Trail Bike Vs Trail Bike | Nukeproof Reactor & Canyon Neuron Comparison
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 9. 07. 2024
- What is a trail bike? And how do trail bikes differ from one another? Here Henry has two MTBs - both 130mm travel 29ers, but both are so very, very different. How can two mountain bikes, seemingly separated at birth, end up worlds apart?
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Henry took his Nukeproof Reactor and Canyon Neuron to the woods on a slightly soggy day to figure out the differences and determine who which bike is for.
Which bike would you choose?
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Which would you prefer to ride and why?
Neuron. Definitely suits the terrain and riding I do 95% of the time.
Jon Jones why have you already bought a new bike?
I believe that I'd be more in the Reactor's camp. I like a spin up a hill and bashing my way through a tech downhill track.
Still ride downhill on my neuron and love it more than an enduro bike
I ride the neuron and think its a great mix of fast and capable. My mate just bought a reactor and I was shocked how slow it was up hill and accelerating. It certainly was more cabable downhill though and ate up our local tracks.
My head says Neuron, my heart says Reactor but my pocket says No to both!đ
Hahađ
same :D
If you can't afford the Reactor just get the Mega TR, which was basically the previous model (130mm travel). Awesome bike.
Second hand is always an option
GMBN wanted to find a mechanic to help Doddy on GMBN Tech, I think they have stumbled on one of the best presenters in the MTB world.
Henry is awesome.
Seconded
Cheers Russ - very kind :)
Agreed
Absolutely đ
And now he's with pinkbike :)
âItâs the XC riders trail bikeâ
Me: I have never been so offended by something I 100% agree with
Just love the heavier duty xc style. Not everyone have huge downhill tracks at their backyards.
It's all "flow" around me that neuron seems pretty perfect
Yep, definitely. The Geometry on the Neuron is just awesome. I did switch out the tires, the cockpit etc. for far burlier enduro parts (Assegai, DHR II, 4 Pot Brakes, DH-Style cockpit), and it just rips.
The aggressive parts i chose harmony really well with the more XC-Style Geo. Climbs well and descends like a rocket on flowy or slightly more technical trails.
Exactly why I bought my neuron. I drive a Volkswagen golf GTD. I also love a pair of sandals with socks. đ
And a tweed jacket
Fail
Ha Focus ST (Diesel) myself. And getting a Neuron. Power to the diesel work horses and bikes đđ»
Time for you to get the shimano spd clipless sandals đ
Haha I drive a telsa model X, my bikes a santa cruz heckler and I'm a dentist đŹ. Beat that
All i can say is a buddy of mine takes his Neuron to Finale Ligure and lets us look like nubes on our 160-180 mm enduros...
I'm actually getting a Neuron next year on my B-day
Really Excited!!!
Fantastic! You'll love it Fani
So cool
Love my neuron (2019 CF 8) for the exact reasons of this video! And exactly why I bought it. I'm not a downhill pilot or looking for jumps but love technical trails and days in the saddle
Areed. I have the same bike. Here at my local trails you have to climb the same hills you send, so the Neuron made the most sense to me, especially coming from XC trails
I got a 2018 Canyon Neuron after 10 years of not riding and I loved every minute of it so far. Fits perfectly for 30km daily trail rides up and down the local hills. Although I sometimes want to upgrade to a newer version, since they made a lot of progress with the Neuron since 2018.
A vid that will help people planning to buy a trail bike and needing help to decide which part of the trail bike spectrum to focus their choice in based on riding style/requirements.
Thorough as ever.
Love my Neuron CF 9.0. I swapped my bar for one with a higher rise and I'll buy some grippier tyres next to improve downhill capability a touch without compromising it's climbing ability. It's amazing how minor changes make a massive difference to the ride.
Im thinking about putting a higher rise (30mm) handlebar on my Neuron AL6. Do you recommend that much rise or would you go lower? How much better did the Neuron feel afterwards?
30mm should feel fine. The original bars pitched my weight too far forward on steep downhills.
Exactly why I love my Neuron CF! Just enough XC and plenty Trail!
Filming in that weather....that's dedication đ€đ€đđđ
Cheers Rupert, we got a little wet... only a little...
Great review! Love Henry
All of this just makes me even more excited for my YT Izzo to ship in August, since it's more like the Nukeproof with it's geometry.
