For some outdoor activities, weight is not that critical. Does a streamlined ski jacket or hiking daypack really make or break the fun? Probably not. However, when it comes to pedaling (and, let’s be honest, occasionally pushing) a mountain bike up back-breaking inclines before sending it over cheeky berms, into steep drops and off gnarly kickers, every ounce matters. Which is why we’re stoked about the recently announced Canyon Neuron CF SLX 9.0 LTD, which clocks in at less than 26 pounds.
As you might guess, Canyon didn’t really skimp on the componentry. Out of the box, it’s rocking smooth Shimano XTR shifting, lively full Fox suspension (plus a dropper post) and durable DT Swiss carbon wheels. The drivetrain is 1×12, a set-up we’ve come to swear by over the past few months of riding, and there’s more than five inches of joint-saving travel on those shocks. The frame alone is half a pound lighter than its predecessor, the Neuron CF SL, a feat achieved through the use of special 40T UD carbon fibers, which simultaneously increase the tensile strength of the main frame and rear triangle.
Is it the lightest mountain bike ever? The $11,000 S-Works Epic AXS, among others, might raise an eyebrow at that claim. But at a price point of $6,499, this new Neuron is both lighter and cheaper than one of our recent favorites, Trek’s Fuel EX 9.9, which starts at $7,500 and weighs a hair over 29 pounds. Granted, that bike has its own strong points, like luxe SRAM and Fox componentry and almost a half-inch more travel. But if you want to fly without totally grounding your bank account, the Neuron makes quite a case. We can’t wait to test it ourselves.
