Canyon Bike Reviews for 2023: A Must Read

Canyon Bike Reviews for 2021

Decline Magazine is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.

Looking for a mountain bike that will offer you value over money? Canyon Bikes is one of the leading manufacturers in the bike industry. The company has been sending shock waves as far as America, with its bikes taking center stages in races globally.

There is a bike for everyone and over ten MTB models, including e-bikes. What’s hard to believe is that Canyon has been distributing bikes in the US for about three years now.

Want to buy one? Here’s what you can go for.

Best Canyon Mountain Bikes for 2022

1. Canyon STCHD

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm Travel
  • Shock: 100 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 26”
  • Frame Size: S, L
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail/Full Suspension Dirt Jump Bike

Canyon STCHD is an excellent dirt jump bike. I’m sure an established and serious dirt jumper would make good use of it.

The bike comes in a hardtail or a full sus, and you can choose between the two. The bike is available in an alloy frame—no steel option.

The forks and the shock get the same amount of travel of 100 mm. The hardtail only gets 100 mm in front.

The dirt jump bike comes with a Manitou Circus fork and a single-speed drivetrain. With a set of Maxxis tires and sturdy wheels that will take any hard jump, The STCHD is indeed a durable and compact dirt jump bike.

The bike is a resident of the pump track and will help you improve your dirt jump skills and landings.

The STCHD is the perfect dirt jump rig for you if you want to learn new tricks in the pump track and smash laps.

It’s also a great bike if you are a beginner and want a model that will be patient as you perfect the skills. Canyon STCHD is in the top three most popular dirt jump bikes.

2. Canyon Dude

Canyon Dude

Specs:

  • Fork: 120 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5+
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Hardtail Fat Bike

If you are a fan of fat bikes, and looking for a Canyon specific, here’s the treat. The Canyon Dude is a high-end fat bike with a carbon frame.

Fat bikes remain the most versatile option because of their ability to transverse muddy and snowy conditions better than other bikes.

Canyon Dude can fulfill this purpose, and it’s also a pure luxury on wider tires. There are three models in this with identical slack geometry and seat angle.

Two models come with a 120 mm front travel when one comes with a rigid carbon fork.

The Dude CF 9 features a Manitou Mastodon Pro fork and SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. The second cheapest bike in the line is the Dude CF 8, which includes a rigid Dude fork.

It also gets a combination of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain. The bike shares the same wheel specs as the CF 9.

The last of the Dudes is the Dude CF 8.0 Trail. The model is the most affordable of them all. It features 120 mm travel RockShox Bluto RL fork, SRAM NX Eagle, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, DT Swiss wheels, and Schwalbe Jumbo Jim tires.

You can change the tires if you wish. This will be your ride or die bike if you prefer a fat bike that can do it all. The Dude is surprisingly fast.

3. Canyon Grand Canyon

Canyon Grand Canyon

Specs:

  • Fork: 120 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail Trail/XC Bike

Ever been to Grand Canyon? If you never shouted at the top of your voice to hear your echo, you missed a great opportunity.

Well, you won’t be missing any with the Canyon Grand Canyon. The hardtail elicits emotions, and echos in your soul. Grand Canyon is the brand’s most affordable and trail and XC-oriented bike. It can be your first bike if you are dipping your toe in the ocean of mountain bikes.

Are you in search of a 650b bike or a Canyon Grand Canyon 29er?  Both are available and come with 120 mm travel forks.

The model comes in the ultimate range for kids and women. The Grand Canyon Young Hero is the most affordable of them all.

It comes with a Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain and XCR forks. Other models include the Grand Canyon 5, Grand Canyon 6, Grand Canyon 7, Grand Canyon 8, and top of the pyramid sits the Grand Canyon 9.

Grand Canyon 9 features a Fox 34 Rhythm fork and Shimano Deore XT groupset. It also has a canyon dropper post.

The Grand Canyon is the bike to buy if you are an amateur bike racer looking for a bike that rides well on a semi-technical terrain and you are new to the XC and trail scene.

The bike will give you the confidence you need to go outdoors and embrace the gift of nature.

4. Canyon Stoic

Canyon Stoic

Specs:

  • Fork: 140 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail Trail Bike

Canyon’s list of hardtails doesn’t seem to end, and we are just getting started with the bike reviews.

The Stoic is an epic bike with an aluminum frame and external cable routing, except for the dropper seat post’s cable.

All extra small and small models come with 650b wheels, while medium and the rest come with 29” wheels.

Stoic comes in three different models depending on your budget, height, and cycling needs. On the bottom range is the base model, Stoic 2.

It comes with the budget SR Suntour XCR 34 forks and 10-speed Deore drivetrain. The Stoic 3 gets a RockShox Recon Silver and SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.

The top of the range Stoic 4 gets a RockShox Pike Select forks and SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain. All models feature a dropper seat post.

The Canyon Stoic is the bike to buy if you want a hardtail trail bike. Suppose you are a beginner, get a hardtail bike before going for a full suspension.

The Stoic is a great bike to ride on smooth trails. It’s a great climber, especially with locked front suspension.

