2023 Canyon Neuron Review | This ALL-NEW Canyon Neuron Is A Speedy & Light Weight Trail Bike
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- For prices and specs on all the new models, see the full Canyon Neuron review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/ca...
Totally redesigned from the inside-out, the 2023 Canyon Neuron represents the 7th generation of the German brand’s popular trail bike platform. It replaces the outgoing model that debuted in 2018, which we reviewed in both its carbon and alloy variants.
While the new Neuron does look very similar to its predecessor, Canyon has brought it right up to speed with some significant and welcome updates to the geometry. The redesigned frame is claimed to be lighter while offering a suite of improvements to its hardware and suspension.
That’s all well and good, but it’s no secret that Canyon’s full suspension lineup is looking pretty chock-a-block these days. With a flurry of releases including the latest Lux Trail and Spectral 125, we were curious as to how the new Neuron would fit in. So for the past month, we’ve been putting a 2023 Canyon Neuron to test on our home trails to find out!
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Canyon Neuron Video Review Contents
0:00 - Intro
0:12 - Canyon Neuron Overview
0:52 - Wheelsize & Travel
1:22 - Geometry
2:12 - Frame Updates
3:32 - Canyon Neuron Price & Specs
4:19 - Canyon Neuron Weight
4:28 - Canyon Neuron Sizing & Setup
5:33 - Strengths
7:38 - Downsides
9:30 - Canyon Neuron vs Spectral 125 vs Lux Trail vs Stumpjumper
10:00 - Flow's Verdict
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New Neuron 2023 is XC guy's trail bike, while Spectral 125 is Enduro guy's trail bike.
Can we have a trail rider's trail bike?
My Huffy is a jump off the roof bike
@@hambo76 This^
@@hambo76so true. Neural is still too conservative to me while spectral 125 doesn't make much sense if you can get a regular spectral. It has cons of an Enduro bike but short travel barely can be considered as a major advantage
Spot on!
I have 2023 Neuron CF9 and have been using it for about three months and about 300km. I am 189cm and mine is a size large and fits perfect, although it is physically a large bike. I am generally very pleased with the Neuron, with just one caveat. I live in an area with very little steep downhill, just rolling countryside, so I bought it as a winter bike to deal with the five months of mud we get. I don't really notice the slackness which I attribute to the upright seat tube and long frame and, to my surprise, it climbs really well. It also rolls brilliantly, not quite to XC standards, but way, way better than my previous 27.5 winter MTB. What I am not so happy about is the rocker link that straddles the seat tube and joins the rear shock to the seat stays. The rocker bridge across the back of the seat tube constantly traps small stones, which then can't escape. As the suspension compresses the bridge moves forward and squeezes the stones towards the seat tube making the entrapment worse. I have had to fish stones out of there four times with a screwdriver. The paint at the back of the seat tube is already damaged due to this. Be alert to this if you have a Neuron CF. 👍 Apart from that the bike is great and is a keeper. 👍
Do you think the 2022 mode geometry would be better for a beginner getting first full suspension that does more cross country/ “down” country trails? Or would this be good to do the trick for those types of rides as well?
Love the video! I am currently looking to buy a new bike and this is one of the choices! I currently have a stump jumper comp 150 travel I am looking for something I can take on long rides but still hit some jumps if I get more serious would you recommend this or should I go with the spectral ? Thank you 🙏🏻
great stuff! any idea why the Canyon Neuron CF LTD top end model is nearly a kilo / 2 pounds heavier? could it be all down to the reverb axs dropper or just another typo by canyon?
Hey Wil, a while back you mentioned wanting to test the neuron with a slightly different set up, better forks, maybe wheels and tyres too. Did you end up doing that and if so how did you find it?
Do you advice a small or medium frame for a guy 5ft 7 inches? Cheers (would prefer 29 wheels)
I am new to the world of mountain biking, one question....can I use this ISCG-05 or ISCG-03 chain guide on the Neuron 5 bike model?... I think it would be fine in enduro, small jumps with some rocks, what do you think?
