Hi everyone,
I discovered trail riding a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it — even though I had never ridden a mountain bike before. My first ride was about 20 km with 400 m of climbing, and it was such a thrill, especially the descents.
Now I’m looking to buy my first trail bike. I’m 37 years old, and apart from some casual riding on a hybrid bike, I have no prior MTB experience. The trails I plan to ride are loops between 20 and 40 km, with 400 to 800 m of elevation gain and a max gradient around 15%. They’re a mix of rocky and dirt sections through rolling woods, with roots or sometimes lots of rocks. Here are some example to start with :
- https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/tour/2634146862?share_token=aYPlx5GWtUoYfCotttNTJR4YuKVWjk5DVPurGzMeUfnsJTPkXI&ref=wtd
- https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/smarttour/20172935?ref=wdd
- https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/smarttour/26201460?ref=wdd
- https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/smarttour/20173088?ref=wdd
- https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/smarttour/5391348?ref=wdd
I’d also like to hit bike parks occasionally and learn some basic skills like bunny hops, small jumps, and drops. Realistically, I’ll ride about once a week.
For personal reasons, I want to go with Canyon, and I’m currently hesitating between two models:
- Neuron CF 7 — Fox 34 Performance fork, Shimano Deore drivetrain and brakes.
- Spectral 125 AL 8 — Fox 36 Performance Elite fork, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes. The price seems excellent right now for the components you get.
Which one would make more sense for me? My impression is that the Neuron would be easier to start with but might limit my progression sooner, while the Spectral 125 might require a more aggressive riding style — maybe too much for a beginner? Or can it be ridden more calmly at first?
Should I go for the Neuron, upgrade a few parts (like tires and drivetrain — I’d prefer an SLX), then sell it in 2–3 years and move to a Spectral later? Or should I just start with the Spectral 125 right away, even if it means a steeper learning curve?
I’ve watched a ton of reviews for both bikes but still can’t make up my mind based on my beginner situation. Any advice would be really appreciated!
by Meothed
4 Comments
I have a Stumpjumper evo which is closer to the spectral and don’t think you can go wrong with it unless your trails are really mellow. I love having a bike I can ride on local trails during the week, gnarlier trails on the weekends, and take to parks every now and then. Also looks like a better build so if it’s the same price go for it for sure.
Modern bikes handle well so I don’t think that will be an issue and the slack head angle will be a lot more confidence inspiring
Get the neuron. The spectral has nice parts but it’s very much a downhill focused bike regardless of the short travel.
If you’re planning to do more jumps, get the spectral. If you’re planning to do more epics, get the neuron.
If you plan on going to parks and want to learn small jumps etc. occasionally as well, then the Spectral is the better choice. It will be more forgiving for a beginner and it won’t be too much bike to pedal for tamer rides. Trail bikes are like Swiss Army knives depending on setup