Issue #036, Review - December 21, 2018

Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 LTD Review

Wow, how porno is this bike? Our jaws drop at the sight of Canyon’s Spectral CF 9.0 LTD. The futuristic shape of the frame, paired with the black/gold paint job and lots of bling makes quite the impression. But can the bike deliver on the trail?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike you can buy

**Canyon** Spectral CF 9.0 LTD | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 12.54 kg | € 6,999

We had to gulp at the price of Canyon’s Spectral CF 9.0 LTD: € 6,999 is quite a chunk of change. Canyon has always been known for its excellent value for money. How can that be? The answer is simple: only the best was good enough when it came to speccing this bike! For the price of the ENVE M60 wheelset and Chris King hubs alone, you could buy one of Canyon’s more affordable complete bikes. The dream componentry continues with a SRAM XX1 drivetrain, FOX Factory suspension and SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes – other brands will easily charge you a five-digit figure for a build like that! But do these components also perform on the trail? We found the first niggle before we even got on the bike: the 760 mm Renthal FatBar Lite carbon handlebar is a little too narrow.

As you’d expect from Canyon, the frame of the Spectral is full of smart solutions. The internal clamp for the RockShox Reverb seatpost is relatively large, requiring minimal clamping force. The cables are routed through an enclosed channel on the down tube, so you don’t have to disassemble the brake to reroute the hose. To prevent the cockpit from damaging the stylish carbon frame, Canyon uses their own Impact Protection Unit (IPU) on the head tube. The specially developed covers on the bearings not only increase longevity but also underline the clean look of the bike.

The Spectral has more swag than a bus full of rappers!

The Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 LTD in detail

Fork FOX 34 FLOAT Factory 150 mm
Schock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide Ultimate 200/180
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth 150 mm
Stem Renthal Apex 35 55 mm
Handlebar Renthal FatBar Lite Carbon 760 mm
Rims/hubs ENVE M60/Chris King
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/Rekon 27.5″ x 2.6″
Weight 12.54 kg
Price € 6,999

**Very long**
The head tube of the Spectral CF is very long. On the bike, you’ll feel nicely integrated with the ride, but if you prefer a lower front end, you’ll be disappointed. With a longer travel fork, the front end will be even taller.

**Hidden**
With Canyon’s quick-release axle the lever disappears into the axle – nice!

**No stranglehold**
Overtightening the dropper seatposts can damage them. The large, flat clamping surface on the Spectral reduces the clamping forces.

**Sexy curves**
The lines on the Spectral are absolutely beautiful, Canyon has long since discarded the cheap direct-to-consumer image. Instead Canyon has set the benchmark for looks!

Geometry of the Canyon Spectral

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	425 mm	440 mm	480 mm	520 mm
Top tube	579 mm	605 mm	633 mm	661 mm
Head tube	92 mm	116 mm	147 mm	170 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB Drop	27 mm	22 mm	22 mm	22 mm
Wheelbase	1141 mm	1172 mm	1204 mm	1235 mm
Reach	419 mm	440 mm	460 mm	482 mm
Stack	588 mm	605 mm	634 mm	655 mm

**Helmet** Troy Lee A1 | **Glasses** Oakley Jawbreaker | **Backpack** EVOC STAGE 12 l | **Jersey** Troy Lee Designs Sprint | **Short** Troy Lee Designs Ruckus

The Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 LTD on the trail

The rider’s position on the Spectral is nicely centred, neither super compact nor feeling like you’re sitting too far back. Despite the 2.6″ wide tyres, the bike accelerates easily. The rear end bobs only slightly when you’re pedalling at a regular cadence, meaning you’re unlikely to need to reach for the shock’s damping lever. On flat trails, the Spectral carries speed well. The ENVE wheels, which are often criticised for being overly stiff ride very comfortably with the wide 2.6″ tyres. The Spectral CF also changes direction very easily. Once you’ve found the right suspension setup, the rear end will respond sensitively while offering plenty of support. It works so well that, in comparison, the FOX 34 at the front feels a bit overwhelmed at times. The fork chassis could be stiffer overall and offer a little more travel. In steep terrain, the tall front end of the bike will instil you with confidence, although it lacks composure and stability at higher speeds. The fitted MAXXIS Rekon tyre at the rear couldn’t convince us; it lacks grip and puncture protection.

**Tuning tip:** buy the new Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 for € 3,000 less and go on holiday with your savings!

Conclusion

The Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 LTD not only looks the part, but it also rides beautifully. Its handling is easy and direct, transforming every trail into a playground. While writing this, Canyon presented their new Spectral models: they come with a FOX 36, a sturdier rear tyre and a centimetre more travel – many of the points of criticism mentioned here have become obsolete. We’re looking forward to testing the revised version again soon!

Tops

very easy and fun handling
excellent rear linkage
lots of clever details
drool-worthy spec

Flops

nervous at speed
fork can't keep up
long seat tube
handlebar too narrow
rear tyre not aggressive enough

Uphill

Downhill

Stability

Agility

Value for money

More info at: canyon.com