Trail bike duel: Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 vs Radon Skeen Trail 10.0 - reader test 2022

With such good equipment and the correspondingly low weight, the Canyon Neuron CF 9.0 with a solid points lead in the test. However, the price-conscious candidates of our reader testers are already fond of the Radon Skeen Trail 10 even before the first pedal stroke, as the developers have also opted for carbon, at least for the main frame. Together with the highest quality Rockshox Pike fork and the high-quality aluminium wheels, the Bonn-based company has put together an extremely attractive price-performance package. On the scales, the two candidates are separated by 540 grams. Later it turns out that almost half a kilo of the extra weight falls back on the Radon frame. The fact that Canyon uses carbon wheels and lighter tyres only saves 76 grams.

The geometry of the Radon Skeen Trail is a little more modern: the slack head angle promises directional stability. The steeper seat angle and the low front end make our testers feel a little more stretched and propulsion-orientated on the bike - even though the frame of the Skeen Trail is one size smaller. Sporty riders love that. On the Canyon, the riding position feels more comfortable. Even untrained riders can survive long days in the saddle in a nice upright position. The well-designed suspension also plays its part. Uphill, the rear suspension remains extremely stable even without a platform. The response behaviour of the Koblenz MTB is also impressive across the board. The fork and shock parry quick hits with ease. The rear triangle in particular - with one centimetre more travel - copes better than the Radon with large cross roots or rocky passages. Radon has the smoother geometry, but the rear suspension is reluctant to release its travel at the limit. This means that the Skeen reaches its limits at high speeds. On the other hand, if you ride the bike on the tame flow trails of the test lap, the suspension characteristics fade into the background and the Radon impresses with its pronounced playfulness thanks to its short chainstays.

On the climbs, our readers criticise the slight pitching of the rear suspension on the Radon Skeen. Compared to other bikes in this category, however, we know that the Radon is still in the green zone. If you want to completely stabilise the rear via the platform, it's difficult to reach the lever on the low-slung shock. Much more annoying, however, is the inhibited response behaviour at the rear under chain tension. However, with a little more sag than usual, we can also satisfy the testers in this respect. The Radon earns praise for its choice of tyres. Schwalbe's Nobby Nic with soft compound at the front and Speedgrip at the rear offer a higher level of grip than the smooth-running Speedgrip tyres on the Canyon.

Conclusion from Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:

With both manufacturers, you get a lot of bike for your money. If you judge by hard facts alone, Canyon builds the better all-rounder: the Neuron climbs as well as it descends, and the low weight opens up a wide range of action. If you lower your performance expectations a little, you can achieve the same balancing act with the Radon and save money at the same time.

Technical data Canyon Neuron CF 9.0

General

• Price: 3999 Euro 1)
• Info->
• Frame material: Carbon
• Frame size: XS / S / M / L / XL (tested in 48cm)

Measured values

• Weight without pedals: 13.6 kg
• Front / rear suspension travel: 141 / 141 mm

Equipment

• Wheels: DT Swiss XCM 1700
• Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic / Wicked Will Speedgrip Super Ground 29 x 2.40
• Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance Elite
• Shock: Fox Float Performance
• Brakes: Shimano XT BR-M 8120 / 180 / 180
• Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-51 / 510 %
• Telescopic post: Iridium Dropper / 160 mm

Technical data Radon Skeen Trail 10.0

General

• Price: 3199 Euro 1)
• Info->
• Frame material: carbon/aluminium
• Frame size: 16 / 18 / 20 / 22 (tested in 42 cm)

Measured values

• Weight without pedals: 13.6 kg
• Front / rear suspension travel: 143 / 125 mm

Equipment

• Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Soft / Speedgrip SuperGround TLE 29 x 2.40
• Fork: Rockshox Pike Ultimate
• Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select+
• Brakes: Magura MT Trailsport / 180 / 180
• Gear system: Sram GX Eaggle 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520%
• Telescopic post: Radon Competition / 150 mm

1) The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.

2) Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination

You can download the complete reader test 2022 here:
>> Reader test 2022 from BIKE 8/2022 <<