The New Canyon Lux Trail 2027 is designed to climb faster, inspire more confidence on the descents and even weigh less than its predecessor. With 140/125 mm of travel, a completely revised geometry and a host of refined details, Canyon are taking aim at the downcountry segment. We took a closer look at this lightweight trail bike.

Canyon LUX Trail CF 9 2027 | 140/125 mm (f/r) | 13,00 kg in size L | €5,999 | Manufacturer’s Website

Hardly any bike category is evolving as quickly as downcountry. Today’s bikes are expected to climb with maximum efficiency and minimal effort, yet feel far more capable than disguised XC bikes once the trail turns technical. That’s exactly the balance Canyon are aiming to strike with the all new Lux Trail. To achieve it, the Koblenz based brand have given their lightweight trail bike not only more suspension travel and a significantly more descent focused geometry, but also a frame that is claimed to be 200 g lighter than before. The goal is clear, combine the climbing efficiency and low weight of the previous Lux Trail with the confident descending performance of the Neuron CF. Our top spec test bike tips the scales at just 13.0 kg and is priced at € 5,999. The result is intended to be one of the lightest, yet also one of the most capable downcountry bikes on the market. Does Canyon deliver? Here are our first impressions of the new Canyon Lux Trail 2027.

The New Canyon Lux Trail 2027 in Detail

At the heart of the new Lux Trail is a completely redesigned carbon frame. Despite the increase in suspension travel, now 140 mm at the front, up by 20 mm, and 125 mm at the rear, an increase of 11 mm, Canyon claim the frame weighs just 1,850 g in size M, around 200 g less than its predecessor. At the same time, it retains its Category 3 certification. Alongside the extra travel, Canyon have significantly updated the geometry with a much stronger focus on trail riding, more on that in the geometry section below.

Our test bike in size L tipped the scales at exactly 13.0 kg, ready to ride and including the two tools stored inside the frame. That puts the Lux Trail well above Canyon’s claimed weight of 12.1 kg for a size M, but it is still significantly lighter than the average trail bike.

At the rear, Canyon continue to rely on a one piece flex stay suspension design. By eliminating an additional pivot bearing, this construction saves weight, increases stiffness and reduces maintenance by removing the bearing at the rear axle. A nice touch is that the required torque values are printed directly next to each bearing, making maintenance much more straightforward.

The frame storage compartment inside the down tube has also been redesigned. It is larger than before, fully waterproof and features a new closure mechanism that is easy to operate. Inside, you’ll find a tool sleeve along with a multitool, both supplied as standard by Canyon. The internally moulded cable routing is also visible here, promising a rattle free ride on the trail. An additional mount on the top tube provides space for carrying extra tools or accessories.

Canyon have also paid close attention to frame protection. The extended chainstay protector reaches well towards the front, shielding the frame effectively without adding unnecessary bulk, while the rubberised down tube protector also leaves a premium impression. Less convincing, however, is the lack of protection on the slender seatstay and around the main pivot between the rear triangle and the seat tube, where dirt and stone strikes can reach the frame unhindered.

Spec of the new Canyon LUX Trail CF9

As the flagship model in the new Lux Trail range, the Canyon Lux Trail CF 9 comes equipped with a no compromise premium specification. Up front, the new FOX 36 SL Factory fork provides 140 mm of travel and features the GRIP X damper, promising an excellent balance of low weight, impressive sensitivity and extensive adjustability. At the rear, a FOX Float Factory shock delivers 125 mm of travel, while a FOX Transfer Factory dropper post with 170 mm of drop completes the Kashima coated suspension package.

Canyon continue the premium theme with the drivetrain, relying exclusively on high end SRAM components. Shifting is handled by the electronic SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, while the matching X0 crankset comes equipped with an integrated power meter as standard.

Canyon also rely on in house development for the wheelset, pairing the lightweight carbon frame with their own XC 30 CF carbon wheels. For tyres, Canyon spec a MAXXIS Dissector up front and the faster rolling MAXXIS Rekon at the rear, both featuring the EXO casing and Dual Compound rubber. For a trail bike with a stronger focus on descending, however, we would have preferred at least an EXO+ casing on the rear tyre. The small weight penalty is barely noticeable, while the significant improvement in puncture protection is well worth it.

Braking duties are handled by the SRAM Motive Ultimate, featuring four piston callipers, carbon brake levers and titanium hardware. Paired with the standard 180 mm HS2 rotors front and rear, the braking setup is well suited to the bike’s sporty character. Riders who regularly tackle long or particularly steep descents, however, would benefit from upgrading to a 200 mm rotor for extra braking power and improved heat management.

