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Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8 on testSports speedster with Bosch SX motor at a fair price

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 15.09.2024

Inexpensive, balanced and powerful: Canyon's Neuron:On fly is one of the strongest candidates in the light class under 6000 euros.
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Canyon Neuron:On Fly has set itself the goal of making light eMTBs affordable. With Bosch's Performance Line SX motor and sporty geometry, it aims to deliver fun in all situations. We tested the Neuron:On Fly CF 8 for 5600 euros.
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At 5599 euros, the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8 is significantly cheaper than many entry-level models in the lightweight e-mountainbike category. And that's not all: the Koblenz-based mail-order company even offers a cheaper version for 4849 euros. This Neuron:On Fly CF 7 also relies on the high-quality and stiff full carbon frame, which also provides a really solid base for our test bike. Incidentally, the name "Fly" is synonymous with "Light" at Canyon. More natural riding feel, more sporty aspirations: the Fly category is intended to land between non-motorised mountain bikes and the classic E-MTBs from the mail-order company.

>> The Canyon Spectral:On Fly offers even more "Fly": New Light E-MTB for riding fun fans

>> How does the Neuron:On fly compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? We found out in the comparison test

Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF 8 // Bosch Performance Line SX // 400 Wh, permanently installed // 140 mm // 29 inch // 19.6 kg / 5599 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsCanyon Neuron:On Fly CF 8 // Bosch Performance Line SX // 400 Wh, permanently installed // 140 mm // 29 inch // 19.6 kg / 5599 EuroNot only the main frame, but also the rear triangle and even the rocker arm are made of carbon.Photo: Markus GreberNot only the main frame, but also the rear triangle and even the rocker arm are made of carbon.

In addition to the high-quality carbon chassis, there are other unique features on board in this price range: for example, anti-theft protection and GPS tracking thanks to the Bosch Connect module, which is concealed in the motor compartment. This is an absolute rarity on e-bikes with the Performance Line SX. Despite this investment and the favourable price, the Canyon Neuron:On Fly has nothing to hide in terms of equipment. XT brakes, Deore/XT gearing mix, Fox suspension, extra-long dropper post - everything is just right.

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At second glance, however, two details catch the eye: with the Fox 34 suspension fork, Canyon relies on a slender, less stiff suspension fork that is rarely used on E-MTBs. And when it comes to the tyres, the product managers are also rather tame with the combination of Hans Dampf and Nobby Nic. This doesn't quite match the progressive geometry of the e-bike. At least the Schwalbe treads are supported by the fairly solid Supertrail carcass. The slim fork scores points on the scales, where the Canyon weighs in at a good 19.6 kilos despite the not very light chassis.

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The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8

  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX, 55 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed), optional 250 Wh range extender
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 140 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 5599 Euro
  • Weight: 19.55 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The cables run through the headset into the inside of the frame.Photo: Markus GreberThe cables run through the headset into the inside of the frame.

The e-bike drive

Canyon has opted for the Performance Line SX drive from Bosch. With its lively thrust and top modulation, it's great fun. The maximum power is outstanding in a light comparison. However, the small Bosch only delivers its full power for a short time and at a very high cadence. When pedalling slowly, the thrust is rather subtle, which can be a problem on difficult uphills. Too bad: On the trail, the SX motor rattles out of the gearbox.

The motor is completely encapsulated in the Neuron and covered by a plastic casing. This weakens the cooling and increases the heat susceptibility of the Bosch Performance Line SX. On summer tours, it reduces its power output quite early on long climbs in turbo mode. On the Canyon Neuron:On Fly, this phenomenon was even more drastic than on bikes with an airier SX motor.

The Performance Line SX from Bosch is heavily encapsulated in the Canyon Neuron:On Fly. This hinders ventilation of the unit.Photo: Markus GreberThe Performance Line SX from Bosch is heavily encapsulated in the Canyon Neuron:On Fly. This hinders ventilation of the unit.For the controls, Canyon uses the classic combination of a wireless mini-remote and the system controller in the top tube.Photo: Markus GreberFor the controls, Canyon uses the classic combination of a wireless mini-remote and the system controller in the top tube.

The battery, a Compact Tube 400, is permanently installed. To extend the range, the Power More 250 from Bosch can be clipped on as an option. For the controls, Canyon has opted for the classic combination of a wireless mini remote and the system controller in the top tube.

The bike is prepared for use with the Power More 250. The additional battery is available as an accessory.Photo: Markus GreberThe bike is prepared for use with the Power More 250. The additional battery is available as an accessory.

