Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 2020 first ride review – An all-rounder for those who just want to ride

The Canyon Neuron is the German direct to consumer brand’s best seller and it appeals to a wide range of riders. While the new Neuron CF was introduced last year, Canyon have now also updated the Neuron AL, and we’ve already had the chance to take for a spin.

**Canyon** Neuron AL 7.0 | € 2,199| 130/130 mm (f/r) | 14.1 kg (manufacturer’s specification) | Manufacturer’s website

If you’re apt to study the geometry table of a bike before you buy it and spend hours philosophising with your buddies about reach and stack figures as well as the dependence of the BB height on the amount of travel, then the brand new Canyon Neuron AL is probably not the bike for you. On paper, the Neuron doesn’t meet any of the current geometry trends such as a steep seat tube angle, long reach and super slack head angle. But that doesn’t matter! Instead, the bike is aimed at people who are looking for a simple and uncomplicated mountain bike with a wide range of uses. With 130 mm travel front and rear, the bike appeals to beginners as well as adventurers, alpine riders, weekend warriors or even those who simply want to cruise to the pub on a Saturday.

After introducing the carbon Neuron more than a year ago, Canyon have now followed suit with a range of more affordable aluminium versions. The frame is about 700 g heavier but also significantly more affordable.

Unlike the carbon version, the cables on the aluminium model are routed internally. The unique cable guide as featured on the carbon model would have unnecessarily increased the price.

The pivot points have been widened, which is intended to increase stiffness and durability – in times of 12-speed drivetrains, Canyon have deliberately dispensed with the option of fitting a front derailleur

Apart from the changes mentioned above, the aluminium frame doesn’t differ from its carbon counterpart, featuring the same geometry and kinematics

One thing differentiating the aluminium model from the carbon version is the added weight of around 700 g. In times of 12-speed drivetrains, Canyon have also dispensed with the option of fitting a front derailleur and widened the pivot points instead. This increases the frame’s stiffness and the durability of the bearings. Ensuring that you always stay hydrated, frame sizes M and up are all able to accommodate a 750 ml bottle. For sizes S, XS and XXS, you’ll have to resort to Canyon’s proprietary Eject Hydration System, which allows you to carry two specially developed 400 ml bottles side by side, upping the carrying capacity 800 ml. Of course, the Eject Hydration System will also fit on the larger frames, if desired.

From size M and up, there is enough room in the front triangle for a standard water bottle. For sizes XXS-S, Canyon have developed their own system with a total carrying capacity of 800 ml.

Maintenance made easy: if the threaded bottom bracket needs to be replaced, it’s relatively easy to do.

Optimum handling regardless of size

Canyon placed a premium on achieving the optimum handling for all riders, making the Neuron is available in eight sizes (XXS–XL) and speccing it with different wheel sizes, depending on the size of the frame. In sizes XXS–S, the Neuron rolls on 27.5” wheels, while Canyon rely on large 29” wheels for sizes M–XL. However, they didn’t stop there. The head angle of the 27.5” bikes is 0.5° slacker (67°) and the 740 mm handlebar is 20 mm narrower than on sizes M and up.

While sizes M–XL roll on 29” wheels, the Neuron AL is available with 27.5” wheels in sizes XXS–S

The geometry at a glance

Size	2XS	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400mm	400 mm	400 mm	445 mm	480 mm	520 mm
Top tube	539 mm	559 mm	581 mm	603 mm	626 mm	654 mm
Head tube	90 mm	90 mm	100 mm	100 mm	112 mm	143 mm
Head angle	67°	67°	67°	67.5°	67.5° mm	67.5° mm
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
Wheelbase	1,102 mm	1,122 mm	1,146 mm	1,166 mm	1,191 mm	1,223 mm
Reach	378 mm	398 mm	418 mm	433 mm	453 mm	473 mm
Stack	581 mm	581 mm	590 mm	613 mm	624 mm	653 mm
Wheelsize	27.5″	27.5″	27.5″	29″	29″	29″

