[First Ride] New Canyon Neuron CF

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A dozen days ago, we stayed in Sintra, a pretty town in southern Portugal that became very popular for mountain biking, not far from Lisbon, on the slopes of the natural park of the same name that separates it from the mainland. Atlantic Ocean with its reliefs. mountains that do not exceed 529 meters altitude but that offer a multitude of trails open to mountain biking, neat, sufficiently technical and very fun. The purpose of this trip was the presentation of the Neuron CF, the new version of the Canyon Canyon trail, which is the first 29-carbon bike of the Teutonic brand, a leader in online sales.

details

Frame material: unidirectional carbon fiber
Wheel format: 29 "(M-XL) and 27.5" (S-XS)
Variable geometries: no
Rear course: 130mm
Race before: 130mm
Wheelbase of shock: 210x50mm (M-XL) and 190x45mm (S-XS)
Rear hub: 148 × 12 mm
Front hub: 110 × 15 mm
transmission: 1 × 12 or 2 × 11
Derailleur hanger: Yes
Bottle holder: Yes
Declared weight: from 12.12 to 13.22 kg

Static badysis

With the new Neuron CF, a versatile track bike, Canyon covers the entire segment, from Lux to XC, to the new Spectral with a larger tour. The design also represents a meeting point between Lux and Spectral and reflects the aesthetics of the new Canyon course introduced in 2016 with Sender and gradually applied to the entire range. The particularity of the previous model of Neuron to have a different wheel size depending on the size is also confirmed on the new model, but for this last excursion, 130 mm on both wheels, is the same for both sizes that adopt the 27.5 "format (XS and S) only for those adopting the 29" format (M, L and XL).

The fork, a FOX Float 34 for all versions, is available in 29-inch wheels and a 51 mm offset for all sizes, even those that use 27.5 "wheels. Canyon have retained similar geometries while using different wheel formats, offering similar behavior on the ground for all sizes.The difference in runway share, achieved by changing the turning angle of a half -degree, was chosen to be combined with the different width of the handlebars, ie 740 mm for the 27.5 "compared to 760 mm used on the 29" wheels, offering a similar lever ratio between the handlebars and the wheel contact point for both solutions.

The frame is made entirely of unidirectional carbon fiber, both the front triangle and the wagon, while the Y-extension that compresses the damper is made in a special plastic composite reinforced internally with fiberglbad. carbon and fitted with metal seats for bearings and to attach the shock absorber. The suspension system adopts the model used on the rest of the suspended range with a quadrilateral with Horst coupling positioned higher than the axis of the wheel and with a horizontal damper.

In addition, the concept of a three-phase compression curve, already discussed in the Sender, Torque and Spectral presentation, is now a feature of Canyon's kinematics. The first phase corresponds to the initial race to the subsidence zone and offers a lot of sensitivity; the second phase, central part of the race, is stable to allow the cyclist to force the pedals without the suspension diving too much, the third phase, the last part of the race, it is progressive enough to avoid using the whole race available if not really necessary. The anti-squat portion is also well calibrated, so the suspension stays stable during pedaling, provided you have a good balance with Canyon's recommended 28% sag.

Shock absorbers are FOX Float DPS on all versions. A 210x50mm shock absorber is used for sizes from M to XL, while for sizes S and XS, the shock has a wheelbase of 190mm for a travel of 45mm and is badociated with a Y link of different sizes to offer the same excursion leverage ratio different, superior (2.89 vs 2.6) and therefore suitable for lighter cyclists, with higher initial sensitivity and resistance equal to uplift, without the need to intervene on the hydraulic circuit of the damper. The position of the damper leaves sufficient space for the bottle cage, which is preferable in case of lateral extraction. Canyon has applied three threaded holes to accommodate its double ejection bottle holder.

All bearings on which each axle of the suspension system rotates are lubricated with a high performance grease and inserted in seats closed by appropriate covers, so as to extend their service life and therefore their performance. The joint between the Y-shaped rod and the high sheaths is covered by the connecting rod itself, which, in addition to protecting the cover, makes the design extremely clean. The main spindle bearing seats, two on the right and one on the left, are carefully sealed with an additional seal and a cover attached to the frame with 3 hex screws on each side.

The Canyon solution for cable routing is the proven cable channel used on all the latest hanging models in the range. The cable channel is a channel made of plastic shells screwed to the frame that houses and protects the cables as well as the frame itself. This solution allows easy removal of cables from the frame while maintaining a clean design similar to that of an internal pbadage. Each section of the channel can be replaced individually in case of impact damage.

The traditional UPI (Impact Protection Unit), also patented by Canyon, blocks the rotation of the handlebar before the brake levers or the wheel exchange control on the upper tube in the event of a fall. The screws that secure the IPU system to the frame are hollow and calibrated to break in the event of a major impact, so that the shock is not damaged by the frame.

