Canyon Neuron 1 Year Review
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- čas přidán 12. 11. 2021
- Last Summer I posted my unboxing of the 2021 Canyon Neuron 6. To date, that video has over 20,000 views - which tells me there’s plenty of riders, who wanted to know whether or not the Neuron is the bike for them.
Well I’ve now been riding it for about a year, this time on 5MR I’ll share what I really think, now that I’ve put some good milage on the Canyon Neuron 6.
If you’ve been watching my channel, you’ve seen me give this bike a serious run for its money with fun stuff like this, this, this, and more… And it’s seen its fair share of not so fun crashes too.
The Neuron 6 is the entry level AL model. At the time, I did consider the AL7 but budget conscious, I decided to save a little. Of course over the past year I’ve made a few mods, and spent the extra dollars anyway, but I haven’t necessarily turned my Neuron 6 into a 7. I’ll share the mods I’ve made in detail soon.
After my Greenvalleys video, some people were surprised by my riding, leaving comments like “wow, all this on a Neuron!” Yes, 130mm travel front and rear is a trail bike. Not an Enduro bike and not XC. But somewhere in between is quite perfect for the diverse range of trails I ride. I only have room for 1 bike, so a do it all mountain bike is what I needed. And from technical trails with rocky climbs, to jumps, drops and flowy downhill - the Neuron has been my faithful steed.
It’s a comfortable bike. It pedals up and down easily, the dropper post is super convenient, and the Canyon frame is clearly a sturdy build. And I’ve enjoyed riding it.
I have however made a few modifications over the past year.
First up, the Iridium saddle it comes with is just painful, and I immediately swapped it out for the much more comfortable Giant Connect Upright saddle taken from my previous bike. Now, I get that this is fairly personal, so not everyone will feel the same. But for me, I wasn’t going to let it be a pain in my arse, litterly. The only thing was that the Giant Connect saddle off my old bike was red and black and I hated the way it looked on my new black and silver Canyon, so I actually re-purchased another Giant Connect saddle with matching colours.
My second mod was to go tubeless. Thankfully the bike comes tubeless ready so it was an easy upgrade and I’ve not had a single puncture in 12 months of riding. Very well worth the upgrade and as a bonus, according to science, going tubeless also lowers the rotational mass of the wheels, effectively reducing the weight of the bike when in motion. Yes, it’s a thing… Google it!
My third mod was by force rather than choice. I put the One Up Components alloy pedals on the bike (which I’m very happy with) but I didn’t tighten them properly and on my second ride I smashed a pedal against a rock, tearing the thread out from within the crank arm. So less than a week into ownership and I was already footing the bill for new cranks. Lesson learned, get someone who knows what they’re doing to put your pedals on!
Back when I was selecting the size, I found myself on the cusp of medium and large. Once I started riding, I knew the large was right, but the reach always seemed just a tiny bit too far. Luckily Santa solved that for me at Christmas with a Nukeproof 50mm stem and a 25mm carbon riser bars. That small change made a huge difference to my overall comfort when out on the trails.
And finally, my most recent upgrade was the Rockshox 35 Gold 150mm travel fork. Yes, I decided at the 1yr mark to increase the travel. Only a few days ago I had Dan the mobile Trail Mechanic around at my house to take care of the install, and that afternoon I was crushing rocks on a few of my favorite single tracks. So far, so good. I did some research prior and a few others had also said they liked the upgrade. This mod, does slightly change the geometry by increasing the headtube angle, although still leaves the bike in the trail category. The front end is a little lighter and the burlier fork is more rigid on the rough stuff. Apparently with the Neuron 7, the travel on the Fox fork can be altered without changing it out for another fork but, not so with the Rockshox Judy on the Neuron 6. And a comment from a much heavier rider than I who had done the travel increase with a Neuron 7 was that he didn’t like how unweighted he felt the bike became. I on the other hand at only 70kgs, really liked the feel as hopping over big rocks became a lot easier.
