focussing on wild descents will find more suitable candidates in the Canyon portfolio. However, the Neuron:On CF has made significant gains in this discipline compared to its predecessor and performs remarkably well. But more on that later.
Seating position and uphill
The riding position of the bike is comfortable and balanced. Although the seat angle is nominally quite steep, it becomes slightly slacker as the saddle is extended further. This means you don't sit too far forward on the bike, but slightly stretched out. A classic touring geometry that is also comfortable on long flat sections. But the Neuron:On CF is also impressive on steep climbs. Here, the e-bike is very easy to control. The front climbs late, the motor pushes powerfully but is easy to control and the steering behaviour is very neutral. This means that you don't have a problem with the steering tipping even in technical passages at slow speeds. Manoeuvres, such as tight hairpin bends, are therefore more relaxed than with progressive enduro geometry. The suspension also works very confidently on difficult climbs. It generates a lot of traction without bobbing or bottoming out unpleasantly. All in all, the bike's climbing expertise is really strong!
Trail surfing
On flat trails, the low weight is noticeable and the rear suspension is very poppy. The Canyon newcomer is lively and light-footed through corners and over waves. However, the E-MTB with its slightly longer chainstays is not overly playful. If you want to pull it onto the rear wheel, you need good technique and a little physical effort. The advantage: the handling is very good-natured and balanced. When cornering, you always have enough pressure on the front wheel, even without hanging too actively over the steering centre. And the overall riding pleasure remains above average.
Downhill
When things get rougher, the rear suspension remains very composed. You never get the feeling that you are reaching the limit here. The geometry also allows a harder pace. The newcomer exudes a great deal of safety and confidence. Even on more difficult descents, you can let it run a little. Compared to its predecessor, this is a big step forwards. The Canyon Neuron:On CF also scores highly in comparison to other E-MTBs in the moderate touring category. However, if you switch to a really good E-All-Mountain bike with a little more travel, you'll notice a clear difference. This is mainly due to the tame spec, more specifically the fork and tyres. Both can soon no longer keep up and limit the downhill performance of the Neuron:On CF. But you can feel that the chassis with its geometry and good rear suspension could do even more! With a slightly more potent 150 mm fork and robust tyres, the Neuron:On would poach much more on demanding trails. Of course, this would be at the expense of the weight and the differentiation from the other E-MTBs in the Canyon portfolio.
And the lightweight components provide a further advantage: In our standardised range test on asphalt, the Neuron:On CF achieved by far the best value of all E-MTBs with Bosch Powertube 750 - a real bonus on long tours in moderate terrain. As long as you don't turn off onto trails that are too rough, even sporty trail riders will have a lot of fun with the Neuron:On CF. Thanks to its light-footed handling, it can even outperform most long-travel E-MTBs.
Conclusion from EMTB test manager Florentin Vesenbeckh
The Canyon Neuron:On CF has grown up, but still remains a particularly fun and direct E-MTB. It makes both leisurely touring riders and sporty trail fans happy. The handling is super balanced and absolutely perfect. Even uphill, the newcomer is no match for any of its competitors. The Neuron:On only has its limits on rough descents. On moderate terrain, however, the speedster has hardly any weaknesses. Only the permanently installed battery could put off some potential buyers. A lightweight e-bike at a fair price!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