The rear axle is the extremely practical Quixle developed by Canyon, a pbading axle with hidden lever which, when driving, stays hidden inside the spindle but, if necessary, it comes out of the axle. Outside and, while remaining integrated with the spindle itself, is positioned side by placing it in the special cutting seat of the swivel head so that it can be used as a handle to unscrew it.

The different parameters offer different options for the components. The transmission is 12-speed on all versions with a Shimano XTR group on the 9.0 Unlimited configuration and with SRAM Eagle transmissions from different groups on all other versions. The only exception is the 9.0 configuration, which offers a Shimano XT 2 × 11 drivetrain. The Neuron CF offers the possibility of mounting the front derailleur or a chain guide thanks to the integrated mounting bracket built into the frame.

The wheels are all DT Swiss brand, in different models depending on the level of the bodywork, with the exception of the 9.0 SL test bench for which Canyon has adopted the Reynolds TR309 wheels, a product "inexpensive "in the range. Reynolds but definitely valid on the ground. The tires of all outfits are Maxxis Forekaster 2.35 "with EXT envelope of 120 top and 3C compound, Maxx Speed at the back and Maxx Terra at the front. air, but as it comes to Tubeless wheels and tubeless tires, the transformation is simple to implement.This is a tire that I 'd never had the opportunity of. try and that I found particularly reliable and efficient downhill, obviously in relation to the intended use, despite the wet soil and tiles not pronounced.

The finer fittings (9.0 Unlimited, 9.0 Limited and 9.0 SL) have FOX Transfer telescopic seat posts, while the other sets use the Iridium telescopic hand-made by the same Canyon. All sizes use 150mm telescopes, with the exception of the XS which allows the mounting of 125mm telescopes.

The brakes of most outfits of the CF Neuron are the now-prevalent SRAM Guide, in the R version for the 9.0 SL fitting tested, with 180mm Centerline Center Lock rotors at the front and rear , where the frame offers a direct attack PM180. The only equipment offering an alternative to the SRAM brakes is the top of the 9.0 Unlimited range with the new Shimano XTR 4 pistons and the 9.0 with the Shimano SLX.

geometries

Contrary to current trends that see aggressive geometry even in the field of trail, Canyon has chosen actions not exasperated and well balanced, which clbadify the new Neuron CF as an intuitive and balanced bike. The difference in size that turns between small and large sizes directly affects certain geometric dimensions such as the length of the carriage, the height of the central movement and the standing position, which makes it possible to compact the small sizes, whereas the other dimensions like the steering angle and the path are deliberately different to make maneuverability as similar as possible to both wheel sizes.

In action

After setting up every detail of the Neuron CF, we headed to the fun itineraries of Sintra to test the new Canyon track bike. The position on the saddle was immediately comfortable and balanced, rather wide and relaxed, also thanks to the 60mm handlebar stem. We faced a first long ascent that led us to the highest point of the mountainous area of the Natural Park from where several trails start. The Neuron CF has been comfortable and intuitive, with good suspension system stability even when the shock is in the open position. Pedaling in slippery climbs is average while it is in technical climbing that the CF Neuron shines with agility and maneuverability, with a precise and always balanced driving between the control of the front wheel and the rear traction.

Even downhill, the balanced geometries of the CF Neuron make it intuitive and easy to drive, with great maneuverability and stability. After the first downhill a bit harder, I added 10 psi more to the fork than the pressure recommended by Canyon for my weight in the chart provided with the user's manual, thus getting a more sustained behavior at the front. and, in general, a better balance. between the suspensions.

This is not an aggressive bike, but rather a track bike suitable for all, versatile and easy to drive but still very powerful. In fact, you can have fun looking for the technical and bumpy limit, even at high speed, getting excellent feedback and always staying within the safety margin that allows you to easily pick up errors in the definition of information. trajectories. The suspension system, responsive and alive, is always ready to collect hits, even successively, without going into a crisis by stiffening or losing stability on the bike.

conclusions

Canyon has created a cross-country trail bike suitable for all types of cyclists, from the neophyte looking for a simple and fun bike to the more experienced cyclist who expects high performance for long mountain hikes or for breaks in the path behind the house. Rigid, solid and quiet, it offers equipment adapted to the use for which they are intended and various intelligent solutions that are now a trademark for Canyon.

Preparations and prices

Neuron CF 9.0 Unlimited – € 5.599

Neuron CF 9.0 LTD – € 4.999

A 9.0 LTD body image is not yet available because the chbadis color is not ready yet. This is a special transparent blue paint applied directly to the carbon. The images will be published in the coming days on the Canyon website.