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Canyon revises all-mountain classic Spectral

Ludwig Döhl

 · 11.12.2017

Canyon revises all-mountain classic SpectralPhoto: Boris Beyer
Canyon revises all-mountain classic Spectral
Canyon is giving the Spectral, its all-mountain platform, a new frame for 2018. We have already tested the new Spectral exclusively.

Apart from the Downhill bike transmitter and the Exceed hardtail Canyon's mountain bike product range has become somewhat outdated. Since the 2014 launch of the enduro MTB Strive has set trend-setting accents for modern geometries (even three years later, the Strive was able to set new standards in our Endurance test in Alpe d'Huez still convincing), the fan community has been waiting in vain for new MTB fullys from Koblenz. Now Canyon is quenching the thirst for novelties and is giving its All Mountain model Spectral a new frame for 2018.

With its new frame design, the new Spectral says goodbye to the upright shock and now always comes with a 150 millimetre suspension fork ex works. The wheel size remains the usual 27.5 inches and the rear suspension travel remains the same at 140 millimetres. Overall, it is a little more downhill-orientated and impresses above all with well thought-out details.Photo: Boris Beyer With its new frame design, the new Spectral says goodbye to the upright shock and now always comes with a 150 millimetre suspension fork ex works. The wheel size remains the usual 27.5 inches and the rear suspension travel remains the same at 140 millimetres. Overall, it is a little more downhill-orientated and impresses above all with well thought-out details.

Canyon Spectral 2018: The love is in the detail

However, there is no revolutionary new start like the Strive. Geometry and wheel size (27.5 inches) remain the same on the new Canyon Spectral unchanged compared to its predecessor. The frame weight has not been improved either. However, a lot of attention has been paid to details and, above all, the durability of the frame has been improved. Mechanics will be pleased that all cables now run under a removable cover (see pictures) and are protected at critical points. Extra dust caps and additional sealing rings are fitted to better protect the rear bearings from dirt and water. The seat clamp is now integrated into the frame. There is also the option of retrofitting a storage compartment (similar to a Specialised SWAT box) for a spare tube at the tip of the front frame triangle. In addition to the full carbon version of the Spectral, there is also a hybrid frame with a carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle as well as a pure aluminium frame. The cheapest 2018 Spectral model with an aluminium frame costs €2199, while the most expensive carbon version costs €6999. There will be a total of eight equipment variants.

Goodbye saddle clamp. The new Spectral has an integrated seat clamp, which is designed to protect telescopic seat posts in particular thanks to its wide clamping area. The rubber cover keeps dirt away from the inside of the frame.Photo: Boris Beyer Goodbye saddle clamp. The new Spectral has an integrated seat clamp, which is designed to protect telescopic seat posts in particular thanks to its wide clamping area. The rubber cover keeps dirt away from the inside of the frame. Mechanics will love the new cable duct on the down tube of the Spectral. This is because all the relevant cables are located under the guide that has been adapted to the frame design.Photo: Boris Beyer Mechanics will love the new cable duct on the down tube of the Spectral. This is because all the relevant cables are located under the guide that has been adapted to the frame design.
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If you unscrew the shaft from the frame with just a few Allen screws, you can change a brake, for example, without opening the cable. Such a clean and visually attractive solution is unique.Photo: Boris Beyer If you unscrew the shaft from the frame with just a few Allen screws, you can change a brake, for example, without opening the cable. Such a clean and visually attractive solution is unique. Each rear wheel bearing is fitted with extra seals for increased durability. A plastic cover also keeps dirt away from the bearing. There is also the option of fitting a front derailleur for 2x drivetrains under the cover.Photo: Boris Beyer Each rear wheel bearing is fitted with extra seals for increased durability. A plastic cover also keeps dirt away from the bearing. There is also the option of fitting a front derailleur for 2x drivetrains under the cover. The shift cable is also protected from the slapping chain under the chainstay with an extra plastic cover.Photo: Boris Beyer The shift cable is also protected from the slapping chain under the chainstay with an extra plastic cover. The steering stop limiter familiar from the previous model is also fitted to the new model. However, due to the steeply sloping top tube, the brake or gear levers do not touch the carbon in the event of a fall anyway.Photo: Boris Beyer The steering stop limiter familiar from the previous model is also fitted to the new model. However, due to the steeply sloping top tube, the brake or gear levers do not touch the carbon in the event of a fall anyway. The pivot point in the chainstay has been set extremely high for improved kinematics. Nickname: "High Horst"Photo: Boris Beyer The pivot point in the chainstay has been set extremely high for improved kinematics. Nickname: "High Horst" Geometry sketch of the Canyon Spectral 2018. The corresponding dimensions can be found in the table below.Photo: Hersteller Geometry sketch of the Canyon Spectral 2018. The corresponding dimensions can be found in the table below. The geometry remains virtually unchanged compared to its predecessor.Photo: Hersteller The geometry remains virtually unchanged compared to its predecessor.

