A few months ago we put together a feature on what we could pick up from phots of the new bike Canyon team riders were on. But we still had questions. What was the geometry? What was the travel? The weight?
Photo: Michal Červený
Canyon have just released all that information. There are 6 models of the all-new Canyon Lux, with the SL models coming in 110mm travel at the front with 100mm out back, and with frames weighing 1852g (no shock) in medium. The SLX models come built with 100mm travel forks as pure race bikes, and the frame weight without a shock is 1662g in medium. The design of the frame is the same – just the carbon is different and so are the build kits.
The SL models should suit more demanding races, as the stiffer forks with longer travel also push the head angle back from 70 degrees to 69.5 degrees. BC Bike Race? Swiss Epic? The Pioneer? Sudety MTB Challenge? Yeah, this is a good bike to look at.
The SLX models are lighter and higher spec, and for an experienced rider they have aggressive modern handling. Want slacker? Maybe have their 100mm forks pulled out to 110mm if you need it.
The Canyon Lux is designed for racing
Make no mistake, this bike is a race bike, even with 10mm more travel on the SL models.
From the geometry, to being single chainring specific, carbon only and coming specced with race proven gear the Canyon Lux will suit XC, sure, but it is aimed squarely at marathon and stage racing. With capabilities to run 2 800mL bottles within the main triangle, the Lux joins a select group of bikes that can carry two bottles, and will carry more fluid than some designs.
Canyon have their own rear through axle. It’s light, and the handle pops out for use. Keep your multitool in your pocket.
The main triangle will hold two full-sized bottles.
Only for single chainrings
Across the six models 2 SL models run SRAM Eagle, one runs Shimano XT 11-speed and one runs Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed. From the two SLX models, one runs XX1 Eagle, while the other runs a complete Shimano XTR M9100 12-speed group set. The frame design uses a main pivot that has been made wider for stiffness, creating a stiffer and lighter back end. Pivot location has been optimised for a 34-38t chainring, and each bike comes with a 34t ring as stock.
As seen in testing – bikes are single chainring specific.
Weight has been reduced via simplified design
Take a look at the new Canyon Lux and you can see that the shock has moved from a near vertical position to a near horizontal one. The old Lux already used a flex pivot instead of a drop out pivot. But the new linkage does away with a lot of hardware for over 140g of savings. Canyon also use a 210x55mm metric shock, and thanks to the leverage ratio the shock only needs a low pressure to operate. So the bearings have a low load, as does the shock. Additionally, Canyon have stripped out excess metal fixtures in the frame, but still include a chain device that weights a scant 5g.
The Canyon Lux has class-leading suspension
The new suspension is essentially divided into thirds. Plush, supportive and progressive. Every model has a dual remote lock out, but thanks to designing around a single chainring the rear suspension pedals very well and the chainstays ‘normal’ position is even under rider weight, showing the extent of thought put into the frame.
But based on some test riding, the lock out is great but often not needed on trail climbs – the system rides that well. Thanks to the progressive nature even with the low pressures that the shock operates at it’s very, very hard to bottom it out.
Dropper posts have made it
Four out of six Canyon Lux models come equipped with KS dropper posts. While lots of riders are using them and racing on them, not many brands run them as stock. When even the top model is coming specced with a dropper (in this case a KS Lev Ci) then Canyon have really announced that droppers are a good choice for marathon and stage racing.
Even the top model has a dropper post.
Wider is better
Each and every one of the Canyon Lux models come with wheels with 24mm internal widths or wider, and most of them are 25mm internal. This lets a 2.2-2.3″ tyre inflate to a more stable shape at a slightly lower pressure. Finding the right balance of traction and sidewall stability is key for performance riding, and this parts choice from Canyon on every model shows intelligent parts choice. They want their bikes to be dialled.
Get your fit right
Canyon have tried to make the Lux fit the same as the Exceed hardtail. The reach is longer than the old Lux (by about 20mm) and while the chainstays are a full 15mm shorter than the previous Lux for way better handling, the geometry is really close to the Exceed. The Exceed does have a 69.5 degree head angle, but Canyon point out that a hardtail gets steeper just sitting on it – so the 70 degree head angled Lux is spot on.
All the Lux models come with 720mm wide bars and 80mm stems, and are based around that fit.
A silent ride is a good ride
Canyon have updated their internal routing, with just two neat ports for the four cable outers/hoses. With full internal tubing the outers run rattle free, and are said to be a cinch to feed through. Canyon have also designed a light chain slap protector, for longevity, low weight and a silent ride.
We think that Canyon have nailed it by the looks of it. It is interesting to see they opted for 110mm and 100mm travel options for the fork, and not jumped to 120mm like many brands. We think this rings true for the pedigree of the Canyon Lux- racing. It’s not a bike that will rip your local trail ride apart and be ok on race day. It will be a weapon on race day and still could leave plenty of trail riders in its wake with the right pilot.
Find the full details on Canyon’s website.