Spotted a Canyon XC prototype in Chelva - new Lux World Cup?

Clearly labeled as “Proto,” there is no room for doubt. This is not a special assembly or a simple aesthetic update, but rather an advanced development that Canyon is already testing on the circuit.

 Canyon tests a mysterious “Proto” in Chelva that could redefine its XC range

It was during the pre-training sessions for the Chelva Internationals that we saw Thibaut François, the current U23 XCO champion of Spain, riding a camouflaged bike that draws attention by itself.

At first glance, the bike seems completely new compared to the current Canyon Lux World Cup that the Canyon XC Racing team uses in competition. The frame is strategically covered, but there are elements that immediately stand out. The most obvious is the total redesign of the linkage. The characteristic double anchor to the top tube that we have seen on the current Lux World Cup is gone, and it features a different linkage, less integrated but appearing to be a lighter assembly. The fact that the linkage is metallic makes us think that we are looking at a development unit still in the validation phase.

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It also gives the impression that the bike has gained travel. The front fork clearly seems to be 120 mm, and the rear conveys the same impression. Although there is no official confirmation, everything points to it possibly being a 120/120 mm (supposed) setup, something that would fit with an evolution of the current Lux WC of 100/100 mm.

The geometry seems to have changed significantly and, at least visually, it is closer to the concept of the Canyon Lux Trail presented in 2024 than to the current Canyon Lux World Cup, with which Jenny Rissveds conquered the last XCO World Championship.

It is worth remembering that the Lux World Cup 2023 represented a step forward in lightness and efficiency within pure XC, with 100 mm of travel on both axes and an extremely lightweight CFR frame. On the other hand, the Lux Trail opted for a more Downcountry interpretation, with 120 mm in front and 115 mm in the rear, a more aggressive geometry, and a more versatile approach. The prototype seen in Chelva seems to be positioned in an intermediate point, although with its own identity that goes beyond a simple evolution.

More than a specific update, what this “Proto” conveys is a significant structural change. The rear suspension system remains a single pivot, but the rear triangle seems rethought, and the steering area also shows clear modifications. Even so, there are details that make us think that the model is still not definitively closed.

In addition to Thibaut François, we have also seen Luca Schwarzbauer training with a unit like this, and it will be key to see if they start using it in competition in the upcoming international event.