Issue #029, Review - September 22, 2017

Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX Review

What else is there to say about the Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX? For years it has enjoyed clean sweeps in our group tests, defining the definitive trail-bike. From the mellowest trail to the toughest EWS, it has always been the one bike to rule them all. It’s certainly the godfather of trail, but is the Spectral starting to show its age?

**Canyon** Spectral AL 6.0 EX | 150/140 mm (v/r) | 12.80 kg | € 2,599

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Seven trail bikes around 3.000 € in review

Often recommended to friends, race-proven and championing fun over travel, the 27.5”-wheeled 150 mm travel Spectral has frequently embarrassed bikes costing far more. The €2599 AL 6.0 EX certainly looks ready to rock and roll; with its loud Rebel Red paint job and black RockShox suspension, it looks dangerous. Looking at the build kit, it’s no surprise to see an impressive inventory – for the money it’s damn near miraculous. It’s not often on a €2599 bike that you will find a 150 mm RockShox Pike RC suspension fork, RockShox Monarch RT shock, RockShox Reverb dropper seatpost, SRAM Guide R brakes, DT SWISS M1700 Spline Two rims, a full SRAM GX drivetrain with Race Face Turbine cranks, and 760 mm Race Face Aeffect Cockpit! There really is nothing to complain about. Damn, even the Maxxis Highroller II / Minion SS tyres are badass, if a little advanced for less experienced riders.

So how does it ride? Well, like a Spectral – and that’s great. As soon as you throw a leg over the bike, that unique character hits you. The long 145 mm head tube gives a stack measurement that’s higher than many 29ers, and combined with the low and tight rear quarter you really feel like you are sitting inside the bike, hidden safely behind the fork. The well-proven geometry encourages a ride that thrives on playful handling, with a comfortable reach of 455 mm in large and a 66.4° head angle. No matter if it’s a slow cruise around a trail centre or a white-knuckle sketchfest, the Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX will have your back.

It’s hard to find fault, especially when considering the bargain-basement price. On many trails the Spectral AL 6.0 EX would embarrass bikes costing far more. It is starting to show its age a little, however – it’s by no means flawed, but lacking in a couple of modern advances. When climbing the seat angle feels a little lazier than the numbers would suggest, and the steep and high front end does rob it of stability at high speed. We are pleased to see the DT SWISS M1700 wheelset has been updated from 22.5 mm to 30 mm inner width, and the amazing Maxxis tyres are a real plus at this price point.

**Helmet** Endura MT500 | **Shorts** Void Orbit LS | **Jersey** Void Orbit Shorts

The Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX

Fork RockShox Pike RC 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch RT 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide R
Drivetrain SRAM GX
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem Race Face Aeffect
Handlebar Race Face Aeffect
Tires Maxxis Highroller II / Maxxis Minion SS
Wheelset DT Swiss M1700 Spline Two
Price € 2,599

**Standing Tall**
The 145 mm head tube of the Canyon keeps the bike tall at the front, giving you a really immersed feeling.

**Explosive Fun**
The compact rear of the Canyon positively encourages hooliganism, as this is a bike that loves back wheel.

**Fast Rolling**
The Maxxis Minion SS rear tyre is certainly fast and advanced riders will find grip when it’s laid onto an edge, but braking traction is poor and a grippier tyre would suit more riders.

The geometry of the Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	365 mm	395 mm	440 mm	480 mm	520 mm
Top tube	538 mm	566 mm	596 mm	627 mm	659 mm
Head angle	66.4°	66.4°	66.4°	66.4°	66.4°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstays	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Drop	33.5 mm	33.5 mm	33.5 mm	33.5 mm	33.5 mm
Wheelbase	1089 mm	1120 mm	1153 mm	1188 mm	1222 mm
Reach	380 mm	405 mm	430 mm	455 mm	480 mm
Stack	570 mm	580 mm	598 mm	621 mm	644 mm
Wheelsize	27.5″	27.5″	27.5″	27.5″	27.5″

The high front end and compact rear allows you to ride like a hooligan, ripping into corners and wagging its tail with a flick of your heels.

Conclusion

The Canyon Spectral AL 6.0 EX deserves its reputation; however, it’s slack seat tube and high front end now feel a little behind the times and due an update. Nimble, assertive, and damn good fun, the Spectral packs a punch that defies its budget price tag.