Quality work Henry! I realize that the Smuggler is "cooler" and "shreddier", but as an east coast rider with messed up wrists, that Neuron actually makes a lot more sense. A somewhat more upright riding position, with less weight on the wrists, good enough head angle for most trails around here, makes a lot of sense. Good job Canyon for making the dad bike we all should be riding!
That was awesome Henry! On GMBN you were the one who made some actual informative content that wasn't just ads, but after the switch to PB, holy ...! So good.
If you want something within that travel range and more decent oriented they have the spectral 125. they definitely designed the neuron as a less aggressive trail bike and the 125 for more aggressive trail riding.
I really enjoy riding my Spectral 125 downhill as it is way more capable than the suspension numbers suggest, uphill is ok too but on longer rides with flat terrain it becomes rather painful with the steep STA and the weight on the bars.
I bought the previous Neuron a few months ago for the sole reason that it was the most XC-iest trail bike I could find/afford. I've only ridden xc bikes for years and years so this thing has more than enough capability for any downhill I'd attempt. What is appealing about the new one is Henry said it's not as soft and squishy (waterbed) as my generation which can be an issue at times.
I have a 2021 model Neuron and while it's perfectly fine for the trails I have access to in Oklahoma, it essentially served as a "gateway" bike, but if the Spectral 125 existed then I would have bought it. I'm honestly not sure the point of the Neuron anymore. For me, it was my first full suspension and served me well, but as soon as I felt confident on steeper trails and more technical trails I realized just how incapable it really was. The old one suffered from an ability to keep the rear wheels on the ground. The suspension was stiff, the rear wheel spun any time I put power down on a technical climb, and any slightly rocky decent was just a washboard. I'm sure I could have spent more time tuning the suspension, but I went to a 170 mil enduro bike last fall and I'm not turning back. It's just as fast on my local, flat trails, but it's even more comfortable and WAY more capable when the trail points down. Love the new style of videos, keep that up!
@@diorite81 You're not wrong. However, in my personal experience the outgoing Neuron just wasn't as capable on really anything I rode as my bigger travel bike. Could be that my bike fitness and riding skills are improved and I'm not giving it a fair shake, but that's my experience. Really what I was trying to say is that I hope the new one has solved many of the issues that the old one had that caused me to choose my "less appropriate" bike for certain trails.
Love it! Really enjoying the new video's you guys are putting out for reviews. I laughed but i also really like the context for the geo numbers. We can all read a spec list but the explanation of what this implies is really good!
I ride my Neuron with a fox 36 140 and it's not been an issue. I gap my buddy on his sj every time at the dh park, and on the singletrack climbs. I find it to be extremely capable. also upgraded the brakes to 200/180 4-pop XT/s/DHF 2.5 /DHR 2.5
PB really got the best deal with Henry moving there from GMBN. And I'm good on my "heavy" bike that weights 34lbs, makes my trail bike feel like peddaling a bmx.
@@godspeed821 Good question. I'm curious why you think it's amazing. For me the geo is too focused on comfort and stability over speed and efficiency. The spec I have is heavy, the suspension way too soft, spongy, and inefficient. It's a pig. What sticks out to you with your experience?
@@GiovaniUrrutia hm that's weird because neuron bikes are usually pretty light. you can adjust the suspension to your liking, I'm guessing you didn't set up the suspension to fit ur style, air/rebound and that stuff, or maybe it needs servicing? I haven't ridden a lot of bikes really but the neuron im riding (Neuron AL 7.0 SL) does everything well, be it climbing or descending. I've ridden it for almost a year now and it's still in a perfect condition like the first day. not sure if there's a big difference between 2020 and 2018 models, did you pay attention to bike specs and geometry before you bought it?
The Neuron, even with the improvements is ok. I think I like their Spectral 125 more. But what really excites me is that Transition Smuggler that you brought out. I would love to see a comparison video between the Spectral 125 vs Smuggler vs Revel Rascal.
