Canyon Spectral:On CFR 2023: Updates & reduced entry price for the test winner

900 watt hours with a comparatively low weight: The Spectral:On 2022 thus sets the benchmark for long-range all-mountain e-bikes. In our comparative tests, this was enough to Multiple test wins. Outstanding feature: Despite the large battery and mega range, the bike remains really manoeuvrable, fun and easy to control. For 2023, the Koblenz-based supplier is giving the bike an update to the new EP801. In addition, almost all models will get a 160 mm suspension fork (previously 150 mm travel). As a further update, Canyon has developed an app and a GPS module. This is in every bike and is designed to protect the expensive carbon bikes from theft.

The facts about the Canyon Spectral:On CF / CFR

• Motor: Shimano EP 801
• Battery: Canyon, either 720 or 900 Wh (400 Euro surcharge, 900 g extra weight)
• Suspension travel: 160/155 mm (except CFR LTD model with 150/155 mm)
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
• Weight: From 22.6 kg (900 Wh) or 21.7 kg (720 Wh), manufacturer's specification, model CFR
• GPS module in every bike, tracking free of charge for one year
• Five models from 4999 euros
• Four sizes S to XL

Theft protection: GPS module and Canyon app

Canyon's vision: All e-bikes that leave the warehouse should be equipped with a GPS module for theft protection. With the new Bosch models Strive:On CFR and the Grand Canyon:On Canyon has already started with the Bosch Connect module. For the Shimano Spectral:On bike, the Koblenz-based company has gone one step further. A GPS module has been specially developed for theft protection and tracking functions. The idea behind it: The system knows where the bike is at all times and whether it is currently moving. About the new Canyon app the owner of the e-bike can determine the location of the sports equipment at any time and from anywhere in the world. To do this, the IoT module relies on a 4G/LTE connection, via which it sends the bike's location to the app. A motion alarm can also be activated. If the bike is unintentionally moved from its location, the user receives a push notification on their smartphone. This works via a motion sensor in the 175 gram module.

IoT module: Only in new Canyon models with EP801

The system is factory-installed in the motor of all Spectral:On models. Canyon doesn't reveal where exactly. There is no retrofit option, which is probably also due to the fact that the module only works with the new EP 801, but not with the EP 8 or EP 800. Accordingly, it is not plugged in in the new Torque:On CF, which still has the EP 800 installed. The module is supplied with power from the e-bike's main battery, but also has its own backup battery. According to Canyon, the system should continue to work for several days after the main battery is empty.

Anyone who buys a Spectral:On can access the module's tracking functions free of charge for one year. After that, a fee of a maximum of 35 euros per year will be charged. However, the exact price has not yet been finalised. For comparison: Bosch's Connect module currently charges an annual fee of 40 euros. If you want to do without tracking altogether, for example for data protection reasons, you can of course deactivate it in the app or even remove the IoT module from Canyon completely.

Shimano EP801 - the new motor

All 2023 Spectral:On models are being updated to the new Shimano EP801, which features new electronics. This means that the drivetrain is equipped with features like the electronic Di2 or the new GPS module from Canyon. However, the new electronics also mean that old batteries no longer work with the new system. This means that there are batteries for EP800 motors (the official name of the "old" EP8) and there are batteries for EP 801 motors. They are not compatible with each other.

In addition to the new features, the EP801 is also said to have gained in power. Shimano claims 600 watts instead of the previous 500 watts. In fact, we were very impressed during our first test rides with a standard EP801. The power delivery and response behaviour seem to have improved. You'll soon find out more in our detailed test of the Shimano EP801. First of all: The familiar rattling of the motor unfortunately persisted on our test model.

Canyon Spectral:On with more travel: Forks with 160 millimetres of travel

The predecessor was already explicitly approved by Canyon for 160 mm suspension forks. And we've often met Canyon engineers with a "bored out" Spectral:On with a 160 mm (instead of the standard 150 mm) fork. This is now standard for 2023 - apart from the CFR LTD, which still has 150 mm suspension. The longer fork should harmonise perfectly with the plush rear suspension. The downhill characteristics of the bike will certainly benefit from this. However, this also raises the front end a little higher - which is high on the Spectral:On anyway. On the climbs, where the Spectral:On wasn't one of the strongest in our tests, an even higher front end could have a negative effect.

Models and prices of the Canyon Spectral:On

The 2023 Spectral:On is available from just €4999 - that's €200 less than last year. The choice between the two battery sizes 720 and 900 watt hours, which are available for all five equipment variants, has remained the same. The price difference is 400 euros in each case, the additional weight for the thicker battery is 900 grams. All models use the identical motor and a full carbon frame. However, the two CFR models are made of higher-quality carbon fibres, which makes the frame a further 300 grams lighter.

Canyon Spectral:On CF 7 - from 4999 euros

The Entry-level model Spectral:On CF 7 won the test last year in a comparison of eight all-mountain e-bikes costing around 5500 euros. Despite the large 900 battery, it was the lightest bike in the test. This year, the bike is even 100 (900 battery) or 200 (720 battery) cheaper. The EP 801 and the GPS module are new additions. The Sram DB8 brakes, Sunringlé wheels and the longer travel on the suspension fork have changed. The suspension is still from Rockshox. Lyrik at the front, Deluxe at the rear. This makes the entry-level model the only variant without a reservoir on the shock. Canyon specifies 23.3 or 24.2 kilos - that would be around 500 grams more than the measured value of our test bike last year. Cost point: 4999 or 5399 euros. Three colour variants.

Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 - from 5999 euros

Like its predecessor, the Spectral:On CF 8 relies on Fox Rhythm suspension. However, the shock with reservoir and matching fork with 160 millimetres of travel are new. The gears and brakes come from Shimano's SLX range. Weight according to the manufacturer: 23.5 or 24.4 kilos. Two colour variants.

Canyon Spectral:On CF 9 - from 7499 euros

The details of this model will not be published until June.

Canyon Spectral:On CFR - from 9499 euros

At 21.7 or 22.6 kilos, the Spectral:On CFR is the lightest model in the range. Another special feature: the new Shimano groupset is fitted with Shimano's XT Di2, which, in combination with the EP 801, provides automatic shifting functions such as Freeshift and Autoshift. Otherwise, as with its predecessor, there are high-quality Fox Factory parts, as well as Shimano XTR brakes and Reynolds carbon wheels. Costing 9499 and 9899 euros respectively.

Spectral:On CFR LTD - from 11999 Euro

In terms of equipment, the top model has been updated from the Sram product range compared to the previous year. The highlight is the new XX transmission shifting group, which makes shifting significantly smoother - especially on E-MTBs under load. The transmission is wireless. There are also the new stealth brake levers from the Code Ultimate. The suspension remains the same: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate (150 mm!) and Superdeluxe Ultimate with the electronic Flight Attendant System. The Spectral:On CFR LTD is therefore still equipped with all kinds of electronic gadgets. More is hardly possible. However, there has also been a hefty price increase. 11999 (720 Wh) and 12399 (900 Wh) euros are a whopping 1000 euros more than last year. Weight according to Canyon: 22.4 or 23.2 kilos.