Love it. Ordered a Neuron today! I had a Spectral before but found it too slack. I just want a mix of XC and Trail
great vid as usual
ta
I have the Neuron AL 7.0. Itâs a fantastic bike for me, but itâs not as efficient as an XC. Itâs bulkier than that, but I like the comfort and itâs still fast when you keep momentum.
Thanks for a really easy to understand video. Super!! đ
Glad it was helpful!
Nice video, I think that 85% of riders are over shocked and over forked for they way they actually ride. For me keeping the weight as you have said XC and then modification that give it greater capability is the way to go for just about everything. Then problem then becomes budget.
Youâre totally right, I ride a Nukeproof Mega 290 with a 160mm Formula Selva in the front and a 150mm EXT Storia LOK in the back.
Often it feels like I have 200mm of travel because it monstertrucks unimpressed over nearly every obstacle.
I have to add I ride SRAM Code brakes with 203mm rotors in the front and in the back which makes it even more capable.
Also Maxxis minion DHF with the DH casing front and back (yes I know itâs a front tire but it performs great as a rear tire too).
Of course the rolling resistance suffers a lot from these tires..
When I put the bike in my trunk and drive an hour south into the Harz Mountains of Germany it totally is a killer bike and the perfect tool for these mountains with their huge amounts of big and sloppy roots and rocks.
In fact it performs way better than the pure downhill machines Iâve ridden 8-10 years ago on these exact same trails.
But if I go riding straight out of my frontdoor, this bike is insanely overpowered and I wish I had something like the Transition Spur or the YT Izzo as a everyday ride..
But in lack of money Iâm âonlyâ able to have one good bike (which Iâm insanely grateful for, so no whining here).
I recently got a Fox Float X2 Factory Airshock which I switch to when Iâm riding the local trails, because I can easily firm it up, unlike the amazing EXT Storia Coil Shock.
Also Iâm thinking about getting a pair of fast rolling, lightweight trail tires (maybe even semi slicks with only tiny little knobs in the middle of the tire) which should improve the fun on these easy trails by a big margin.
At least thatâs what I hope for, because with the DH tires I feel like Iâm glued to the ground and the rolling resistance is so insanely high right now, that even a little ride through town feels super slow and needs lots of stamina to maintain a stable speed.
Stop pedaling for a few seconds and you loose almost every momentum.
I donât need to use my brakes very often when Iâm riding on asphalt.
It sucks out most of the fun out of my casual riding experience so I really need to do something about it in the near future!
Awesome đ Henry has really got this presenter jazz down to a T!
Very good review!
Brilliant review. Being a dedicated Specialized Enduro rider I was just able to make a very hard decision and order Canyon Neuron to my son (instead of Stumpjumper Alloy :D), all thanks to this video of yours!
What do you think after a year?
I'm getting major top gear/grand tour vibes off this đ
I was there at rowberrow when you filmed this I seen youđđŒđđŒ
I am 68 years young. I looked at/rode a Neuron, but it was too cushy and did not climb the way I wanted. I already have my Trek Hardtail XC and I wanted something more aggressive. I bought a Commencal Meta TR 29 (much like it's Irish Twin/Nukeproof) and it is everything I was looking for!!! However, I still take those leasiurely rides with around town with Grandma on my XC.
My Neuron was awfully fun at Pisgah, but admittedly with DHF and DHR II tires.
Having watched Doddyâs video on how to buy a new bike, and now this. I am definitely fixed on a Neuron. The type of terrain and type of riding I do, itâs perfect. Now to decide on the AL 7.0 or the CF 8.0........ đ«
I have the CF 8. The weight is negligible between the 2. If they had had the same geo at the time I bought mine I probably would have went with the AL 7. The CF 8 is a great value for a carbon. If you can hold out, wait until they offer the free shipping. It is a great bike
If often wonder what kind of bike would suite me best. I love to put the power down on long open bridleways and paths. But i also like to mix it up with singletracks too. And after watching GMBN i would love to try some jumps and get some air. Is there 1 single bike that can 'sort me out'?
I keep looking at higher end hard tail hybrids, but i dont want to get it wrong.
Very well presented Henry.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ooh I'd have both those bikes Henry very nice indeed đ
Great video and you've got to love the British weather đ
It wouldn't be summer without a spot of rain!
Ahaha solid presenting skills. I feel like youâve taken a leaf out of Jeremy Clarksonâs car reviewing style but still original and always good to watch ahaha
I've got a Whyte T130 which is perfect for the riding I do, I can do decent long rides on it and I'm yet to find anything thing I can't point it down or throw it over, at least where it chickens out before I do.