I have the 23 Neuron AL 7 but I'd like an XC bike like the Lux, Orbea Alma/Oiz or Specialized Chisel. Would these bikes only be marginally different from the Neuron for XC type of riding with long days with a lot of climbing?
Great review as usual !
Thanks for watching and for the kind words mate! [Wil]
Could the Fox Rhythm fork on the AL 6 be modified to 150 in anyway?
I am thinking about buying the Neuron FC 9 SL (2020) used or the new Neuron CF 8. The used bike market is looking good, but so is this new version of the Neuron. Any recommendations?
Having ridden both the previous generation Neuron and this new one, I can attest that it is a BIG step up in terms of its all-round handling and descending competency. The new geo is much better balanced and it affords a lot more confidence on technical terrain. I enjoyed the previous version, but this new one is much improved. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips thanks for your replay.
Would the problems with the carbon DT Swiss wheels be less of an issue with the Neuron 7 which have alloy wheels? How do you rate the Neuron 7 to the CF 8? Seems like it has a better XT group set?
maybe the 7 is better，neuron7 have a good xt group set but the Lower price for similar weight
The alloy models look great! According to Canyon, the alloy frame is 660g heavier than the carbon frame, and it uses a bent seat tube so it won't offer the same degree of insertion.
Otherwise they feature exactly the same geometry and suspension kinematic, and the Neuron 7 gets the nice Fox Performance Series suspension.
Hope that helps, but feel free to check out the review for a heap more information about our experience with the Neuron: flowmountainbike.com/tests/canyon-neuron-2023-review/ [Wil]
It all comes down to if you really want a carbon bike , I looked into it and even if the carbon frame is 660g lighter. The whole bike weight specs of Neuron 7 and CF 8 are exactly the same on Canyon web site. The better and lighter components even the weight difference and is still a few hundred dollars cheaper. I'm still not completely decided on my next bike purchase but if it would be a Canyon Neuron I would go for the alloy Neuron 7. The low maintenance and toughness for strapping bags and some light bikepacking, camping overnight adventures is fine with me, I personally prefer better components than carbon frame. I do like the integrated chain guard on the carbon though!
Thinking this might be the bike that prompts me to update/upgrade from my 2013 Specialized Camber Comp. Maybe the CF9 (aussie market) as the AXS/sram brakes of the 9SL doesn't interest me. I'd keep the carbon rims to fit with some light n fast tyres, and source some alloys for a beefy set. Maybe treat the bike to some factory kashima with grip2 down the track.
Could you describe how the new Neuron differs from the YT izzo Core 2/3 in terms of ascending efficiency and descending stability?
I'm afraid I can't mate - we've not tested the Izzo, but if YT wants us to send us one to review they're welcome to! [Wil]
It has a suspension lock and stiffens the bike? thanks
How did your smaller test rider find the fit of the Medium bike? Canyon seems to recommend one size smaller than other brands.
Hi, I’m thinking of buying a Neuron 7 for my partner who is 167cm tall. I noticed your 165 cm rider was on the Size M. Canyon website recommends the 27.5 size S for a 167cm rider, what do you think? Cheers
Hi Keith ( from France ) ; i have the same question like you. I would buy it and i'm 170 cm rider . The website recommend S but i saw all test recommends size M until 172 cm. As You i'm waiting for Wil 's point of view
It'll depend a bit on your body proportions and riding style. Historically, I've always found Canyon's recommendations to be on the smaller side. I've often been on the border between Small and Medium, but at 175cm tall there's no way I'd personally ride anything but a Medium.
Our tester Roz is long-limbed for her 165cm height. In fact, she nearly has the same saddle height as me! Her long arms and range of flexibility means she can get away with riding a longer and more stretched out cockpit, though she could also fit the Small size frame. We haven't had the chance to test a Small unfortunately, so we can't say with authority if she'd fit one better than the other.
