Canyon Strive CF 8.0
- Adjustable suspension
- Excellent brakes
- Superb components
Canyon Lux CF SL 8.0
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Excellent suspensions
- Great value for money
Canyon Neuron AL 7.0
- Clean, attractive frame
- Excellent suspension
- Comfortable
If you live in a particularly hilly area with steep climbs, then a Canyon mountain bike can be the best cycling option for getting around.
Canyon offers a variety of high-quality mountain bikes that perform well under tough weather conditions. The bike company operates through a direct sales method, selling bikes online and delivering them to the customer’s door. As a result, its most oft-quoted selling point is its ability to pass the savings reaped by a lack of overheads on to the customer. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best mountain bicycles from the company.
Reviews of the Top 5 Canyon Mountain Bikes
1. Canyon Strive CF 8.0
Canyon Strive is a sturdy endurance bike that offers highly adjustable suspension. This makes Canyon easy to handle on climbs, without a lot of drag.
The model employs Canyon’s proprietary Shapeshifter technology that allows riders to adjust the 160mm of fork travel down by 15mm with just the push of a button on the handlebar. The front end becomes a bit stiffer allowing you to climb more efficiently.
The Strive has been equipped with Shimano’s new XT brakes and 1×12 drivetrain. Additional components include a FOX 36 fork and DPX2 rear shock combo, FOX Transfer dropper post, and the signature DT Swiss E 1700 wheelset.
Why We Like It
- Adjustable suspension
- Excellent brakes
- Superb components
Our Verdict
The Strive may not feel quite as capable on the downs as some other top bikes in this category. Nonetheless, its impressive specs and superb all-rounder capabilities make it a serious amount of fun on the trails.
Editor Rating
2. Canyon Lux CF SL 8.0
Sometimes it is better to specialize in one area than try to be good at everything. Canyon Lux proves that with its focused drive for mountain rides.
This lightweight bike comes in just under 25 lbs. and has a 69.5-degree head tube angle that provides great control. It has a 100mm frame travel with go-fast touches. Additional design features include remote suspension lockout, carbon hoops, and light tires with minimal tread.
When it comes to cycling, the pedals are extremely efficient. The bike’s slackened geometry and sharp-turning Lux feels exhilarating on any ride.
As you would expect from a modern cross-country bike the Lux rolls on 29″ wheels. The full carbon fiber frame has all the mod cons including Boost hub spacing and flat-mount brakes.
At the front, you will find a 110mm RockShox SID RLC fork paired with a 100mm linkage single pivot. The design relies on flex in the stays rather than a pivot anywhere near the dropout.
Both the shocks are linked by a cable operated, and bar-mounted remote that sits underneath the bar on the left-hand side. This makes it easy to lock the bike out for sprinting or big climbs.
Why We Like It
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Excellent suspensions
- Great value for money
Our Verdict
Canyon’s Lux CF SL 8.0 Race is an amazing entry into high value and quick cross-country racing bikes’ category. It can take some rapid trail riding in its stride. The suspension and geometry work well for the intended task and it is our top pick for mountain bikes.
Editor Rating
3. Canyon Neuron AL 7.0
The Neuron AL has been recently updated to resemble the carbon version of the same bike that was launched in 2019. The AL model is more rugged and handles trails better.
Additional updates include a horizontally-mounted rear shock and a wider main pivot. The bike’s front derailleur compatibility has also been enhanced.
The bike has been tuned up to give supple beginning stroke sensitivity to help with comfort and grip. It offers mid-stroke support for turns and holes as well as pedaling efficiency to help riders conserve energy.
As for components, the bike has an Iridium dropper post and Canyon’s own-brand bar and stem. You also get Continental Mountain King III tires and RaceFace rims on Shimano hubs. Not bad for its price.
Lastly, the Neuron AL 7.0 comes equipped with an SRAM NX/GX Eagle mix and Fox Float 34 forks with the GRIP damper. It has a Fox Float Performance DPS rear shock as well.
Canyon Neuron AL models come in two variants – the £1,699 AL 6.0 and the £2,049 AL 7.0. There’s a women-specific version of each, with gender-specific contact points.
