2023 Canyon Neuron CF 9 SL REVIEW | It's grown into a trail bike!

[@MTBs]

Regarding the FIT4-damper, Canyon responded saying that they went for the FIT4 becuase it has got a solid lockout.

[@cnguyen32]

MY 2020 Izzo Pro Race was stolen last week and I've been thinking about getting this as a replacement. Looks solid. Thanks for making a honest video.

[@MTBs]

Sorry to hear about the theft! Yes, I feel the Neuron is pretty solid and easy to live with.

[@HG-Tv23]

Awesome an honest review! Keep it up! You mentioned some important points for most of the customers and o can't think of anything you missed here to say about this bike! You even compared the bike to its competitors! Just AWESOME review!!! also helped me a lot 🎉

[@MTBs]

Wow, thank you!!

[@ATREY178]

Thanks for review. Yesterday I ordered my Canyon Neuron CF 9 (no SL) in "Lake blue" color. My first carbon bike, and first with FOX suspension. I can't wait for it.😁

[@MTBs]

Nice! 🤩

[@janb1900]

Thanks for taking off the bash-plate at the lower tube! That way I didn't have to check myself if an AirTag would fit underneath it, it obviously doesn't.

[@josephwiemken4079]

Thank you for the review! I am interested in this bike and on the Canyon website it recomends a medium. Im 71in/180cm tall and 33in/83.8cm instep but I have had Large road bikes and fit in other mountain bikes in a Large. Do you recomend going with Canyons sizing with a Medium or going to a Large?

[@MTBs]

It's always difficult to advice on sizes, since we all have different preferences. But to give you an answer anyway, I too think size M would suit you the best.

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Looking at the CF 8 Neuron, great spec at a decent price

[@MTBs]

That would be my choice too.

[@jeromep4148]

This was a very good review. I appreciate how you were “willing to challenge” your preconceived ideas on size and fit. I am 182cm (5’ 11.5”) height and Canyon recommends size M - I think your review confirmed (at least based on your trails) the accuracy of their size guidelines. Would you agree?

[@MTBs]

Thank you! Yes, I think so. And @erikd6124 did also confirm this in his comment.

[@MYnextDIYbikePROJECT]

Great review! Thanks! 👌

[@MTBs]

Cheers, mate! Still waiting for your lightweight monster build video!

[@MYnextDIYbikePROJECT]

@@MTBs soon! Final polish now! 😅

[@kittttz3658]

Great review. Do you think I can ride size large at 180cm, their size calculator said I should ride medium.

[@MTBs]

I first thought you could go either way, but it seems as if you end up right in the middle of the M range (175 - 183 cm). So maybe it's best to go with M. With that said I sometimes go for XL when I should have L, especially for enduro bikes.

[@vasek571]

I could say the M is the right choice for you, whatever you choose from Canyon full susp, hard trail or road bike.

[@fredyhauser1668]

hei, top Thanks for this good Review! What about your experience by the rearpart of the bike (those little plastic near the dumper?)

[@MTBs]

Hi! I only had this bike for a few weeks so I don’t have any info about long term use/wear unfortunately.

[@zacharypump5910]

I always feel like I'm between sizes on Canyons. And their fitting tool is even more odd on the neuron compared to the spectral. On this Neuron, would you recommend a size M if I'm 174.6 cm tall? yes yes personal preference.. but I'm still asking :)

[@MTBs]

You're twisting my arm! I honestly can't tell, you're right in between sizes. I'm 185 cm tall and could ride size M, but prefer L. I think you should chose size S for a nimble bike or M for a more stable bike. Best thing if you could test a bike with similar geo, of course.

[@zacharypump5910]

@@MTBs cheers, thanks for trying :)

[@jimradcliffe9066]

I’m in exactly the same dilema as you! But doesn’t the S and xs come with 27.5’ wheels and not 29’? For this reason I would definitely take the M and not the S! Let me know what you think 🤔

[@hotsky83]

I think this will be my next bike. Looking to upgrade from a 100mil travel hardtail bike

[@trailallday9136]

Hi, you mention there are only 10mm spacers, is it possilbe to put there one more 10mm spacer to get stem and handlebars little bit higher? Thx.

