Handling above all else! This has always been the premise of Canyon's E-MTBs. In some cases, this went so far that the engineers deliberately dispensed with battery capacity in order to keep the handling of the e-bike manageable. The latest offspring from Koblenz, the Canyon Spectral:ON CFR, comes with a whopping 900 watt hours and trumps most of the competition. A departure from the former Canyon credo, which prioritised the mountain bike feeling over sheer e-power? "Our first goal was to take away people's fear of range," explains Philipp Klein, the head of the development team. But he immediately follows up with point two of the specifications: "We absolutely wanted to retain the trail handling that has always characterised our Spectral:ON."
Specially developed battery for the Canyon Spectral:On
If you look at the latest e-mountainbikes on the market and their development in terms of battery capacity and weight, the two development goals hardly seem compatible. This is because with most new developments, the weight also shoots up along with the range. To solve this problem, Canyon has taken a big step from mountain bike manufacturer to e-bike specialist. The battery of the Spectral:ON CFR was developed by the Koblenz team itself - an enormous investment. Also 100 per cent Canyon: the battery mount. Similar to Norco and Bullstwo of the very few providers that 2022 for E-MTBs also with 900 watt hours Canyon is also focussing on variability in battery capacity. In addition to the 900 mm battery, there is also a 720 mm battery - both variants fit into the same down tube without an adapter. The smaller version saves 900 grams and makes the bike flexible for different requirements.
What's new on the Canyon Spectral:On E-MTB?
What else has changed? Canyon has particularly focussed on the frame weight. The rear triangle is now also made of carbon, and the chassis will be available in two grades in future. The CFR version should save around 300 grams compared to the cheaper CF version. In total, the new frame should be around 800 grams lighter and at the same time more stable than the frame of its predecessor. Speaking of weight: Our test bike, the top model CFR LTD, which costs 11299 euros, weighs 23.2 kilos in size L with the large 900 mm battery. This combination is unrivalled on the market. Compared to other 900cc bikes or the vast majority of e-MTBs with Bosch's new 750cc Powertube, this figure is really strong. If you look at the weight with the 720cc battery, the astonishment is put into perspective. 22.3 kilos is a good value, although other manufacturers in this battery and price class, such as Specialised on the Turbo LevoSanta Cruz and Scor - in some cases even with more robust equipment or significantly cheaper. But one thing is clear: none of these e-bikes offer the option of upgrading to 900 watt hours. The suspension travel of the Spectral:ON has remained the same: 150 millimetres are available at the front and 155 at the rear - in the usual MX wheel combination with 29-inch wheels at the front and 27.5-inch wheels at the rear.
The Canyon Spectral.ON on the trail
A fun E-trail bike with a 900 Wh battery - can it work? After many test rides with potentially overweight bikes, we had our doubts. But the new Spectral:ON convinced us. There is currently no other bike with such a generous range that is so fun, manoeuvrable and comfortable to ride. No matter which tester got on the sleek carbon speedster, the high fun factor was always emphasised. With its poppy rear suspension, which provides a lot of counter-pressure, the bike can also score points on flat, rather shallow trails. In addition, there is top acceleration thanks to lightweight wheels. The biggest influence, however, is the successful geometry. The reach has increased significantly and reaches 478 millimetres in frame size L. That's very roomy for an e-MTB. The chainstays remain compact at 442 millimetres, but have also become slightly longer. The head angle remains on the steeper side at 65.4 degrees - this may sound a little old-fashioned, but it breathes life into the Spectral e-bike on the trail and makes the handling neutral and uncomplicated.
All in all, the Spectral:ON has grown up. You can feel that you are moving a little more bike than on the predecessor. But the trail genes remain absolutely the same. In demanding terrain, the feeling of safety has increased significantly. Even if the bike does not have an enduro character: It doesn't shy away from rough descents. The powerful rear suspension in particular scores points here. It responds very sensitively and, with its clear end progression, has enough reserves for hard hits.
Known problem: Rattling of the Shimano EP8 motor
The Canyon E-MTB has also evolved on the climbs. Although it still doesn't belong to the "lean back and push up" category, thanks to the very steep seat angle, it also performs confidently on really demanding climbs and steep ramps. Here too, the rear triangle shines with plenty of traction. Nevertheless, it is high in the stroke, which positions the rider in the centre.
