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Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 on testRiding fun out of the shipping box - drastically reduced!

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 27.07.2024

The Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 in the EMTB test // Shimano EP801 // 720 Wh (optional 900 Wh) // 160/150 mm / 29/27.5 inches // 23.5 kg // € 5999
Photo: Max Fuchs
Variable battery size, powerful chassis, elegant appearance: The Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 aims to score points with riding fun, low weight and now a drastically reduced price. We have extensively tested the all-round e-bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company.
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The Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 already has several test wins in our comparisons. Its core competence is the combination of enormous range with a decent weight and strong trail qualities. Canyon achieves this with a high-quality full carbon frame. At just 23.5 kilos, the bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company is one of the lightest in its price class, and Canyon has recently even reduced the Spectral:On CF 8 by over 20%. Even at the former price of just under 6000 euros, many bikes are still significantly heavier, despite some smaller batteries. In this test, the Canyon rolls onto the starting line with a 720 battery for just € 4599. And it could be even more.

Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 // Shimano EP801 // 720 Wh (optional 900 Wh) // 160/150 mm / 29/27.5 inch // 23.5 kg // 5999 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsCanyon Spectral:On CF 8 // Shimano EP801 // 720 Wh (optional 900 Wh) // 160/150 mm / 29/27.5 inch // 23.5 kg // 5999 Euro

The CF 8 has no weaknesses in terms of equipment. Only the tyres could be more robust and grippier to match the downhill performance. Compared to the competition, however, the parts are not as outstanding as you would expect from the direct mail order company from Koblenz. It is clear that a lot of budget has gone into the chassis.

At the time of going to press, Canyon had reduced the bike by a whopping € 1400 - with no guarantee as to how the price will develop. For this price, the CF 8 would have easily remained within the test field up to € 6000 even with the huge 900 battery. This would probably have helped the Spectral:On to win the test on points in our comparison test of all-mountain bikes up to € 6000.

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The facts about the Canyon Spectral:On CF 8

  • Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 720 Wh (removable), optional 900 Wh
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 160 / 155 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 / 27.5"
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 5999 euros (drastically reduced to 4599 euros at the time of going to press, daily updated prices on the Canyon homepage!)
  • Weight: 23.5 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-bike drive

With the Canyon Spectral:On CF 8, you have the choice of two battery sizes - except for frame size S: 720 Wh as in our test bike or a whopping 900 Wh. This costs an extra 400 euros and adds 900 grams. Both batteries are pulled downwards out of the down tube. This is somewhat more complicated than classic folding solutions. Due to the rotated motor, the batteries are positioned low in the bike, which benefits the centre of gravity.

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The battery can be pulled out of the down tube at the bottom. Either the 720 or the 900 battery fits.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe battery can be pulled out of the down tube at the bottom. Either the 720 or the 900 battery fits.

The Shimano EP801 is a lightweight and compact power motor. With low rider input, it pushes extremely hard and offers more support than Bosch's CX. In terms of modulation, however, it cannot keep up with the lively Swabian. The EP801 also runs out of power too early at high cadence.

The Shimano EP801 is installed rotated so that the battery fits in front of it.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Shimano EP801 is installed rotated so that the battery fits in front of it.

Special feature: Canyon has integrated a GPS module into the bike. Similar to Bosch's Connect Module, this should enable permanent localisation. The Canyon app provides a constant overview of where the bike is currently located. The user should also receive a push notification in the event of unwanted movement. The function is currently still in the test phase and worked very slowly and unreliably for us. However, the service is currently completely free of charge.

A GPS module is installed on the bike. The Canyon app should be able to locate the bike and the user should receive a push notification in the event of unwanted movement. The function is currently still in the test phase and worked very slowly and unreliably for us. However, the service is currently completely free of charge.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA GPS module is installed on the bike. The Canyon app should be able to locate the bike and the user should receive a push notification in the event of unwanted movement. The function is currently still in the test phase and worked very slowly and unreliably for us. However, the service is currently completely free of charge.