[@MTBs]

I don't think so unfortunately. The fork is cut short. You would need a different stem or a riser bar to get the front end up a bit. At the same time I don't think the bike needs a taller front end. It works well, even in a bike park (tested a couple of red trails).

[@davidtj4826]

Hola, gracias por ser tan claro en tus reviews, lo de las tallas no me queda claro, hay que coger una talla menos de la que te corresponde? sorry por no saber ingles, gracias y saludos

[@MTBs]

Hola y gracias! Para mí, después de todo, el tamaño medio es algo pequeño. Pero en los últimos años, el tamaño de Canyon ha aumentado. Por lo general, debería tener Grande, pero ya no es tan obvio. Saludos!

[@milanjereb2619]

Finaly one that drove some serious steep descent. Thank you. I drive this kind of terrain all the time and I need to climb the same steep hills also. With Stumpjumper 2016 is hard to climb becouse is short in reach, only 435mm and I am 183cm. But now I have another challenge, witch size to buy???

[@MTBs]

It's difficult to advice on sizes, especially since you seem to be in between sizes. I would go for L and I'm 185 cm. You can't compare the reach of your old Stumpy since other measures affect how roomy the bike is. The Neuron is slacker and has got a steeper seat tube than your bike and therefore it needs a larger reach to compensate for that.

[@milanjereb2619]

@@MTBs I'm also thinking L, becouse I tried friends Lux size M and I find it to small... Thank you Good luck on trails

[@ivostarmans1199]

With an extra wheelset with enduro tires would it service at a bikepark blue and red lines?

[@MTBs]

Canyon has a rating system which indicates where the bike can be used. I think the Neuron is category 3 and if you ride it in bike parks maybe that can void the warranty. With that said, I thought the bike was ok on red trails in moderate speeds. Blue trails - absolutely no problem.

[@ivostarmans1199]

@@MTBs what do you think of the new Orbea Occam sl against the Neuron. Or you have an other good suggestion of a good do it all trailbike.

[@MTBs]

@@ivostarmans1199 I did a quick spin on the Occam, I think it was the long travel version. Very nice bike too. But I would say the Neuron is very allround. The beefier bike, the more boring it gets on the flats. It's always a compromise.

[@Marduk141]

Hey great Video, do you think the neuron works in size "M" for an 181cm person ? ;)

[@MTBs]

I think it would and I also think that’s what Canyon recommends. My 185 cm is a stretch though. I would want a size L.

[@jonasjohansen289]

Hvor kan jeg finne den parken du sykler i? Så gøy ut!

[@MTBs]

Sista delen är filmad i Isaberg. www.isaberg.com/sv/mtb

[@jonasjohansen289]

@@MTBs takk. Da skal jeg reise dit en dag! Har en CF 8 i bestilling 😃

[@MTBs]

Great! Tror CF8:an är den bästa modellen sett till pris/prestanda. 👌

[@johanrr4]

It would be amazing if you could compare it to the new MB31 Discovery. It feels like they're very similar and both at a great price point although it might be unfair to compare it to this spec in the video.

[@MTBs]

Yes, it would be great to have a little trail battle between the Neuron, the Detrail STIG 135 and the MB31 Discovery! But time is my enemy right now. Possibly after the summer.

[@АртёмБаринов-у3з]

Tell me, height 170cm inseam 78cm size M will be large? Canyon website recommends S but he often underestimates sizes.

[@MTBs]

Hi! I honestly can’t advice on that. You should ask someone with your height. Good luck!

[@erikd6124]

there is a spacer on top too if Im not misstaken. Tried it today in medium. 182 cm. great size.

[@MTBs]

Maybe it was on your bike, but on this it wasn't and the spec sheet also says 10 mm. 15 mm on size Large.

[@erikd6124]

@@MTBs maby I remembered it wrong then. I tried a ton of bikes on mountinbikeskolan

[@MTBs]

Then I think we tested the very same bike (if it was Happyride's test day). 😉

[@erikd6124]

@@MTBs it was!