That said, her preference is for dual 29in wheels, rather than the 27.5in wheels that come on the S and XS. Our local trails are very rocky and undulating, so the smaller wheels get hung up noticeably more. This would be less of an issue on smoother and flowier trails, where the 27.5in wheels may actually be preferable.
I'd suggest looking at the geometry chart and paying close attention to the reach measurements and effective top tube lengths. If you're able to compare those with your existing bike, that should help to provide a reference point as to how the Small and Medium sizes in the Neuron will fit.
Hopefully that helps, though just shout out if you've got any other questions.
[Wil]
Guys, why I could not find this frame color in the canyon website?
Best looking bike this year imo.
PS. If you're coming to Crankworx in Cairns, this would be a great bike to try out there - pedally, pinchy, flowy, rooty and rocky in places.
As a 181 tall guy I struggle with the decision of size M or L. Canyon recommends me a M sized Frame.
What do you say guys?
Awesome review. Love how you go into details and show us customers the up and down sides and you make such good close up videos where you also can see the bike in its full beauty! THANKS for doing so! Keep it up 🙌😎
Medium mate. I just bought one. I’m 1.82, 87 leg. Perfect for me. Measure yr current bike and compare is another method to make you feel more comfortable. I compared Scott Spark 910 in large with the Neuron Medium.
I ended up going with the L frame. It's perfect for me. I like to work on the bike and like it when it goes faster and still stable in the terrain.
Im 6"1' thought I would need a large. But I rode my friends medium Canyon Lux and it felt fine. Didnt feel cramped in anyway.
The new Neuron Ltd looks amazing for the price with SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission!
Hi Wil, it sounds like you ride a size M in the test. 1 rider 166cm and one 175cm. According to the geometry chart that sounds like a bit too large bike, at least for 166cm? What was the impression?
Martin, great question. I'm 175 cm and they suggested a small for me. Looking at geometry the only thing I'm very concerned with is the standover height. Seems like the top tube sits pretty high. I'd like to know how the 166 cm rider did with this.
Apologies for this off-tangent question: what is the torsionally and laterally stiffest lightweight trail or cross country bike out there? I'm using a 2019 Giant Anthem Advances 29ner for bikepacking and when it's fully loaded, the bike flexes torsionally and laterally.
A lot of the modern XC race bikes are built to be as light as possible, and often that means they're not necessarily the stiffest under heavy loads.
I'd recommend looking for a light-duty trail bike instead of an XC race bike, as you'll find the frames will be a lot sturdier, and the components are generally tougher as well.
Something like this Canyon Neuron would be a great option. It's significantly stiffer than a '19 Giant Anthem, and would still be quite suitable for off-road bikepacking.
A Trek Top Fuel would be another solid option, as would the Giant Trance 29.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips thank you so much. There's not a lot of info out there on which full suspension mountain bike is torsionally stiff yet its still light enough for bikepacking .
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Thank you so much. Not a lot of info on which full suspension mountain bike is torsionally stiff yet light enough for bikepacking.
I'm looking to buy a full suspension bike i was sold on Lux Trail CF 8 but after watching this video seems like this is a better bike and more comfortable than Lux Trail CF 8? Would you say that Neuron is comfortable version of Lux Trail CF 8 or? Thank you
I've got myself the Lux trail cf7 and I'm very happy with it. Yes the neuron will be more comfy! I put a riser handlebar on my Lux trail to make it more comfortable. The Lux trail is still my favorite way to go because I rarely go down on rough terrain rather then light XC and wood ways. I think it also depends on what you wanna do. I'm still more on the Lux trail but I think it will not be more comfy :)
Both good bikes!
For sure - the Neuron offers a more upright riding position, and while the rear suspension design is very efficient, it offers more grip and comfort compared to the much firmer Lux Trail.