The cockpit combines a Race Face Era carbon handlebar with a Race Face Turbine SL stem and Ergon grips.

All other spec variants of the Canyon LUX Trail 2027

The new Canyon Lux Trail is available in four build options, with prices starting at an attractive € 2,999. Regardless of the model, Canyon use the same carbon frame and equip every bike with 180 mm brake rotors front and rear. The differences lie in the suspension, drivetrain, wheelset and finishing kit. While the entry level model comes with aluminium wheels, all higher spec versions roll on Canyon’s in house carbon wheelsets. Tyre choice remains consistent across the entire range, from the most affordable model to the flagship, every Lux Trail is fitted with a MAXXIS Rekon at the rear and a MAXXIS Dissector up front, both featuring the Dual Compound rubber. The CF 6, CF 7 and CF 8 models are each available in a choice of two colour options.

Starting at just € 2,999, the Lux Trail CF 6 is a serious statement of intent. Despite its attractive price tag, it already features the lightweight carbon frame, with Canyon claiming a total weight of just 13.2 kg. Shifting is handled by a mechanical Shimano XT drivetrain, while matching XT four piston brakes take care of stopping duties. Suspension consists of a FOX 34 Rhythm fork with the GRIP damper up front and a matching FOX Float Rhythm shock at the rear. Unlike the higher spec models, the CF 6 rolls on Canyon’s in house aluminium wheels, while the cockpit and dropper post also come from Canyon’s own component range.

For an additional € 1,000, the Lux Trail CF 7 comes with a number of worthwhile upgrades. Up front, it features the new FOX 36 SL with the GRIP damper, paired with a FOX Float Performance shock at the rear. SRAM also replaces Shimano, with shifting handled by the mechanical Eagle 90 Transmission and braking duties taken care of by the new SRAM Motive Bronze brakes. Canyon’s in house XC 30 CF carbon wheelset is also included, contributing to the claimed weight of just 12.8 kg. The handlebar, stem and dropper post continue to come from Canyon’s own component range.

The Lux Trail CF 8 marks the entry point into the premium range, with Canyon claiming a weight of just 12.3 kg. The biggest upgrade is found in the suspension. The FOX 36 SL now features the more sensitive and significantly more adjustable GRIP X damper. The braking system is also upgraded to SRAM Motive Silver brakes, which offer adjustable lever reach and contact point adjustment. Shifting is now handled electronically by the SRAM GX Eagle Transmission. Race Face cockpit components and an exclusive two tone paint finish complete the package.

Sitting at the top of the range is the Lux Trail CF 9, priced at € 5,999. Compared with the CF 8, Canyon equip the flagship model with a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain featuring an integrated power meter, a FOX Transfer dropper post and an Ergon carbon saddle. According to Canyon, these upgrades reduce the overall weight by a further 200 g.

Geometry of the New Canyon LUX Trail 2027

With the new Lux Trail, Canyon have done more than simply increase the suspension travel. They have also thoroughly revised the geometry. A taller stack, a significantly slacker head angle and a longer wheelbase all point in the same direction. The Lux Trail is designed to inspire greater confidence and offer more capability on demanding descents, while retaining its sporty XC character.

The Lux Trail is available in five frame sizes, from XS to XL, covering rider heights from 150 to 205 cm according to Canyon. Reach increases in consistent 20 mm increments, from 410 mm in size XS to 490 mm in XL. Even so, the reach figures remain relatively compact compared with many modern trail bikes, underlining the Lux Trail’s sporty character.

The biggest change comes at the front of the bike. The head angle has been slackened to 64.8°, a full two degrees slacker than its predecessor. That’s a substantial shift, and together with the longer wheelbase it promises significantly greater stability and confidence on steep descents.

Canyon use two different chainstay lengths across the size range. Sizes XS, S and M feature 435 mm chainstays, while sizes L and XL grow to 440 mm. This is intended to maintain balanced handling across all frame sizes.

Canyon LUX Trail CF 9 2027 – First Impressions

With the new Lux Trail, Canyon are pursuing an exciting concept. More suspension travel, a significantly more modern geometry and an even lighter carbon frame are all intended to combine the efficiency of an XC bike with genuine trail capability. On paper, the concept looks extremely promising. The final verdict, however, will have to wait for our trail testing. Our test bike has already arrived, and a full ride review will follow shortly and be added to this article.

For more information, visit the Canyon website.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Benedikt Schmidt