Canyon e-Bikes Review: Are These Bikes Any Good?

Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Igor Karni

The German bicycle company, Canyon, became an official brand exactly two decades ago in 2002 in Koblenz, Germany. Up to the present, its headquarters can still be found there. Despite the fact stated above, the company has essentially been in operation since 1985 when its founder, Roman Arnold, decided to start selling bike parts. It only took a different name: Radsport Arnold. 

It wasn’t until 1996 that the first Canyon bikes were released, and Radsport Arnold made good use of the fledgling Internet marketing field to promote its products. It was only in 2002 that the company changed its name to Canyon to mark its transition into a full-fledge bicycle manufacturer. 

Arnold has stated in an interview with Pinbike that he chose the brand’s name largely because of the uniqueness of the term, canyon. It also gave an immediate impression of immensity and broadness. 

Canyon e-Bikes Review: Model Lines

Model line	Type
Roadlite:ON	Hybrid
Grail:ON	Gravel
Spectral:ON	Mountain
Grand Canyon:ON	Mountain
Commuter:ON	Commuter
Endurace:ON	Road
Neuron:ON	Mountain
Torque:ON	Mountain
Precede:ON	City
Pathlite:ON	Touring

Canyon Roadlite:ON Model Line

The Roadlite line is one of the most coveted Canyon offerings today. Most of it hinges on its award-winning hybrid design that makes it a great option for the day-to-day short commute as much as for longer rides. 

The brand didn’t hold back in ensuring the quality of the components. In almost all models, you get a 250W Fazua motor and removable battery, with a top speed of 15 miles per hour (25 km/h). The e-bikes noticeably build acceleration in a more comfortable, less jarring manner. Moreover, on the Roadlite 6, you actually get a more powerful motor with a 350W capacity and assistance of at most 58Nm. 

The use of a 1x drivetrain in all the models ensures more hassle-free (with regards to minding the gears) rides. It smoothly complements the inherent nature of e-bike riding, too, which is almost always characterized by the extra oomph provided by the motor. Without a doubt, the drivetrain choice greatly contributes to keeping the weight down as well, which tops at a little over 35 pounds (16kg) in most models. 

Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?

The aluminum frame may not deliver the same comfort as a cruiser, but it’s manageable enough because of the significantly lighter weight. Notable accessories include Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (at least, in a stark majority of the models) and Schwalbe gravel tires that make it compatible with light offroading.

Overall, the Roadlite:ON models fulfill the essential benefit of a hybrid e-bike: to deliver excellent value with its versatility. You literally get to enjoy any kind of ride with these e-bikes, and that ultimately, is its main strength. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Roadlite:ON model line here.

Canyon Grail:ON Model Line

The Canyon Grail line offers most of the high-end models of the brand – and for good reason. Its lofty price tag may be the sole factor preventing it from getting a perfect score, in fact. Grail models, especially the CF 8, imparts no less than the optimal, versatile on-road and off-road performance you can only expect from superb gravel innovations.

And what’s equally wonderful is that most of its models are only a kilogram heavier than the Roadlite models. A Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen4) motor is integrated into all of them, and that’s already a telling sign of the far superior power and motor assistance you can expect from this sporty line. It’s complemented by a 500Wh battery that has huge range potential and is made by the same eminent manufacturer.

The wide 50mm Schwalbe tires ensure optimal comfort, at least, more than the one offered by the integrated double-stack handlebars. What really compliments the tires in our opinion is the seat post, which offers enough flexibility as you adjust your sitting position on it. 

The Shimano GRX brakes offer superior stopping power and we can’t help but appreciate the anti-slip feature, too, which anticipates bumpier terrains. While it’s made for marathons, we feel it lacks the accessories to actually do them optimally. For one, it could have used a bottle cage for lengthy bikepacking trips. 

Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?

Ultimately, this line’s most compelling advantage lies in its two fundamental aspects: the battery and motor. The Bosch motor is pretty much a no-brainer option for high-end e-bikes, while the accompanying battery can provide generous amounts of range (some bikers have even reported getting at most, 124 miles / 200 km out of a single charge). 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Grail:ON model line here.

Canyon Spectral:ON Model Line

The Spectral:ON eMTB line has also been lauded for its design, particularly the Triple Phase Suspension feature of its frame, which offers excellent small bump sensitivity and minimal feedback through the pedals. These are aspects that allow it to handle choppy terrain well and even make it amenable to riders who like bike jumps a lot or to have a blast in these rougher road conditions. 

What’s good is that this suspension feature is found in almost all the Spectral:ON models. The Maxxis tires greatly complement the suspension of this eMTB line with its reliable traction on rougher, drier, and rockier road conditions. What it lacks in extra casing protection, it more than makes up for in these essentials that ensure an enjoyable and comfortable mountain biking experience.