It's also the perfect weapon for the bike parks we have down here which are much smaller and shorter than the norm, so the big long low bikes flatten out the fun bits and can't get round the twisty bits.
Out of those two I'd have to pick the Neuron because it's further away in what it wants to do from the T130. Some day's I do long rides that I know won't be that techy and the lighterweight and faster tyres would be handy.
I was going to get some Forekasters for the 130 during the first hot dry part of lockdown but the DHF/Aggressor combo rolls well enough that it wasn't worth buying yet another set of tyres.
And now it's soggy to Aggressor isn't happy anyway.
This was a great video, very well put together and very high quality but it makes it sound like 1° in geometry and 10mm of travel make a bike extremely less capable and that is just not the case. Only a very experienced rider might notice the difference. I ride a pure XC race bike with 90mm of rear travel and all the steepest angles but still feel like there is more then enough to ride all the stuff I want (for me this is sedona, hogs hevan, hiline etc.) You just have to know what type of bike your riding and treat it a little bit differently, after a bit that isn't hard at all. Also the neron is not an xc bike by any means, and even though you make it sound like 5lbs dosen't make a difference, having a bike that is 5lbs lighter makes it feel like a supercar compared to a hot hatch. Anyway the message I'm trying to convey is that it's not the bike, It's the rider. Don't shy away from any features because your bike has 10mm less travel and 1° steeper angle, and definitely don't feel bad because it's "less capable." If you finished my wall of text, thanks and have a good day and have fun riding your bike! đ
Back at you bud! I couldnt agree more đ
Idk about that argument. I overforked my hardtail and took it from a 70 degree hta to a 69 degree hta as well as bumping the travel to 120mm and it became a totally different bike both climbs and descents. While it lost a bit of composure and ease on steep climbs it made up for it by having more control on the descents as well as handling hard hits with less fuss.
I ride my trek fuel ex 5 with a 150 up front and a 130 in the back everywhere , even bikeparks . I just changed the handlebars to a 770 mm -25mm rise .
Really funny Henry! đ
Hillarious! Pouring the wet stuff! Thanks for the comparison
I believe when Scott made the new Genius with 150/150 that the idea was to mate these two bike here in the comparison into a single bike. In that the twin-lock can adjust the geometry to fit the conditions and terrain variances during rides, this was done fairly well. After a couple of years it appears that the longer +160 -180 travel bikes have renewed the conversational for the XC/Trail bike around 11kg. I can attest that my older XC/Trail Genius 900 Tuned 140/130 @11.5Kg is absolutely the everyday everything bike to date. Poppy, yet glued to the Trail, and capable for single black diamond trails. I have always considered it if not the, one of the best bike Iâve ever ridden. Iâve tried others in comparison, to find there wasnât any. Sometimes the MTB world spins and then lands back a ground zero. The only thing that has really changed are the newer more capable enduro/DH rigs mentioned here as just too much bike for everyone everyday. As you grow in this sport, keeping an eye on what can readily differentiate one bike from another is the devil in the details. GMBN Tech content has a great finger on the pulse of todayâs technology in MTB performance thatâs particularly edifying, so thank you. This content in the greater context of great fun riding bikes is very useful for novice to expert riders.
I get a neuron cf 9 sl in January can't wait!
Nice one!
The IKEA futon of Death...love the analogies! đ
This is just the video I was looking for. Itâs got to be the aggressive one for me. Iâm fine with climbs but am at home on descents.
love ur channel...
What was the Vittoria tire size (front & rear) set for both trail bikes?
Given all the chat in mtb world about 'down country' or softduro etc being applied to the trail bike category, this is a very relevant and well timed comparison, highlighting HOW trail bikes span different capabilities, without succumbing to just using the silly new names without explanation or example.
Nah mate, the "New" buzz word in MTB is DubDuro. You heard it here first.
Homage to DeadPool ;)
Out of the 2 - I'd take the Reactor anyday. If you are concerned about pedaling - change out the tyres. The Geo is much more capable. Me, I'm happy with my versatile 150rear All Mountain bike. It pedals well and I can throw it down Downhill Tracks or have fun at Bike Parks if I feel the urge. It also eats up rocks nicely.
That Canyon sounds like the perfect bike for trails here in Southeastern Michigan. Lol We have very few and very short downhill trails. It's mostly on the technical side here, but a few new trails, like River Bends, have opened up and are more faster and flowy (my favorite type).
