Canyon Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

An In-Depth Canyon E-Bike Review

Picking an electric bike is an investment in both passion, practicality, and performance. If you're on the hunt and it brings you to a brand like Canyon, chances are you're after more than just an engine on two wheels; you're after a machine built on precision German engineering that defines itself with cutting-edge design and performance that challenge the status quo. This review is not at all for riders who are not already seriously considering getting a Canyon e-bike. We’re going to go deeper than specs to give you a very real look at what it’s like to own and ride a Canyon, in no uncertain terms of whether their straight-to-your-door, lycra excellence is right for whatever your cycling motivations might be. In this in-depth guide, we will cover their complete lineup of electric bikes, get into the real-world ride experience of their hottest models, and go over some of the most important questions you should be asking before you buy.

Canyon's E-Bike Lineup

Canyon’s e-road, on- and even off-road offering is well grouped by riding type, and there is a purpose-specific, performance-oriented option for pretty much any kind of cyclist. Here is a full look at their current series:

E-Mountain Bikes:

• Spectral:ON (All-Mountain & Trail)
• Neuron:ON (Tour & Trail)
• Torque:ON (Enduro & Bike Park)
• Grand Canyon:ON (Hardtail Trail)
• Strive:ON (Enduro Race)

E-Gravel Bikes:

• Grizl:ON (Adventure & Bikepacking)
• Grail:ON (Performance & Speed)

E-City & Trekking Bikes:

• Pathlite:ON (Trekking & Touring)
• Roadlite:ON (Fitness & Commuting)
• Commuter:ON (Urban Mobility)
• Precede:ON (Urban Design & Technology)

E-Road Bikes:

• Endurace:ON (Endurance Road)

Real-World Ride Experience

To really get what Canyon is all about, you need only consider riding the company's top tiers. The Spectral:ON is a feat of e-MTB engineering. The bike feels rock solid and well-balanced from the second you push off, a tribute to the well-judged geometry and low mass within its center of gravity. The power output from the motor feels natural and transparent, blending in effortlessly with your own pedaling. On technical ascents, the bike has tractor-like traction, to the extent that I find myself riding sections that I would previously have known better than to even try. Pointed downhill, the suspension synergy will kick into effect and you’ll be able to straight-line bigger hits with ease; the bike still feels playful and zesty in the corners too. It’s a confidence-inspiring bike, to be sure. For the urban rider, the Precede:ON provides a tantalizing vision of what the future could have in store for city commuters. Its no-nonsense, clean carbon frame and unique full-integration components make you stand out from your peers at the start line, but it is the ride that speaks louder than anything else. The journey is fast, quiet, and astonishingly efficient. Things like the Gates Carbon Belt Drive equal no greasy chain and virtually no maintenance, a huge positive for practicality. The pickup is a bit sluggish from a stop, but it feels like this bike is built to last, and the integrated lights, fenders, and super sturdy rear rack make this one of the most practical-looking and feeling urban bikes. Lastly, the Grizl:ON is designed for the adventurous spirit. It’s a bike that seems to have no boundaries. On the pavement, it’s fast and efficient, but it really comes into its own when you hit the turnoff to the gravel road or forest trail. The motor contributes assistance to keep you rolling on loose climbs while the wider tires and engineered frame compliance soak up gravel and absorb chatter so that you can explore further and faster than ever before on a drop-bar bike.

Though Canyon succeeds in the high-end specialized segment, some riders are seeking a different manifesto in the package, especially high value, all-terrain capability, and day-to-day practicality. This is where a brand such as ENGWE really argues a strong case with its EP-2 Boost. This electric fat bike is designed for advanced fold-away storage and is built for durability, power, and versatility. Its most distinguishing feature is the strong, foldable frame, enabling it to be stored in a car trunk, a studio apartment, or even shoulder-carried on a bus or train, making a new realm of riding options possible. 4-inch by 20-inch fat tires provide a soft, cushioned ride on even the most challenging terrain, while the massive grip allows you to keep in control from greasy city streets to loose sands and gravel roads. Even better is the fact that a torque sensor is included; the power assist is unbelievably smooth and natural feeling, as though it is an extension of you, and reacts immediately to the force of your pedaling. For high hills, Boost from the 250W motor is summoned with a single button press, delivering 55 Nm of torque that makes the ascents feel easy. The ENGWE EP-2 Boost is also a completely usable workhorse as well, with a huge 120 km maximum range, a big removable battery for easy charging, and a tough rear rack. With 180mm disc brakes you can be confident of reliable stopping in all conditions, and with strong yet lightweight one-piece wheels, this bike is built to last. All Terrain Performance with Every Day Practical Comfort. The ENGWE EP-2 Boost is a great and affordable alternative for those looking for all-terrain confidence and powerful performance in a folded compact package!

