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Pro Bike Check: Joe Barnes’ Canyon Spectral AL

As riders lined up to roll into the start of the Scottish Enduro World Series, all eyes were on Joe Barnes. If there is one type of terrain where Joe will excel, it is tight, technical forest trails! His light and ariel style helps him stay high over the roots as he skips his bike rapidly down the trail. Everyone likes to do well on home turf and the young Fort William resident was keen to put down some good times.

Standing on the sidelines as Joe came charging through the stage, the support from the spectators was electric, he looked real fast! As he crossed the finish on the final stage he had done enough to take third overall, not only was he fast on the technical trails but he also had the pace on the pedals! We stopped by to check out the bike that carried him to the podium.

Joe chose to run the smaller travel Spectral AL, but beefed it up with 170mm forks!
Joe chose to run the smaller travel Spectral AL, but beefed it up with 170mm forks!
Joe finished 3rd overall, the first time a British male has stood on the podium at an EWS.
Joe finished 3rd overall, the first time a British male has stood on the podium at an EWS.
Joe is running the new Fox 36 forks, lighter weight than the 34's. The forks have been modified to deliver 170mm of travel up front, and Joe was really excited about their performance.
Joe is running the new Fox 36 forks, lighter weight than the 34’s. The forks have been modified to deliver 170mm of travel up front, and Joe was really excited about their performance.
Joe was using a CTD remote control for the rear shock to maximize efficiency on the short punchy climbs.
Joe was using a CTD remote control for the rear shock to maximize efficiency on the short punchy climbs.
The Crossmax Enduro wheelset is both light and stiff.
Fox has gone back to pinch bolts to save weight. The Crossmax Enduro wheelset is both light and stiff.
Joe was running a 36T chainring on the front for the Scottish EWS, and still running a top guide for security.
Joe was running a 36T chainring on the front for the Scottish EWS, and still running a top guide for security.
The bike is running a full XX1 drivetrain. Joe loves to get loose and rear wheel steer, so likes to run a narrow rear tyre.
The bike is running a full XX1 drivetrain. Joe loves to get loose and rear wheel steer, so likes to run a narrow rear tyre.
The tracks were tight at EWS Scotland, so Joe chose to run a 50mm Renthal Stem and 740mm Fatbar Carbon Lite handlebar.
The tracks were tight at EWS Scotland, so Joe chose to run a 50mm Renthal Stem and 740mm Fatbar Carbon Lite handlebar.
The Spectral AL has 140mm of rear travel, driven by a Fox Float X shock with a custom tune for Joe!
The Spectral AL has 140mm of rear travel, driven by a remote controlled Fox Float shock with a custom tune for Joe!

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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