If you were looking at doing some XC racing, the Lux Trail would be the lighter and faster option. If you're not bothered by racing, the Neuron will offer more comfort and confidence on rougher terrain, and it'll be the more versatile bike of the two.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
I've tested the lux trail. If you're competing, I guess it's fine: light and it has a very aggressive position, good for climbing. Anything other than racing? Oh god, I hated it so much. I'm completely hunched over the bars, the stack is ridiculously low. And I have long legs, therefore my seat was up high, the bars were down low. After 5 minutes I have had enough.
That bike sure is NOT for me.
@@mircea5013 I bought a bike it’s on my RUclips page take a look. It’s amazing 🤩
Schön Guten Tag. Ich habe mal ne frage wegen der Rahm Größe. . Ich bin 1.77 und habe eine in beinlänge von 82 cm. Solll ich L oder M nehmen. Ich bin so unschlüssig. Danke für Ihre Antwort. Fällt der Rahmen normal groß aus, oder er kleiner?
Ich bin 181 und habe 83 Schrittlänge.
Ich werde mit dem M Rahmen gehen
Comments seem to continue to position the new neuron as a long legged xc bike (as Wil described the previous version) but the upgrades make it much more capable and better at descending despite reaching its limits on really chunky terrain. It's definitely now a trail bike. BTW the trail riders trail bike is an Orbea Occam and I reckon the new Neuron would come pretty close to the Occam
Yes, Occam vs Neuron. It would be interesting to see the compared as they are now much closer in geo.
To me the Neuron is spot on as a Trail bike as well as a all round Mountainbike. I tested now for longer and can say it's a full grown well balanced trail bike.
If you're searching for a more capable XC bike the Lux trail is a good option.
Hmmm seems like a nice bike…but I’m still leaning towards the new Norco fluid instead. Seems more of a “trail” trail bike, instead of an “XC” trail bike
I am 170cm, anyone knows if the M could fit me? as the S offers a 27.5" wheel and I am looking at 29" wheels instead.
Same question for me. Also looking at the old neuron and wondering if medium in the old neuron is now similar to numbers on the new “small”
I would have preferred that the Neuron had come as an aggressive Downcountry bike, similar to the Rocky Mountain Element or Transition Spur. In this travel range, the Spectral 125 would probably be better choice for a Trailbike. They built a bike that competes with a better bike that they already make. The gap in their bike lineup is the Downcountry bike. Makes no sense! Here's what I would have liked to see---120/120mm travel, 77* STA, 65* HTA, light-weight with progressive geo.
Isn't that what the Lux Trail is trying to be? Throw some light tyres and a xc wheelset on this Neuron and you have a bike that can xc race during the week, then bike park in the weekend. Spectral 125 is too heavy for that.
The Spectral 125 is a short travel Trail/Enduro bike much like the Norco Optic. The Neuron looks like a far better trail bike with a better pedalling platform.
lol! 65 HTA and 77 STA are trail bike geometry numbers, there’s not one bike with the travel you mentioned 120/120 with that geo. Your comment makes no sense. No one would buy that bike with the geo numbers you mentioned. It would be a trail bike with XC suspension travel. Defeats the purpose of having a Down country bike, Luckily you don’t make bikes.
I am 174cm tall. Can I ride a mid size frame? According to Canyon website, I should ride a small size frame, but only M size and above has 29 inch wheels. Thank you in advance.
Most likely you could fit the Medium. The G5 dropper post can have its travel adjusted so that provides further options to get the saddle lower if needed.
You're nearly the same height as me, and I've found the Medium to fit really well. Personally, I wouldn't want to downsize to the shorter reach and stack, and the 27.5in wheels of the Small.
However, I'd still take a close look at the reach and effective top tube lengths in the geometry chart, and compare that with your current bike and any others that you've ridden. The ETT will be particularly useful in determining the overall cockpit length.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Thank you again. That's really helpful.
Mom : ,, but we have YT izzo at home”
YT izzo at home : ,, im a neuron!”
How good would this bike be to ride on flat off road surface for 60km?