Canyon is about $1700 cheaper for equiv spec. I know once you're up above 5.5k you're probably riding enough to justify it, but as someone with multiple hobbies, I refuse to approach 250/450 endure dirt bike prices.
Thank you for taking the time to explain geo numbers as a whole ecosystem (everything effects everything). It seems like everyone wants extreme metrics when really a good TRAIL bike is … well as Henry put it balanced. Most of joe public looks at a couple key geo numbers in isolation, and manufacturers feel compelled to follow consumer trends - even when they dont make sense. By producing more content like this, hopefully consumers will better understand not to chase this or that seat tube angle. That way manufacturers can get back to building trail bikes that make sense and not build bikes that pander to consumers who think they know what good geo looks like. The future looks bright because i dont want my trail bike to have a 79 degree seat tube and a 64 degree head tube. If i wanted that, id buy an enduro bike.
How would you rate that neuron? I can get a pretty good deal on one from late 2020. But I read mixed things. I would switch from a cube reaction pro c62
The Neuron could have been much improved with an adjustable headset like the Stumpy EVO and Fuel EX. However, in the end, the Spectral 125 would probably be a better choice.
Couldn't you just add a Works Angleset if you want to adjust the head tube angle? They're cheap and easy to fit so not much of a problem to add your own.
Apologies for this off-tangent question: what is the torsionally and laterally stiffest lightweight trail or cross country bike out there? I'm using a 2019 Giant Anthem Advances 29ner for bikepacking and when it's fully loaded, the bike flexes torsionally and laterally.
I know he's been there a while now, but I'm going to say it again, Henry was a great signing for Pinkbike. He was my fave on GMBN and if they didn't have Doddy there, I would have stopped watching entirely by now. The Neuron has definitely been a strange one in the Canyon range for a while, but certainly looks like they have dialled it in now. Looks to be the perfect bike for UK trail centres.
So, I own 2 real mountain bikes (plus a whole bunch of stuff for the Grandkids and Grandma). For the Oregon Coast Range I own an aluminum 2020 Commencal Meta (SRAM GX). For Southern Thailand with a combination of flatness and crazy singletrack I own a carbon fiber 2019 Neuron (Shimano XT). One leans towards enduro and the other towards XC. And I don't want to make one into the other. Love them both. P.S. Guess which one I tore my rotator cuff with - surgery next week!
Problem with transition is the price. Neuron is so much cheaper. For the price of an entry alloy bike you get top of the line carbon bike. You can change grip damper and rear shock and you can buy another bike next year if you don't like colours this year🤣
I don't like what they did with the sizing. I have the 2022 Neuron and I just barely fit on size L, meaning my seatpost is basically all the way in. The seat tube length was one of the issues with the old frame, just too long. So they shortened it, but then also put on longer dropper posts, meaning the actual saddle height goes up. For the 2023 Neuron I would have to go with size M, maybe that would be OK as the bike is much longer. Alternatively on Size L, I would have to swap the dropper for a shorter one.
The Smuggler has me very interested. I own a Sentinel and while there’s places where it shines bright, overall it’s too slack for me. If the Smuggler holds on to the feel of the Sentinel, but in a bit steeper, more trail focused bike…wow, it might be my dream come true!
Hi Henry Just bought last year a neuron 6 Al and i wonder if with 140 mm on front and 2.4 tires is suitable for a long distance Ride. 150k for example. Not trying to get medals , ONLY finish and enjoy the day on the sadle. Thanks for your time
I have the last year's version and didn't think anything was wrong with it, great bike, but the new one sounds slightly better for tech. I have a spectral 29 for the rough stuff.
Great work Henry!! Really informative and 'balanced' video. For those who like this kind of detailed analysis, Wil from Flow Mtb also does some great reviews and has one on the Neuron.
People say that "plus bikes died".....but honestly, I think quite the opposite, they have become the norm, all bikes now are 2.6 from the factory, and can take 3.0 tires no problem
hey, you said it's a size "L". Can you tell us how tall you are? I'm 180cm with 86 inseam and I'm actually thinking to size up to an L, instead of the recommended M. Opinions anyone?
