Canyon Neuron 1 Year Review

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.

[DaffraontheMTB]

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.

[Tentfire]

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.

[Brcinskij]

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 !!! :)

[Lellow]

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!

[loweid]

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.

[Papaciclista]

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 👍

[TonyPretty]

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!

[ythnkyknwme]

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?

[ralphvoit]

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!

[E-MTBs]

Dude I love my neuron and had the experiences with the crank! 😂

[IXxEzechielxXI]

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

[JuanAlmighty]

nice! I have mine in flash blue.. nice ride!

[danburgess]

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 YouTube
Cheers
Danny Burgess

[MitchPhillips]

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?

[DeSibyl]

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.

[marcobosisio]

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 !!

[ryanwingfield]

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?

[mikelj]

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!

[andreiwolffe]

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?

[Cadams]

Great video, ever have any issues with horst link bolts or anything?