Last year Canyon introduced the Spectral with 29″ wheels and a carbon frame. Now the German brand presents a much wider range that includes 29″, 27.5″ and Mullet models. Not only that, there are also models with an aluminum frame and another model designed for the little ones.
Details
The CFR frame is the lightest in the range, with a claimed weight in size Medium with 29″ wheels of just 2,300 grams. The CF weighs 2,600 grams, while the aluminum one weighs 3,000 grams.
The version we have received for testing is the top of the line model with XTR spec and Race Face Next carbon cranks.
The suspension system is a 4-bar with a Horst pivot located in the chainstay, near the axle of the rear wheel. Note the chainstay brawn near the bottom bracket – burly!
The bag to place under the top tube is well thought out and includes a multitool with a Dynaplug plus several hex keys and a Torx. Unfortunately a chain tool is missing.
Up front you’ll find a Maxxis Minion DHR II tire. Probably due to supply chain problems.
A Canyon brand seatpost with 170mm of travel. Despite being a size L, for me, who is 179 cm tall and has a 74 cm distance between the saddle and the bottom bracket, I still have a couple of centimeters of seatpost travel.
The lever for the dropper post is from Shimano, for perfect compatibility and integration with the brakes from the Japanese brand.
The internal cable passage is fully sleeved.
Sleeved meaning that there are plastic tubes to run the cables through. There are no carbon frame rails like on other bikes.
Top-notch braking system: Shimano XTR 4-piston. The 203mm rear disc is over the top.
Despite having a very low top tube and a shock that attaches to the top of the bottom tube, Canyon has managed to fit a 600ml bottle.
Fox Factory Kashima suspension. The Float X’s lockout lever is easy to operate when pedaling and is comfortable on long, smooth climbs.
The Fox 36 Grip 2 needs no introduction. One of the best forks on the market.
Aluminum lever on these XTR Trail. Rigid as they should be, unlike the carbon ones.
Personally, I really like the integrated handlebar/stem combo.
The bag is shaped to fit nicely in the Spectral’s frame.
The flip chip allows you to adjust the geometry between two usable settings.
Geometry
Models
Aluminum
Spectral Young Hero (27.5 ”) – € 1,799
Spectral 5 (27.5 ”or 29”) – € 2,499
Spectral 6 (27.5 ”or 29”) – € 2,999
Carbon CF
Spectral CF 7 (27.5 ”or 29”) – € 3,499
Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV (Mullet) – € 3,999
Spectral CF 8 (27.5 ”or 29”) – € 4,399
Spectral CF 9 (27.5 ”or 29”) – € 5,499
Carbon CFR
Spectral CFR (29 ”) – € 6,499
