Wil gets a first ride on the new Canyon Spectral
Ever since it first launched as a 27.5in-wheeled trail bike in 2014, the Canyon Spectral has been one of the most popular and well-loved bikes to come from the German direct-to-consumer brand. Its success has seen the platform grow significantly since then with the arrival of the Spectral 29 in 2020, followed by a mullet version in 2021, before both were joined by the short-travel Spectral 125 in 2022.
We’ve had a tonne of experience with almost every variation of the Spectral over the past five years, including the Flight Attendant-equipped Spectral CFR LTD that Mick purchased to be his personal trail bike. As you can imagine then, we were excited to hear that the platform would be getting a total overhaul for 2024.
Turns out it’s not just a simple facelift either. There’s a new frame with significant changes to the geometry and suspension design. Canyon has also brought on key improvements to address some of the issues we’ve encountered in the past, while introducing a few surprises too.
An overview of the 2024 Canyon Spectral
Totally redesigned for 2024, the Canyon Spectral features a brand new carbon frame and a reduction in travel. Compared to the old bike’s 160/150mm travel configuration, the new Spectral comes is now equipped with a 150mm travel fork and 140mm of rear wheel travel.
Initially we found this a little puzzling, perhaps because we’ve been trained over the years to always expect new bikes to be bigger than their predecessors. However, if you view the new Spectral as an amalgamation of the previous long-travel bike and the Spectral 125, things start to make more sense. Indeed it now nestles in quite neatly between the Neuron trail bike and the Strive enduro bike.
Suspension & wheelsize updates
The new Spectral shares a familiar silhouette with a four-bar suspension platform that sees the shock mounted partway up the downtube. There’s a stiffer one-piece rocker link that’s designed to help reduce side loading on the shock, and the kinematic has been updated with less anti-squat for more grip and comfort over rough terrain. Canyon has also slimmed down the chainstays to improve rear-end compliance, which is good news as we always found the previous carbon frame to be quite stiff and pingy. As a side benefit, the slender tubes offer more heel clearance.
A nifty feature of the new Spectral frame is its chainstay flip chip, which allows the rear end to accommodate a 27.5in or a 29in wheel. Most models will be available to purchase as a full 29er or as a mullet, though riders will have the ability to switch between wheel setups down the line as they wish. The exception is the Extra Small frame, which is only available as a mullet.
Internal storage & 3D print files
The new frame also incorporates in-frame storage, which is a first for the Spectral range.
Whereas the latest Lux Trail puts its storage hatch further up the downtube, the Spectral hides it underneath the bottle cage. The door features a knee lever mechanism, not unlike a tool box, and a rubber lining gives it a snug seal to help prevent water ingress. There’s a neat water resistant tool pouch to go inside, but unfortunately Canyon doesn’t include this with the bike. If you want it you’ll have to purchase it separately.
There’s sufficient clearance for a 600ml bottle to fit in a side-entry bottle cage, though Canyon has also developed a custom 850ml Fidlock bottle that’ll be available in the near future.
Adding to the storage options is a top tube accessory mount, which on our test bike is housing a multi-tool. Alternatively you could mount that tool underneath the new G5 stem using a 3D printed holster. Developed by some Canyon employees for their personal bikes, the print file for this plastic holster will be available online for customers to print at home. It’s a cool concept, and Canyon says it’ll be assessing the take-up to see whether it can offer other 3D printable accessories in the future.
No headset routing here!
Great news for folks who hate the idea of cables running through the headset, as the Canyon Spectral sticks to good old fashioned ports on either side of the head tube. We’ve already seen headset cable routing on the Lux Trail, Neuron and Spectral:ON, but it seems Canyon has decided against rolling it out for the new Spectral. Phew!
To minimise noise, the bolt-in ports clamp the cables and brake hose securely upon entry into the head tube. Internal guide tubes then send the cables and hose to their final destination, which makes future replacement much easier.