All models use a Shimano Steps EP8 motor, which offers above-average torque that tops at 85 Nm, so you can expect it to make short work of steep and technical trails. The battery has a 630Wh capacity and can manage at most 62 miles (100 km) on a single charge. These are overall acceptable specs considering the high-end price point. 

Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?

The powerful Shimano XT 4-piston disc brake used in all models is equally praiseworthy. It’s got enough stopping power to rival (if not better) even the most outstanding hydraulic brakes out there. Another plus is that the mainframe can accommodate a water bottle – a must-have for almost any mountain biking fanatic who likes to ride fast and loose for a whole day. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Spectral:ON model line here.

Canyon Grand Canyon:ON Model Line

The Grand Canyon:ON is Canyon’s hardtail option for those who want a more versatile, slightly lighter weight (especially if we look at the Grand Canyon:ON 8), and pretty much all the other perks of this type of frame. It’s the only hardtail in the catalog and is considerably cheaper yet still as well-specced as its full-suspension cousins.

The Grand Canyon:ON 8 is the most expensive model in the line at present, for good reason, since it bumps its specs a bit higher. The entire line uses a Shimano Steps EP8 motor that can provide up to 85Nm of torque. The Grand Canyon:ON 8 uses a slightly more 630Wh powerful battery, which can give you over 60 miles (95 km) of range.

Most of the versatility stems from the use of fat 2.6” tires, which guarantees an overall satisfactory off-road performance every time you take it out. They lend themselves to boosting overall handling, too. It’s something you won’t hesitate to take out for lengthy urban trips and commutes as much as for extensive light off-roading, that’s for sure. 

Read also: How much elevation / altitude can electric bikes climb? And, Can electric bikes go up steep hills?

As for accessories, the Shimano MT420 4-piston brake it uses provides optimal stopping power. We also love that it comes with a kickstand and the fact that it comes with an invisible, smart design, too. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Grand Canyon:ON model line here.

Canyon Commuter:ON Model Line

A sleek, modern commuter offering from Canyon, this line more than earns its no-nonsense name. Almost everything about the Canyon Commuter:ON patently exhibits the brand’s knowledge of commuter e-bike fundamentals. What’s even better is that it has the same ride versatility as most models on the brand’s catalog. 

This is proven by the use of Schwalbe’s 40mm gravel tires that can handle a variety of road surfaces, besides concrete. It performs well on towpaths, tarmacs, and any kind of light off-roading. 

The line offers both a step-thru and step-over option, with the former offering the most comfort and better view of your surroundings while reading. It gives you a naturally upright position while being able to mount and dismount quickly. 

As for essentials like the motor and battery, we can say that it provides slightly above-average specs. The Fazua motor gives you three power options to choose from (100, 210, or 250Wh), which translates to better power-saving and control over the amount of assistance you need. 

That allows it to provide enough assistance for any light to moderate inclines. As for the battery, you get up to 46 miles (75 km) on a single charge. Overall, these are fairly adequate for average commutes – if not generous. 

Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?

Other aspects that clearly stand out are the Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes, which offer good stopping power, don’t rub on the wheels, and don’t make any unwanted noise when engaged. It also comes with full-length mudguards, front and rear lights, and a bell that seals its status as a complete commuter e-bike. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Commuter:ON model line here.

Canyon Endurace:ON Model Line

Canyon may be known for its high-end, pricey (sometimes overly so) models, but the Endurace:ON, the brand’s first road e-bike, seems to be one of the few on the list that perfectly matches its price point. Much like the Commuter:ON, you get the specs and gear needed to get a satisfactory experience. 

It uses the same Fazua motor as the Commuter:ON, which can give you 60Nm of torque. True to its promise, it delivers the said powerful support fluidly. The Fazua Evation 1.0 battery offers more range, though, as it can give you up to 62 miles (100 km). 

The 32mm Schwalbe E-One Evolution tires suit most road conditions and greatly contribute to comfort and handling when riding. The inclusion of Alexrims wheels is obviously a budget decision, but it’s pleasantly dependable and sturdy. 

The 35 pound (15.8 kg) weight may be less than most in the Canyon catalog, but it’s still slightly heavier than other road bikes and e-bikes in the market. The added weight does mean better stability during descents, though. 

Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?

Ultimately, what’s important is that it will give you an exceptional road e-bike experience thanks to the reliable and powerful motor, regardless of how long you are going to spend on the road. 

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Endurance:ON model line here.

Canyon Neuron:ON Model Line

The Canyon Neuron:ON could be considered as a more budget-friendly yet still solidly specced eMTB option. The 504Wh Shimano battery may be average for an eMTB, but it’s not at the least bit lackluster as it can consistently offer ranges suitable for extensive outdoor rides.