However, the Stoic is poor on technical terrains. Unfortunately, the model doesn’t come with a carbon frame option.

5. Canyon Exceed

canyon exceed

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Hardtail XC Bike

Canyon’s most capable hardtail XC bike is the Exceed. It’s typically the model you’ll see professional athletes riding in a World Cup race. There are several Exceed models, from a budget end to a rig ready to hit the circuit.

For starters, all the bikes come with 100 mm of travel. The most notable feature, however, is Canyon’s self-invention Impact Protection Unit.

In line with the modern geometry, every bike gets a cleverly placed seat post and slacker head angle, and seat tube angle.

Featuring at the bottom is the Exceed CF 5, followed by Exceed CF 6, Exceed CF 7, Exceed CF SLX 8, Exceed CF SLX 9, Exceed CFR Team, and on top of the hierarchy sits the Exceed CFR LTD. All these bikes come with different component packages that dictate the price.

The most inexpensive model, the CF 5, comes with RockShox Recon RL and SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain. On top of the list comes CFR LTD with RockShox SID SL forks and SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Drivetrain.

The Exceed is the cross-country bike to buy if you are looking for a solid XC hardtail. This Canyon MTB is fast on descents and climbs.

It’s, however, not gifted on rough terrains. It’s the bike to take if you have mastered the tricks of racing XC and your eyes are set for the podium.

6. Canyon Lux

Canyon Lux

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm Travel
  • Shock: 100 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension XC Bike

You can’t be good at everything. James Bond would fail terribly as a pop artist. When it comes to cycling, you can specialize in a couple of disciplines, but not all.

Lux is the perfect full suspension Canyon endurance XC bike to take you across the finish line if you are into XC riding and racing.

The bike’s light carbon, remote suspension lockout, and less treaded light tires make it a speed rocket. The bike also features a 69.5-degree slack head tube.

Various Lux models include Lux CF 6, Lux CF 7, Lux CF 8, Lux CF SLX 9, Lux CF SLX 9 Team, and top of the range Lux CF SLX 9 LTD.

The latter features the cross-country approved RockShox SID SL Ultimate forks and SIDLuxe Ultimate rear shock.

To propel the CF LTD, the bike is equipped with an SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain. The bottom of the range CF 6 also gets a RockShox SID suspension combination but an SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain.

The Lux is the bike to buy if you are looking for fun and racing against other athletes. If you have outgrown your Canyon Exceed and are sure that you can handle a full Susser, then Lux will be an excellent option for you.

It’s a great climber and also terrific on descends. You can see it’s not just for the looks.

7. Canyon Neuron

Canyon Neuron

Specs:

  • Fork: 130 mm/140 mm Travel
  • Shock: 130 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Trail Bike

With a 130 mm squish, you can tell that the Neuron is Canyon’s quiver killer. Quiver killers are generally trail bikes, and Neuron is no different. What’s even great about this line of bikes is that there’s a kid’s specific full-Susser.

We rarely see other brands produce that. The other Neurons come with 29er wheels and 130/140 mm of travel.

The six-figure model is the Neuron CF LTD, with only 100 models available globally. Used to only DT Swiss wheels? This bike comes with DT Swiss 140 mm travel fork, which makes it special. The rear shock is also DT Swiss, and so are the wheels.

Neuron Young Hero is the kid’s model. There’s a wide range of adult models, including Neuron 6, 7, CF 8, CF 9, CF 9 SL, and CF SLX 9.

The Canyon Neuron is just the rig you need if you love riding on trails. It will offer you a smooth ride and fulfill your days. The comfortable bike will definitely get into your nervous system. It’s one of the trail bikes I loved.

8. Canyon Spectral & Spectral 29

Canyon Spectral

Specs:

  • Fork: 160 mm Travel
  • Shock: 150 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”/27.5”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Enduro Bike

Canyon Spectral means serious business when it comes to enduro racing. It’s been proved to be faster than other enduro bikes faster thanks to its short chainstay and wheelbase. The slack geometry of the Spectral is purpose-inspired.

The more challenging the terrain becomes, the more enjoyable it gets to ride on it. The 160 mm front and 150 mm rear squish is enough to absorb the brutal hits.

Of course, you would expect Canyon to present different units under the Spectral banner. Topping the league is the Spectral 29 LTD. All LTD bikes are unique as they are rare.

The Spectral LTD comes with a FOX 36 Factory fork and DPX2 Factory rear suspension. For the drivetrain, you get the fabulous rolling Shimano XTR 12-Speed.

There are 12 more models available, including women-specific, all equipped with high-end SRAM and Shimano drivetrains.

For the forks, it’s a Fox 34 Rhythm or RockShox Select sus combinations to take you all the way. Whether you are sporting for a27.5-inch or 29-inch bike, you’ll find that in the Spectral line.

If you are an avid enduro racer, the Spectral is your best bet. The weekends will never be the same again with your favorite bike at your disposal.

9. Canyon Strive

Canyon Strive

Specs:

  • Fork: 170 mm Travel
  • Shock: 150 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Enduro Bike

Canyon’s Strive is the most advanced enduro bike they have. It’s their purpose-built model for World Cup enduro racing and the only bike range that comes with the Shapeshifter.

