Trail mountain trend: Mismatched companions - trail bikes from Canyon, Cube & GT in the 2024 test
Peter Nilges
· 05.02.2024
Missed the point, it goes through my head as I skim over the lab data of our three trail bikes and get stuck on the total weight of the GT. Well, in this test we deliberately chose the bulkier, long-travel trail bikes from Canyon, Cube and GT. With suspension travel of between 140 and 150 millimetres at the fork and 130 to 140 millimetres at the rear, these tend to fall between the trail and all-mountain categories.
Trail mountain bikes between 2999 and 3999 euros, if you like. But 15.8 kilos for a fully in the golden centre of the suspension travel spectrum? And for 3999 euros? But not all of our test candidates are as heavy on the scales as the GT Sensor Carbon Elite. With a whole 2.5 kilos less on the "ribs", the Cube Stereo One44 for € 3299 shows a different interpretation of the trail bike genre. The Canyon Neuron LTD, the third bike in the group, lies between the two extremes at 14.3 kilos and remains extremely affordable at 2999 euros.
The areas of use and therefore the strengths of the bikes are as different as the weights. When it comes to touring quality and pure trail riding, Canyon and Cube set the tone. Due to the sportier riding position and the even faster tyres, the Neuron even has the lead here - despite the weight disadvantage.
As expected, the GT Sensor struggles. At 15.8 kilos, it needs to get going. Particularly on undulating terrain and winding trails, where constant pedalling is required, the sluggish Sensor clearly lags behind the other two trail bikes. On technical uphills, however, the GT can also score points: On the one hand, it has the grippiest tyres, and on the other, the steel rear suspension provides the best traction. This allows the GT to climb tricky passages, albeit at a leisurely pace.
In comparison, the lightweight Cube has to struggle with a rising front end and a lack of traction. Thanks to the sensitive rear suspension and the sportiest riding position, the Canyon also climbs very well until the fast tyres finally reach their limit.
Aluminium or carbon? The test bikes in the price-performance check
With a purchase price of between 3000 and 4000 euros, different materials are used for the centrepiece of the test bikes - the frame. While Cube relies entirely on lightweight carbon, GT combines a carbon fibre main frame with aluminium chainstays. The Canyon Neuron is made entirely of aluminium.
As an aluminium frame is still significantly cheaper to produce, the bottom line is that more money is left over for the equipment. In combination with the distribution channel, Canyon has put together the best equipment package for the Neuron LTD and has created a real highlight with the electronic Sram GX AXS transmission. Cube and even the expensive GT are left behind here.
Conclusion on the Trail bikes from Canyon, Cube & GT on test:
Three trail bikes, three different characters. Our test bikes from Canyon, Cube and GT clearly show how differently you can interpret a bike of this type. While the heavy GT is completely focussed on downhill fun, the light Cube blossoms when used for touring. The Neuron can do everything at a high level and therefore wins this comparison. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Pros & cons: Can a trail bike weigh over 15 kilos?
Pro: Max Fuchs
For me, downhill performance and ride quality are also the focus of a trail bike. For solid tyres with the best grip, as with the GT Sensor, I am happy to accept additional weight.
Contra: Peter Nilges
At more than 15 kilos, the fun definitely stops for me. The pounds are less of a hindrance when climbing evenly, but rather on undulating terrain. Bikes with too much weight simply react too sluggishly, massively curtail the play instinct and cost too much energy on long tours.
More expensive alternative: Scott Spark 930 for 4599 euros
Our three test bikes are priced between 2999 and 3999 euros. The comparison with the Scott Spark 930 shows how and where the surcharge has an effect.
Weight: The Spark 930 has a carbon main frame with aluminium rear triangle like the GT. The total weight, including pedals, is just under the 14-kilo mark. This puts it between the lightweight Cube with a full carbon frame and the Canyon with an aluminium frame.
Chassis: Scott relies on Fox Rhythm components, both for the fork and the shock, and is therefore even below the equipment level of Canyon and GT. On the other hand, the Scott scores with the Twinloc suspension adjustment, which allows the fork and shock to be operated with just one handlebar lever.
Switching group: The Shimano mix with SLX cranks, Deore shifters and XT rear derailleur is impressive and puts the affordable Sram SX groupset on the GT in the shade. The GX Eagle drivetrain on the Cube is on a similar level, but Canyon goes one better with the electronic GX Transmission.
