Test bestseller bikes 2023Trail bike Canyon Neuron AL 6

Max Fuchs

 · 10.11.2022

Test bestseller bikes 2023: Trail bike Canyon Neuron AL 6Photo: Max Fuchs
The Canyon Neuron has been around for a few years now and has often been able to bag test wins in our BIKE tests. Our tester Max thinks that the Neuron AL 6 is and remains a good bike.

The key data of the Canyon Neuron AL 6: 140 millimetres of travel, 29-inch wheels and an aluminium frame. The mail order company charges 2299 euros for this. An attractive price. And the riding characteristics? 14.5 kilos without pedals - a glance at the scales initially triggers scepticism. But considering the price, the weight is okay. For comparison: The Radon with a carbon main frame and top equipment weighs only 300 grams less. Although the 3237 gram aluminium frame could be a little lighter, the inexpensive wheels and the functional Shimano equipment inevitably put pressure on the weight.

The impact protection on the Canyon does not cover the most vulnerable part of the chainstay. Our test bike showed traces of chipped paint. 
Photo: Max FuchsThe impact protection on the Canyon does not cover the most vulnerable part of the chainstay. Our test bike showed traces of chipped paint.

The Neuron AL 6 requires a little more legwork when setting off, but the trail performance remains unaffected by the cost-cutting measures. The moderate geometry with a short reach and high front allows for a comfortable riding position. Perfect for leisurely climbs. Thanks to the drive-neutral rear end and fast tyres, the Canyon Neuron is still easy on the throttle. Downhill, the suspension works sensitively as usual, has good suspension travel and offers enough reserves. In terms of handling, the bike is unobtrusive and manages the balancing act between composure and manoeuvrability. However, trail bikes with more modern geometries now ride more confidently downhill. Details such as an integrated quick-release on the rear wheel and the Fox Float shock with three riding modes further enhance the overall package. The only drawback is that particularly heavy riders reach the limit early on with the weak braking system.

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For more grip on the front wheel, we would have swapped the Nobby Nic with its hard Speedgrip rubber compound for the soft version.Photo: Max FuchsFor more grip on the front wheel, we would have swapped the Nobby Nic with its hard Speedgrip rubber compound for the soft version.

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:

"The Neuron is and remains a good choice for classic touring use. True to the motto: pleasant uphill and good downhill, even the cheapest Neuron model covers a very wide range of applications."
Max Fuchs, BIKE test editorPhoto: Skyshot/Markus GreberMax Fuchs, BIKE test editor

Technical data and notes Canyon Neuron AL 6

General information

  • Price: 2299 Euro¹
  • Available from the sender
  • Frame material: aluminium
  • Frame size: XS / S / M /L / XL (tested size L / 48 cm)
  • to the Canyon website

Measured values

  • Front / rear suspension travel: 146 / 141 mm
  • Weight without pedals: 14.49 kg
  • Frame weight: 3237 g
  • Weight of wheels: 4964 g
  • Acceleration of running wheels: 3690 kg x cm²
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Frame rigidity (absolute): 55 N/mm

Equipment

  • Wheels: DT Swiss All Mountain LN
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.40
  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Rhythm FitGrip
  • Shock: Fox Float
  • Brakes: BR-M6100 180 mm / 180 mm
  • Gear system: Shimano FC-MT511-1 / SLX 1 x 12
  • Gear ratio / bandwidth:: 30; 10-51 / 510 %
  • Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Iridium / 150 mm / 30.9 mm

Valuation

  • Driving behaviour uphill: 25.5 from 30
  • Chassis efficiency: 16 out of 20
  • Rolling resistance: 12 out of 15
  • Weight: 4 of 20
  • Inertia impellers: 5 out of 10
  • Bottle cage: 7 out of 10
  • Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
  • Front suspension: 11.25 out of 15
  • Rear suspension: 16 out of 20
  • Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
  • Brakes: 10.5 out of 15
  • Tyre grip: 12 out of 15
  • Driving stability: 5 out of 10
  • TOTAL UPHILL: 69.5 OUT OF 105
  • TOTAL DOWNHILL: 90.25 FROM 115
  • Other: 17.75 out of 30
  • Ease of maintenance: weak

Bike test rating²: good - 177.5 out of 250

Canyon Neuron AL 6 - Geometry valuesPhoto: BIKE-TestabteilungCanyon Neuron AL 6 - Geometry values
Canyon Neuron AL 6 - CharacteristicsPhoto: BIKE-TestabteilungCanyon Neuron AL 6 - CharacteristicsCanyon Neuron AL 6 - suspension characteristics:  Fork and shock harmonise well with each other. The fork offers a little more travel than specified due to the standard dispersion.Photo: BIKE-TestabteilungCanyon Neuron AL 6 - suspension characteristics: Fork and shock harmonise well with each other. The fork offers a little more travel than specified due to the standard dispersion.

* The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measured values (BIKE laboratory measurement) 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.).

¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.

² The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) 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.).

Max Fuchs

Max Fuchs

Editor

Max Fuchs hat seine ersten Mountainbike-Kilometer bereits mit drei Jahren gesammelt. Zunächst Hobby-Rennfahrer und Worldcup-Fotograf im Cross-Country-Zirkus, jetzt Testredakteur und Fotograf bei BIKE. Sein Herz schlägt für Enduros und abfahrtsstarke Trailbikes – gern auch mit Motor. Bei der Streckenwahl gilt: je steiler und technischer, desto besser.

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