Wide range of use, toughly calculated and functional down to the last detail. Even in the LTD version for an attractive € 2999, Canyon's bestseller shows its best side and wins this comparison. The most expensive aluminium model thus joins the ranks of test victories that the Neuron has already achieved in previous comparisons. Even in BIKE's all-mountain test, in which the trail bike ran as a reference, it cut a passable figure among the otherwise long-travel competition.
In this shoot-out, the Canyon exudes the sportiest flavour. This is partly due to the suspension travel of nominally 140 millimetres at the front and 130 at the rear, but also to the riding position. In comparison, the Cube and GT offer slightly more reserves at the rear with 140 millimetres of travel. On the other hand, the Neuron has the longest reach combined with the lowest stack, making the Canyon the sportiest bike overall - although by no means too stretched out. The riding position is immediately pleasing and feels harmonious and balanced. As the trail bike is free of extremes, there is no need to familiarise yourself with the handling. At 66.5 degrees, the steering angle of the Neuron is modern, but rather steep compared to the two rivals. Accordingly, the trail bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company also has the shortest wheelbase, with the chainstays even on the long side. As a result, the bike climbs even the steepest ramps with confidence, without taking the rider off the ideal line on technical uphills with wobbly steering.
Downhill, the Neuron delivers a rock-solid performance. However, the head angle, suspension travel and narrow cockpit show the rider clear limits. The Canyon doesn't come close to the downhill performance of the GT. The propulsion-oriented tyre choice also limits downhill performance.
First-class propulsion
Uphill and during long hours in the saddle, however, the Neuron impresses across the board and does the trail bike category proud. The tyres roll excellently and save energy on the trails. What really stands out, however, is the function of the rear suspension, which strikes the perfect balance between drive neutrality and sensitivity and traction. Even when pedalling out of the saddle, the rear end remains very stable, even without a platform. On the other hand, the rear suspension responds very sensitively and generates massive amounts of grip. That's exactly how it should be.
Canyon has not skimped on the equipment either: a highlight of the LTD version is the Sram GX AXS Transmission. The official retail price of the wireless drivetrain is already 1300 euros and delivers the finest shifting performance even under load. Also worth mentioning is Canyon's own telescopic seatpost, which offers up to 200 millimetres of travel and can be adjusted in length without tools. However, at 460 millimetres, the seat tube is longer than on the Cube and GT and leaves less room for lowering.
The bottom line is that the Neuron LTD's philosophy of foregoing carbon for the frame and investing the money in the equipment pays off. At 14 kilos without pedals, the trail bike is still competitively light.
Details about the Canyon Neuron LTD
- Fork: Fox Float 34 Performance
- Shock: Fox Float Performance
- Gear system: Sram GX AXS Transmission, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-52 / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Code RS 180/180 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Canyon G5 dropper / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss M1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic /Wicked Will Speedgrip Superground 29 x 2.4
- Suspension travel: 140/130 mm
- Frame material: aluminium
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Price: 2999 Euro
Measured values
- Total weight: 13.99 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 4935 g
- Impeller inertia: 3821 g x cm²
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
The Canyon Neuron can do everything at a high level, making it the ideal trail bike for touring riders. The LTD version also impresses with great and functional equipment.
