FIRST RIDE IMPRESSIONS: ALL-NEW 2024 CANYON SPECTRAL

The Details:

Canyon last updated the Spectral platform in 2021, quickly turning it into a fan-favorite for all-mountain and lighter enduro riding. The latest iteration of their trail tamer carries over the highlights of the previous generation with a few key updates and changes to make it even more efficient, reliable, and a more comprehensive do-it-all package, despite a 10mm reduction in travel at both ends to 150mm/140mm. Canyon claims that this is their most capable and versatile trail bike to date, and we believe them after spending a bit of time on the new platform.

At first glance, the new Spectral doesn’t look too far off from the outgoing model, but there are some key differences hiding under the hood. There is still a flip chip at the lower shock mount to make small geometry changes in terms of bottom-bracket height and to either slacken or steepen the head tube angle by 0.5 degrees, but there is now a flip chip located at the chainstay that allows the same frame to run either a 29″ or 27.5″ rear wheel. The only geometry change with running a smaller rear wheel is a shortened chainstay from 437mm to 429mm, along with a minute tweak to the leverage ratio. Canyon also made some slight changes to the stiffness of the Spectral’s frame. Front triangle stiffness remains high, but the rear end has been re-engineered with slimmer seat stays and chainstays to be more compliant, which actually increases heel clearance on each side by 2-3mm. Like the previous generation, the head tube angle sits at 64 degrees, but the seat tube angle has been steepened by half a degree to 76.5 degrees, and reach numbers have increased by about 20mm relative to each frame. Another thing to note is that Canyon has added an XS frame size, expanding their bikes to even more riders.

Canyon’s engineers tweaked the leverage ratio to allow it to be slightly more linear compared to the previous generation, though they begin at approximately the same spot (except in a mixed-wheel setup). This was done to help increase rear wheel traction and eliminate any harsh or unsupported areas throughout the travel. Also contributing to increased rear wheel traction are lower anti-squat numbers, which help improve the suspension response when climbing and descending. Canyon has also increased the seat post diameter on the new Spectral to allow it to run longer dropper posts without any risk of flexing or bending. There is a new two-piece mud flap integrated at the main pivot that is very effective, and the new platform notably has an in-frame storage system that is integrated into many modern trail bikes. There are standard mounts on the underside of the top tube for accessories, and there is a handy multitool integrated as well.

All of the new Spectral models feature Canyon’s Keep It Stable (K.I.S.) steering system integrated into the frame, which is basically a steering stabilizer that helps bring the handlebars back to center. Building off of feedback and testing from the first version, Canyon has made some changes to the system to make it more versatile and applicable for a wider range of riders. The overall spring rate has been decreased to create an adjustment window with lower minimum and maximum settings, and they include a clever blanking plate that lets you remove the system and run the bike without it if you wish. A small bolt next to the cable port on the head tube lets you unclamp the system and remove your fork for maintenance or when you want to remove K.I.S. entirely. Adjusting the springs’ tension is simple and is done via a bolt and plate on the top tube, which almost looks like an e-bike display at first glance. Also new on the Spectral is Canyon’s new G5 stem in a 40mm length and an integrated Fidlock bottle attachment system, with a custom-made 850ml Fidlock bottle being released in the coming months. For those who are mechanically/technologically inclined, you can download a file to 3D-print a clever holder for Canyon’s Fix Minitool 6+1 that integrates into the new G5 stem here.

Notably, the Spectral 125 is no longer in the brand’s lineup. This new platform aims to blend the climbing-eagerness and efficiency of the 125-platform with the descending prowess of its longer-travel sibling, and on paper, it seems that Canyon has hit the mark. There are only two models initially available in the United States, the CF 7 priced at $3,700 and the CF 8 CLLCTV at $4,200, which are broken down below.  Check out our first impressions to see how we meshed with the new Spectral and what these updates translated to out on the trail.

First Ride Impressions:

We tested the CF 8 CLLCTV build of the new Spectral, initially getting acquainted with the platform in Bellingham with some of the Canyon squad and then on our home trails in Southern California. The CF 8 is the freeride-focused and fun spec, featuring a Fox DHX Performance coil shock and a 36 Performance Elite fork along with a Shimano SLX/Deore drivetrain. We normally ride size large frames with reach numbers between 475mm and 495mm, but the Spectral’s geometry numbers and updated sizing range had us riding a medium frame with its 475mm reach. We spent time riding the bike in both a mixed-wheel and dual 29” setup, though it is only sold with 29” wheels in the United States.

Like Canyon claims, the 10mm reduction in rear wheel travel and a slight change to the leverage ratio makes the new Spectral an incredibly capable and efficient ascender. Never feeling the need to flip the climb switch on the DHX coil, the suspension felt compliant and offered loads of rear-wheel grip, yet it was snappy and responsive when it needed to be. This was highlighted over technical and loose climbs where the Spectral seemed to hold its line and want to push over and through obstacles rather than getting bogged down. We kept the K.I.S. system set to its lowest tension, but the front wheel felt ever-so-slightly more stable and able to track a straight line, especially on smoother fire roads and slower technical climbs. The 76.5-degree seat tube angle paired with the 475mm reach put us in a comfortable and efficient climbing position that balanced traction between the front and rear wheels, and the 64-degree head tube angle still allowed for precise steering when it was needed on technical sections. 

Despite the 10mm reduction in travel at both ends, the new Spectral is no slacker when it comes to descending. We instantly felt comfortable and confident pushing through corners and hitting jumps on the bike, along with hanging off the back down steep and loose descents. The Fox DHX coil pairs very well with the updated frame kinematics and offers loads of grip and support for the rear wheel while being eager to pop off any bump or roller in sight. The Spectral’s 437mm chainstays make the rear end feel stable and planted, but also snappy and flickable through corners and eager to throw a whip on any jump it can find. On technical descents, the bike was keen to plow through just about anything, and it stayed composed and glued to the terrain while still being maneuverable and agile. It won’t smash through a Downhill or Enduro World Cup rock garden at an all-out race pace, but that isn’t the bike’s intention; it’s built to be a multitool for the mountain. The Spectral is also exceptionally quiet out on the trail, with only the faint buzz of the DT Swiss hub and Maxxis Assegai/DHR II tire combo cutting through the dirt being audible.

Through our first month of riding and testing, we are impressed with the new Spectral. Just as capable on the descents as its predecessor, but even more efficient on the climbs, it is a versatile platform that we are excited to continue riding on a range of trails and terrain to see what it can really do. Keep your eyes out for a full-length and long-term review of Canyon’s new Spectral in our monthly magazine, and check out all of the details and availability of the refreshed platform on Canyon’s website.