The Canyon Neuron range

With the new Neuron AL, Canyon have added five new versions, now allowing you to choose from a total of 12 models in the Neuron range. Based on the new aluminium frame, the Neuron AL 6.0 is available for € 1,799, and you get the Neuron AL 7.0 for an additional € 400. Both models are available in the WMS edition for the same price, featuring different colours and women’s specific contact points (saddle, handlebars and handles). The most affordable of the five new aluminium models is the Neuron AL Young Hero, made specifically for kids and available for € 1,499. The carbon models remain unchanged, ranging from €5,999 for the flagship Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD to € 2,699 for the Neuron CF 8.0, which is specced with the same suspension as the Neuron AL 7.0.

The new aluminium Neuron models in detail

The Neuron AL 7.0 and 6.0 both come with a 1×12 drivetrain and a dropper seat post as standard. While the AL 6.0 features RockShox suspension with the entry-level Judy fork, Canyon rely on FOX components for the AL 7.0 with a 34 Rhythm fork. Canyon specced Shimano brakes on both models. Unfortunately, only the more expensive AL 7.0 comes with a powerful four-piston calliper, and then only up front. This is unfotunate since beginners benefit most from the improved power and reliability of four-piston brakes when riding down long descents with the brakes applied. The Continental Mountain King tires are said to offer a good mix of low rolling resistance and sufficient grip, but they didn’t deliver on the trail.

The Neuron AL 6.0 and 7.0 both feature a wide range 1×12 drivetrain. We also liked the 30 t chainring, making steep climbs that much easier.

The Neuron AL 7.0 comes fitted with a Shimano four-piston brake up front

We didn’t get along with the stock saddle. Read on to find out why.

For the Neuron AL, Canyon rely on Race Face rims built up around Shimano hubs, which is the first time we see the direct to consumer brand stray away from complete wheelsets

Canyon rely on a set of Continental Mountain King tyres with the hard Pure Grip rubber compound, which is ok on the rear wheel, but it couldn’t deliver up front

The Neuron AL also features Canyon’s proprietary Quixle axle with the lever neatly hidden inside the axle…

… which is easy to pull out when required

Compared to the carbon model, the chainstay guard is glued instead of bolted on, but it does its job reliably and effectively absorbs all impacts despite the thin material

Canyon Neuron AL 6.0

Fork RockShox Judy Silver 130 mm
Rear shock RokShox Deluxe Select 130 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX/XT
Brakes Shimano MT200
Seatpost Iridium Dropper
Cockpit Iridium 3-5 | JD Risebar AL
Wheels Race Face Rims | Shimano MT400/MT510
Tires Continental Mountain King III 2,30
Price € 1,799

Canyon Neuron WMN Al 6.0

Canyon Neuron AL 7.0

Fork Fox 34 Float Rythm 130 mm
Rear shock Fox Float Performance DPS 130 mm
Drivetrain SRAM NX/GX Eagle
Brakes Shimano MT420/MT400
Seatpost Iridium Dropper
Cockpit Iridium 3-5 | JD Risebar AL
Wheels Race Face Rims | Shimano MT400/MT510
Tires Continental Mountain King III 2,30
Price € 2,199

Canyon Neuron WMN AL 7.0

Canyon have also launched a new bike for the younger generation: the Neuron AL Young Hero

Composed, efficient, reliable – The Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 on the trail

For the launch of the Canyon Neuron AL 7.0, we had the opportunity to ride the bike for a day in the mountains surrounding Barcelona. Before we hit the trails, there were a few things that caught our eye on the Neuron AL. Despite the relatively low price of € 2,199 by today’s mountain bike standards, the bike makes a very high-quality impression. The frame is beautifully finished, the spec is good and setting it up is easy. Simply put air into the suspension, adjust the rebound and you’re good to go. However, we quickly got the impression that we were sitting a little too far toward the back. So, one last thing to do was push the saddle all the way forward. That done, the riding position is pleasantly central yet slightly stretched and perfectly suitable for long distances. Canyon justify the rather slack seat tube angle with the fact that a stretched riding position is more comfortable if you’re riding with a backpack as it doesn’t put too much weight directly on your shoulders, which it would in an upright position with a steeper seat tube angle. Besides that, most mountain bikers who only ride occasionally aren’t used to that kind of riding position, which can lead to knee pain.

