Canyon has a new Neuron:ON ebike. I know that’s a little tricky to say, but if you are actually looking for an ebike that’s just as much fun to ride and as versatile as a regular pedal-powered all-rounder trail-shredding mountain bike, the new Neuron:ON is worth a closer look. With more travel and slightly slacker geometry than the standard Neuron, the Neuron:ON ebike is more capable, more playful, and will help carry you through bigger adventures with a powerful Bosch eMTB powertrain.
Canyon Neuron:ON CF carbon all-mountain ebike
Canyon’s updated carbon version of their popular mid-travel trail ebike gets even better with a more capable upgrade inspired by bigger eMTBs like their Spectral:ON & new Strive:ON. With a bit more travel and a bit more progressive geometry than the standard human-powered Neuron that was updated earlier this spring, the new Neuron:ON CF is truly more of an all-mountain ebike built for all-day off-road adventure trail riding.
What’s new?
First off is a 10mm bump up to 140mm of travel front & rear. While the new frame material is the most obvious outward change, I think it is the extra travel that really brings the new Neuron:ON CF into its own, giving it just enough more to edge firmly into the heart of the Trail category where you can literally ride this ebike wherever your own technical skills can take you. For me, it became a playful light all-mountain ebike.
Next is that new full carbon frame. The new ebike gets cleaner looks for sure, but Canyon managed to save quite a bit of weight here. Canyon claims they were able to shed almost 2kg, while increasing frame strength. And even with longer travel, the lowest spec complete CF carbon eMTB weighs a claimed 1.7kg less than the remaining shorter-travel alloy model. Plus, not with a stiffer AND lighter platform, it really can go anywhere.
Progressive geometry boost
Then, more progressive enduro-inspired geometry with a full two-degree slacker head tube now at 65.5° and up to 35mm longer reach depending on size (but lower standover). It’s also all 29er now with ten-millimeter longer chainstays at 450mm and slightly lower bottom bracket height for more stability in rougher terrain. But there’s now just four S-XL sizes (no longer an XS).
Combined with more travel and a stiffer chassis, the progressive geometry shift really upgrades the capability of this ebike. It’s noticeably more playful, and certainly more technically capable than ever.
Bosch motor swap
Lastly, a new Bosch powertrain. The new Neuron:ON CF jumps to the fourth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor which puts out industry-leading torque. Shimano vs. Bosch is often a personal preference, but there’s no denying that this Bosch motor really gets this eMTB going when you put power into the pedals. Paired with either 625Wh or 750Wh internal Bosch Powertube batteries, you get also get bigger long-lasting pedal-assist support for big rides.
You also get a super simple interface that lets you focus on the ride. No ebike display needed, just a color-code set of LED lights in the toptube that signal the pedal-assist mode selected and battery life remaining.
Bosch eBike Flow app & anti-theft system
With that also comes added Bosch connectivity and security via their eBike Flow app. Connecting the ebike’s built-in Bosch ConnectModule to your phone, you can wirelessly lock the motor of the bike like a digital key, turn on a motion-activated anti-theft alarm (with an annoying siren), receive notifications if it is moved ‘significantly’, and allow position tracking if it is stolen. Plus, you can use the eBike Flow app for more regular functions like motor settings configuration, ride navigation, or even route planning together with Komoot.
The Bosch ConnectModule functionality comes stock on all carbon Canyon Neuron:ON CF models, including a free 12-month eBike Alarm subscription good from when the buyer activates it (which automatically stops unless renewed). After that, tracking subscriptions cost 5€ per month or 40€ per year.
One+ Ride Review – First Impressions
There’s only so much you can tell with one ride on a new ebike. But I was so pleasantly surprised by how capable the new Neuron:ON CF felt on a long trail ride, I kinda managed to sneak in a bit of a second ride on some burly all-mountain / enduro trails when the Canyon crew was looking the other way.
After having ridden the all-new 130mm travel pedal-powered carbon Neuron CF that launched earlier this spring, I came away thinking I personally really preferred a slacker bike like the Spectral 125 for my typical technical trail riding. So I assumed the new Neuron:ON would feel the same. Instead, that extra 10mm of travel, 1/2° slacker head angle, 10mm extra chainstay length, and full 9 1/2 kilos of extra heft actually make this ebike feel more capable AND more playful.
My size Large CF8 test bike weighed a real 23.05kg with flat pedals and a single side loader bottle cage – only 450g above the bare M ebike claim, which sounds reasonable.
It flies up the hill with Bosch power-assist, yet is still manageable in tight switchback climbs by flipping through pedal-assist modes with the thumb remote. Its balanced weight and 140mm suspension is easy to boost in the air off trailside kickers, and to just fly through twisty singletrack. And its updated geometry is stable while flying down rough & rocky trails, just as it feels composed swooping through high-speed berms.
While there are plenty of bigger ebikes in the Canyon line-up for riders seeking to race e-enduro or run back-to-back self-shuttled bike park runs, this Neuron:ON just feels more fun to ride.
Canyon Neuron:ON CF ebike – Pricing, options & availability
The most affordable of the new carbon ebikes is the 4800€ Canyon Neuron:ON CF 7 that comes with RockShox suspension, a Shimano Deore drivetrain, and the smaller, but also lighter 625Wh battery. Step up to the bigger 750Wh battery on the same ebike build for just an extra 200€ to extend your trail riding range.
Then, if you want to upgrade your component spec to Fox Performance suspension and an XT groupset, for 5600€ the Neuron:ON CF 8 (like I tested) also adds the bigger 750Wh internal battery for longer pedal-assist supported riding.
There’s also still a cheaper alloy Neuron:ON AL 6 version from 3800€ still with a Shimano motor, the shorter travel & less progressive geometry for potential riders looking to wet their ebike whistle. But, with how good the new carbon bike rides, I would definitely suggest stepping up to that first CF model, which is only a bit more expensive.
All of these new Neuron:ON models are available now, direct from Canyon.