The Direct-to-Consumer Model

But before you click “buy” on a Canyon, it’s important to fathom the company’s unorthodox business model and what it means for you as a customer. Canyon operates a direct-to-consumer model, so you order your bike online and it’s delivered directly to your door. The main advantage is value; a direct-to-consumer model allows Canyon to price very high-spec bikes very competitively. You are paying for more carbon, better components, and more advanced engineering. But there is some thought that should be given to this idea. You won’t be able to test-ride the bike at a local shop before making a purchase. This is where Canyon’s Perfect Positioning System (PPS) is crucial. If you enter your measurements into their website, it will give you a very accurate sizing. Riders from around the world swear by its precision, but you also have to be comfortable relying on the system, of course. Secondly, it is delivered in a beautifully designed large "Bike Guard" box and does require a small amount of assembly, usually fitting the handlebars, seatpost, and the front wheel. It’s a simple process, well-documented, and there are bundled tools to help, but it is hands-on work that you need to perform. Finally, think about maintenance. The brand-name components (Shimano, SRAM, etc.) are serviceable by any competent bike mechanic, but for frame and Canyon-specific issues, you will be contacting their (reportedly responsive) online customer service rather than entering the doors of your local shop.

5 Burning Questions for Anyone Considering Canyon’s Latest Bikes

Is the direct-to-consumer model too risky for a newbie?

Not necessarily. It sounds daunting, but Canyon has addressed it to make it as user-friendly as can be. The assembly is simple and easily accessed using clear instructions and videos. The secret is being honest about your comfort. If you’re one of those people who don’t mind a little DIY and can follow directions, you’ll be good, and have a better bike for your dollars. If the suggestion of touching a wrench fills you with dread, you may opt to have a local, mobile bike mechanic complete the final assembly (and I often find that it’s still cheaper than purchasing a comparable bike from a traditional retailer).

How well does the Perfect Positioning System (PPS) work for fit?

It has also long been recognized as one of the most reputable online sizing methods. The system takes into account not just your height but also your inseam, torso, and arm length to recommend a frame size that accommodates your individual body proportions. The vast majority of customers say their bike arrived fitting them perfectly. The essential thing is to measure carefully — and correctly.

What motor and battery systems does Canyon primarily use?

Canyon works with world-class motor suppliers to ensure the highest performance, most reliable, and globally supported system. You’ll largely find models by Bosch (such as the Performance Line CX) and Shimano (like the EP8) cropping up in e-MTB and e-Gravel ranges. Those are renowned for their strong, natural-feeling support and high durability. For their lightweight models such as the Endurace:ON, they use the compact and efficient Fazua system that offers a more discreet assist and can even be removed if you wish to ride the bike as a regular human-powered bicycle.

How does warranty and customer support work without a local bike shop?

Canyon has an extensive warranty program that applies to the frame as well as to all the Canyon-branded parts. Should you have an issue, you file a claim through their website with details and a few photos. Their customer service agents will analyze the problem remotely and make arrangements for the solution. That could mean mailing you a part, or in the case of something more complicated, transporting the bike back to them or to a local authorized service partner to be worked on. Although a bit more complex than dealing with a customer in person, their worldwide support network is capable of efficiently addressing customer requests.

Are Canyon e-bikes really worth the extra money?

A Canyon e-bike is worth a lot more than the parts stuck to it and the design in which those parts are ensconced. If you stack up a Canyon’s component specifications (suspension, drivetrain, brakes, wheels) against an equivalently priced bike from a competitor that you can buy from a traditional store, the Canyon will almost always have better parts. You are investing in careful R&D and award-winning design, as well as a ride quality that you can feel, built with quality materials to last. If you’re a keen rider and are the type of person that can appreciate the specifics of a well-made frame and high-end parts, then a Canyon e-bike is well worth the money.

Selecting a Canyon e-road bike is an investment in some of the finest road bike engineering around, in the pursuit of unrivaled performance and the simple pleasure of the ride.

Canyon E-Bike Parameter Comparison