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Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 2025 On Test

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Canyon are pitching the latest Neuron:ON AL as their most versatile adventure eMTB yet. It comes equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and generates 150/145 mm of travel. But does the Neuron:ON AL 9 live up to the hype? Is it truly the ultimate companion for all adventures? We took it to the trails to find out.

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Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5/800 Wh | 150/145 mm (f/r) | 25.16 kg (size L) | € 5,499 | Manufacturer’s website

After launching their first light eMTB, the Neuron:ONfly, back in spring 2024 and the Spectral:ONfly later that autumn, Canyon are bringing back full-power action with the new Canyon Neuron:ON AL, which features Bosch’s Gen5 CX motor.

This year, Canyon are going all-in – more of everything, except carbon. As the “AL” suffix already suggests, the Neuron:ON AL features a new alloy frame. The carbon Neuron:ON CF and the previous aluminium version will disappear from Canyon’s portfolio once the current stock sells out. They will be replaced by the new model, which boasts a beefy 800 Wh battery, slightly more travel (150/145 mm), and 29” wheels. Canyon also equipped the new bike with a number of practical features that come in handy both on and off the trail – but more on that later.

Prices for the new Canyon Neuron:ON start at € 3,799 for the entry-level model with a 600 Wh battery. We tested the top-spec AL 9 variant, which retails at € 5,499 and weighs in at 25.16 kg in size L. But does the new Neuron fire up your brain cells on the trail – or is it promising too much? We tested it to find out.

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The New Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 2025 on Detail

In purely visual terms, the Canyon Neuron:ON AL takes clear cues from its carbon sibling, the Neuron:ONfly, which relies on Bosch’s SX motor – and that’s a good thing. The bike frame silhouette isn’t overly bulky, and instead relies on a balanced, modern design language. Only the downtube and bottom bracket area are slightly beefier to accommodate the bigger battery and Bosch motor system. Despite the visible welds, which make it clear that you’re looking at an aluminium eMTB, the Neuron:ON is still pleasantly sleek and understated, which is partly due to the subtle “Space Grey” finish.

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The 800 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery is super easy to remove: just take off the cover, insert the key, turn it, and the battery pops right out of the downtube. This means that you can easily charge it both on and off the bike – nice!

Canyon rely on the proven Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor, which delivers 85 Nm of torque, and draws its power from a Bosch PowerTube 800 battery, which makes it suitable for epic backcountry rides. The plastic battery cover is secured with a pull latch and can be quickly detached from the downtube. After that, the battery can be unlocked with a key and easily removed from the frame.
If you’re looking for even more range, you can expand the internal battery with Bosch’s 250 Wh PowerMore range extender, which can be attached to the bottle cage bosses on the downtube using a special rail system. With the extender installed, the bike tips the scales at 26.6 kg.

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The display clearly shows all key ride data and can be controlled via the LED remote on the handlebar.

The system is controlled via the LED remote on the handlebars and the Bosch Kiox 300 display, which Canyon positioned centrally above the front wheel, just in front of the stem – making the cockpit look a bit like a unicorn. Visually striking, yes, but not exactly ideal: if the bike flips during a crash, the display is the first thing to hit the ground.

Also included is the Bosch ConnectModule, which includes GPS tracking and theft protection. The service is free for the first year, after which a subscription fee applies. You’ll find more details in our dedicated review of the Bosch ConnectModule.

To underline the bike’s versatility, Canyon provided the Neuron:ON AL with mounting points for a rear pannier rack, as well as an integrated kickstand mount.

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The Spec of the New Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9

The top-spec model we tested comes equipped with a 150 mm RockShox Lyrik Base fork and matching RockShox Deluxe Select shock controlling 145 mm at the rear. The fork is easy to tune via rebound and compression adjustments – perfect for riders who prefer riding trails over fiddling with a million settings. The setup process is intuitive and hassle-free. The shock, however, only has an externally-adjustable rebound setting, which limits fine-tuning options.

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For the brakes, Canyon rely on SRAM DB8 Stealth stoppers and 200 mm CenterLine rotors front and rear. While SRAM’s entry-level brakes don’t aim for race-level performance, they still deliver reliable stopping power. Like the MAVEN, they use mineral oil instead of DOT brake fluid – which makes them easier to bleed without compromising braking performance.

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A real highlight is the SRAM S-1000 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain – SRAM’s gateway to the world of wireless shifting. It relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and delivers crisp, precise gear shifts.

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The gateway into the world of wireless shifting: the SRAM S-1000 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain works reliably and results in one less cable in the cockpit.

The DT Swiss H 1900 LS wheelset is paired with Schwalbe tires, a Magic Mary in the robust Super Trail casing and grippy Soft rubber compound at the front, and a Hans Dampf in the same casing and slightly harder Speedgrip runner compound at the rear. We’re glad to see that Canyon listened to our feedback on the previous Neuron:ON, upgrading the Nobby Nic of its predecessor to the grippier Magic Mary, which ensures noticeably more traction on technical trails.