It would handle that fine. You'd be faster on something like a Lux Trail or Lux World Cup, but if you're after a more comfortable and cruisey riding position, the Neuron would be a better pick. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips thank you
So are these forks custom made for Canyon? According to Fox's site, the Stepcast models only go up to 120mm of travel. Also Stepcast can only accommodate a FIT4 damper so it looks like Canyon has incorrect specs on their website as they show the CF 8 with a Stepcast fork.
Nope - the fork on the Neuron CF 9 SL we tested is a standard Fox 34 with the FIT4 damper. The 34 Float is available in 120-140mm of travel.
The 34 Step-Cast that you're talking about is a different model. It uses a lighter chassis and is only available with 100-120mm of travel. You'll find that fork on lightweight XC bikes like the Lux Trail.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Hi Will, love the review btw!
Go have a look at the Neuron spec for the CF 8 -
FOX 34 **Stepcast** Performance Elite **3-Pos Remote**
Axle dimension: 15x110 mm
Stanchion Diameter: 34 mm
Travel: **140 mm**
Fork steer tube diameter: 1 1/8" - 1,5"
Stepcast, 3-Pos Remote (Fit4) and 140mm of travel. This fork shouldn't exist according to Fox's page!
I think that's a typo on Canyon's behalf - the spec list we received previously lists a regular Fox 34 fork (not the Step-Cast model), and the photos also show the regular Fox 34 fork. [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips I thought so too. I mean, who updates these things?! Perhaps I should apply :D
The Spectral 125 was a good concept but they just went too extreme in the geometry.
I think it's a combination of the geometry and the stiff frame/component build on the Spectral 125 that I didn't get along with personally. Great on some trails, but a bit slow on rolling singletrack and quite unforgiving on rockier terrain.
I much prefer the Neuron in terms of its geometry and suspension performance, though I'd be keen to try it with a GRIP2 fork and some stickier tyres to unlock a bit more of its potential.
[Wil]
I don’t understand canyons sizing guide. I am 174cm and it came up with size small for me lol. I’d be right in the size of your test group.
Yeah the online size guide always seems to recommend a smaller size than I'd actually prefer. Of course it does depend on things like your arm and torso length, which will determine what your preferred reach will be. The new adjustable dropper post means that your inseam and saddle height is less important in the equation. [Wil]
I have a 2019 neuron, and im 176cm. They recommended a small but I went medium as i wanted 29s. I havent had any issues. If you wanted somthing you could whip around more you might not like it but im happy with my choice
Hello, the girl was 165 cm tall, wasn't the canyon size M too big for her? I can't decide between S-M for a height of 171cm
Hullo! Roz has been gifted long arms and legs, so she can generally ride most Medium frames as well as Smalls. Perhaps her ideal size is a Smedium haha.
At your height of 171cm, you're right on the border between the two. What does Canyon recommend for you?
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Canyon recommended size S, I bought size M, I prefer 29 wheels. The bike fits me perfectly, the only thing I have to get used to is that it is longer. Height 171 cm, leg length 78.
Is the suspension yoke on carbon models made of plastic?!
I think it's referred to as carbon composite, but yes, you could call it a fancy type of plastic I suppose! [Wil]
Neurons identity seems to be a sort of XC guys trail bike.
That's definitely how Canyon is pitching the Neuron to help seperate it from the Spectral 125, given the two bikes share almost exactly the same travel.
Since shooting this video, I've been experimenting with fitting a set of much burlier and stickier tyres to the Neuron, and it's had an overwhelmingly positive effect. I'd like to try my Fox 34 GRIP2 fork on there too, and potentially even a piggyback shock.
It'd be great to see Canyon offer a beefed-up spec option for the Neuron, as it's a highly capable bike that's worthy of those upgrades. But while the Spectral 125 is in the lineup, I don't think we'll see that happening however, as Canyon's trail bike lineup is already somewhat overcrowded!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips What tyres did you throw on it? And I'd love to see an updated review after you'd ridden it like this for a bit and maybe even a review of the alloy models? Also, is that the biggest you'd go or can go on the fork?