Wow, they really are packaging these ads into some serious informercials these days. Wonder what it's costing them to get a PB done ad instead of doing one themselves? 😐
how would this bike compare to the YT Izzo? on paper they look very similar, and with both bikes you get a lot of value for money... i dont know which one to buy! help!
Lower stack but then dude adds 20mm of spacers 😅 Stack can only be a disadvantage (when it is too high) but can never be an advantage , as you can adjust it with spacers.
I don’t like internally routed headset cables. In fact, I want rear brake cables to also be external again. The only cables acceptable to be internal are non hydraulics. Maybe in 2024 the industry will finally get it right.
@@colhutchins Still internal, just not internal to the headset. I'm talking about fully external brake cables aka never have to cut brake lines. External brake lines are simply not an issue, not sure why all the bike companies decided it was necessary for their product.
Especially with people upgrading brakes all the time for one reason or another.. having them fully external saves a lot of time. Can even ride with a spare pre-bled brake for trailside swap LOL.
Skipped the first 7 minutes. The bike seems to be much better than the old model which was far too unstable for me (2019 model). I sold it after a year, But I won't buy another canyon. Good spec and their service was ok, but frame quality and quality control... But I guess this light trail bike is exactly what many people need.
Pinkbike you really need to keep doing these kind of videos - Henry is killing it. Loved this, and his segment on "Heavy bikes".
I like that we're getting more PB videos recently, keep it going.
The Flow MTB and Australian MTB reviews are equally as good. Worth watching all three especially instead of cleaning the garage.
Quality work Henry! I realize that the Smuggler is "cooler" and "shreddier", but as an east coast rider with messed up wrists, that Neuron actually makes a lot more sense. A somewhat more upright riding position, with less weight on the wrists, good enough head angle for most trails around here, makes a lot of sense. Good job Canyon for making the dad bike we all should be riding!
That was awesome Henry! On GMBN you were the one who made some actual informative content that wasn't just ads, but after the switch to PB, holy ...! So good.
Nice to see some progress in the category of bike which most of us should be riding. Quality work Henry, well done.
The quality of this video is phenomenal. Great edit, great transitions, great content. That Transition Smuggler also looks sexy af
If you want something within that travel range and more decent oriented they have the spectral 125. they definitely designed the neuron as a less aggressive trail bike and the 125 for more aggressive trail riding.
I really enjoy riding my Spectral 125 downhill as it is way more capable than the suspension numbers suggest, uphill is ok too but on longer rides with flat terrain it becomes rather painful with the steep STA and the weight on the bars.
I have both
@@BenSch100 just went with the Allied bc30 with a 130mm fork ... Think that's going to be the ticket for me..
I bought the previous Neuron a few months ago for the sole reason that it was the most XC-iest trail bike I could find/afford. I've only ridden xc bikes for years and years so this thing has more than enough capability for any downhill I'd attempt. What is appealing about the new one is Henry said it's not as soft and squishy (waterbed) as my generation which can be an issue at times.
@David C I just ordered an Allied bc30 for that very reason..Cant wait for that thing..
Good point. I'm a rough XC'er and my current Neuron works just fine for me.
I have a 2021 model Neuron and while it's perfectly fine for the trails I have access to in Oklahoma, it essentially served as a "gateway" bike, but if the Spectral 125 existed then I would have bought it. I'm honestly not sure the point of the Neuron anymore. For me, it was my first full suspension and served me well, but as soon as I felt confident on steeper trails and more technical trails I realized just how incapable it really was. The old one suffered from an ability to keep the rear wheels on the ground. The suspension was stiff, the rear wheel spun any time I put power down on a technical climb, and any slightly rocky decent was just a washboard. I'm sure I could have spent more time tuning the suspension, but I went to a 170 mil enduro bike last fall and I'm not turning back. It's just as fast on my local, flat trails, but it's even more comfortable and WAY more capable when the trail points down.