There are some other sweet details found on the new Spectral frame, including a two-piece mudflap over the main pivot. Given we had a rock get jammed in this area on the Spectral 125, we’re glad to see this issue addressed. In a similar vein, the updated chainstay armour offers a lot more coverage to minimise noise and paint chipping.
Canyon continues to use replaceable thread inserts and double-sealed bearings for all the suspension pivots, though you’ll no longer find individual spacers. Instead, these have been integrated into the seals so you have less small parts to potentially lose when pulling things apart. A nice touch indeed!
K.I.S comes standard
Another big story is that each Canyon Spectral model will now be coming with the K.I.S steering stabiliser fitted as standard.
Standing for ‘Keep It Stable’, K.I.S was first introduced in 2022 on a limited edition Spectral model. The system comprises of two springs that sit inside the top tube and connect to a cam bolted onto the fork steerer. The main anchor point can be adjusted via the slider on the top tube, which allows you to increase or decrease the spring tension.
The springs add a self-centring force to the steering, and it works well to reduce wheel flop on steep climbs and minimise deflection when riding through chunky rock gardens. Additionally, K.I.S helps to ‘connect’ the rear wheel to your inputs at the handlebar, and that brings some interesting benefits to hard cornering on sketchy surfaces.
Despite its purported benefits, a lot of riders remain unsure about K.I.S. Canyon is clearly sold on the concept though, and by fitting it to every Spectral model, it’s giving a lot more riders the opportunity to experience the system for themselves. If they still don’t like it, the module is entirely removable, with a rubber blank included in the box to replace the top tube slider.
Keen to know more about how it works? See our long-term Spectral K.I.S review for the lowdown.
Canyon Spectral geometry & size chart
With the addition of an Extra Small, the new Canyon Spectral is now available in five frame sizes. This offers a broader spread that is claimed to cover riders from 155-203cm tall.
Canyon has also updated the Spectral’s geometry to bring it in-line with the sizing approach on its latest gravity bikes including the Strive. This sees reach measurements grow by a not-inconsiderable 15mm per size, putting the new Spectral very much on the longer side.
The Spectral otherwise maintains its 64° head angle and the seat angle is pretty similar at 76-77°. The seat tube lengths have gotten shorter and they’ve also fattened out to accept a 34.9mm diameter seatpost, which is ideal for supporting a long-stroke dropper. To make the most of it, Canyon equips every Spectral with its new G5 dropper post that offers up to 230mm of travel.
With the new chainstay flip chip, there are two settings for the rear centre length. In its 29er configuration the rear centre comes in at 437mm, and it shrinks to 429mm with the mullet setup.
There’s also a secondary flip chip in the lower shock mount for further fine-tuning of the geometry. Bikes will come from the factory set up in the Low position, and flipping that into High will lift the BB by 8mm and steepen the angles by 0.5°. For those who want another option to add in to the mix, it’s worth noting that the Spectral frame is rated for use with up to a 160mm travel fork.
Canyon Spectral price & specs
There will be four Canyon Spectral models in the 2024 lineup and each will be built around the same CF carbon frame. You’ll still be able to get an alloy Spectral, but those will carry over the previous generation frame.
All Spectral CF models will be equipped with a Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik, a piggyback shock and Canyon’s G5 cockpit with a new stem and an adjustable travel dropper post.
The CF 8 CCLCTV model stands out as being the only bike of the bunch to feature a coil shock, and it also comes fitted with burlier wheels and a Maxxis Assegai front tyre.
The bike we’ve been testing sits one step down from the top. It’s the Canyon Spectral CF 9, and we’ve got with the mullet setup.