I've currently got a set of 2.4in Continental Kryptotal tyres in the Enduro casing with the Soft rubber compound. Fantastic tyres with excellent damping - you can see our review here if you like: flowmountainbike.com/tests/continental-tyre-review-argotal-kryptotal-xynotal-tyres/
I checked in with Canyon, and the engineers said that the Neuron frame is strength tested with a 150mm travel fork, though they don't necessarily recommend it from a geometry/handling perspective. I'd be keen to try it out though, purely out of interest.
We'll see what we can regarding a long-term review!
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Thanks for the info Wil! I'm hearing long-term review with different tyres and forks, and a test for the Neuron 7 to see if the al rims helps too ;-) Love the work you guys do there. Cheers.
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips Thanks Will. I think a 150mm 36 fork on it would be great. It actually reminds me a lot of a jeffsy, but just doesn't have the tires or fork of the jeffsy. I'll be really interested to see how you go. Thanks again for taking the time to respond and cheers for the content
Looks awesome. Would sure be more progressive than my 2014 anthem. Anyone own the neuron 7?
Claimed weight of 13.6kg seems reasonable…
Any thoughts on this model?
Headset routed cables are the biggest fail.
This or a Top Fuel 8?
Help me boys. Thank you....
I'm happy I got the 2022 model, not everyone wants a slacker bike...there are many to get in that case.
Yeah I like being over the front wheel more - more grip to rip!
@@Nickubus99 The older model accommodates a less dynamic riding style with the front wheel being weighted more when seated, whereas a modern geometry encourages you to lean the bike and weight the front while standing.
@@Nickubus99 better to be a bit underbiked and try to use the potential of bike on it's maximum, than to have twice the price enduro beast for a weekend traveling by the riverside flat asphalt routes like many of "bikers". Only my point of view. I've got 2022 model also and for my actual riding limits and meadows behind my city (80-90% of my average rides) it fits perfectly. Yes, for someone who need realy endurish descending tank for one day in a couple of weeks, traveling by car to some closer bike park it can be to much nimble. For someone who need some kilometres of fun in the forrest and meadows behind the city few times per week after the work is Neuron perfect choice I think.
@@David_Palka Ya bro I hear ya. I ride a Norco Revolver FS120. Stiff and fast but I still hit some tables and rough stuff. Got nice modern Geo. Keeps me on my toes and its Fast as hell.
Debating between the old or new model as my first full suspension. Old is on sale I ride cross country trails mostly occasionally harder trails. Still not sure which one to pick.
I have to sell my both legs to buy one 😅.
Are they worth it?
I feel like it's biting at the wrong bike's heels, and should drop a bit of travel and a bit of pork to sit in the gap that the trek top fuel and transition spur fill that the lux trail doesn't really cover . It feels like not enough of a step down from my spectral 150 and it fills a niche within a niche rather than a hole in canyons lineup, but hey, I haven't ridden the bike.
Wouldn't that hole be filled by the spectral 125?
Fox Factory fork with Kashima and Fit4?! This is ridiculous!
Some people just really like having a lockout. I'm not fussed myself, but in speaking with Canyon, they were saying that a lot of their customers won't bike a full suspension bike without one!
In the case of the Neuron, I think spec'ing it with the FIT4 fork and faster-rolling tyres is what helps to separate it from the Spectral 125. That makes sense from a business perspective and keeping things simple for Canyon's customers, but I kinda wish the Spectral 125 didn't exist so the Neuron was free to be a little burlier.
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips I agree that having both Spectral 125 and Neuron in the line-up is rather pointless.
@@FlowMountainBikeRUclips The Spectral looks great, but Rockshox + SRAM is a no-goer for me.
People make such a stink about head tube routing but the bigger crime is all the terrible and noisy internal routing over the past 5 years (many brands)... especially the designs needing foam buffer sleeves.
Dont like the tyres. MAXXIS much better
I have both. I have no issue with the Schwalbe's.