Some people probably thought that Canyon would never jump on the light trend. But in mid-March, the time had finally come: Canyon's first light eMTB was presented at the company's headquarters in Koblenz. It was exciting to see: Would the latest addition be exceptionally light? Would we get to see exclusive technology? The answer to both questions was no. And yet the mail-order company has once again achieved something that no competitor before it has managed to do: make the light trend affordable.
The Canyon light bike goes by the name of Neuron:On Fly CF and is designed as an all-rounder with 140 millimetres of travel and 29-inch wheels. Trails uphill and downhill, not too wild and also the occasional longer tour were in the specification. Anyone who has been familiar with the Neuron for a while, whether with or without a motor, will probably recognise this.
The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On Fly
- Motor: Bosch SX, 55 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 / 140 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: XS to XL
- Price: from 4849 Euro
- Weight: 19.71 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Approval according to canyon category 3e (trail: jumps up to 60 cm)
Barrel organ: The Bosch SX motor in the Neuron:On Fly
Instead of a Fazua or TQ, Canyon has opted for the lightweight Bosch SX, which puts its stamp on the Neuron:On Fly. At very high pedalling frequencies, the mini-Bosch briefly releases the power of a full-power motor to reward particularly active riders. According to the manufacturer, up to 600 watts are possible. However, the SX only provides the high peak power for short intermediate sprints and when pedalling very fast. According to the manufacturer, the maximum power in constant operation is 450 watts, and this is only possible at a high pedalling frequency. The torque is rather low at a maximum of 55 Nm (sprint) or 40 Nm (continuous).
The energy for the drive comes from the familiar 400 watt-hour battery, which is permanently installed in the down tube at Canyon (for background information, see the interview below). For long tours, you can use the optional Power More 250 range extender, giving you a total of 650 watt hours directly on the bike. Canyon has not installed a display on any of the four models. Instead, they all rely on the sporty combination of mini-remote and system controller on the top tube. A special feature: the Canyon is the only SX bike to date to come with Bosch's Connect module ex works. This allows the bike to be tracked and thus effectively protected against theft. An alarm function can also be switched on. The bike then emits clear sounds if it is moved unintentionally. The smartphone with the Bosch app serves as a digital key. The service is free of charge in the first year from activation, after which it costs 40 euros per year.
Features and details of the Neuron:On Fly CF
In addition to the weight-optimised drive system, Canyon relies on a full carbon frame, lightweight tyres and suspension elements from the trail class. Nevertheless, a look at the scales is somewhat sobering. At 19.7 kilograms, our test bike CF9 for 6999 euros weighs noticeably more than the competition. The top model for 7999 euros should still weigh a little over 19 kilos even with light equipment. This is not least due to the rather heavy frame weighing 3.3 kilograms. Durability, rigidity and recognisable design were more important than ultimate lightweight construction, the developers tell us in an interview.
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Ultimate / Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission (12-speed)
- Brakes: Sram Code Stealth Silver 200 / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700 Spline LS
- Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Soft / Nobby Nic Speedgrip, Supertrail, 29x2.4"
- Special features: Bosch Connect module, dropper posts with adjustable stroke, frame also available as XS
The good news is that even the two affordable models of the Neuron:On Fly, the CF7 and CF8, are in the same league as our test bike at 19.6 and 20.1 kilograms according to factory specifications. The CF7 starts at 4849 euros and is already equipped with Rockshox Pike, Deore drivetrain and Code brakes, making it absolutely trail-ready. This makes the entry-level model the secret star of the range. There is no other light e-MTB with a full carbon frame and trail-ready equipment weighing around 20kg on the market in this price range.
The Neuron:On Fly CF8 for € 5499 goes one better with Fox Performance suspension elements and full XT gearing. Our test bike comes with Rockshox Ultimate suspension, Code Silver brakes and HX1700 LS wheelset from DT Swiss for € 6999. The top-of-the-range CF LTD model, on the other hand, relies on Fox suspension from the Factory range, premium carbon wheels from Reynolds, Code Ultimate and Sram's top XX Transmission groupset and costs "only" € 7999.
From our point of view, it's a bit of a shame: the tyre combination of Hans Dampf and Nobby Nic doesn't quite match the aggressive geometry, and with regard to the geometry of the forks, we'd also like to see the slightly chunkier 36 and Lyrik models from the all-mountain class and a centimetre more travel. More on this in the riding impressions below. On the other hand, the fact that Canyon uses very long dropper posts on all models is commendable. Even size XS has 150 millimetres of travel, S comes with 170 millimetres, M and L with 200 and XL even with 230 millimetres. If you're sitting too high, you can simply reduce the adjustment travel slightly using the special Canyon dropper post.
The geometry
Unusual for the otherwise moderate Neuron family: the steering angle of the new bike is slack, the wheelbase long. Longer chainstays favour the climbing characteristics, while the low bottom bracket ensures a secure position on the bike. The seat angle is modern and the front is not too low. Overall, the Neuron:On Fly is a little more aggressive than the classic Neuron:On or the Neuron without motor. This is Canyon's way of catering for the bike's ambitious target group.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 440 mm
- Wheelbase: 1275 mm
- Reach: 484 mm
- Stack: 645 mm
- Steering angle: 64.8 degrees
- Seat angle: 77.3 degrees
- Chainstay length: 450 mm
The Canyon Neuron:On Fly is available in five sizes from XS to XL - a wide choice for the customer. The small entry-level size should be emphasised. Riders under 160 should also find a suitable bike here. And a light bike makes particular sense for them. Because smaller and therefore lighter people can cope even better with less motor thrust and a smaller battery. They also benefit even more from the bike's lower weight.