Why We Like It
- Clean, attractive frame
- Excellent suspension
- Comfortable
Our Verdict
The Canyon Neuron AL gives you one kickass bike for your buck. It’s an attractive, top-quality frame with nice components assemble that would cost much, much more on their own.
Editor Rating
Ralated Topics
4. Canyon Spectral CF 7.0
The Canyon Spectral can tackle some seriously steep and technical climbs with comfort. It has short chainstays and wheelbase that would hinder the Spectral’s performance if you want to go fast. But then again, the bike is not meant for racing but mountain climbs.
The bike’s geometry, combined with the long legs, is perfect for tight and technical trails. You don’t have to ride the Spectral flat out to make it feel lively. Diving the mainline for a side hit takes only a quick adjustment of levers. If you go a bit too far and get into trouble it offers long Pikes that help you stay in control.
If you are looking to have fun out on the trails, there is no other e-MTB like the Spectral CF 7.0. From its 29” front wheel and 27.5” back wheel setup to its 150 mm of progressive suspension, every detail has been optimized for single track performance.
It features Shimano’s accurate and reliable XT shifting pairs with a 12-speed SLX cassette to give you a huge 510% gearing range that will keep you pedaling no matter how steep or technical the ascent.
Lastly, the newly-integrated battery system will get you to the trailhead with the energy you need to climb uphill with ease.
Why We Like It
- Lively rear suspension
- Look and quality of the bike
- Loves demanding terrain
Our Verdict
The Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 has seen a major uplift in its downhill performance compared to the previous model. If you’re looking for a good trail bike that offers efficiency and comfortable climbing capabilities without shying away from steep, demanding descents, then this is it.
Editor Rating
5. Canyon Torque CF 7.0
Based off of Canyon’s Sender DH race rig, the Torque aspires to be a gravity-fuelled beast. With 175mm rear and 180mm front travel, this German mountain bike packs extra downhill muscle. The carbon fiber front triangle and top tier parts aim to keep it sprightly enough to pedal all kinds of enduring terrains. You can easily manage all-day wilderness rides on this bike.
Its smooth, squared-off, UD carbon mainframe is slickly bolted to alloy rear stays with a tucked away chainstay pivot. The chassis has a modern and refined look. The noise-dampening rubber frame protects both ends and ensures the Torque stays safe and quiet when the trails get rowdy.
The bike has been designed to take big blows without losing its playful vibe. The newly updated model features full-suspension that can handle a super-enduro race or just an epic Saturday ride on trails.
As for components, the RockShox suspension and 1x SRAM shifting combine with tough DT Swiss wheels give you a winning combination on techy descents and the toughest big bike park lines.
It has a full SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 groupset and 10-50 NX cassettes that provide a wide range of ratios that riders need for relaxed climbing and high-speed descending.
Why We Like It
- Great speed
- Beautiful design
- Good value for money
Our Verdict
Canyon has done a good job with the Torque. You can’t complain about the shape of the bike, nor the suspension. The kit you get for the money reinforces Canyon as one of the best-value bike suppliers out there.
Editor Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Buy Canyon Mountain Bikes?
You can’t buy Canyon bikes from a regular bike shop, only through the Canyon website. You can also buy from its authorized Koblenz showrooms. Canyon sells to a number of countries across Europe, the Middle East, Austrailia, the US and Central/South America.
Where are Canyon Mountain Bikes Made?
Canyon is a German company and most of their bikes are made in Koblenz, Germany. Some components and frames are produced in China and Asia.
Are Canyon Mountain Bikes Good?
Canyon bikes are regarded as some of the best value options on the market. They offer higher-end components than most brands within their price brackets. This is made possible largely thanks to the German brand’s direct sales model and competitive engineering.
The Final Word
Cyclists looking for a top class bike at a good price would find the Canyon Strive ideal for their needs. If you are looking for a premium, top class model, then go with Canyon Lux for high class performance.
Canyon Neuron is one of the most affordable models from the German manufacturer. While it is cheaper, you will not find it lacking in components and drive.
Other great models in mountain bikes include Canyon Torque and Canyon Spectral. Both models are excellent for trail cycling.