Ready for adventure! The Neuron AL is just suitable for short after-work rides as it is for multi-day rides on the weekends.

After only a few metres aboard the Neuron AL, we were impressed with its fleet footed feel. It accelerates willingly and felt like a real mile-muncher. It does an excellent job of balancing comfort and efficiency: the suspension responds sensitively, smoothing over all irregularities and making easy work of potholes, though it never wallowed and didn’t tend to suffer from excessive pedal bob. As such, we were able to leave the shock open throughout the ride. The only thing clouding the otherwise positive impression regarding comfort was the Selle Italia saddle. Sure, saddles are hugely dependent on personal preference, but nobody in our group was able to get along with the sloping rear section and the slippery material. We recommend upgrading the saddle.

Climbing with a smile – despite its affordable price point, the bike feels quick and efficient up the climbs

The handling of the Neuron AL is very intuitive and predictable, but it isn’t designed for high speed!

As already mentioned, the Neuron AL is not a bike designed for riders who are out to clock the fastest time downhill. For that, Canyon have the Spectral or the Strive, which we’ve already compared in back to back testing. Rather, the Neuron AL is aimed at riders who are looking for a reliable companion with good climbing characteristics that can also get you back down safely. And that’s exactly what the bike does surprisingly well. The Neuron AL is neither particularly long (reach) nor does it have a strikingly slack head angle. As a result, the bike’s handling is very precise and predictable. Wherever you want to go, the Canyon will go where you point it. This is not least thanks to the 440 mm chainstays, which position the rider very centrally on the bike. However, riders who like to ride as fast as possible will find the bike lacking the necessary composure due to its compact and steep geometry.

Cornering, the Canyon Neuron feels very balanced and therefore very predictable to ride

The bike feels equally composed riding over roots, as long as you don’t overdo it!

The suspension performs sensitively, with the rear suspension delivering a significantly better performance than the FOX 34 Rhythm fork. The latter goes through its travel very quickly. This is particularly troublesome on steep descents and we recommend closing the blue compression lever by at least a third. The rear suspension, on the other hand, not only responds sensitively, but also remains nice and high in its travel – thumbs up!

Thanks to enough mid-stroke support, the bike invites you to play with the terrain…

…but there are significantly more capable models in Canyon’s portfolio if you want to ride hard

The componentry spec seems very well thought-out considering the price and it gave us nothing to complain about. The brakes are sufficiently powerful, the dropper post works smoothly and the dimensions of the handlebar and stem suit the bike well. On Spain’s dry, hard and sandy trails, the Continental Mountain King tire provided enough grip, but they didn’t perform as well on our home trails during our big tire group test, so they’re probably worth upgrading. Unfortunately, the spokes on the rear wheel had to be retensioned during the short time that we had it, which is probably due to an error in the wheel building process. Canyon have already told us that they will review this before commencing with the production models to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We were impressed with how quiet the Neuron AL is on the trail. We didn’t hear any annoying rattling or creaking, which is how it should be!

Our conclusion on the Canyon Neuron AL 7.0

The Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 is the perfect bike for those who enjoy leisurely trail riding to simply enjoy their time outdoors without racing the clock. It is quick and efficient, the handling is predictable and the componentry spec has been carefully chosen, offering excellent value for money. It’s a highly versatile bike that will appeal most to less experienced riders. Those who like to descend fast and hard will be happier on one of Canyon’s other bikes.

Tops

predictable handling
excellent value for money
very comfortable
high-quality frame

Flops

nervous at high speeds
tires and saddle may need to be replaced
seat tube angle could be steeper

For more information head to canyon.com.

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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Canyon