I bought my Kona Cindercone nearly 8 years ago and had served me well but now Iâm trying to work out what bike to buy is a minefield of options, makes my head spin more than some fast singletrack in the woods đ©
Demo demo demo as many as you can
What about choosing between a trek roscoe 8 and a fuel ex 5?
a very wide tyre / great component hard tail vs an entry level full suspension trail bike?
Henry, why are your saddles so far forward?
Also, great to see the good rain gear you guys are using. Epic to go out riding no matter the weather
Wish my neuron on was more agro now đ, worth noting the price difference of these bikes, the extra money gets you higher spec suspension on the reactor. I think price point is what seperates same travel bikes.
I have a Spectral and really wish I had gone with something more like the Neuron. Not only would I have saved some coin, it would have better suited the style of riding I have been doing. If I shuttled or went to the bike park more often I would have been OK with my choice, but I wish I had something better at pedaling uphill.
I have both the spectral and neuron, makes sense what you said
I'm stuck between the neuron and the spectral now because I want something capable but I don't really think I need 150mm travel I'm thinking the neuron as more a slopstyle bike and I want to hit the jumps and drops which one should I pick
If Canyon Neuron has a standard for Canyon zs44-ec52 headset then it's possible to fit angle headset from Works Components
I have neuron 8.0 CF.. I love this bike.. enough travel for my trails, and I have better times uphill like on my XC hardtail :D
How good is climbing on this bike compared to your hardtail?
@@felipeacosta5242 previous bike was cannondale trail 7.. on neuron I pedal more under me like on cannondale.
also neuron is more than 600g lighter.
(on cannondale i had epixon fork, which save more than 900g against XCM).
And with pro pedal mode i have more grip in terrain and dont need unweight rear wheel like on hardtail.. just sit and push :)
Do you have the 140/130 I think itâs an amazing bike. Iâd really like to get it soon. How is it in downhill? Very stiff?
I love my Neuron AL 7.0 SL.
That weather really is an anomaly and Iâm sure there are now plenty of scientist and meteorologists with furrowed brows...
Oh and the information on the bikes was very good thanks. Iâve just ordered my wife a Canyon Neuron for the reasons you mentioned, more long xc type days with the odd steep technical bits as and when. It seems I wasnât on my own in thinking that was what the Neuron is all about.
New Bike day is coming soon!
Nice! Enjoy the riding đ€
Nice review! It would have been nice if you had given their weights. Can you provide that? Thanks.
Please do a video on what tf a downcountry bike is đđ
Think of an In between of an xc bike and a trail. A short travel trail bike or a long travel xc bike. They can race xc but be fun on the trail.
They did
there is a pinkbike article done by mike levy a few years ago were he invents and defines the category in detail.
Itâs similar to an all country bike but more trail
opposite to an upcountry/sidetosidecountry bike.
Just bought a Vitus Mythique vrs ( awaiting delivery đ) would love to see a vid with one in đđ»
Which front fender is this at the nukeproof?
At last, people ( And manufactures ) are starting to get it... For years so many riders thinking that they couldn`t possibly ride anything less than 150 - 160mm travel...
I have neuron myself and it is unbelievable
Being relatively new to mountain biking Iâm disappointed that a lot of comments are moaning. Shame really because I got into mountain biking to get away from the shit going on at the moment.
I didnt noticed it so far most people mtb are quit positiv and kind. mett 1 dickhead this season so far. He almost crashed into me because he didnt left enough space and then just rode away without saying anithing expect watching me not very kindly. On the otherhand some people asked me if in the last 3 days if something is wrong and if i need help because they saw me tinkering on the bike :)
Trust me 99% of people you will meet in person are chill asf and just wanna ride, bike parks can be a bit diff story tho
definitely a cool snail at 7:30 đ
I was going to by the neuron but you say it's not good for jumps?
Honest Question, why wouldn't you get a longer travel Enduro model if you are looking for a gravity bike? Weight?
đđđđđ such great linguistics.... Ikea futon of death đđđ
The metaphor king...
So close to buying the Reactor, but I am put off as you need a hex key to fix a puncture (to remove the thru axles), what a faff! In this regard the Neron wins with lever on the front and hidden integrated lever on the back.
As long as Nukeproof keeps that antique website up i am going to Canyon. They really need to update that website, it's a nightmare to navigate.