The geometry of the Canyon Neuron:On Fly

For a bike with "only" 140 mm travel, the geometry of the Canyon Neuron:On Fly is very progressive and downhill-orientated. A slack head angle, long reach and long wheelbase speak for smoothness and descending qualities. Thanks to the very steep seat angle, the rider sits in the centre of the bike and is not too stretched out.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 440 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1280 mm
  • Reach: 479 mm
  • Stack: 649 mm
  • Steering angle: 64.3 degrees
  • Seat angle: 77 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 451 mm
  • Bottom bracket height: 338 mm
Most bikes now do without a lever on the thru-axle. With Canyon, this is integrated into the axle and can be pulled out to change the wheel. Smart and unobtrusive!Photo: Markus GreberMost bikes now do without a lever on the thru-axle. With Canyon, this is integrated into the axle and can be pulled out to change the wheel. Smart and unobtrusive!

The features of the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8

  • Fork / shock: Fox 34 Performance / Float DPS Perf.
  • Gears: Shimano Deore/XT, 34; 10-51 teeth
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 203/203 mm
  • Wheels: Sun Ringle 329 Trail Expert
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Supertrail Soft / Nobby Nic Supertrail Speedgrip, 29 x 2.4''
  • Special features: Telescopic support with 200 mm adjustable stroke (size L), GPS tracking thanks to Bosch Connect module
The Fox 34 works sensitively, but with its thin tubes it is too small for a 20-kilo bike with a lot of downhill ability. This unnecessarily limits the bike's trail strength. Not a real problem for light riders on tame terrain.Photo: Markus GreberThe Fox 34 works sensitively, but with its thin tubes it is too small for a 20-kilo bike with a lot of downhill ability. This unnecessarily limits the bike's trail strength. Not a real problem for light riders on tame terrain.The telescopic seat post not only has 200 mm adjustment travel, the stroke can also be reduced in small steps. This means that the maximum extension can be individually adapted to the body geometry and even smaller riders can achieve a suitable seat height.Photo: Markus GreberThe telescopic seat post not only has 200 mm adjustment travel, the stroke can also be reduced in small steps. This means that the maximum extension can be individually adapted to the body geometry and even smaller riders can achieve a suitable seat height.The Nobby Nic with its hard Speedgrip rubber compound rolls quickly and quietly, which is good on tarmac tours. A grippier profile would be desirable for off-road use. Nevertheless, the puncture protection of the Supertrail carcass can cope with wilder descents.Photo: Markus GreberThe Nobby Nic with its hard Speedgrip rubber compound rolls quickly and quietly, which is good on tarmac tours. A grippier profile would be desirable for off-road use. Nevertheless, the puncture protection of the Supertrail carcass can cope with wilder descents.

Practical test: How the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8 rides

The modern, almost progressive impression conveyed by the chassis is confirmed as soon as you sit on the bike. On the Canyon Neuron:On Fly, the riding position is focussed on the front wheel, but balanced. This makes pedalling efficient and climbing uncomplicated.

Uphill, the Neuron:On Fly pulls its tracks safely. The SX motor delivers a lot of thrust as long as you can keep the cadence high.Photo: Max FuchsUphill, the Neuron:On Fly pulls its tracks safely. The SX motor delivers a lot of thrust as long as you can keep the cadence high.

Downhill, the bike impresses with super-intuitive and predictable handling. Direct and lively, it can be thrown from one bend to the next or pulled into the air on off-road edges. The long chassis conveys a real sense of security. And the suspension also easily copes with sporty and rough driving. It strikes an ideal compromise between sensitive response, pleasant support and balanced end progression in order to utilise the 140 millimetres effectively.

On the trail, the geometry conveys a lot of confidence and the suspension has reserves. However, the equipment clearly slows down the downhill drive.Photo: Max FuchsOn the trail, the geometry conveys a lot of confidence and the suspension has reserves. However, the equipment clearly slows down the downhill drive.

Only the slender fork doesn't quite fit into the overall picture. Although the Fox 34 works smoothly, it doesn't offer the precision and stiffness to fully utilise the bike's potential on rough trails, especially when things get steep. This also applies to the tame tyres, which set limits in deep or wet terrain at the latest.

EMTB review of the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8

Strengths

  • Strong equipment at a very fair price
  • Outstanding trail handling
  • Strong rear suspension
  • High-quality and rigid chassis

Weaknesses

  • Tyres and fork reduce trail strength
  • Permanently installed battery
  • Engine rattles
The Neuron:On Fly combines a sporty trail attitude and balanced touring characteristics to create a strong all-round package. Equipment details limit the riding strength in tough terrain.Photo: EMTB MagazinThe Neuron:On Fly combines a sporty trail attitude and balanced touring characteristics to create a strong all-round package. Equipment details limit the riding strength in tough terrain.

The EMTB conclusion

Lively, fun, balanced: The Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8 is a successful trail speedster at a really fair price. With a different fork and tyres, it could be even better off-road! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
>> How does the Neuron:On fly compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? We found out in the comparison test
Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB MagazinePhoto: Georg GrieshaberJosh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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