Love the new style of videos, keep that up!
you can't compare a Neuron to 170mm Enduro bike. Two different world, for two complete different experiences
@@diorite81 You're not wrong. However, in my personal experience the outgoing Neuron just wasn't as capable on really anything I rode as my bigger travel bike. Could be that my bike fitness and riding skills are improved and I'm not giving it a fair shake, but that's my experience. Really what I was trying to say is that I hope the new one has solved many of the issues that the old one had that caused me to choose my "less appropriate" bike for certain trails.
Love it! Really enjoying the new video's you guys are putting out for reviews. I laughed but i also really like the context for the geo numbers. We can all read a spec list but the explanation of what this implies is really good!
I ride my Neuron with a fox 36 140 and it's not been an issue. I gap my buddy on his sj every time at the dh park, and on the singletrack climbs. I find it to be extremely capable.
also upgraded the brakes to 200/180 4-pop XT/s/DHF 2.5 /DHR 2.5
PB really got the best deal with Henry moving there from GMBN. And I'm good on my "heavy" bike that weights 34lbs, makes my trail bike feel like peddaling a bmx.
Im running canyon neuron 2020 model and it's a banger bike, amazing at everything
My 2018 sucks at everything.
Me too, but make on the 2023 modell this comic Headset...whyyyyy make that, just throw away that across and put a good cane creek for good
@@GiovaniUrrutia how so? does it have bad geometry/budget parts or why do you think so?
@@godspeed821 Good question. I'm curious why you think it's amazing. For me the geo is too focused on comfort and stability over speed and efficiency. The spec I have is heavy, the suspension way too soft, spongy, and inefficient. It's a pig. What sticks out to you with your experience?
@@GiovaniUrrutia hm that's weird because neuron bikes are usually pretty light. you can adjust the suspension to your liking, I'm guessing you didn't set up the suspension to fit ur style, air/rebound and that stuff, or maybe it needs servicing? I haven't ridden a lot of bikes really but the neuron im riding (Neuron AL 7.0 SL) does everything well, be it climbing or descending. I've ridden it for almost a year now and it's still in a perfect condition like the first day. not sure if there's a big difference between 2020 and 2018 models, did you pay attention to bike specs and geometry before you bought it?
The Neuron, even with the improvements is ok. I think I like their Spectral 125 more. But what really excites me is that Transition Smuggler that you brought out. I would love to see a comparison video between the Spectral 125 vs Smuggler vs Revel Rascal.
Canyon is about $1700 cheaper for equiv spec. I know once you're up above 5.5k you're probably riding enough to justify it, but as someone with multiple hobbies, I refuse to approach 250/450 endure dirt bike prices.
man PB really letting Henry go wildin
Petition to get at least 20 Min of henry quinney video content a week.
Thank you for taking the time to explain geo numbers as a whole ecosystem (everything effects everything). It seems like everyone wants extreme metrics when really a good TRAIL bike is … well as Henry put it balanced.
Most of joe public looks at a couple key geo numbers in isolation, and manufacturers feel compelled to follow consumer trends - even when they dont make sense. By producing more content like this, hopefully consumers will better understand not to chase this or that seat tube angle. That way manufacturers can get back to building trail bikes that make sense and not build bikes that pander to consumers who think they know what good geo looks like. The future looks bright because i dont want my trail bike to have a 79 degree seat tube and a 64 degree head tube. If i wanted that, id buy an enduro bike.
The Top Gear love shines through, love it. And a great explanation of where stack fits into all the angles. A+
Henry´s comment at 7:27 absolutely hits me 😄
I´m from Bavaria and raced last year´s Megavalanche on a Neuron from 2019.🤙
How would you rate that neuron? I can get a pretty good deal on one from late 2020. But I read mixed things. I would switch from a cube reaction pro c62
The Neuron could have been much improved with an adjustable headset like the Stumpy EVO and Fuel EX. However, in the end, the Spectral 125 would probably be a better choice.
Couldn't you just add a Works Angleset if you want to adjust the head tube angle? They're cheap and easy to fit so not much of a problem to add your own.
It's perfect as it is. Just the new SRAM transmission would have been very nice to have.