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The Schwalbe Magic Mary front tire ensures plenty of grip with its soft rubber compound. On the other hand, the harder rubber compound on the Hans Dampf rear tire ensures good rolling characteristics and a longer service life.

Canyon rely on their in-house components for both the cockpit and the dropper post. The former consists of a 45 mm stem and 780 mm aluminium handlebars, while the latter offers 200 mm of travel, ensuring plenty of room to move on the trail.

Specs and Model Variants of the New Canyon Neuron:ON

Canyon offer the new Neuron:ON AL in three different build specs, which are all based on the same aluminium frame and come equipped with the proven Bosch Performance Line CX motor system, including the Bosch ConnectModule for GPS tracking and theft protection.

Canyon Neuron:ON AL 7

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Canyon Neuron:ON AL 7 | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 / 600 Wh | 150/145 mm (f/r) | 24.6 kg (claimed) | € 3,799 | Manufacturer’s website

The Canyon Neuron:ON AL 7 marks the entry point into the new alloy platform and is available from € 3,799 – although it comes with a smaller 600 Wh battery. If you’re planning to embark on longer rides, you can get the same model with a bigger 800 Wh battery for € 3,999. Instead of the larger Kiox display, this model features a Bosch Purion 200 – a more compact and minimalist solution.

In terms of suspension, Canyon spec a 150 mm RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork – a budget-friendly option from RockShox that’s easy to set up but limited in performance. On the plus side, the fork is paired with a Select shock, which is the same you get with the top-tier model.

Shifting is taken care of by a cable-operated, 12-speed Shimano DEORE drivetrain – a proven, no-frills solution that’s both robust and reliable. Shimano MT4120 four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors do stopping duties, delivering sufficient deceleration for light trail riding and touring.

For the wheels, Canyon combines a RODI TRYP 30 CL aluminium wheelset with Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires front and rear, both in the Super Trail casing and the harder Speedgrip compound – a combination that’s focused more on durability than outright performance.

The AL 7 is aimed at trail newbies and touring riders looking for a well-balanced eMTB at a fair price – without missing out on modern features like the Bosch Smart System, GPS tracking, and a high-capacity battery.

Canyon Neuron:ON AL 8

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Canyon Neuron:ON AL 8 | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 / 800 Wh | 150/145 mm (f/r) | 25.56 kg (claimed) | € 4,999 | Manufacturer’s website

Retailing at € 4,999, the Canyon Neuron:ON AL 8 sits just below the top-tier model but still delivers a well-rounded spec – including the big 800 Wh battery. Like the AL 9 flagship model, it relies on a Bosch LED remote and Bosch Kiox 300 display.

For the suspension, Canyon spec a 150 mm FOX 36 Rhythm fork and matching FOX FLOAT Rhythm shock, which controls 145 mm of travel at the rear. Both the fork and shock are easy to dial in and deliver balanced performance for both touring and trail use – even if they don’t quite match the performance of FOX’s top-tier GRIPX2 or FLOAT X models.

Shimano supply the DEORE drivetrain and matching MT4120 four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors front and rear. While both are from Shimano’s entry-level line, they’re very reliable and extremely functional. The Neuron:ON AL 8 rolls on a robust RODI TRYP 30 CL aluminium wheelset and the same tire combo as the AL 9 top-tier model.

Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9

€ 5,499

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 300
Fork RockShox Lyrik Base 150 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select 145 mm
Seatpost Canyon SP0070 200 mm
Brakes SRAM DB8 Stealth 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission 1×12
Stem Canyon ST0031-01 45 mm
Handlebar Canyon HB0056-01 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 29″
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Trail, Soft / Schwalbe Hans Dampf, Super Trail, Speed Grip 2,4″

Technical Data

Size XS S M L XL
Weight 25,16 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg

Specific Features

Range Extender

The Geometry of the New Canyon Neuron:ON AL eMTB

The Canyon Neuron:ON AL is available in sizes XS to XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 1,58 m and 2,00 m tall. With a reach of 485 mm in size L, it doesn’t feel overly long and, combined with the generous 652 mm stack height, ensures a comfortable riding position.

In sizes XS and S, the Neuron:ON AL rolls on 27.5″ wheels, while sizes M and up come standard with 29″ wheels. The seat tube is nearly 20 mm shorter compared to the previous model – now 441 mm in size L – which giving riders more freedom of movement on the trail, especially in technical terrain and on steep descents.

The head angle sits at 64.5°, which is standard for modern eMTBs, and one degree slacker than on the previous carbon version – translating to more composure and control at high speeds and in rough terrain. The seat angle is 76.7°, which isn’t overly steep, and well-balanced, thus ensuring an efficient pedaling position.

