First Look | Canyon Launches 2020 Spectral

With very little fanfare, Canyon has quietly ushered in a bunch of 2020 models onto its website. Those sneaky Germans! Some of the new models that have appeared online include the Grail gravel bike, new Strive models, as well as the Spectral full suspension trail bike – the latter of which we’ll be taking a closer look at here.

Canyon has launched its 2020 Spectral range, which sees Shimano’s new XT & SLX groupset featuring on certain models – like this AL 6.0.

What’s New With The 2020 Canyon Spectral?

Compared to the 2019 Spectral, the 2020 version carries over the same chassis, which features 150mm of rear wheel travel courtesy of the four-bar Triple Phase Suspension design. Fork travel also remains at 160mm, and that means the geometry is also the same. There’s also a women’s specific version (WMN), which uses a unique frame and suspension kinematics with slightly less travel – 140mm rear and 150mm front.

Canyon has switched up the spec on the 2020 Spectral though, and there have been a few key updates including the addition of Shimano 12-speed groupsets on a number of different models. All Spectrals have also changed out the rear tyre to a faster-rolling Maxxis Aggressor, or a Maxxis Forekaster on certain WMN models. That differs from the Minion DHR II that came spec’d on the 2019 model – a tyre that we found to be pretty draggy on the 2019 Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 that we recently reviewed.

2020 canyon spectral cf 9.0
Canyon may have been listening to our criticism of the current Spectral, and has given the 2020 version a faster-rolling rear tyre.

Along with updates to the latest RockShox and Fox forks and shocks, you’ll also find a liberal dose of Race Face cockpit components, and some of the higher end models are also coming with Reynolds carbon wheels – a brand that we’re seeing more of on complete Canyon bikes.

Carbon & Alloy Frames?

Most certainly! The Spectral is actually offered in three different frame options; there’s the AL (full alloy), the CF (carbon mainframe, alloy rear) and the CFR (full carbon). In total, there are 11 new models for 2020, and the frame changes as you go up in price. Speaking of, pricing starting at a very competitive $2,799 for the Spectral WMN AL 4.0, and goes all the way up to $8,649 for the Spectral CFR 9.0.

Here’s the lowdown on the 2020 Canyon Spectral lineup;

2020 canyon spectral al 4.0 wmn
The women’s Spectral kicks off at less than three grand, and comes in four sizes right down to an XX-Small.

2020 Canyon Spectral AL 4.0 WMN

2020 canyon spectral wmn al 6.0
Going up to the AL 6.0 upgrades you to a Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain, more powerful brakes and lighter wheels.

2020 Canyon Spectral WMN AL 6.0

2020 canyon spectral wmn cf 7.0
The CF 7.0 is the cheapest carbon fibre Spectral WMN, and it features a RockShox Pike fork, DT Swiss wheels and a Maxxis Wide Trail tyre combo.

2020 Canyon Spectral WMN CF 7.0

2020 canyon spectral wmn cf 8.0
The Spectral WMN CF 8.0 moves up to Shimano XT 1×12, along with 4-piston brakes and a Fox suspension package – including a Transfer dropper post.

2020 Canyon Spectral WMN CF 8.0

2020 canyon spectral wmn cfr 9.0
The CFR 9.0 is the only women’s model to feature a FULL carbon fibre frame, and you also get RockShox Ultimate suspension front and rear along with an X01 Eagle drivetrain and carbon Reynolds wheels. Sweet!

2020 Canyon Spectral WMN CFR 9.0

2020 canyon spectral al 5.0
The entry-point into the 2020 Canyon Spectral range is this blacked-out beauty; the new AL 5.0.

2020 Canyon Spectral AL 5.0

2020 canyon spectral al 6.0
Canyon is spec’ing Shimano 12-speed on a range of models, including this AL 6.0, which gets the SLX M7100 1×12 groupset.

2020 Canyon Spectral AL 6.0

2020 canyon spectral cf 7.0
Love carbon? The Spectral CF 7.0 gives you a carbon mainframe along with RockShox suspension for less than five grand!

2020 Canyon Spectral CF 7.0

2020 canyon spectral cf 8.0
Fox suspension combines with Shimano XT 12-speed on the 2020 Canyon Spectral CF 8.0. How’s the luxury handbag paint job?

2020 Canyon Spectral CF 8.0

2020 canyon spectral cf 9.0
One step up is the Spectral CF 9.0, which gets SRAM X01 Eagle shifting and carbon Reynolds wheels.

2020 Canyon Spectral CF 9.0

2020 canyon spectral cfr 9.0
The top-end CFR 9.0 gets a full carbon fibre chassis along with Shimano XTR and DT Swiss carbon wheels.

2020 Canyon Spectral CFR 9.0

2020 canyon spectral al 6.0
Compared to the 2019 version, the 2020 Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 gets a Shimano SLX 1×12 groupset in place of the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Guide R brakes.

And there’s a look at the Canyon Spectral lineup for 2020. If you’re interested in hearing what the Spectral actually rides like, then be sure to check out our long term review of the 2019 Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 and the 2018 Spectral CFR 9.0 SL.

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