Issue #047, Review - June 11, 2021

Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 in review – Canyon’s smash-hit in a tough test field

Bike categories are a thing of the past! The best mountain bikes of 2021 are extremely versatile and thus impossible to pigeonhole: they’re comfortable on long rides yet fun on fast bike park tracks. But what does that mean for a bike that was specifically developed for touring a few years back? Can the Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 hold its own against the latest and greatest mountain bikes and keep up with the fierce competition on long rides?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best mountainbike of 2021 – 22 models in review

**Canyon** Neuron CF SLX 9 | 130/130 mm (f/r)
12.58 kg (size L) | € 5,599 | Manufacturer-website

Since its launch in 2018, the Neuron has been one of the top sellers in Canyon’s portfolio. With the affordable alloy models, the German direct-sale brand wants to offer a fair and affordable gateway to mountain biking. In this year’s group test, the top-end Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 model had to prove itself against the greatest mountain bikes of 2021. Consequently, Canyon entered the race with their lightest Neuron SLX-grade carbon frame built. Thanks to the relatively low weight (12.58 kg in size L), Canyon expect the Neuron to get a head start over the latest mountain bikes – at least uphill. Despite its discreet looking matte-black finish and subtle yet eye-catching colour accents, the Neuron can no longer hide its age: the cables run through an integrated and removable cable channel on the downtube, which prevents them from ripping and ensures a discreet look and quiet ride. However, around the cockpit, bottom bracket and shock, the cables create an unsightly loop, which causes them to rub against each other and on the frame. The Impact Protection Unit prevents the bars from rotating and damaging the frame but also spoils the elegant look of the Neuron. Other manufacturers, like Trek, offer more elegant solutions here. Nevertheless, the Neuron is also packed with smart details such as the fully-sealed pivot bearings, which Canyon employs to ensure longer service life, and the rear thru-axle, which cleverly tucks the lever away inside, protecting it from impacts when not in use.

Affordable price + expensive components = top price-performance ratio?

At € 5,599, the CF SLX 9 is the top-end model in Canyon’s Neuron range. If you look at the spec list of our test bike, you’ll be amazed at what you get for the price. Unfortunately, not all components make sense on the trail. The Shimano XTR four-piston brakes are amongst the best brakes you can buy, but generate too little braking power in combination with small 180 mm rotors front and rear, especially for heavy riders. While the FOX Transfer dropper perfectly matches the FOX Factory suspension, the super-long seat tube (480 mm in L) only allows for a meagre 150 mm drop. The suspension consists of a 34 Factory fork with a FIT4 damper and DPS Factory shock, both offering 130 mm travel. Canyon also rely on carbon for crucial components such as the 760 mm narrow RaceFace Next handlebars, Next SL cranks and DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheelset. While the cranks and 12-speed Shimano XTR drivetrain combine top shifting performance with a low weight, the tire-rim combination is precarious: with their hard rubber compound and flat profile, the 29 x 2.35″ Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires don’t generate enough traction while the thin Super Ground casing offers little puncture protection and leaves the carbon rims vulnerable to damage.

The spec list of the Neuron CF SLX 9 is impressive given its price. But what’s the point in having a bling spec if the basic concept doesn’t work on the trail?

**Home mechanic’s delight!**
Instead of running the cables inside the frame, Canyon rely on an external cable channel on the down tube. While this makes it easier to service or replace the cables, it’s not the tidiest solution out there – especially in the cockpit and bottom bracket areas.

**Wrong, twice!**
Canyon use Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires with the weak Super Ground casing and hard ADDIX Speedgrip compound front and rear. At the front, they generate too little grip while at the rear they’re not robust enough.

**As tightly-sealed as Fort Knox**
The extra seals in the pivot bearings protect them from grit and water, ensuring longer service life. Cool!

Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9

€ 5,599

Specifications

Fork FOX 34 Factory 130 mm
Rear Shock FOX DPS Factory 130 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR M9120 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1x12
Stem Race Face Turbine 35 60 mm
Handlebar Race Face Next 35 760 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss XMC 1200 29"
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic Speedgrip Evo Super Ground 2.35

Technical Data

Size M L XL
Weight 12.58 kg

**Long, low, narrow, stiff**
No, we’re not talking about a tuned Honda Civic but the ergonomics of the RaceFace cockpit, which is no less old school with its 60 mm stem and narrow 760 mm carbon bars. On top of that, it’s very stiff, causing your hands to get tired very quickly on descents.

**Lightweight construction without performance loss**
Shimano’s 12-speed XTR drivetrain runs on lightweight RaceFace Next SL carbon cranks and delivers outstanding shifting performance, even on rough terrain – and is very light too!

**Relics of a long-forgotten world**
The down tube of the Neuron reveals the age of the frame platform. Alongside the cage mounts, there’s still a cable port for a front derailleur (that thing grandpa had on his bike to shift gears at the front).

**Protects the chainstays but not your eardrums**
The bolted chainstay protector made of hard plastic doesn’t prevent the chain from slapping loudly. We recommend complementing the extensive protector with some soft mastic tape.

The geometry of the Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 in detail

Unfortunately, short riders walk away empty-handed with the Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD. In the smallest XS and S sizes, the standard Neuron rolls exclusively on smaller 27.5″ wheels. However, the SLX-grade frame is only available in sizes M, L and XL and with big 29” wheels. Now, if you’re hoping that the compact reach (453 mm in L) lets you size up, we’ve got bad news. At 480 mm in size L and 520 mm in XL, the seat tube is excessively long, significantly restricting the freedom of movement. That’s a real shame, especially given that the steep head angle (67.5 °) invites you to pick a bigger size for more composure. On the other hand, the seat tube angle is quite slack and effectively slackens out even further as you extend the dropper post due to the pronounced kink in the seat tube. In combination with the long stem, this forces you into a stretched and very sporty pedalling position when riding on flat terrain: with the seatpost fully extended, the Neuron provides a real race feel rather than long-distance comfort. On forest paths, it motivates you to push harder, rewarding your efforts with outstanding acceleration, not least because of the low weight. However, this only happens if you activate the climb switch. When climbing with the shock fully open, the Neuron sinks into its travel, making it hard to control the front end. This becomes particularly evident on steep and technical climbs, where you’ll have to actively load the front wheel to keep it tracking. On root carpets and ledges, the suspension doesn’t generate enough traction, causing the rear tire with its hard rubber compound to spin out of control. By contrast, the Spectral negotiates steep and technical climbs with a lot more confidence and provides more comfort on long rides. Surprisingly, it can even keep up with the lighter Neuron when racing on forest paths.

Size	M	L	XL
Seat tube	445 mm	480 mm	520 mm
Top tube	603 mm	626 mm	654 mm
Head tube	102 mm	112 mm	143 mm
Head angle	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstays	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	38 mm	38 mm	38 mm
Wheelbase	1,167 mm	1,190 mm	1,222 mm
Reach	433 mm	453 mm	473 mm
Stack	614 mm	623 mm	651 mm

**Helmet** Smith Session | **Glasses** Scott Shield | **Hippack** Bontrager Rapid | **Shirt** Vans Checkerboard
**Shorts** Specialized Pro Shorts | **Shoes** Five Ten Kestrel Lace MTB SPD | **Socks** Stance

Old school – The Canyon Neuron CF 2019 on the trail

Downhill, the Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 confirms what the geometry already suggests. Despite the relatively low bottom bracket, you sit on top of the bike rather than feeling integrated between the big 29” wheels. With the long 60 mm stem and flat handlebars pulling your weight far forward, you’re constantly faced with a chilling OTB fear on steep terrain. Unfortunately, the excessively long seat tube restricts freedom of motion and prevents you from compensating by shifting your weight low. As a result, the Neuron forces you in a very passive and rather extreme position, with your hips hanging far back above the rear wheel and your arms fully stretched.

Light bikes climb well: the Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9 is proof to the contrary, having to admit defeat to many significantly heavier bikes uphill despite its strong performance on the scales.