With the 455 mm chainstays, Canyon strikes a great balance between composure and agility. Only the smaller frame sizes with 27.5″ wheels have slightly shorter 452 mm chainstays.

SizeX-SmallSmallMediumLargeX-Large
Seat tube371 mm391 mm421 mm441 mm461 mm
Top tube564 mm588 mm614 mm643 mm672 mm
Head tube151 mm163 mm133 mm143 mm155 mm
Head angle64,5°64,5°64,5°64,5°64,5°
Seat angle77,3°77°76,7°76,4°76,1°
Chainstays452 mm452 mm455 mm455 mm455 mm
BB Drop13 mm13 mm33 mm33 mm33 mm
Wheelbase1212 mm1233 mm1265 mm1284 mm1314 mm
Reach418 mm433 mm460 mm485 mm510 mm
Stack623 mm634 mm643 mm652 mm663 mm

The New Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 on the Trail

We pushed the Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 to its limits both on the sun-drenched hills around Finale Ligure and our twisty home-trails in Stuttgart.

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Right from the moment you swing your leg over the saddle, one thing is clear: the upright, comfortable riding position inspires huge amounts of confidence. The weight is evenly distributed between the hands and saddle, which, together with the plush suspension setup, makes the Neuron:ON AL a great companion for long days in the saddle – a perfect match for epic backcountry expeditions in Liguria’s outdoor paradise.

Riding uphill, the Neuron:ON AL scores with solid rear-wheel traction. In steep actions, the rear suspension remains active over bumps, though it does bob slightly on fire roads. On technical climbs, the Neuron:ON is an average performer: the Schwalbe Hans Dampf at the rear doesn’t offer the best grip and reaches its limits in loose terrain. However, the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor makes up for this, at least partially, getting you uphill reliably and without breaking a sweat when switching to Turbo mode – which is great if you want to save some energy before dropping into the descent.

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As soon as you point its nose downhill, the Neuron:ON AL puts you in a firmly planted, well-integrated riding position. The taller front end adds a reassuring feeling of safety, inspiring huge amounts of confidence especially for beginners. The Neuron:ON AL strikes above all with intuitive handling, putting a massive grin on your face on flowing trails, and lighting up your neurons in the process.

In more demanding terrain, the Canyon keeps its composure at first, with the plushly-tuned suspension reliably absorbing smaller hits and providing decent grip. But if you push harder, it will quickly reach its limits. The main problem is the RockShox Lyrik Base fork with the RC damper, which holds back overall performance. Compared to RockShox’s premium Charger 3.1 damper, it lacks sensitivity and bottom-out support – especially with aggressive riding on rough trails, the fork runs out of steam.

Tuning Tip: For technical climbs, consider upgrading the rear tire to a more aggressive tread pattern.

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That said, the Neuron:ON AL 9 feels most at home on flowing trails, long tours with plenty of vertical meters, and relaxed descents. But this bike is more than just a trail and touring companion. Riders who also use it for everyday life will appreciate the integrated theft protection feature and GPS tracking via the Bosch ConnectModule.

The frame also features mounting points for a rear rack. Add a kickstand and fenders, and with just a few tweaks, you can convert the Neuron:ON AL into a capable eSUV for commuting and everyday errands.

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Who Should Take a Closer Look at the Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9?

The Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9 is aimed primarily at trail newbies and tourers who are looking for a hassle-free, versatile eMTB. It’s easy to ride, inspires confidence from the get go, and offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio – which makes it a strong entry point into the world of full-suspension e-mountainbikes.

If you enjoy long rides, value comfort, and aren’t out to shred every trail, the Neuron:ON AL 9 will serve you well. It also scores points for everyday use with thoughtful features like GPS tracking and rack mounts, which makes it easy to convert into a practical eSUV for commuting and errands.
If your goal is simply to get out there, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, the Neuron:ON AL 9 is a solid, comfortable, and versatile companion.

Conclusions about the Canyon Neuron:ON AL 9

The Canyon Neuron:ON AL might not be the most versatile eMTB on the planet – but it’s definitely multifaceted. For the relatively low price, you get a solid entry-level full-suspension bike with a well-rounded spec, which shows only minor weaknesses in the fork and rear tire. It’s a tour-focused eMTB with decent descending capability, and thanks to rack mounts and the Bosch ConnectModule, it also adapts well to everyday use. A comfortable, hassle-free companion with plenty of potential – and one that’s sure to fire up your neurons.

icon top

Tops

  • Excellent value for money
  • Confidence-inspiring geometry
  • Mounting points for a rear rack
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Flops

  • Akward display positioning

More info available at Canyon.com


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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Benedikt Schmidt



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