So, what’s the overall verdict then on the Canyon Neuron 6? Well, after putting it through its paces, it’s definitely stood the fun test, stood the strength test, and continues to ride like the day UPS knocked on my door.
I love this bike. And if you’re looking for a value for money, all round dual suspension trail bike, then I’m sure you will too.
Thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please check out my other videos and remember to like and subscribe for more 5MR. - Sport
Mate, glad you’re enjoying it. I ended up buying the Neuron AL 7 based on your initial videos and my love for trail variety. Couldn’t be happier and I’m glad yours is serving you well.
Cheers me too. Good to know that my other vid helped. Makes the effort all worth while. Enjoy! 👍
I've been riding my Neuron AL 7 for about 1,5 year now and I can confirm everything you said.
Lovely, comfortable do it all bike.
Thanks mate. Canyon definitely make a good bike.
@@FiveMinuteRides do you know anything about the neuron 5? no one talks about that bike.
Found your channel whilst searching for the Mill Creek Trail vids, then watched all your videos, great stuff. Nice narrating. I have just taken possesion this week of a new dualie after a long hiatus from MTB so can't wait to get back on the trails. Keep the vids coming now we are out of lockdown - very enjoyable!
Thanks mate. I’ve got a new one to edit on Hornsby and another one on Manly Dam trails so stay tuned. All this rain tho is a bummer. Looks like another month of rain in Sydney so might not get too many more rides in before Christmas.
@@FiveMinuteRides finally a week without rain! Finally!
Waoo man all that you could do in a Neuron, I got mine AL7 and damn happened to me the pedal (1up too guess its a course) blowout with the crank threads, (in the very first ride) so i changed to GX , also Magura trail sport ( those shimano didn't brake properly neither to the way to the garbage) mucoff tublesskit, etc etc, just saying I'm planning change to scott spark 940(2022) but the Destiny makes that I found you video and put me back on track to the new neuron CF8 , srr been so long but Im really happy with this bike and your videos blow my mind !!! Thanks 👍
Awesome man thanks for watching and glad I could help! Keep riding 👍
Great video and thanks for the update. I am looking to get onto a new bike as I currently ride a 2005 Giant Reign 2. I am looking at the Neuron and the RIft Zone 2.
Check out the Spectral 29 too. 👌
As a proud owner of CF 9 2020 I can confirm all of that. I am very satisfied with mine :D. I changed the saddle and handlebar with more rise. Top bike uphill and down is also very good. OK, it is not enduro and maybe spectral can do more downhill, but for me it is all I need. Really lovely do it all bike. Recommended !!! :)
We’ll said
I'm looking into a neuron 6 myself and this has really helped, nice to know the pros and cons of a bike ahead of riding it!
Glad to have helped.
Heyo, I want to buy my first mtb and I can't decide between Giant Stance 2 and Canyon Neuron 6...
Late reply… did you buy yet? I also looked at the Stance before I chose the Neuron.
Easy to operate! Love it!
nice! I have mine in flash blue.. nice ride!
Saving up to buy this canyon :)
Nice video!
I do have al7 which is no longer offered but had the al6 before.
Imo u made some good upgrades with fork, seat, pedals and bars.
The differences the 7 has that each add up to an improved ride are: Fox sus f+r, GX drive, 420 4-piston brakes. I put a Dissector tire on the front. Either way, like u say, it's a fun and pretty capable bike for most use. For the other stuff I use my Jeffsy Core 2.
Happy trails!
Cheers thanks for watching.
Would you recommend the neuron for the regular trail stuff if it's not too technical?
@@E620SE yes!
Dude I love my neuron and had the experiences with the crank! 😂
Since changing it tho I’ve had no dramas. Another year on and bike still runs great. I just changed the tires to Maxxis Minion’s and rode Thredbo. Bike still rides mint on the trails 👌
So stoked I found this video. Been trying to source my first full sus bike, and I think the Neuron 6 will be a great choice. I ride a lot of the spots in your video, and the option to up-spect to a bigger fork down the line is always there.