[@Pesmog]

I am really pleased with my 2023 Neuron CF9 (the non-SL version) which I have had now for a few months. I bought it as a winter bike so I can do slightly rougher and properly muddy trails as I also have a lighter more XC biased Canyon Lux Trail for longer rides in the summer. I wanted the two bikes to have similar geometry as I like the feel of the recent longer frame full suspension MTB's. I find the large frame size just about right for me. I am 189cm and it feels fine. My brother has tried the Neuron a few times and reckons that its too long for him so he would need a medium. He is 180cm tall. I put the Neuron CF9 on a diet as soon as it was delivered and its now 13kg ready to run with flat pedals, bottle cage etc. It is faster than my previous winter trail bike, a 27.5 Whyte T130s, as it is noticeably less draggy and the suspension seems better. The Neuron is also measurably faster over the ground than my previous Whyte. 👍

[@MTBs]

Such a great comment, thank you! I think the wheel size matters a whole lot too on these types of bikes. I feel there is a quite a difference in roll-over with a 29:er. Glad you like the bike and thank you for your input on sizing!

[@C22RLD]

still very torn between the Neuron 6 or 7 and the spectral 125 AL 6. One suits more XC rides and generic trails and the other Spectral more bike parks, but UK bike parks arent too gnarly.

[@MTBs]

Yep, the Canyon line-up is pretty tight. I feel there is an overlap sometimes. Without knowing where you intend to ride, my usual advice is to get a bike that fits the trails where you do most of your riding.

[@geekplanet9217]

@@MTBs Hello. If you had to choose one from this range and that is versatile in all terrains, which one would you recommend I buy? greetings

[@MTBs]

First of all, Canyon 125 is a category 4 bike with "better" tyres which means if you spend time in bike parks this should probably be the bike for you. It's built to take abuse and it is also a bigger bike with wider handle bars which I feel is confidence inspiring. The Neuron is a category 3 bike with fast rolling tyres. It's nimbler and more fun on regular trails, at the same time as it can do a bit of everything from XC to chunk. But if I plan to visit bike parks on a regular basis I shouldn't get this bike.

[@kjayk]

Spectral 125 is all about aggressive, uncomfortable geometry but lack travel and weighs as much as big Spectral, so what's the point. Just put a tougher tyres on Neuron and you have a very versatile bike.

[@C22RLD]

@@kjayk think you’ve helped sway my decision

[@marksandoval5361]

By geometry and travel the new Neuron is almost identical to the previous generation (gen 5) Trek Fuel EX that was released 4-5 years ago. Maybe you could have shoot-out with the Neuron and an old Fuel EX.

[@MTBs]

Yes, most trail bikes nowadays only have subtle differences. The new Neuron continues the trend with a bit taller stack height and a slightly steeper seat tube compared to the old Fuel EX. Don't think I would want to test a 4-5 year old Trek though, there are hundreds of videos out there already.

[@marksandoval5361]

@@MTBs I was making a joke! The Neuron is brand new but already outdated. I think the Neuron would have been better with a 65* HTA and 77* STA. I find that geo about ideal for an all around trailbike. Progressive enough that it descends well but not so progressive that the bike has an overly long wheelbase or an overly slack and floppy front end.

[@MTBs]

@marksandoval5361 Didn't catch that curveball! 😅 But I don't find the Neuron outdated, we all have our own wish lists for what we want from a bike and maybe this isn't the bike for you.

[@HG-Tv23]

@@marksandoval5361why you even complain!.... Just get a spectral or another more enduro like bike... this bike fits just right for the range it is intended to. I love that canyon extended the portfolio to a real down country bike more than the Lux trail!

[@kjayk]

​@Mark Sandoval nothing outdated with 66° HTA, just a sweet spot for dynamic trail riding. That long and slack industry race is just silly and makes bikes unridable uphill. If you want to pedal efficiently uphill get new Neuron, if you push your bike uphill get Spectral or Strive.

[@mikepopstar]

I bought the 2022 just so that I didnt get this one, dont like slack