Tuning-tip: both trail riders and tourers will find a better more modern bike with the new Canyon Spectral

Moreover, the Neuron lacks traction in corners and under braking. On the one hand, this is due to the weak Super Ground casing of the tires which requires high pressures, and on the other, to the fact that the suspension is quite stiff off the top of its stroke. However, it blows through its travel and bottoms out abruptly in response to roots and small bumps, forcing you to hit the brakes early. Whether you’re on a manicured flow trail or easy natural dirt, the Neuron isn’t really much fun compared to the latest generation mountain bikes.

Riding Characteristics

Uphill

sluggish
efficient

Agility

cumbersome
playful

Stability

nervous
confident

Handling

demanding
balanced

Suspension

harsh
plush

Fun Factor

planted
poppy

Value for money

terrible
very good

Intended Use

XC

Trail

Enduro

Downhill

Conclusion

Compared to the greatest mountain bikes of 2021, the Neuron CF SLX 9 is getting long in the tooth: the frame details, geometry and concept are simply outdated. This becomes particularly evident on the trail, where the more capable and downhill-oriented Spectral easily outperforms the Neuron, even in terms of climbing performance and long-distance comfort. Despite the attractive price and impressive spec list, the Neuron CF SLX 9 doesn’t offer a good price-performance ratio. Unfortunately, all of the above is also true for touring riders. If you want to get a Canyon, let it be a Spectral!

Tops

fully-sealed linkage bearings

Flops

weak performance uphill despite the focus on tours
permanently overwhelmed downhill
despite the attractive price and high-quality components, only poor value for money

Find more information here: canyon.com

The testfield

Get an overview of the grouptest here: The best mountainbike of 2021 – 22 models in review

This scale indicates how efficiently the bike climbs. It refers to both simple and technical climbs. Along with the suspension, the riding position and the weight of the bike all play a crucial role.↩
How does the bike ride and descend? How spritely is the bike, how agile is it through corners, how much fun is it in tight sections and how quickly can it change direction?↩
Is the bike stable at high speeds? Is it easy to stay in control in demanding terrain? How composed is it on rough trails? Stability is a combination of balanced geometry, good suspension and the right spec.↩
This is all about how balanced the bike is and particularly about how well it corners. Balanced bikes require little physical effort from the rider and are very predictable. If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes.↩
How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Can it absorb hard impacts and does it soak up repeated hits? Plush suspension not only provides comfort and makes a bike more capable, but it also generates traction. The rating includes the fork and the rear suspension.↩
This aspect mainly comes down to the suspension. How much pop does it have, does it suck up the rider’s input or is it supportive, and how agile and direct is the bike?↩
We don’t calculate value for money in an excel spreadsheet or based on how high-end a bike is specced. We are more concerned with how a bike performs on the trail and how the bike benefits the rider. What good are the best components if the bike doesn’t perform well on the trail? Expensive bikes with a lower-end spec can offer very good value for money – provided they excel where it matters. Just as supposedly cheap bikes with good components can get a bad rating if they don’t deliver on the trail.↩
No, it’s not about racing, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along flowy singletrack and gravel roads need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret XC more like the Americans do: big back-country rides instead of a marathon or XC World Cup with the ultimate in lightweight construction! Uphill-downhill ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!)↩
...also known as mountain biking. Classic singletrack with roots, rocks and ledges – sometimes flowy, sometimes rough. For this, you need a bike with good all-round qualities, whether climbing or descending. Uphill-downhill ratio: 50:50↩
Even more extreme and challenging compared to Trail riding, riddled with every kind of obstacle: jumps, gaps, nasty rock gardens, ruts and roots. For this, you need (race)proven equipment that forgives mistakes and wouldn’t look out of place on a stage of the Enduro World Series. Climbing is just a means to an end. Uphill-downhill ratio: 30:70↩
Strictly speaking, a 200 mm travel downhill bike is the best choice for merciless tracks with big jumps, drops and the roughest terrain. Those would be the black or double-black-diamond tracks in a bike park. But as some of the EWS pros (including Sam Hill) have proven, it’s the riding skills and not the bike that define what you can ride with it. Climbing? On foot or with a shuttle, please! Uphill-downhill ratio: 10:90↩
You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

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