If you’re going to choose the newly released, though slightly heavier Canyon Neuron:ON 8, though, then you practically don’t need to worry about losing out on the range with its more powerful 630Wh battery. 

The inclusion of the robust Shimano Steps EP8 motor with 85Nm of torque at this price point makes models in this line a bit of a steal already. Like most eMTBs in the catalog, it relies mostly on solid Shimano components like the 12-speed shifter, adequately powerful MT501 four-piston brake, and 200mm rotor. 

Taken as a whole, it’s a well-balanced e-bike, and this applies to the components and your position while riding it. The latter paves the way to better comfort, and the fact that it naturally encourages an upright position only adds to that essential factor. 

Read also: What is the difference between e-bike batteries? And, How far can e-bikes go? What is the e-bike range?

Lastly, this line stands out the most among Canyon’s eMTB offerings because it actually has an XS option for its frame. If you are relatively short (standing less than 5 feet), you can still get a reliable eMTB model with excellent value for money.

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Neuron:ON model line here.

Canyon Torque:ON Model Line

The Canyon Torque:ON line is one of the brand’s most recent offerings. It adheres a lot to Canyon traditions, design-wise. The brand creates rear-suspension models extremely well, particularly when imparting its most important benefit when riding: comfort. 

The Canyon Torque:ON 9, for example, may weigh a lot more (which is its biggest downside), but the superior traction is immediately felt when negotiating moderately and highly technical trails. This extra grip may make it a more amenable option to those just starting out on mountain e-biking.

Specs-wise, it’s almost the same as the Neuron:ON, despite costing way more. It uses Shimano Steps 504Wh batteries and the same Shimano EP8 motor. What we liked about this fact is mostly directed to the integration that ensures maximum protection on the motor (which, incidentally, is also waterproof) rather than the specs themselves, considering the cost.

Read also: How much does it cost to own an e-bike? And, What is the difference between cheap and expensive e-bikes?

Summed up, it’s a comparatively heavy e-bike that provides the same high-end specs as others in the Canyon collection but evidently more stable. Don’t expect it to be as playful as its other lighter counterparts, though.  

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Torque:ON model line here.

Canyon Precede:ON Model Line

Canyon Precede:ON can claim the top of the line in city e-biking. This electric bicycle has it all, from an elegant carbon design to a high-power motor to assist you on your commute. The power of the Precede:ON will make your ride faster, simpler, and more stylish. With its 85 Nm of torque, it has the punch for any climb even with a full load or a child trailer!

You will be able to easily navigate through town using the awesome Bosch App that includes route planning navigation data as well performance information from which you can see how hard your engine is working during different parts of each ride – what a better way to enjoy an eco-friendly commute?

The beautiful carbon frame of this electric bike is sure to turn heads. You can choose between two variants: a step-over and a step-through design, both with full feature sets.

Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Precede:ON model line here and read our full review and test here.

Canyon Pathlite:ON Model Line

Pathlite:ON is an electric bicycle that does it all and is ready for those long touring trips. It is an out-there array of clever accessories that make this an e-bike you will love to show off your latest accomplishment on. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or just exploring the town – we’ve got the perfect riding style for any occasion.

The comfortable position of the bike seat, wide tires, and 100mm travel make for a great day on two out in nature. Removable batteries simplify storage and charging which means you can go as far or short in between charges with confidence.

Pathlite:ON is a perfect fit to ride with a trailer, which can help carry children, or pets and cargo alike. With the Bosch app, you willl be able to control your ride using navigation features like route planning or performance data.

Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?

We invite you to take a closer look at the Canyon Pathlite:ON model line here.

What Do Most E-Bike Riders Think of Canyon?

Canyon is a giant compared to other brands in both biking and e-biking. If you choose Canyon, it often means you’re pretty much playing it safe with your investment and want more techy, high-quality, sensibly-priced, and long-lasting models. 

The experience and knowledge of its crew in terms of e-bike design are readily shown in each one. The respective enjoyment and satisfaction that most riders get from them, as proven by the generally positive feedback, show this beyond any doubt. 

Read also: Check out world’s best travel destinations by electric bike.

They’re definitely more affordable than most brands since they sell directly to consumers, but they never compromise on quality – that’s ultimately the winning formula for this brand. Moreover, the two-year warranty that comes with all models makes it all the more attractive. 

What Countries Does Canyon Ship To?

Currently, Canyon already has a wide international coverage thanks to its partnership with UPS and DHL. Expect most countries to be supported by it. Otherwise, there are workarounds that people have come up with, which make it possible to bypass any delivery restriction worldwide. 

Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.

Here is a quick video, introducing Canyon Precede:ON commuter e-bike: