With the Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST, Canyon offer a fully equipped off-road step-through ebike with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 750 Wh battery. In this review we’ll tell you whether it’s only suitable for urban cowboys or if it’s also an option beyond the city limits.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: 9 fully equipped ebikes for trekking and adventure in our test
28.50 kg in size M | € 4,699 | Manufacturer’s website
With the € 4,699 Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST, the German direct-sales manufacturer offers an exciting overall package that’s aimed at two-wheeled commuters who want to escape the city at the weekend to enjoy nature on forest paths and fire roads. The Canyon features a cleverly designed aluminium frame with low-slung step-through. Despite rotating the Bosch Smart System motor, Canyon managed to maintain a low and wide step-through which, together with the dropper post, makes it easy to dismount at traffic lights.
Designing and engineering a good off-road step-through bike is nothing short of magic because it should offer a comparable level of stiffness and comfort as a bike with a diamond frame, even with a loaded pannier rack despite the lack of a top tube. However, step-throughs are often more comfortable, easier to get on and off and thus more confidence-inspiring. The powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor of the Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST ensures excellent propulsion and draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery, which provides enough juice for long days in the saddle without a charging break. The Bosch Smart System with Kiox 300 display allows you to deactivate motor support via the practical eBike Lock function, thus making your ebike less attractive to potential thieves.
The full equipment includes deep-drawn aluminium mudguards, a 25 kg QL3.1 standard compatible pannier rack, a kickstand, Supernova E3 tail light and a high-end Supernova M99 MINI Pro headlight with low and high beam functions. If the 140 kg permissible total weight doesn’t cut it for you, you can pull an additional 50 kg behind you in a Croozer trailer because all Pathlite:ON SUV models are compatible with Croozer’s Axle Nut XL trailer hitch.
The Enviolo hub drivetrain allows for shifting at standstill while the low-maintenance Gates belt drive sends your old chain lube bottle into a well-deserved retirement. A 100 mm SR Suntour AION35 EVO Boost fork takes care of the rough stuff at the front. The 2.25″ MAXXIS Crossmark II tires generate sufficient traction on tarmac roads, dry gravel and fire roads but quickly reach their limits on wet and loose terrain – but then again, the Canyon Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST wasn’t designed for the latter.
Canyon Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST
€ 4,699
Specifications
Motor Bosch Smart System 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 300
Fork SR Suntour AION 35 100 mm
Rear Shock mm
Seatpost Iridium 100 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT Thirty 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Enviolo Heavy Duty Hub ****
Stem Canyon CP23 80 mm
Handlebar Canyon CP23 680 mm
Wheelset Alexrims MD25 27.5"
Tires MAXXIS Crossmark II EXO 2.25"
Technical Data
Size S - L
Weight 28.50 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 111 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes
The geometry of the Canyon Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 385 mm | 430 mm | 475 mm |
| Top tube | 565 mm | 598 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 111 mm | 137 mm | 164 mm |
| Head angle | 68.5° | 68.5° | 68.5° |
| Seat angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Chainstays | 460 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm |
| BB Drop | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1.103 mm | 1.138 mm | 1.168 mm |
| Reach | 380 mm | 405 mm | 425 mm |
| Stack | 625 mm | 650 mm | 675 mm |
Tuning Tip: –
Canyon’s € 4,699 Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST is a versatile step-through ebike with a clever frame design that makes it easy to get on and off the bike. The equipment perfectly matches the character of the bike and the 140 kg permissible total weight can be complemented with an additional 50 kg in the trailer. The Bosch Smart System and big battery ensure a long range. If you’re looking for a harmonious overall package for urban cruising and countryside shenanigans on easy terrain, the Canyon could be an excellent choice.
Tops
- good allround qualities
- excellent comfort
- harmonious spec and equipment
Flops
- integrated cockpit not adaptable
You can find out more about at canyon.com
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: 9 fully equipped ebikes for trekking and adventure in our test
All bikes in test:
Canyon Pathlite:ON 8 SUV ST (Click for review) | Centurion Numinis R2700i (Click for review) | FOCUS Thron² 6.8 EQP (Click for review) | Moustache Weekend 27 FS Dual EQ (Click for review) | Nicolai GT1 Explorer Kit (Click for review) | Riese & Müller Load 60 (Click for review) | SCOTT AXIS (Click for review) | Simplon Stomp Pmax EQ (Click for review) | Trek Powerfly (Click for review)
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Robin Schmitt