Practical test: How the Canyon Neuron:On Fly rides
At the launch in Koblenz and on various test laps, we were able to familiarise ourselves extensively with the new Neuron:On Fly from Canyon with the CF9 and also ride the bike in a direct comparison against one of its most important competitors. The long geometry of the Canyon pays off on the climbs. The Neuron:On Fly climbs excellently for a light eMTB, and thanks to the slightly longer rear triangle and stable suspension, the front wheel holds its line well even on steep terrain. The riding position is balanced and really comfortable even on long rides. Short, steep ramps that need to be ridden with verve are the particular speciality of Canyon's light bike. This is where the lively Bosch SX can fully utilise its high sprint performance and puts a big grin on the rider's face.
On the downhill, the Neuron:On Fly is stable thanks to its long geometry, and the bike's suspension set-up is also successful. This gives the supposedly moderate tourer a confidence worthy of an all-mountain bike. The Neuron:On Fly is a surprisingly good partner for all of this, whether you want to leave the throttle a little longer, take a jump with you or plunge down a steep descent. Unfortunately, it only really works with proper tyres. The factory-fitted combination of Nobby Nic and Hans Dampf tyres lacks traction, and the lightweight standard suspension elements don't really suit the aggressive geometry. Canyon themselves fitted grippy enduro treads for the press launch in the Koblenz city forest. This suits the overall character of the bike much better.
The disadvantage of long geometry and a lot of stability: we didn't find the Neuron:On Fly to be overly manoeuvrable and light-footed. Compared to a full power bike, the Canyon still feels lively, but the wow factor in handling isn't quite as big as with some of its competitors.
It's a bit of a shame that the Canyon Neuron:On Fly doesn't stand out even more from classic power bikes in this respect, especially the lightweight Neuron:On with Bosch CX. However, compared to many other light E-MTBs, the Canyon still has a major trump card up its sleeve: The entry-level CF7 model with its carbon frame and trail-ready spec is a real bargain at € 4849. Especially as Canyon installs the Bosch Connect module to prevent theft, as with every Neuron:On Fly. The top model with Sram XX Transmission, Fox Factory suspension and Reynolds carbon wheels leaves nothing to be desired, but costs a relatively fair € 7999. Even the best value-for-money brands will set you back almost a thousand more.
EMTB review of the Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF9
Strengths
- Balanced driving behaviour, successful chassis
- Long tele supports, even for small sizes
- Bosch Connect module included
Weaknesses
- Equipment gives away downhill potential
- Frame and total weight somewhat high
- Permanently installed battery
The EMTB verdict on the Canyon Neuron:On Fly
Canyon's first Light E-MTB is a potent tourer with amazing downhill potential and some smart features. Unfortunately, it is a little heavy, but the price is well ahead of the competition. The workmanship is really strong. With its XS size, the Canyon is also interesting for smaller riders. - EMTB editor Adrian Kaether
"Stiffness and precise steering behaviour": Interview with Basti Langlitz from Canyon about the Neuron:On Fly
EMTB: The Neuron:On Fly straddles the worlds in terms of both suspension travel and motor power. Which rider is this bike just right for?
Basti Langlitz: The Neuron:ON Fly carries the DNA of Neuron and Neuron:ON. It is therefore an all-rounder, but appeals to sportier customers. In concrete terms, this means that the rider puts in more effort and rides tours with a higher proportion of trails. This is the ideal bike for home trails and low mountain ranges.
The geometry is clearly aimed at trail riding, while the suspension and tyres of the Neuron:On Fly remain rather moderate. How come?
Traditionally, the Neuron family is very balanced and we want to integrate this strength into the On Fly as well. We believe that we have found a sweet spot for many customers in terms of both suspension elements and tyres. If we were to upgrade here, we would have to make concessions elsewhere. In terms of weight, for example, but also in terms of handling characteristics and rolling resistance.
Compared to the competition, the weight of the Neuron:On Fly is slightly higher. How do you deal with this?
Stiffness and precise steering behaviour were high on the list of priorities. The integration of the design language close to the high-torque bike also played a role. We also didn't want to compromise on the brakes, standover height and durability. This also has an influence on the weight.
What tipped the scales in favour of the Bosch Performance SX?
With its high peak power, the SX lies between the extremes. We really liked this balanced character of the Neuron:On Fly. The high dynamics and features such as the extended trail in EMTB mode go well with the sporty design of the bike, the successful app with routing and customisable U-steps and the theft protection via the Connect module round off the package.
Why is the battery permanently installed in the Neuron:On Fly?
We already use this technology in the classic Neuron:On, with good feedback. With the more compact E-System, the advantages of the fixed battery can be utilised even better: slimmer shapes, fewer small parts and a manageable weight with very good riding characteristics.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
