The Cal-look Lounge

guys

Does anyone know anything about the German bike company Canyon? I'm thinking of getting one of their Nerve XC6 MTB's see link

 http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2073

but I am finding it difficult to get any impartial info about them as they are pretty much unknown in the UK?

cheers

It`s been a while since I was doing mountain and downhill biking but I will give it a go anyway:

The most important thing is to first sum up what you`re going to use bike for. The bike in the link is a full suspension bike with lots of rear travel, do you actually want/need that? It kills your momentum, destroys your flow and makes for a lot heavier bike than a rigid one. If you prefer downhill action and technical trails then a bike like that would be ok.

After you have found out what you need based on your ride style I would then advise you to focus on bikes with a really nice frame. And test different frames to find out what material you prefer before you buy one. A alu frame has a "softer" feel compared to a steel frame. A titanium frame is fragile but very crisp etc etc. They all transfer your energy differently and responds differently. When you have found your frame then make sure you talk to someone who knows their stuff to size/adjust your bike to you. All the extra bits and bobs is easy to change later on but unfortunately far to many buy their bike just by looking at the XTR label and the weight.

My own go everywhere bike is based on a True Temper steel frame. It is 19" and complete with pedals, front suspension and seat it weigh in at 8.9 kg. If I want a lighter bike with better respons I swap the front suspension to a rigid fork. For downhill I used Trek bikes but as I got older I found out that I was actually quite found of living so I took to my sences.

Hope this helps.

Best rgs
BB

 

thanks for the reply BeetleBug

I currently ride a hard tail Giant XTC 4.5 which is great for some of the stuff that I ride but I'm been drawn toward more technical trails and feel that with my limited ability that a fs bike would make this type of riding more enjoyable. I'm not looking at doing any massive downhill rides or win any races but want a good all round trail bike that will help me get through some of the rougher stuff I'm struggling with on my current bike!   

I have a Canyon bike myself and I'm very happy about it, good quality/price.
Also delivered at my door in the time they promised, just put my wheels in and it was ready to go.

Greets,
Jelle

As a guy thats been working in a bike shop for 12+ years this advice was kinda old fashoned ;) Lots have happened with full suss bikes and I will use one for my 24 hr gravel race this year instead of the HT I used before.
But as BB said; get the right bike for the right use. Canyons are value for money, but there are better handlingbikes out there. Also check reputation in Your country for solving warranties. It has been needed before and service varies from country to country.

Looks to me like a cheap Taiwan/China frame with some decent parts hung off of it. Similar to a Kona/modified FSR rear end.

Internally routed cables on a MTB bike is a no no in my book. They can me a total pain to replace unless you are used to doing them.

Like Bendik said there are lots of options out there that if set up right ride better. My advise is buy local if you can that way when you need service, bearings, derilleur hangers you are not waiting on the mail. Also test ride the bikes, ask your local shop if they have demos to try.

As every one else over, it depends very much on your driving style, and how ''off road'' the trails are. But as I seem to understand, you are going for some more technical trails, that are easyer to enjoy with a soft tail. It can be really hard to go down trails with lots of jumps, bumbs and drops with an Hard tail. When it comes to Canyon, I have never heard of it, so I can't help you there. But good luck with your driving and choose of bike.  :)

I've been cruzin around on a friends JAD 24" hardtail trails bike for the last year or so, it weights almost NOTHING :o Its a real blast round town  ;D

I know there are benifits with buying a bike from a LBS but their prices can't touch Canyon! but there is no reason why I can't pay them to repair/service the bike as and when required and I have used them to do work on my current bike Canyon now have a UK service support center so getting parts specific to the bike shouldn't be a problem  

I have Canyon Grand Canyon since 12 Years .After 4 years/app13000Km(yes,yes I was active then ;D)the frame broke in the bracket area-brought the bike to them and they rebuilt it with a new frame and sent it back-no expenses!
The frames are designed by the same guy that does the Rotwild and Bergwerk brands-they are probably made in Taiwan-as are 90% of all MTB's around.

Keep in mind I live in the US and am only going off what I know to be true here, but we have very similar companies.

There are lots of designs out there for suspension, I am pretty sure that would not be sold in the US as it's close to some of the stuff Kona uses and also Specialized. We see lots of bikes that are Europe only now because the can get around the patents here. Not saying it's a bad, I have never ridden it. I will say I have ridden almost everything offered in the US and there are some that are miles ahead of others. Some flat out just don't work well.

Internal cables have no guide through the frame, so if it comes all the way out your going to be working for a bit to fish it back in. A regular mtb shifter cable can be changed in 1-2min. A internal cable takes about 15min, they are just more work to service. You also can not lube them like regular cables, which I tend to every 1-2 rides. There is zero benefit to using them except they look cooler.

There are many reasons why they can't touch the price. It's either the companies spend money on the frame, the parts or both. Most mail order companies spend it on the parts where as brands your LBS carries will be a better package. Also I bet they offer service with a new bike and with someone to help you get the right size/fit and help you will set up is worth it right there.

Most stuff is made overseas now, but there are still big differences in who is doing the QC on them. I see this everyday.

I'm riding a Cube for a couple of years now, very good price/quality deal

I ride a EPX Terrashark and a EPX Speedster.
The Speedster is getting a road friendly treatment for next summer.
http://www.epxbikes.com/OwnersForum/tabid/121/aft/303/Default.aspx

Ona advice; If looking for a trail bike do NOT get hung up on drivetrain etc. Look at the quality of the suspension parts and system as well as the geometry and decide wether this suits Your style. A test ride is a good advice as different bikes with same travel can feel way different. I've had a 4X bike with 100mm travel that I could ride far more agressively than some of the 120-140 bikes out there.
I am biased when it comes to brands, but whatever You do the most important thing is that You are happy with Your choice down the line so we can see You at the trails. Smiles per miles..

well today my new bike arrived :) in the end I trusted my gut instinct and bought a Canyon Nerve XC7 and to say I'm happy with my choice would be the under-statement of the year here are a few shots

what greeted me when I got up this afternoon (night shift this week  :( )

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/DSCN1990.jpg)

outta the box

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/DSCN1992.jpg)

just waiting for my pedals to arrive ::) so I can set the suspension up and take her for a ride  ;D ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/DSCN1995.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/streetvw/DSCN1994.jpg)

 

nice one