E-MTB Of The Year 2024: The Canyon Neuron:On is the most popular touring eMTB of the year

For bikes without a motor, one thing was clear: if you liked riding downhill, you bought an all-mountain. Everyone else was better served by the more powerful and often noticeably lighter trail tourers. With E-MTBs, however, the weight proportion of moderate bikes is reduced to a minimum. Why does the touring category still have its justification for E-MTBs? In one word: comfort!

All-mountain bikes often have more aggressive geometries and less everyday use. And if you don't need the extra suspension travel anyway, you are often better off with a more moderate bike. This year's winner in the readers' poll shows that touring bikes can also be sporty with a motor: The Canyon Neuron:On is a really comfortable bike and yet offers super-precise handling on the trail. A deserved winner and our E-MTB Of The Year 2024 in the Tour category.

1st place: Canyon Neuron:On CF, 34 % share of the vote

With the new Neuron:On CF, Canyon is taking a radical step: instead of aluminium, the new bike is only available with a carbon frame, instead of Shimano and classic battery removal, there is a Bosch drive and a permanently installed battery.

The Koblenz-based company has probably alienated some of its customers with this new strategy. However, the bike itself is an absolute success: Even the cheapest models are light for bikes with Bosch's Smart System and 750cc battery, weighing in at 23 kilograms, and the riding characteristics are superbly balanced.

On flatter trails, the Neuron:On is agile and lively, but with its 140 millimetres of travel, it also offers good reserves for difficult terrain and its uncomplicated character even inspires on easy trails. Tours. There is a choice of four equipment variants, with prices ranging from 4800 to 7000 euros.

The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On CF

• EngineBosch Performance CX Smartsystem
• BatteryBosch Powertube 750, in the entry-level model optionally PT 625
• Battery permanently integrated in the down tube
• Full carbon frame
• Spring travel140 mm front and rear
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Bosch Connect module included (GPS tracker for theft protection)
• Weightfrom 22.6 kg (model CF8, size L, measured in the EMTB laboratory)
• Models4 equipment variants between 4799 and 6999 euros

EMTB conclusion on the Canyon Neuron:On CF

With the Neuron:On CF, Canyon presents a balanced bike with modern geometry, strong performance and high-quality workmanship. The high-quality equipment and the good price-performance ratio are typical of mail-order bikes. With its defined suspension, the Canyon is aimed more at sporty trail bikers, but is also excellent for long tours thanks to its balanced performance and comfortable riding position. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

2nd place: Bulls Vuca Evo AM, 24 % share of the vote

150 millimetres of suspension travel, moderate geometry, low-maintenance Pinion MGU (motor and gearbox unit) with belt and even an approval for child trailers: With the Vuca Evo AM Bulls dares an exciting balancing act.

The bike aims to be both a practical everyday companion with rear light and Monkey Link interface and a high-performance all-mountain bike. The modern carbon frame with sophisticated rear suspension and - like the Bulls Vuca Evo AM 2 in our test also showed very high-performance rear suspension.

The battery with up to 960 watt hours and the functional equipment also add to the all-rounder's credit balance. The top model Evo AM 2 with Fox Factory suspension and XT brakes is particularly interesting. The Evo AM 1, which is the cheapest E-MTB full suspension bike with Pinion MGU on the market to date, starts at € 7499.

The facts about the Bulls Vuca Evo AM

• EnginePinion MGU, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery720 Wh (removable), optionally available with 960 Wh (+200 Euro)
• Frame materialCarbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
• Spring travel: 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizesS, M, L, XL
• Models & Price2 E-MTB fullys for 7499 to 8699 euros
• Weight25.1 kg (top model in size L with 720 battery, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight150 kg (manufacturer's specification)

EMTB conclusion on the Bulls Vuca Evo AM

With Pinion drive and many well thought-out everyday features, the Vuca is predestined for versatile use. It also cuts a fine figure off-road. However, the heavy bike is not a lively trail specialist despite its top suspension and equipment. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief & Test Manager EMTB Magazine

3rd place: KTM Macina Scarp SX, 20 % share of the vote

With the Macina Scarp SX, Austria's largest bike manufacturer is ushering in a new era. While the previous e-MTBs from Mattighofen were rather cosy and also somewhat heavy, the Scarp SX takes a completely different approach.

This starts with Bosch's new and sporty Light Motor Performance SX and only ends with the riding position. Visually unmistakable: The Scarp SX is based on KTM's Racefully series, but with 140 millimetres of suspension travel it offers a little more comfort and reserves on the downhill.

At 17.4 kilograms, the weight is very decent for the SX Prime mid-range model. Especially as the Battery can be conveniently removed from the top of the down tube. If you want more than its 400 watt hours, you can opt for the Bosch Powermore range extender with a further 250 watt hours. The Macina Scarp SX is available in three models, with RRP's of 6299, 8399 and 11,099 euros.

The facts about the KTM Macina Scarp SX

• EngineBosch Performance SX, 55 Nm
• BatteryBosch 400 watt hours, removable
• Spring travel: 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Carbon frame
• SizesM, L, XL
• Weight17.4 kg (test bike Scarp SX Prime, size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight118 to 120 kilogrammes
• Models & Price3 equipment variants for 6299, 8399 and 11,099 euros >> e.g. available here

EMTB conclusion on the KTM Macina Scarp SX

The KTM Macina Scarp SX is a clever hybrid of race bike and touring fully. Great, fluffy suspension, good, sporty geo and riding position. Why ride with less travel? Coherent, fun and light. A strong all-rounder with a very good motor and a practical removable battery. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief & Test Manager EMTB Magazine