CONTINUOUS TEST PERFORMANCE:
3400 kilometres | 27700 vertical metres
At the end of 2014, I had actually decided in favour of the Canyon Strive as my long-term test bike. As the model was not yet available, the Koblenz-based mail order company sent its All Mountain Spectral as an interim solution. One test ride later, I had forgotten about the Strive - and a few weeks later I had already cancelled my order. The Spectral made me realise what I actually knew: it's not the maximum suspension travel that makes the difference. Although the suspension of the 12.5 kg all-mountain bike "only" offers 140/150 mm of travel, the composition of the angles, tubes and components builds the bridge to an enduro bike: long reach, slack 66 mm head angle, grippy tyres, powerful brakes, fluffy suspension elements.
For all its riding talent, the Spectral also had to be used in everyday life - for the daily ride to the office, in all weathers and including road salt. Of course, the bike was not looked after with the kind of dedication that should be the norm after a tour. As a result, the Spectral suffered particularly badly over the winter: In the spring of 2015, the drivetrain was visibly rotten, the gears were a bit twitchy, and the fork was also only working sluggishly. An extensive cleaning service was due. The chain and sprockets were derusted and immersed in a nourishing grease pack, the shift cables were mobilised with oil, the Rock Shox Pike was dismantled into individual parts and the seals were supplied with plenty of grease. The accompanying noises on the Spectral also caused some problems: the cracking and creaking in the cockpit and drivetrain could only be fixed temporarily. Sometimes it was the headset, sometimes the stem, sometimes the bottom bracket - something was always creaking.
In November 2015, the fork needed an all-round service: seals, oil and bushings were replaced. Just a few weeks later, the rear triangle collapsed: the shock had completely collapsed overnight and could no longer be inflated. During the service, it turned out that a seal had been crushed - an assembly error according to the manufacturer.
Conclusion: All in all, the Spectral was the perfect fit for my needs: A crossover between all-mountain and enduro, the perfect all-in-one bike. In everyday use, the Canyon didn't earn its laurels. In particular, high-end bikes don't seem to like the salt in winter.
Functionality 6 out of 6 points
Durability 3 out of 6 points
DEFECTS
- 800 km: Drive rotten, fork is tough - Winter use and road salt bombardment left their mark. The chain and sprockets were derusted and greased. The downtubes on the Rock Shox Pike were removed, the fork and seals cleaned and generously greased.
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1600 km: Creaking in cockpit and drive - Headset removed and greased; stem and screws on stem greased.
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2600 km: Damper collapsed - The manufacturer's check revealed that a seal was crushed. This resulted in air exchange between the positive and negative chambers. The seal was replaced.
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2600 km: Fork jerks - The fork was sent for servicing. Seals, oil and bushes were replaced.
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
THE TESTER
Josh Welz, BIKE Editor-in-Chief (48 years/1.83 m/80 kg)
Driver profile Daily bread is the Isar trails right on the doorstep. At the weekend, we head to the Bavarian Alps, always on the lookout for crisp trails. In between, the highlights of the year: Ötztal, Aosta Valley, the Dolomites and Corsica in 2015.
Favourite hunting grounds Ötztal, Saalbach
WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT THE CANYON SPECTRAL AL
- "I've had the Spectral since August 2015. The bike is a rocket, both uphill and downhill. The parts are well selected and work perfectly." Leon B., Facebook
- "A fun machine before the Lord. Uphill it was a bit more strenuous at times with the 34 chainring." Robert M., Facebook
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