The technology changes the geometry of the bike at a finger press. The rear gets 150 mm of travel, but it can be reduced to play the role of a downhill bike.

The bike is packed with more travel in the front, at 170 mm travel. That’s enough suspension travel to ride comfortably in a bike park and absorb landings without causing a hair to shake.

What’s more, this hearty model has an adjustable suspension. The Shapeshifter does the job of adjusting the fork down by 15 mm. The switch is located on the left side of the handlebars.

Other headliners are a tough carbon frame and the climbing prowess of the Strive. The budget-oriented Canyon Strive is the Strive CF 7.

It comes with a RockShox Lyric Select fork and Super Deluxe Select rear shock. It also gets juiced up with SRAM NEX Eagle drivetrain.

The CFR sits on the top with FOX 36 Factory and FOX Float front and rear, respectively. You get a Shimano XTR drivetrain to power your bike up the hill.

With four models available, you are spoilt for choice. This is the rig to take home if you are deeply and religiously into enduro riding. Strive strives to captivate you, and sure it will, especially when you hit the climbs.

It’s also a fast bike downhill. It’s a bike that will roll over any obstacles, jump over rocks, give you some of those woohoo! Air-time, and let you live a fun-filled life.

10. Canyon Torque

Canyon Torque

Specs:

  • Fork: 180 mm Travel
  • Shock: 175 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon/Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Enduro/Downhill Bike

Playful yet stable and contained, Canyon Torque is an enduro bike with enduro geometry and features.

This bike can handle the most complicated enduro races and create a way where there’s none.

If you are looking for a perfect mate for those epic weekend rides, no company understands your needs like Canyon. They built the Torque to make sure you have a powerful bike, no talk!

As the downhill section starts curving upwards, you got the geometry and the climbing ability of this bike to take you uphill. Only five Torque models featuring different components and a range of price tags are available.

The Canyon Torque is the perfect rig for you if you are looking for a bike that can race enduro and race downhill the next weekend. Versatility is the name of the game, and this excellent climber is just that.

11. Canyon Sender

Canyon Sender

Specs:

  • Fork: 200 mm Travel
  • Shock: 200 mm Travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Carbon/Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Downhill Bike

Canyon Sender is the only full-downhill model Canyon has and also one of their most expensive bikes. It comes with either a carbon or aluminum frame. The bike is equipped with a 29” wheel in the front and 27.5” in the rear.

Thanks to the extendable rear-wheel sockets, you can decide to use a set of 29er or 27.5-inch wheels on the bike.

Canyon took about three years to engineer and construct the Sender. The end result was a lightweight bike with no speed limits.

There are two main Sender models: Sender 6 and the Sender CFR. Sender six is mainly made of aluminum but still lighter than most carbon frames from other bike brands. It features a set of Bomber forks and rear shock.

The CFR, as the carbon option, features the RockShox suspension system while the CFR FMB settles with the FOX suspension system. The gear range depends as well.

This is the perfect downhill bike for you if you love racing. The bike is forgiving on descents and pretty calm.

However, it’s not gifted on climbs, thereby limiting your riding outside downhill. You’ll have a great racing story to tell about the Sender if you love downhill racing.

Canyon Warranty

All Canyon-produced frames, components, and forks get a six-year limited warranty. The warranty becomes active when you purchase the bike. It only covers the first owner of the bike. Only defects that exist during delivery are covered.

Warranty registration is simple! Upload your receipt on Canyon’s page, and after the approval, the manufacturer will arrange the return via FedEx. You will need to pack your bike in the box it came with.

After-Sale Service

Canyon Cycles also provide resources on its main page for bike owners. Whether you bought your first Canyon bike or another one, there is a Q&As section to help you set up your bike.

The customer rep from Canyon will also direct you to a local bike shop where you can have your bike serviced. Canyon’s hand-picked partners in your city will be able to help you.

Canyon Bikes History

The first Canyon bike, seated in Koblenz Germany, was availed in 1996, but the idea was crafted in 1985 by Roman and Franc Arnold.

The parent company was known as Radsport Arnold GmbH and was manufacturing and supplying bike parts and accessories.

In 2001, Radsport changed to Canyon Bicycles GmbH and became a bike manufacturer.

However, it’s the strategy of selling their bikes online without the involvement of shops and middlemen that helped the company prosper to its greatest heights.

The Germany-based company rose the ranks to become one of the leading bike makers with a range of high-end models.

Although Canyon bikes are mainly manufactured in Germany, they are available in more than 100 countries. The company also sponsors athletes and has overseen their bikes to win many races all over the world.

Whatever you are looking for in a mountain bike, you can have it all on any Canyon bicycle you desire.

Final Thoughts

Canyon bikes are truly impressive. As one of the largest bike makers,  the company has been a trailblazer in developing quality bikes.

You can never get it wrong with one of its models. Contact us if you need more guidance.

Photo of author

Written By

From riding to school since the age of 13, attending BMX races and events with his dad to himself conquering 50+ trails across the globe. For Rob, his Giant Stance 29 2 2020 is the friend that makes everything better. He is also a proud member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Leave a Comment

Related Post