Apologies for this off-tangent question: what is the torsionally and laterally stiffest lightweight trail or cross country bike out there? I'm using a 2019 Giant Anthem Advances 29ner for bikepacking and when it's fully loaded, the bike flexes torsionally and laterally.
I started smashing the thumbs up as soon as I saw the mood lighting.
I know he's been there a while now, but I'm going to say it again, Henry was a great signing for Pinkbike. He was my fave on GMBN and if they didn't have Doddy there, I would have stopped watching entirely by now. The Neuron has definitely been a strange one in the Canyon range for a while, but certainly looks like they have dialled it in now. Looks to be the perfect bike for UK trail centres.
With GMBN being one big sponsor-show these days, with a "how to wash your bike" every 2 months, they've lost me. A shame.
So, I own 2 real mountain bikes (plus a whole bunch of stuff for the Grandkids and Grandma).
For the Oregon Coast Range I own an aluminum 2020 Commencal Meta (SRAM GX).
For Southern Thailand with a combination of flatness and crazy singletrack I own a carbon fiber 2019 Neuron (Shimano XT).
One leans towards enduro and the other towards XC. And I don't want to make one into the other. Love them both.
P.S. Guess which one I tore my rotator cuff with - surgery next week!
Problem with transition is the price. Neuron is so much cheaper. For the price of an entry alloy bike you get top of the line carbon bike. You can change grip damper and rear shock and you can buy another bike next year if you don't like colours this year🤣
So true
I don't like what they did with the sizing. I have the 2022 Neuron and I just barely fit on size L, meaning my seatpost is basically all the way in. The seat tube length was one of the issues with the old frame, just too long. So they shortened it, but then also put on longer dropper posts, meaning the actual saddle height goes up. For the 2023 Neuron I would have to go with size M, maybe that would be OK as the bike is much longer. Alternatively on Size L, I would have to swap the dropper for a shorter one.
The Smuggler has me very interested. I own a Sentinel and while there’s places where it shines bright, overall it’s too slack for me. If the Smuggler holds on to the feel of the Sentinel, but in a bit steeper, more trail focused bike…wow, it might be my dream come true!
This is the most entertaining video I've watched in a long time. Well done Henry! Very clever.
Great review. Thanks Henry. Now where do I find those pants at the end. The trail pants with the knees
Hi Henry
Just bought last year a neuron 6 Al and i wonder if with 140 mm on front and 2.4 tires is suitable for a long distance Ride. 150k for example. Not trying to get medals , ONLY finish and enjoy the day on the sadle. Thanks for your time
Was that a Yorkshire tea bag and a kettle in North America!? ❤
Commonwealth mandatory requirements!
Henry is the best thing that’s happened to PB.
Too funny. Henry is making great videos. Funny but with good content. Thanks
I have the last year's version and didn't think anything was wrong with it, great bike, but the new one sounds slightly better for tech. I have a spectral 29 for the rough stuff.
Nailed it Bro!!! Should do a single!!🤜🤛🔥🔥🔥
Holy shit this intro is gold
Is it a big difference in comparison with 2022 model? I just bought one in sale and I love it😄
Did you get the CF9?
@@TucsonDude No I've got AL6 2022.
Great work Henry!! Really informative and 'balanced' video. For those who like this kind of detailed analysis, Wil from Flow Mtb also does some great reviews and has one on the Neuron.
that line about nanna......... was absolute fire!
I really hope Henry got a raise for this hahaha
So it’s pretty much a Ripley v4 with a longer seat tube and different suspension kinematics.
Cool.
I think il be checking out that spotify. I enjoyed this one.
People say that "plus bikes died".....but honestly, I think quite the opposite, they have become the norm, all bikes now are 2.6 from the factory, and can take 3.0 tires no problem
Can't wait for Henry's album debut
"Pro-Tip" mute till 1:10 mark😅. Your ears Will thank you! Seriously though that was a cringe and hilarious intro all in one!
Fun review and very well thought out, but no mention of the 2500 price difference?!
