Back Issue | Group Test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL Review
The current Canyon Lux CF is a mix of the classic Grand Canyon CF and the all-mountain Nerve CF
full-suspension machine. With 100 mm of travel, a light carbon frame, and race geometry, it is the
perfect work device for pros like Alban Lakata, who won the legendary Leadville 100 race last year.
The highlight of the 10.75kg Canyon Lux CF 9.9 SL is the elegant and light 1820g carbon frame. It
uses flex stays at the rear end instead of pivots, thus saving more weight without losing lateral
rigidity.
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite
Climbing aboard the Canyon Lux CF, one feels at home straight away. The riding position is central
and race-orientated, but with an 80mm Ritchey WCS stem it doesn’t feel overly stretched out. The
suspension system already feels very drivetrain-neutral without even switching on the CTD damping.
Combined with light Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels and fast-rolling Continental X-King tyres, the bike
instantly converts pedal strokes into forward momentum. In our opinion, one could easily live
without the CTD remote levers mounted both left and right on the handlebars and use the space
gained for a dropper post lever. The frame is already prepared for this — great news!
The bike’s handling is noticeably unnoticeable, and for a 29er in this category can be described as
particularly agile. This is attributable to the great combination of a 70° head tube angle paired with
450mm chainstays. Yet the Lux CF doesn’t feel nervous at high speeds, which amongst other reasons
is thanks to the big wheels.
The specification is as one expects from Canyon absolutely top-level. The high-end
Shimano XTR parts function as seamlessly as the Fox Factory suspension, which plays a significant
part in the great overall handling of the bike.
Suspension fork and rear suspension are superbly harmonized and respond to the smallest impacts
without giving up too much travel or feeling vague. A pleasant progression at the end of the
suspension stroke effectively prevents harsh bottom-outs.
Nice details such as the patented Impact Protection Unit (which protects the top tube from any
damage caused by the handlebars), the elegant frame design, and coherent colour co-ordination
place the Canyon Lux CF visually at the front of the testers’ best list.
Frame protection – Canyon developed and patented the Impact Protection Unit (IPU), which protects the top tube from
handlebar impacts with an integrated stopper.
Flex Pivot – Instead of a pivot, the Canyon Lux CF relies on carbon seatstays which flex. This saves weight,
increases lateral rigidity, and allows for an efficient rear suspension.
Grippy & fast – These are the two attributes which best describe the Continental X-King tyres.
They did well in our issue# 011 ENDURO tyre group test and display similar performance on the
Canyon.
Overladen – Two remote CTD levers on the cockpit of the Canyon Lux CF are too much of a good thing. They
aren’t intuitive to use, and thanks to the neutral suspension system aren’t even necessary. Less is
more!
Conclusion:
the high-end Canyon Lux CF 9.9 SL won hearts with a sound, light, and functional spec
and clean design. Noticeably un-noticeable in all terrain with no obvious weaknesses — that’s why
the € 4,499 bike is the test group best buy!
Weight: 10.75 kg
Price: € 4,499
Specifications
- Fork: Fox 32 Float 29 CTD Factory Kashima
- Rear Shock: Fox float CTD Factory Kashima
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Crank: Shimano XTR
- Stem: Ritchey WCS 4-Axis 80mm
- Handlebars: Ritchey WCS Carbon Flatbar 720mm
- Tires: Continental X-King 2,2″
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SLR
- Seatpost: Ritchey WCS Flexlogic Carbon
Geometry
Size: Large | Top Tube Horizontal: 600 mm | Seat Tube Angle: 75° | Chainstay Length: 431 mm | Head Tube Angle: 66° | Wheelbase: 1.114 mm | Reach: 415 mm | Stack: 594 mm
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite
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