The latest addition to the Canyon range goes by the name of "Lux Trail". A name like this cannot be a coincidence: Nowhere else are technical things so accurately labelled as in Germany. Steering bump limiters, to name just one example. So is there really as much "trail" in the new 120-millimetre fully from German mail-order company Canyon as the name suggests? We found out in a detailed practical test of the Canyon Lux Trail CFR. Of course, we also collected all kinds of data on Canyon's new carbon speedster in our BIKE test lab.
Details of the new 120-millimetre bike from Canyon
Our geometry measurement of the Canyon Lux Trail CFR is the first surprise: the new Lux Trail hasn't grown. However, the rear travel has increased slightly to 120 millimetres (BIKE measurement). The wheelbase and chainstay length are within a few millimetres of its predecessor. Reach and top tube length have even shrunk slightly. Admittedly: The old model was already remarkably long. Despite the additional features, the carbon frame only weighs 70 grams more. In the Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) version, the laboratory scales stop at 11.2 kilos.
>> All new features, models and prices of the Canyon Lux Trail 2024 <<
The BIKE test clarifies: What kind of bike is the Canyon Lux Trail 2024?
When Canyon gave its Lux race bike a year and a half ago for the first time a trail brother with more suspension travel reserves, our testers felt that it fitted in perfectly with the then new Down Country trend. In the meantime, this niche has become the norm. However, just like a teenager in puberty, this new bike category has not had enough time to consolidate its identity. Somewhere between marathon race bike and short-travel trail bike lies its true nature. What place will the new edition of the Canyon Lux Trail occupy in this bike world?
For 6999 euros, our Canyon Lux Trail CFR test bike is without question an interesting deal. Only small details spoil the otherwise high-quality, functional equipment. Patience is required when inserting the bag into the frame storage compartment, and the soft Ergon saddle is a matter of taste. The thick grips are also made by Ergon, which are stingy with damping despite the lack of screw clamps. Numerous clips keep the many cables under control before they enter the headset. This works well: even in rough sections, the Lux Trail remains nice and quiet.
The Canyon Lux Trail: a sporty downhill bike
Agile and manoeuvrable, the new Canyon Lux Trail quickly wins the hearts of the testers on winding trails. Thanks to its length, the bike is easy to control. It is light-footed through tight spots. The 50 millimetre short and 760 millimetre wide carbon stem and handlebar unit is particularly good for handling. The suspension responds sensitively and irons out even small bumps from the ground. However, when the track gets rougher, the progressive kinematics of the rear triangle reach their limits.
Even with a soft setup without volume spacers and with high compressions, the full travel of the new Canyon Lux Trail CFR can hardly be utilised. In combination with the only moderately slack head angle, the rider is really challenged on steep and rough trails. Despite their width, the cross-country tyres with little damping and grip reduce the feeling of control early on. However, with good riding technique and a bit of courage, the 120-millimetre bike can also master descents into enduro terrain - at least in dry conditions.
When it comes to maintaining speed on moderate gradients and undulating trails, the reactive Canyon Lux Trail is at its best. Then the sporty character inspires with a lot of speed and is really fun. With plenty of support, the suspension encourages you to pull away from every root edge and take the odd jump.
The low weight of the new Canyon fullys is particularly impressive on fast rides through the flats and sprinting uphill. It's great that the new edition has retained the expertise of its race bike siblings despite all the additional features. Not only the fast Schwalbe tyres, but also the carbon wheels from DT Swiss play a large part in the speedy propulsion. Despite all the lightness, prospective buyers better bring thick thighs, because Canyon specifies a large chainring with 34 teeth ex works.
Trail-Fully with sports suspension
Another tribute to sportiness is located on the left-hand side of the new Canyon Lux Trail under the handlebars. With the help of the small lever, the platform damping of the rear suspension can be controlled from the cockpit. In the open position, the rear end nods constantly as you pedal. The centre platform is not sufficient to completely immobilise the shock even when seated. In the everyday practice of most bikers, however, these small losses in efficiency are negligible. Only racers will really need the full lockout of the third stage when sprinting. While the lockout lever is virtually in pole position, Canyon places the remote of the dropper post in a less ergonomic position above the handlebars. In practice, most riders would probably be better off with the opposite arrangement.
Speaking of the seatpost: with 150 millimetres of travel, the Fox Transfer SL creates plenty of space above the top tube of the Canyon Lux Trail, but can only be fully retracted or extended. There is no intermediate position. The lightweight seat post is also prone to failure. If you get your leg caught on the saddle when extending it, the air spring won't manage to push the piston into the top engagement position. The only option is to lower it again and try again - annoying!
At the end of the day, the new Lux Trail CFR remains more of a race bike than a trail bike due to its suspension and equipment. We think that's a good thing. Because the Koblenz-based company still has the Neuron in its programme as a trail bike. So if we stick to German thoroughness, the more appropriate name for the newcomer would probably be "Canyon Lux Down Country". But what the heck? After all, neither blindworms are blind, nor are hippos more closely related to horses.
>> All new features, models and prices of the Canyon Lux Trail 2024 <<
Technical data and notes on the Canyon Lux Trail CFR
Manufacturer information
- Category: Downcountry
- Price¹: 6999 Euro
- Available from: Shipper
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
Measured values
- Suspension travel: 120 mm (front) / 120 mm (rear)
- Weight without pedals: 11.16 kg
- Frame weight: 2137 g
- Weight of wheels: 3993 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3221.12 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 44 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline 30mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Wicked Will Evo Addix Speedgrip / Racing Ralph Evo Addix Speed Super Race TLE, 29 x 2.4 / 2.35
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory SC
- Shock: Fox Float SL Factory
- Brakes / Ø: Shimano XTR / 180/160 mm
- Gear system: Shimano XTR
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-51 / 510 %
- Telescopic seatpost / stroke: Fox Transfer Factory / 150 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 27 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 20 out of 25
- Rolling resistance: 12.75 out of 15
- Weight: 17.5 from 25
- Inertia impellers: 9 out of 15
- Bottle cage: 9 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
- Rear suspension: 12.75 out of 15
- Front suspension: 10 out of 10
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 9 out of 10
- Tyre grip: 13.5 out of 15
- Driving stability: 3 out of 10
TOTAL MOUNT: 95.25 from 120
TOTAL RECOVERY: 83.75 from 100
- Other: 28 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating²: super - 207 out of 250 points
Conclusion
Despite the increased rear travel, the Canyon Lux Trail remains more of a marathon racer than a trail bike. Varied and pedalling-heavy trail tours and marathons are the ideal area of use. There, the lightweight shines with sporty virtues such as speed and agility. - Peter Nilges - BIKE Test Manager
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
