Following the recently presented Neuron CF models with carbon frame the Koblenz-based company is now adding six aluminium models for the 2022 model year. These have the same geometry as the carbon Neuron as well as 140 millimetres of travel at the front (10 millimetres more than the 2021 model) and 130 millimetres at the rear. Also included: the Neuron Young Hero - a fully-fledged trail bike fully for children and teenagers. The minimally modified aluminium frame should be as heavy as the Predecessor neuron. The aluminium chassis in size L weighed 3190 grams in our Test of entry-level mountain bikes in BIKE 8/20 on the scales. The Neuron AL 5 marks the entry into the Neuron AL range for a fair 1899 euros, followed by the Neuron 6 and Neuron 7, both of which are available as unisex or WMN models for women. Thanks to the wide range of sizes, every mountain biker should be able to find the Neuron that fits their body size perfectly - whether it's the Neuron WMN in sizes 2XS to M or the other Neuron models in five frame sizes from XS-XL.
Facts about the Canyon Neuron AL 2022
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Spring travel: 140 / 130 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch / 27.5 inch for XS-/S-frame
- Weight: from 13.94 kg (Neuron AL 7/manufacturer's specification)
- Frame size: 2XS (for women's models) to XL
- Price: 1899 Euro to 2699 Euro
- Availability: from December 2021 under www.canyon.com
When it comes to wheel size, Canyon relies on the tried-and-tested adjustment according to frame and body size. This is the only way to guarantee the most consistent riding experience possible across all frame sizes. Accordingly, the Neurons from size M upwards come exclusively with 29-inch tyres, while the smaller models are equipped with 27.5-inch wheels. Every modern trail bike also needs a dropper seatpost. With the exception of the Young Hero model, all Neuron AL bikes come with a proprietary Iridium dropper post as standard - with 150 millimetre travel from size M upwards.
Canyon Neuron AL 2022: Prices and models
As befits a well-balanced trail tourer, the focus of the Neuron models should be on all-round qualities and reliable equipment tailored to the area of use - all at a very good price-performance ratio. The Neuron AL 5 with Rockshox suspension (Recon Silver fork/Deluxe Select shock) and reliable Shimano Deore 1x12 drivetrain for 1899 euros marks the entry-level model.
The Neuron 6 and the women's version are equipped with a Fox 34 Rhythm fork and Fox Performance DPS shock and come with a Shimano SLX drivetrain and DT Swiss LN wheels - in 27.5 or 29 inches depending on the frame size selected. The price of the Neuron AL 6 models is 2199 euros. The Neuron 7 is also available as both a unisex and WMN bike: with women's-specific components and a suspension set-up specially designed for lighter riders for more sensitive response behaviour. For 2699 euros, you get a Shimano XT drivetrain with 12 gears, Fox performance suspension, Shimano SLX brakes and a robust DT Swiss M 1900 aluminium wheelset. In 2021, you paid € 2399 for the previous model with a simpler fork (Rhythm instead of Performance). However, Canyon is only following a general trend in the entire bike industry. Due to increased manufacturing and delivery costs as well as production bottlenecks in the Far East, almost all bike manufacturers have increased their prices for 2022 or will continue to do so.
Neuron AL: Trail tourer between Spectral and Lux Trail
The Neuron AL models are aimed at trail-loving mountain bikers of all ages who are looking for a versatile all-rounder for everything from after-work rides to multi-day tours and adventures in the mountains. Unlike many other manufacturers, Canyon does not want its trail bike to be overly focussed on the downhill corner. The Koblenz-based company is positioning its Neuron as a trail bike suitable for touring in 2022, right between the clearly downhill orientated All Mountain Spectral and the sporting Lux Trail CF down-country bike.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
