The 2020 Canyon Neuron AL Trail Bike Focuses on the Right Spec Across all Sizes

Canyon revises the aluminum version of the Neuron trail bike, following the carbon fiber changes last year, making "size-specific" builds and geo a priority.

Last year, Canyon updated the Neuron CF (carbon fiber) with some major changes, and four months later they have a more affordable aluminum frame option with similar updates.

Like the CF, the AL follows suit by moving the rear shock to a horizontal layout, rather than vertical, and that brings the Canyon Triple Phase Kinematics into the AL’s suspension.

Canyon says that Triple Phase Kinematics has a sensitive top stroke, stability through the middle stroke, and a progressive, endless feeling at the end stroke — a similar plan and description for many-a-brand’s updated suspension kinematics these days.

With the redesign, Canyon says they were able to lower the standover height even more, and make the anti-squat level higher. This should also result in a longer life on the bearings thanks to reduced wear.

One interesting thing to note on the split of sizes is that Neurons sized XXS – S come with 27.5-inch wheels, and M – XL sizes come with 29-inch wheels. But, all of the Neuron ALs come with a 29-inch fork, and the trail measurements are still very similar across sizes.

The 130mm front and rear travel Neuron AL gets some much needed updating in the geometry department, though Canyon hasn’t gone too progressive with anything.

Seat tube lengths have been chopped down on most sizes, and the standover height should also be lower, but exact measurements weren’t included in the release. The wheelbase was only extended a few millimeters on sizes XS and S. Reach is actually a few millimeters shorter on the new Neuron AL, and very conservative compared to other current models, with 433mm on a size medium.

Head tube (HTA) and seat tube angles (STA) measure about the same, with 67° on sizes XXS, XS, and S, and a 67.5° HTA on larger sizes. The Neuron AL runs a 74.5° STA across all sizes.

Canyon is running different handlebar widths on based on size too, with XXS – S getting 740mm wide bars, and sizes above coming with a 760mm-wide bar.

Another bonus on the release of the Neuron AL is the Neuron AL YoungHero, a full-suspension bike for youth with an XXS frame size and size-specific shock tune.

There are some features on the Neuron AL that should give buyers confidence. The cable routing is devoid of major bends or twists, extending the life of cables. Pivot bearings are extra sealed, with industrial grade bearings.

Noise damping chainslap guards are top priority on the Neuron AL, and have a two-compound slap guard (yep, two compounds, just like a tire). On top of the chainstay, there is a softer, thicker rubber for noise damping. On the inside of the stay is a tougher rubber for durability.

The Neuron also features the Canyon Quixle, a kind of combination between a quick release and thru-axle. Canyon says it has the stiffness of a thru-axle, but the ease of a quick release.

European buyers should have access to the Neuron AL today. Customers in the US will have to wait a little longer, and Canyon is planning on June 2, 2020 for stateside availability, and even then, only the AL 7.0 will be available as a build kit. The $2,400 Neuron AL 7.0 includes a Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork and Float Performance shock, a mashup SRAM NX/GX Eagle drivetrain, Shimano MT420/MT400 brakes, and Race Face rims with Shimano MT400/MT510 hubs.

For more info, see the Canyon website.