2024 Canyon Spectral CF LTD
- Frame | CF Carbon, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 36, Factory Series, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 210x55mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss XMC 1200, Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Front & Minion DHR II EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12 w/32T Carbon Crankset & 10-52T GX Eagle Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | Canyon G5 Alloy, 30mm Rise, Width: 760mm (XS-S), 780mm (M-XL)
- Stem | Canyon G5, 40mm Length
- Seatpost | Canyon G5 Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 150mm (XS), 170mm (S), 200mm (M-L), 230mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 14.56kg
- RRP | $10,599 AUD (plus shipping)
2024 Canyon Spectral CF 9
- Frame | CF Carbon, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, Charger 3 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, 210x55mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss XM 1700, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Front & Minion DHR II EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston w/200mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | Canyon G5 Alloy, 30mm Rise, Width: 760mm (XS-S), 780mm (M-XL)
- Stem | Canyon G5, 40mm Length
- Seatpost | Canyon G5 Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 150mm (XS), 170mm (S), 200mm (M-L), 230mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 14.94kg
- RRP | $7,649 AUD (plus shipping)
2024 Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV
- Frame | CF Carbon, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 36 Performance Elite, GRIP2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | Fox DHX Coil, Performance Series, 210x55mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss E 1900, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Assegai EXO 3C MaxxTerra 2.5in Front & Minion DHR II EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano SLX 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | Shimano XT 4-Piston w/203mm Ice Tech Rotors
- Bar | Canyon G5 Alloy, 30mm Rise, Width: 760mm (XS-S), 780mm (M-XL)
- Stem | Canyon G5, 40mm Length
- Seatpost | Canyon G5 Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 150mm (XS), 170mm (S), 200mm (M-L), 230mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 15.84kg
- RRP | $6,449 AUD (plus shipping)
2024 Canyon Spectral CF 7
- Frame | CF Carbon, Four-Bar Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 36 Rhythm, GRIP Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 210x55mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss M 1900, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
- Tyres | Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Front & Minion DHR II EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano SLX 1×12 w/32T Alloy Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | Shimano SLX 4-Piston w/203mm Ice Tech Rotors
- Bar | Canyon G5 Alloy, 30mm Rise, Width: 760mm (XS-S), 780mm (M-XL)
- Stem | Canyon G5, 40mm Length
- Seatpost | Canyon G5 Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 150mm (XS), 170mm (S), 200mm (M-L), 230mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 15.36kg
- RRP | $5,249 AUD (plus shipping)
Canyon Spectral sizing & fit
At 175cm tall I typically ride a Medium in most brands. Based on my height and prior test bike experience, Canyon arranged for a Medium size to be shipped out for review. However, having now seen the geometry chart, I’m questioning whether I should have requested a Small.
The reach has grown from 460mm to 475mm, which is very long for a Medium. The stack has also increased from 619mm to 630mm, and combined with the 30mm rise bars the cockpit feels very tall and stretched out. With the increased proportions, I’d describe the size as being more like an Extra Medium.
Trimming the bars to my preferred width of 760mm, dropping the stem down a few spacers and sliding the saddle forwards on the rails all helped to dial things in. I also needed to reduce the dropper post travel slightly to get the saddle to the right height. It’s certainly all workable, but I’d be interested in trying out a Small to see how the fit and handling compare.
For anyone interested in the new Spectral, my advice would be to take a very good look at geo chart. Much like the latest Strive, you’ll likely want to consider sizing down rather than up.
Suspension setup
I’ve complained many times before about the lack of detailed suspension setup recommendations from Canyon, which is especially pertinent for a direct-to-consumer brand. We hope to see that change in the future, but in the meantime if you need some help be sure to check out our rear shock tuning guide.
To start off with I’ve set up the Super Deluxe shock with 30% sag, which has equated to 150psi to support my 67kg riding weight. I’ve got rebound set around halfway (7/15 clicks) and I’ve got both high and low-speed compression dials in the neutral position.
Using the recommendations in the RockShox Trailhead app, I’ve set up the Lyrik with 65psi and the rebound at 12/20 clicks. High-speed compression is in the neutral position, while the low-speed dial is at -3 clicks.