The 2018 Canyon Spectral is equipped for tough trail use

Because all-mountain bikes have to face ever tougher challenges and are often even used in enduro races, Canyon has also adapted its internal testing standards. Canyon now offers the bike for use after Category four free (previously category three). This means that drops and jumps (up to a height of 1.22 metres) are now officially permitted. In return, the frame is slightly heavier.

In order to prepare the bike for tougher trail use, Canyon has significantly increased the internal testing standards for the frame. The durability is said to have been significantly improved compared to its predecessor.Photo: Boris Beyer In order to prepare the bike for tougher trail use, Canyon has significantly increased the internal testing standards for the frame. The durability is said to have been significantly improved compared to its predecessor.

All Canyon Spectral models at a glance

The Spectral AL 5 for 2199 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Spectral AL 5 for 2199 euros. The Spectral AL 6 is already available with a 1x12 Eagle drivetrain from Sram for 2499 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Spectral AL 6 is already available with a 1x12 Eagle drivetrain from Sram for 2499 euros. The Canyon Spectral AL 7 relies on the proven 2x11 Shimano XT drivetrain. Price: 2699 EuroPhoto: Hersteller The Canyon Spectral AL 7 relies on the proven 2x11 Shimano XT drivetrain. Price: 2699 Euro The Canyon Spectral CF 8 already has a carbon main frame, but still has an aluminium rear triangle. Price: 2999 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Canyon Spectral CF 8 already has a carbon main frame, but still has an aluminium rear triangle. Price: 2999 euros. The Spectral CF 9 also has an aluminium rear triangle and will be available in two colour variants for 3499 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Spectral CF 9 also has an aluminium rear triangle and will be available in two colour variants for 3499 euros.
The Spectral CF Pro is extremely well equipped for 3999 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Spectral CF Pro is extremely well equipped for 3999 euros. The Canyon Spectral CF 9 SL has a pair of carbon wheels from DT Swiss and a full carbon frame for 4999 euros. We have already tested the model. All the information in BIKE 2/18, available from newsagents from January 2018.Photo: Hersteller The Canyon Spectral CF 9 SL has a pair of carbon wheels from DT Swiss and a full carbon frame for 4999 euros. We have already tested the model. All the information in BIKE 2/18, available from newsagents from January 2018. The Spectral CF LTD is fitted with only the finest components for 6999 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Spectral CF LTD is fitted with only the finest components for 6999 euros.

Exclusive test: Canyon Spectral with all lab results

We have already tested the new Canyon Spectral exclusively and extensively. All laboratory values such as frame weight, stiffness and a detailed ride test can be found in BIKE 2/18 - on newsstands from 2 January. We also compared the new frame with its predecessor in every detail.

We have already tested the new model extensively and got an idea of its riding characteristics. You can read the exclusive test of the Canyon Spectral CF in BIKE 2/2018 - on newsstands from 2 January.Photo: Boris Beyer We have already tested the new model extensively and got an idea of its riding characteristics. You can read the exclusive test of the Canyon Spectral CF in BIKE 2/2018 - on newsstands from 2 January. We tested the new Spectral not only on the trails, but also in the lab. On this test rig from the Zedler Institute, we measured the spring characteristics and stiffness of the frame. All lab test results are available in BIKE 2/18 (the archive picture shows a different frame).Photo: Georg Grieshaber We tested the new Spectral not only on the trails, but also in the lab. On this test rig from the Zedler Institute, we measured the spring characteristics and stiffness of the frame. All lab test results are available in BIKE 2/18 (the archive picture shows a different frame).
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