Canyon Spectral 29: More enduro than ever
The new Spectral celebrates Canyon a revival. Because what already flared up for a short period in 2014 is now making a comeback across the board. We are talking about 29 inches. In recent years, the 27.5-inch wheel size has prevailed on the Spectral to this day. Even though the new Spectral 29 looks very similar to the 27.5-inch bike and carries the Canyon DNA, much more than just the size of the wheels has been adapted. For fans of smaller wheels, the 27.5 Spectral but remains unchanged in the programme.
Same suspension travel, different geometry
With 150 millimetres of travel at the rear, the new 29er Spectral has the same set-up as the direct mail order company's predecessor bike. Depending on the model, a 150 mm or 160 mm fork is used. According to Canyon, the area of use has not changed. However, thanks to the compact, upright riding position and the potent suspension, the 27.5 Spectral already straddled the All Mountain and Enduro categories.
But the biggest innovation, apart from the wheel size, is the geometry of the new bike. With the Spectral 29, Canyon breaks with pretty much every geometry in the existing model range. With its extremely progressive alignment, it is a clear departure from the 27.5-inch version of the Spectral and even challenges the Enduro Strive. On our test bike (Spectral 29 9.0) with a 150 mm fork, the head angle is a very slack 64 degrees, while the seat angle is a very steep 77 degrees. The reach is also very long at 480-485 millimetres (depending on the flip-chip setting) in size L. Compared to the 27.5 Spectral, this means that the head angle is around two degrees slacker and the seat angle is more than two degrees steeper. Overall, the new Spectral 29 has gained around 50 millimetres in wheelbase. Even the size M is taller than the existing 27.5 Spectral in frame size L.
Canyon Spectral 29: Now it's time to take on the Strive
With such a vehement reorientation, the question arises as to whether the Spectral 29 might even put the Enduro Strive - with identical rear travel - under pressure. Although the Strive also rolls on 29 inches, it has a few years under its belt and already had a rather moderate approach to geometry when it was launched. Compared to the new Spectral, the Strive is significantly steeper (2 degree steering angle) and the wheelbase is a whole 30 millimetres shorter. Even the integrated Shape Shifter geometry adjustment doesn't come close to the steep seat angle of the Spectral 29 (3 degrees slacker). The ten millimetre shorter fork also means that the bottom bracket and therefore the centre of gravity is lower than on the Strive.
Four Spectral 29 models from 3299 euros
The Spectral 29 will only be available with a full carbon frame and in four different configurations. The Spectral 7.0 starts at 3299 euros, the 8.0 costs 3999 euros, the 9.0 4999 euros and the Ltd 5999 euros. The 7.0 and 9.0 models feature Rockshox suspension with a 150 mm fork and a shock without a reservoir. The 8.0 and Ltd models are equipped with Fox suspension elements, namely a 160 mm fork and a shock with a reservoir.
Less weight, more rigidity
The new Spectral 29 was designed to be slightly lighter and stiffer, and to achieve this goal, the rear triangle was also made from carbon for the first time. What is noticeable at first glance are the significantly more voluminous chainstays. Compared to the 27.5 Spectral with aluminium rear triangle, however, the weight saving is less than advertised. Our test lab revealed only 53 grams instead of the advertised 222 grams. The total weight of the new Spectral bikes (frame size L) is between 13.1 and 14.4 kilos without pedals, depending on the equipment. This makes the 29-inch 8.0 model almost 400 grams heavier than the comparable 27.5-inch model. The measured central frame stiffness of 45 N/mm is also roughly the same. We were unable to determine an increase in stiffness with our measuring method.
Details that count
In addition to the hard facts, however, attention to detail also counts. Canyon has not let itself get carried away here with the new bike. The geometry can be changed by 0.5 degrees in the head and seat angle and six millimetres in the bottom bracket height using a flip chip. In addition, the threaded inserts can be replaced at almost all pivot points of the rear triangle in case something gets out of hand when screwing. A threaded mount under the top tube makes it possible to attach replacement material such as a tube and cartridge. Either with a Velcro strap or a separate bag. Double-sealed bearings have been fitted to the rear triangle for longer durability.
Kinematics refined
The kinematics of the rear triangle have also been tweaked to improve propulsion. The Spectral 29 has slightly more anti-squat and a tick more progression with the same suspension travel. In order to keep the suspension as open and sensitive as possible, the anti-squat is still not too high at just over 100 per cent.
Canyon Spectral 29: Test in BIKE 2/21
You can read how the new Spectral 29 from Canyon performs in the first group test in BIKE 2/21 - in stores from 5 January 2021.