Canyon Spectral weight
Our Canyon Spectral CF 9 test bike weighed in at 14.78kg, which is without pedals and with the tyres set up tubeless. It’s marginally lighter than claimed, though I expect that’s due to the listed weights being for the 29er version.
There’s nothing overly dainty about the build kit, which includes the excellent GX AXS Transmission, Code RSC brakes with 200mm rotors, that thicc 200mm dropper post and a sturdy alloy DT Swiss wheelset.
Canyon has also updated the rear tyre spec to a slightly thicker EXO+ casing, which is a good move. With a CushCore Pro insert in the rear wheel, I’m pressures around 21-22psi for the front and 25-26psi for the rear.
First ride impressions
Due to the delayed arrival of our Canyon Spectral CF 9 test bike, I’ve only been able to get a couple of rides in so far. I’ll be spending a lot more time on it over the coming weeks in preparation for a more in-depth review and video, but there’s still some noteworthy characteristics to discuss based on my first impressions.
Admittedly the size of the bike dominated my first ride, though I’ve since been getting to grips with the mahoosif reach and tall front end. It doesn’t necessarily feel unwieldy, with the short chainstays and the 27.5in rear wheel doing a lot to keep things fairly nimble despite the huge front centre.
With such a radical difference between the front and rear centre lengths, you do have to consciously think about weight distribution to ensure you’re in an assertive centre-forward position. I’m sure I’ll get used to it, but it is quite the contrast to the more relaxed vibe of the Neuron trail bike. Despite being within 10mm of travel of each other, the Spectral feels like it’s made by a completely different company.
I’ve been enjoying the quiet and smooth RockShox suspension. The back end seems quite supple, no doubt in part due to the decreased anti-squat. This is claimed to hover around 75-90% at sag, which means pedalling performance isn’t quite as snappy as the old bike or the Spectral 125. However, the tradeoff is improved small-bump sensitivity when pedalling over chunky rocks. Traction is great, and I have to say that I’m a big fan of the Minion DHR II tyre spec.
When pushing on the descents, the Spectral feels like it can soak up quite a lot. In that sense it doesn’t feel any less capable than the old bike, with the progressive leverage rate offering good support even with just a single volume spacer inside the Linear DebonAir can. Along with the slimmer chainstays, overall compliance is notably improved over the previous carbon Spectral.
How’s the K.I.S system?
Honestly I haven’t noticed K.I.S steering stabiliser a whole lot so far. It’s worth noting that Canyon has detuned the spring tension compared to the original iteration that we tested last year. This makes the self-centring effect less obvious, and I’ve got the adjuster set halfway just while I get used to the bike. I’ll be cranking up that tension soon enough and experimenting with the adjustment range to get a better impression of how it plays into the Spectral’s handling.
I’ve got some tweaking to do with the suspension and riding position, and given there have been a few hefty pedal strikes so far, I’ll be trying out the High geometry position too. Currently the bike sits pretty low to the ground, which admittedly does feel great on the descents and through the corners.
I’m also keen to experiment with fitting a 29in rear wheel. The chainstay flip chip is well designed and easy to use, and Canyon claims that it maintains the same BB height and frame angles between the two wheelsizes. As to what the full 29in setup will bring to the party? We’ll be sure to put it to the test to find out.
Flow’s Take
We’ve been looking forward to getting our hands on the new Canyon Spectral, and there are certainly plenty of nifty features and improvements to get excited about. The downtube storage is nicely finished, the huge adjustable dropper post is awesome, and there’s a lot to like about the mechanic-friendly approach to cable routing and pivot hardware.
The Spectral’s newly enlarged proportions are likely to leave some riders scratching their heads as they ponder the geometry chart, and my first impressions would indicate that this is a bike that you’ll be wanting to size down on rather than up. However, more time is required to get a handle on the updated sizing and suspension and how it compares to the likes of the Trek Fuel EX, Merida One-Forty, and Canyon’s own Neuron. Stay tuned for our in-depth review coming soon!