With the Canyon has unveiled the Neuron CF in 2018 made a clear statement. It was not supposed to be a trail bike, but the 130 mm bike was supposed to make sporty touring bikers happy. The concept worked, as various models of the Neuron CF in BIKE tests were the most popular. Until now, however, the sporty tourer was only available with a carbon frame from 2699 euros. Shortly before the turn of the year, Canyon launched a lighter carbon version (Neuron CF SLX) at the top of the Neuron family. In 2020, the direct mail order company is responding to the wishes of many mountain bike beginners and is launching a new edition of the more affordable aluminium model - the Neuron AL.
Aluminium version of the new Canyon Neuron from 1799 euros
The look remains the same, the price drops. The Neuron AL will be available on the mail order company's website from the second of April in three different equipment variants, including a women's model. The entry-level model is available for 1799 euros Neuron AL 6.0. 2199 euros are due for the more expensive Neuron AL 7.0. Both bikes offer 130 millimetres of travel at the front and rear.
"55 percent of all Neuron bikes sold to date have an aluminium frame"
(Product engineer Peter Alraun)
So it's high time that Canyon presented an aluminium version of the revised carbon Neuron, a good one and a half years after its launch.
With the new all-rounder, Canyon wants to offer mountain bike newcomers in particular an affordable entry into the touring segment. However, the actual range of use extends far beyond the data sheet: from after-work rides in the city forest to trail parks and MTB alpine crossings. The Neuron AL wants to be able to do everything.
The facts about the Canyon Neuron AL 2020
- 130 mm suspension travel
- Frame size 2XS-XL
- Wheel size: 27.5-inch for 2XS-S / 29-inch for M-XL
- Aluminium frame
- Weight: 14.1 kilos in size M (Neuron AL 7.0)
- 4 models from 1799 euros incl. 2 WMN models for women
The geometry of the Canyon Neuron AL
In terms of geometry, Canyon largely sticks to the proven concept of the carbon Neuron. The Neuron AL squeezes 130 millimetres of travel out of the rear end. The 67.5 degree steep head angle paired with the 440 millimetre long chainstays suits the true touring bike well. Both equipment variants are available in sizes XS to XL. The women's model is also available in 2XS. In order to offer women and smaller riders the right sports equipment, the wheel size grows with the frame size. The Neuron AL up to size S rolls on 27.5-inch wheels. The larger models traditionally rely on 29-inch wheels.
Prices and equipment
The entry-level model Neuron AL 6.0 shifts for 1799 euros with a Shimano SLX/XT groupset and is equipped with solid Rock Shox suspension with Judy Silver fork and Deluxe Select shock for this price range. The RaceFace rims are fitted with grippy 2.3 Continental Mountain King tyres. The more expensive Neuron AL 7.0 also marks the upper end of the model range at 2199 euros and relies on higher-quality Fox Performance suspension and components from Sram's NX/GX range. Weight in size M, without pedals: 14.1 kilos. For more fun on the trail, Canyon has fitted its own Iridium Vario seatpost to both models.
Riding impression: The Canyon Neuron AL on the trail
We have already been able to put the Canyon Neuron AL through its paces. The sporty geometry is immediately appealing and makes you want to go on long tours. Unfortunately, the high overall weight slows you down when pedalling and quick changes of speed are difficult. On the trail, the suspension works smoothly and reliably filters out bumps. The handling remains direct even on fast descents and is hardly inferior to the more expensive carbon model. You can read a more detailed test in BIKE 5/20 - in stores from 7 April.
Max Fuchs
Editor
