In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Of course, Canyon and Cube also know that the roles in the mountain bike world are clearly divided. Both German brands offer customers the full range with a total of eleven different product families each. These in turn are subdivided into various options with aluminium and carbon frames and electric motors. Each discipline has its own niche of specialised bikes. Models that cannot be categorised have a hard time reaching customers. No motor, little suspension travel but hardly any racing ambitions? The arguments of so-called downcountry bikes are difficult to summarise in marketing phrases. The Canyon Lux Trail CF7 and the Cube AMS One11 C:68X Pro 29 are preparing to break with established stigmas.
Sport is dead, long live sport!
Sporty bikes with wide knobbly tyres currently have the biggest image problem in Germany. Only three per cent of all bikes sold in Germany in 2024 were mountain bikes without a motor. The popular gravel bikes are taking their share of the market from below, while e-bikes are siphoning it off from above. However, we in the BIKE editorial team agree: lightweight fullys with 120 millimetres of suspension travel and progressive geometry are all the rage! While the finest models are painfully expensive marathon racers, underestimated all-rounders with attractive value for money lie dormant in the lower midfield of the product range. The Canyon Lux Trail CF7 for 3699 euros and the Cube AMS One11 C:68X Pro 29 for 3799 euros are intended to break a lance for the category and at the same time deliver a real bang duel. Canyon or Cube? Who has the pulling power for the comeback of an entire category?
Canyon/Cube test duel - the rivals
Canyon Lux Trail CF7
- Price: 3699 Euro
- Weight: 12.7 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without pedals)
- Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Equipment highlights: Fox Performance (Elite) suspension, Shimano SLX drivetrain, DT Swiss X1900 wheels
- Special features: Frame storage compartment, steering stop limiter, mini-tool holder, tool-free wheel removal, two bottle cages
Cube AMS One11 C:68X Pro 29
- Price: 3799 Euro >> at Lucky Bike or Liquid Life available
- Weight: 12.9 kg (BIKE measurement, size L, without pedals)
- Suspension travel: 120 / 110 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Equipment highlights: Rockshox Rekon Gold / Deluxe Select+ suspension, Shimano XT drivetrain, Newmen Performance 30 wheels
- Special features: two bottle holders
The not quite golden mean
Both rivals are positioned between ascetic climbing specialists and progressive downhill riders in the trendy "downcountry" segment. A sporty carbon chassis with 120 and 110 millimetres of travel at the rear is intended to form a propulsion-oriented basis. A second bottle cage mounting point increases the range and is the absolute exception on trail bikes. The extreme geometries and high weights of bikes with ten or 20 millimetres more travel are not to be found on our candidates. Instead, the product managers have pursued a compromise between trail expertise and light-footedness. Despite dropper posts and robust equipment, the duel contenders remain under 13 kilos. This won't put racers in a jubilant mood, is often only achieved on classic trail bikes at twice the price. So is this the recipe for a good touring mountain bike at a fair price?
Yes and no, because a compromise remains a compromise. The Canyon has a clearer inclination towards racing, craves many kilometres of riding, but at the same time is less intuitive and playful than proven trail experts. The handling of the Cube is closer, but due to the conservative geometry and less suspension reserves, it also reaches the limit sooner. Despite being sold through specialised dealers, Cube manages to install a flawless Shimano XT drivetrain, but saves on other important points such as the suspension fork and brakes. However, Cube loses the most points in the details. The cable routing through the headset and a pressed bottom bracket are nice to look at but not very maintenance-friendly. The chic carbon frame is virtually naked. Canyon really comes up trumps here, giving the Lux Trail more frame protection, storage compartment, on-board tool and still weighing less. The fact that the gearing is from the lower Shimano SLX class is easy to cope with.
Simply the slightly better bike
In the end, our testers agree: before buying a gravel or e-bike, everyone should try out a bike like these. Most BIKE readers define themselves as touring bikers. For them, the current range of affordable downcountry bikes is definitely worth a tip. What Cube and Canyon get out of relatively little suspension travel and weight on the descent is remarkable. At the same time, riding under your own power is still a lot of fun. With its pleasant handling, the AMS One11 is a formidable and versatile bike for beginners. The Lux Trail can do almost everything: up- and downhill, race and trail - with limitations but at a high level. Canyon offers bikers an impressively complete piece of sports equipment.
Let's be honest: the requirements spectrum of most mountain bikers lies somewhere between marathon and trail. The majority of cyclists who ride off-road would be best served by a downcountry bike. I am personally convinced of this. The generalists from Canyon and Cube are two mountain bikes as they should be. The Lux Trail fulfils almost all the wishes of sporty, price-conscious touring bikers. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Points at a glance
The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. It is independent of price. Analogue to the school grading system, the spectrum ranges from 0.5 to 5.5. The Canyon Lux Trail CF7 secured the test victory in this duel.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