The geometry

A striking feature is the high front of the Spectral:On CF, which is further emphasised by a riserHandlebars is topped up. The steering angle is slack, the wheelbase is quite long and the chainstays are rather short for an e-MTB. This provides a good mix of riding fun and safety on demanding descents. Stoic climbing behaviour was probably less of a priority for the Koblenz developers.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 455 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1270 mm
  • Reach: 474 mm
  • Stack: 662 mm
  • Steering angle: 64.5 degrees
  • Seat angle: 76 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 443 mm

The equipment of the Canyon Spectral:On CF 8

  • Fork / shock: Fox 36 Rhythm / Float X Performance
  • Gear system: Shimano SLX 12-speed, 34; 10-51 teeth
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 203/203 mm
  • Wheels: DT Swiss Hybrid LN
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo, 29 x 2.5'' / DHR II Exo+, 27.5 x 2.6''
  • Special features: Integrated GPS module for tracking and localisation (theft protection), optional 900 Wh battery
The rear suspension with Fox Float X shock is very plush yet defined. The rear suspension can easily keep up with the 160 mm fork.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

Practical test: How the Canyon Spectral:On CF 8

Whether on moderate trails or wild trails, the successful handling of the Spectral:On CF gives the rider a good feeling.Photo: Max FuchsWhether on moderate trails or wild trails, the successful handling of the Spectral:On CF gives the rider a good feeling.

The Spectral:On manages a great balancing act: comfortable and cosy on tours and at the same time safe and confident on difficult descents. The bike performs weakest on extreme climbs. Here it is difficult to get enough pressure on the high front end. Control suffers as a result. When the going gets technical and tricky, the lack of liveliness of the Shimano motor also limits the bike's climbing ability.

Thanks to the short rear end and high front, the bike is relatively easy to pull onto the rear wheel.Photo: Max FuchsThanks to the short rear end and high front, the bike is relatively easy to pull onto the rear wheel.

Back to the main discipline: with the 160 mm fork (new for 2024!), the Spectral:On gains even more descending qualities. The rider is safely integrated into the bike and can let the superior suspension do its work. In combination with the long wheelbase, the bike is so composed that nothing can upset it. No other bike in our test group is more enduro. However, you should upgrade to more robust tyres to match the downhill performance.

The high front requires a slightly more active riding style on flat trails.Photo: Max FuchsThe high front requires a slightly more active riding style on flat trails.

On flat trails, the high front requires an emphatically active riding style, otherwise you're too passive on the bike. Then the bike is also a lot of fun on tame terrain. Despite the good descending qualities, the Canyon is also one of the favourites here, thanks to the short chainstays. Together with the high front end, this also has a positive effect elsewhere. The Canyon is relatively easy to pull into the air and onto the rear wheel, making even active and playful riders happy. Too bad: Rattles quite loudly on the trail.

EMTB evaluation of the Canyon Spectral:On CF 8

Strengths

  • Combines riding enjoyment and taker qualities on trail descents
  • Strong chassis
  • Comparatively light
  • Optionally with a huge 900-cell battery

Weaknesses

  • Not very stable on difficult uphills
  • High front does not suit every taste
  • Engine rattles
The Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 is right at the front on the descents. It's also strong on tours and in terms of range. The bike loses the most points on difficult and steep climbs.Photo: EMTB MagazinThe Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 is right at the front on the descents. It's also strong on tours and in terms of range. The bike loses the most points on difficult and steep climbs.

The EMTB conclusion

Leisurely tour or wild trail ride? The Spectral:On CF 8 is one of the absolute favourites in both disciplines. A high-quality frame, low weight and the option of a huge battery are further plus points. Its weakness? Extreme uphills. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager at EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh is Head of Test and Technology at EMTB MagazinePhoto: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh is Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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