Nice vid. Question... I'm buying a new Neuron 2021. Being 190cm Canyon says L, but seems too small to me looking at the reach and specs. What would you recommend? Thanks much
I am also a 190cm rider and in Canyon my size is XL
Well, I was looking for a full sus mtb trial/xc bike Specialized to expansive, Trek, not a change then was I looking for Canyon Neuron CF 6.0 and now watching this I have made my decision that it will be this bike I gonna buy when available in September........
#askgmbntech
Hi All,
Some great uploads going on during this lockdown period.... Keep it up!
Once the LBS's have got stock back in, I'm in the market for a new, budget hardtail at around ÂŁ1300.
Im looking at:
Commemcal Meta AM HT
Ragley Mmmbop
Orange Clockwork
Nukeproof Scout
What are the pros and cons of each bike?
Thanks
Alan
Perfect timing... I just responded... then deleted... to SickBiker today. Scrolled down and saw an argument about watts. Watts!!! I laughed aloud and remembered... spandex sporters. We just don't think the same way?!?! ;)
what is your opinion on using an angles headset? would you think it can compromise frame structural integrity? I am think of installing some
Henry used an angle adjust headset in this video! gmbn.tech/3geo
@@gmbntech oh right. nice!
Nukeproof reactor 29 v Canyon spectral 29 would now be an interesting comparison
I am amazed what you can do with a trail bike đ and I would buy the neuron...
Is spectral the one comparable to reactor
Price wise it is
I really like that Canyon now
Hold on a minute, can we just take a minute to acknowledge the line "smuggling illicit budgies"
Love this presenter
Cheers Beans!
Anyone who has got this bike, who had to decide between XL and L? Chart says L for my 188cm (XL is 192+), but I have very long legs compared to torso, and I usually end up with my saddle height way above my stem on other L frames? What would be the advantages / disadvantages for going XL vs. L?
I am a Canyon owner. I am 190cm tall and website says I should get L size, however Im riding XL and its far better
I have a Norco revolver FS 120/120 and is as capable as the rest of 140sh trail bikes, Norco revolver lands in the Downcountry spot.. but honestly is the same as a Trail bike..
i just want to know if the neuron can bike park
The price dif is crazy 2021
I love my reactor
The neuron 5 is the only one in my budget đ would the neuron be any good at street stuff like stairs and drops an all that.
That Reactor is dream bike. The one I originally wanted to buy, tho I am happy for my 130mm Trek Fuel EX (got deal on a demo bike minus seasons demo fees)...
You nailed it tho, I think a 150 pike on my bike would make it perfect... add a 55mm stroke shock vs the 52.5 and im a ~140mm All mountain bike.
I live in SE Michigan and its very undulating
And the Scott spark oh wait you donât do Scott anymore
Did Henry have socks on when riding the Neuron ?đ€
Still doubting ... Lux Vs Neuron ... Moving from a hardtail to full suspension. Convince me :-)
IF you want speed take the Lux, if you want to play a bit and like more comfort take the Neuron
@@MrChrismen Well said! I own a Lux SLX Race Team and also have a 120mm front and rear Specialized Camber (very similar to the Neuron) and your description is spot on. A trail bike like the Neuron will be more forgiving and comfortable. The Lux is all about going fast and has razor sharp steering with the 70° head tube angle, narrower bars and will climb better due to its lighter weight of a few pounds and a slightly longer stem. Both are great bikes.
9:43 - is it actually a good idea to ride either of these bikes blindfolded?
Do not try this at home! đ
Hi
Oh no, another video of bikes I can't afford.
Can brand please stop inventing new category đ
As a newbie, the more i watch gmbn, the more i get confused with the category and terminology. Xc, trail, country, enduro, dh hardtail full sus. đ
Gmbn, please make a long video on this for newcomer in 2020 đ
Because after the pandemic quarantine , there will be more people are getting into cycling.
We've done a video on this already Hafiz, you can check it out here czcams.com/video/gPcTflbkRJE/video.html
@@gmbntech thank you. That is what im looking for. đ
this video has Richard Hammond car reviews vibe
henry needs something like "power!" to yell out when he's sending it.
@@roonietunes7 haha that sounds like a Blake thing. yeah you guys can make a challenge videos ala Top Gear like $800 bike challenge with doddy and blake as well.
it might benefits as well since the price of bikes are soaring high, so it might prove a point that safe and fun mountain biking can be done!
"Unbelievable in England" Quick factcheck: You have a change of 1 out of 3 days that in rains.
Nuke should be comparing to Spectral, not Neuron.
he just fucking bossed this
u not getting payed enough henry lmao
Would you say a 120mm travel bike is a trail bike?