What size did you get? I'm 180cm talk. Is a M size fitting there or too small? Thx
Awesome video btw 😊
funny that you say "the enduro rider's trail bike", when the previous one was "the XC rider's trail bike"
Ow Henry, love your southpark chef blues voice :)
Wait, doesn't Canyon do a short travel DH bike already??
When can we expect the long term review? How long are you taking? :)
is this a better bike than the specialized stumpjumper evo expert 2023?
For future consideration: Transition Smuggler vs Pivot Shadowcat
hey, you said it's a size "L". Can you tell us how tall you are?
I'm 180cm with 86 inseam and I'm actually thinking to size up to an L, instead of the recommended M. Opinions anyone?
Tell me, height 170cm inseam 78cm size M will be large? Canyon website recommends S but he often underestimates sizes.
Voice of an angel
Is there going to be an update on the long term review any time soon?
Beautiful opening song.
Curious how this compares to the Norco Fluid that’s gotten so much love lately
Wow, they really are packaging these ads into some serious informercials these days. Wonder what it's costing them to get a PB done ad instead of doing one themselves? 😐
Anyone know what toolkit bag is mounted on there?
Canyon specific bag I guess
More Henry please!
how would this bike compare to the YT Izzo? on paper they look very similar, and with both bikes you get a lot of value for money... i dont know which one to buy! help!
Soooooooo waiting for this bike.
Very keen on it.
Will be keeping a close eye on your reviews.🤩👌🏼
Beautiful singing voice! ❤
You have to sock'em with the Orbea Occam when you're riding on the rail of a sweet sweet trail🎉
now that was FULL SEND!
As a long time musician, that opening was actually physically painful...
I love Henry's videos
Paragon of journalism right there
Can the neuron cf8 chain ring be upgraded to 34T size?
Thanks for getting around to the subject of the video... after 5 minutes
Practically perfect pitch
Worth it just for the intro song.
Quality niche Jacob Rees Mogg anecdote
Underrated.
Lower stack but then dude adds 20mm of spacers 😅 Stack can only be a disadvantage (when it is too high) but can never be an advantage , as you can adjust it with spacers.
The Neuron is exactly as my Polygon D7.
Seems very very similar to a stumpjumper. Definitely liking the parts spec to price tho
Great video Henry and really interesting 👏
My man Henry knows whats up
The bloody snow!!!!
I don’t like internally routed headset cables. In fact, I want rear brake cables to also be external again. The only cables acceptable to be internal are non hydraulics. Maybe in 2024 the industry will finally get it right.
I think the alloy version of the neuron is like that
@@colhutchins Still internal, just not internal to the headset. I'm talking about fully external brake cables aka never have to cut brake lines. External brake lines are simply not an issue, not sure why all the bike companies decided it was necessary for their product.
Especially with people upgrading brakes all the time for one reason or another.. having them fully external saves a lot of time. Can even ride with a spare pre-bled brake for trailside swap LOL.
You forgot Kaos Seagrave. Probably one of the best freeride athletes in the world.
Production values starting to look like Top Gear in the 2000s. I like it.
Welches Pedalen würde es gebaut ?
Skipped the first 7 minutes.
The bike seems to be much better than the old model which was far too unstable for me (2019 model). I sold it after a year, But I won't buy another canyon. Good spec and their service was ok, but frame quality and quality control... But I guess this light trail bike is exactly what many people need.
How does this bike compare to a Santa Cruz high tower
Are they trail or enduro bikes? I’m confused.
Sweetest slides EVER!!!
You are a gem Henry! 😂 "Oh for f"
Neuron vs. Izzo is the real fight
Trail bike $7000 no thanks. I keep my Ripmo af for half the price and still be happy on the climbs and downs.
Whats your height? Due to doubting an M or L size…
Great video!
This bike is not yet available in the US.
Commencal Tempo?
0:41 made my day
I would prefer the smuggler any day over the neuron
Looks the same as a Merida One-Sixty.. same suspension, same cable routing
Where do I get this “nice little wallet” thing for mine?