Out of interest, how much would you say the fork upgrade cost once you factor in selling off the Judy?
I haven’t sold it yet but I generally work on getting half of what the price of a new one would be when I sell something used. So $750 for the fork, plus installation cost (depending on who does it) less say $250 for the Judy maybe… 🤔
Nice....ride safe...
Hey nice video ! I Bought a Neuron AL6 I should recieve it end of the year. Your videos has been useful for me to make my choice.
Why did you change the fork ? Can you elaborate on that part please ? It's a costly upgrade
Glad to have helped. I just felt like increasing the travel would be a fun upgrade for lumpier and droppier rides. The more sturdy fork is a worthwhile upgrade as the Judy shuddered a bit in the really rough stuff but don’t be worry about that, it wasn’t a big deal for 90% of my rides.
Great review! Thank you! I am not sure if I should get the Neuron or Spectral. The only reason why I would get the Neuron is that it's lighter. Since you increased the travel, would you think Spectral would have been a better choice?
If I were buying not, I would get Spectral 29 with the longer travel. It wasn’t an option back in 2020 unfortunately
I am thinking about purchasing the neuron 6 or 7, and I couldn’t not notice that we have the same size specs (183cm and 86cm), you advise buying an M size or like you did an L but changing the stem and riser ?
Great video by the way !!
Hard to say exactly, I never got to ride an M. Maybe join the Neuron owners group on Facebook and see if anyone there is also our height and bought the M? However personally for me with the 50mm stem and riser bar I am very happy and comfortable.
Hi! I just got my new Neuron 6 and have a question after watching your video. How big a difference you feel with the new 150mm fork?
Huge. I love it. Was just riding some pretty janky and steep technical trails last weekend and the extra travel on the burlier fork soaked it all up nicely. Same goes for the fast stuff with jumps.
Have you ever ridden a Spectral? I love my Neuron and its perfect for where i live. But sometimes when i travel I feel under biked. I wonder how much climbing and xc ability i would lose with a Spectral? compared the the Neuron?
No I haven’t but I’d buy the spectral 29 if I was buying now. That said, the upgrade to 150mm fork has been a great middle ground and I love having the extra travel
Hi mate just wondering how your experience was purchasing the canyon as I have been think of buying one but a bit hesitant due to it being online store.
I'm looking at the canyon neuron AL 6 as I currently ride a Cannondale trail 1 hardtail .
I really like the design of the canyon's
Also liked the video as I could not find many reviews done in english on CZcams
Cheers
Danny Burgess
Yeh it was pretty easy to buy online. I’ve had 1 issue which Canyon took care of as a Warranty claim. But I believe they have fixed the problem on newer bikes.
Great video, could you pls share your experience with the 150mm travel fork? Didn't mess up the overall geometry and handling? With my AL6.0 I also need more travel as I bottom out rather quick, or a new bike...thx!
I’ve only had 1 ride with it so far but it was good. The 35 Gold is 300g lighter than the Judy Silver. The head tube is about 1 degree slacker but from the research I did still sits within the trail bike range. I found the front end is a little lighter and easier to pull up over technical rocky stuff and I really liked that. I’m 183cm and 70kg. Another rider who is 187cm and 95kg said he modified the Fox forks the AL7 comes with to 150mm but he felt it was unweighted and would manual too easily. So I think rider weight is an important consideration if you’re thinking about doing it.
@@FiveMinuteRides ah thanks for the info,I'm 186-98kg, so similar to your friend, might not be ideal then
I’m no expert, but I reckon you’d be worth looking into going to the 140mm fork. Higher level CF Neurons came with the 140mm fork and 140/130 is a common setup for a lot of stock trail bikes . Also, I often noticed the Judy in the AL6 would feel like it was rattling or flexing over rough stuff. When the Trail Mechanic installed the 35 Gold for me he mentioned that as a burliest more ridged fork I shouldn’t have that issue anymore.
