German direct-sell brand, Canyon, has revealed its latest cross-country bike range.
Ridden with distinction by the likes of Mathieu van der Poel, the 2022 Canyon ultralight mountain bike portfolio offers something for all those gram counters.
Although the Lux platform has remained largely unchanged since 2019, Canyon has evolved it with the latest frame innovations. The result is a 2022 Lux range designed to power up the steepest climbs alongside the best full-suspension mountain bikes.
Canyon has decided not to include a downcountry version of the Lux CF, instead choosing to equip all the 2022 bikes with 100mm front forks. That delivers a slightly steeper head angle to optimize rider position when climbing, with the Lux Trail offering riders a bit more travel and slacker angles.
Following the dedicated XC racer theme, none of the Lux CFs has a dropper post, either – which is interesting, as this is precisely the feature that could have saved Mathieu van der Poel’s Olympic mountain bike ambitions.
Canyon is offering a value-orientated entry point with the 2022 Lux CF6 priced at $TBC / £2,999. This version features 1x12 Shimano SLX shifting, FOX 32 SC Performance suspension, and DT Swiss XR1900 wheels.
Riders who desire a premium World Cup specification build can opt for the Lux CF SLX LTD. It combines the 1,662 g CF SLX frame with a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork, brand matching SID Deluxe Ultimate shock and SRAM’s XX1 Eagle AXS wireless groupset. This fully kitted out bike will set you back $TBC / £7,099.
DT dropper on the hardtail
If you require an even lower overall XC bike weight and less of a maintenance burden through winter, there is the 2022 Exceed.
Canyon’s race hardtail can be had as an Exceed CF 6, retailing for $TBC / £2,449, built with a FOX 32 Rhythm fork, 1x12 Shimano SLX drivetrain and rolling DT Swiss XR1700 wheels.
Want the ultimate lightweight Canyon XC bike? That will be the Exceed CFR LTD priced at $TBC / £6,799. This build uses the 835g Exceed CFR frame, adding a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset, Reynolds Black Label carbon wheels, and the DT Swiss D232 One 60mm dropper post.
Interestingly, riders can get the durable DT Swiss D232 short-travel dropper on Canyon’s new premium hardtail, but not its dual-suspension twin, the Lux CF SLX LTD.