Great video, ever have any issues with horst link bolts or anything?
Yes, one broke just recently but Canyon replaced it free of charge.
@@FiveMinuteRides Yeah same thing with me. They took care of me also. I’ve loved my Neuron.
I took a demo ride on one and liked it, but I found I had to run ~ about 50% sag to get it to absorb chatter the way I wanted... so maybe it's a little too progressive in the linkage? Not sure if I was riding one with tokens in the shock.
Hmm 🤔 Can’t answer for sure, I’ve always ran 30% sag as per Canyons recommendation.
I’ve been looking at the Neuron CF 8 and really have been worried it wouldn’t be able to be an “all around” bike. I want something that can handle beginner trails (since this will be my first real bike) and then move into more intermediate trails once I gain experience. I don’t mind putting upgrades into it, but don’t want to be forced to upgrade to a “bigger” bike for the intermediate and higher trails.
Someone was recommending I get the Specialized Status 160 over it, but it’s a heavier bike and an enduro, so don’t know if it would be good for all around bike.
I would get Spectral 29 if I was buying now. But honestly the Neuron has been great.
Hi, what about the rear shock?, can we upgrade to Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant or more travel?
You can change the rear shock but it won’t give it any more travel. Rear Travel on dual sus bikes is built into the geometry of the bike
what off set did you use on your gold 35? 51 or 44?
🤔 I actually can’t remember.
I would like to ask what offset has this Rock Shox Gold 35 44mm or 51mm ? I´m asking, because Canyon neuron 6 originally has Rock Shox Judy 130mm with 51mm offset.
I honestly can’t remember. Think it was 51mm but, yeh sorry I can’t confirm
@@FiveMinuteRides No problem, during the time I bought Rock shox 35 Gold 140mm with 44 mm offset and it works nice. Btw, nice video and ofcourse nice bike :-)
This bike was really easy to assemble czcams.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
Hi, Hi, I have a question. I want to buy a used Neuron. I am 176cm tall. Are you sure the L-frame would be big? I thought it could be shortened with a handlebar stem. Thanks.
I’d suggest the M frame for you. What does it say on the Canyon page?
I’m taller and I still shortened the handle bar stem and added riser bars
@@FiveMinuteRides M size
Im 176cm and ride a medium. Canyon said small but I wanted 29s. Large would 100% be too big for me.
@@ryanwingfield3005 Hi there, dame question here, im 162 cm and Canyon said i am in XS but my regular bikes are all small. So im confused. Did you purchase the bike? hows the sizing with you?
have you had any problems with changing to a 150mm fork
None at all it’s been great 👍 .
Question, a 34t chainring will fit on the Neuron 6?
Sorry mate, wouldn’t have a clue.
2:16 - Thats an odd looking object to support your bike with?
I knew someone should say that 😂
What size, are you running, and how tall are you?
I ride a Large. I am 183cm tall.
where are you riding at the end
That would be Manly Damn. I have the footage but haven’t had the time to make a video. Will aim to get something up sometime within the next millennium 😂
I'm torn Apart the nueron 5 and the New spectral 125 ....
Personally I would go with the Spectral 29 with the longer travel.
@@FiveMinuteRides that's what i was thinking i guess i will order it tomorrow thx
Does this bike work on XC?
Sure, why not. Neuron is a good all rounder. But if you’re only riding XC then buy their shorter travel XC bike.
Quelle est la taille du cadre de votre vélo?
Would love to respond to this but have no idea what it says 😂
Have you considered the spectral?
Yes. If I was buying now I’d get the Spectral 29
@@FiveMinuteRides what do you think about the spectral vs the spectral 125?
Do you think mill creek + loftus warrants the extra travel?
125 is a short travel bike. I would prefer the longer travel
anyone tried the Neuron 5?
whered u get an ammo box from?
eBay
Good for storing bike spares in👌
How tall are you?
I’m 183cm
Do you still have it? In 2023?
Yes
Still going strong