However, the new Spectral:ON doesn't make it through the practical test entirely without criticism. It's true that Canyon has put a lot of thought into keeping the noise level down, for example with the robust chainstay protector. However, on our test bike, the familiar rattling of the Shimano EP8 motor rattling cables in the frame. The bonding on the chainstay protector came loose after a short period of testing. A flaw in an otherwise impeccable finish.
Battery capacity and range of the Spectral:On
The two batteries of the Canyon Spectral:ON do a really good job. The energy output is very constant, meaning that full power is still available even when the battery level is well below 50 per cent. A slight reduction in motor thrust in Boost mode is only noticeable and measurable when the last battery bar is reached, i.e. with 20 per cent battery remaining. However, the EP8 has enough power right up to the last per cent to provide a powerful boost. The 720 battery (3866 grams) climbs 1795 metres in altitude at a high average speed in our standardised climbing test. That's excellent for a battery in the 700 class. Even the e-bikes with the very heavy Bosch Powertube 750 barely managed more in our last tests with comparable motor thrust. The 900 battery (4770 grams) in the Canyon goes one better. 2197 metres in altitude with full support is a record in the history of eMTBs. However, we've only ever tested two other bikes with 900-gram batteries. Another good thing is that the Canyon batteries are serviced via the global Shimano Steps network.
PLUSRecord range with good weight; top handling, great riding fun; balanced riding characteristics; choice of two battery sizes
MINUSHigh price of the top models; rattling noises
Conclusion from EMTB test manager Florian Vesenbeckh on the new Canyon Spectral:On
Canyon proves that huge battery capacity and fun trail handling are not irreconcilable opposites - a first on the market! The look and feel of the newcomer are strong, and the flexible battery system offers the customer sensible options. The Canyon Spectral:ON CFR is a direct hit with great all-round qualities, but the top version is also very expensive. Future tests will have to show to what extent the more affordable entry-level models also boast a wow effect. We're looking forward to it!
You can download the complete test of the Canyon Spectral:ON CFR Ltd with all the grades as a PDF at the end of the article.
Technical data of the Canyon Spectral:On
General
- Price: 11299 Euro
Drive
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque***: 85 Nm
- Battery***/ battery weight**/ price replacement battery: Canyon 900 Wh / 4770 g / 1199,95 Euro
- Gear system: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-52
- Display / Size: Shimano SC-EM800 / 21 x 38 mm
EMTB measured values**
- Reach altitude*: 2197 (+0) hm
- Average speed 15.1 km/h
- Weight**: 23.2 kg
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L / XL / Carbon (tested in L)
Equipment
- Permissible total weight***: 130 kg
- Fork / shock: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate Flight Attendant / Superdeluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 150 mm / 155 mm
- Telescopic seatpost: Rockshox Reverb AXS, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RSC / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HXC 1501 Hybrid Carbon wheels
- Tyres: Max. Assegai EXO, 29 x 2.5" / DHR II EXO+, 27.5 x 2.6"
Canyon Spectral:On - Models and prices
At 11299 euros, our CFR LTD test bike is sinfully expensive. However, the entry-level price for the new bike remains fair at 5199 euros. Which Spectral:On model has what to offer?
Spectral:ON CFR - 8999 (720 Wh) or 9299 (900 Wh) euros
The second model with a super-light CFR carbon frame is on a par with the LTD version in terms of weight, but does without gimmicks such as Flight Attendant and the wireless AXS components. Top suspension from Fox, Shimano's XTR groupset and carbon wheels still provide plenty of bling. If you're looking for high-end without compromise, but still want value for money, this is the bike for you.
Spectral:ON CF
The CF models rely on slightly cheaper frames that weigh around 300 grams less. But here too, the main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon. The CF 9 is said to be around one kilo heavier in total than the CFR versions.
Spectral:ON CF 9 - 6999 (720 Wh) or 7299 (900 Wh) euros
The equipment is functionally top, but no longer super classy: Sram GX, Fox 36 Performance Elite, Code RS, DT Swiss H1900. For demanding but price-conscious bikers.
Spectral:ON CF 8 - 5999 (720 Wh) or 6299 (900 Wh) euros
Like its smaller brother the CF 7, the CF 8 (pictured) does without a shock with a reservoir. The suspension comes from Fox: 36 Rhythm fork and DPS Performance shock. Shimano's SLX brakes stop reliably, and the XT drivetrain is top-notch anyway. There are also Duroc wheels from Sunringlé with super-wide aluminium rims.
Spectral:ON CF 7 - 5199 (720 Wh) or 5499 (900 Wh) euros
The entry into the new Spectral:On world is available from a very fair € 5199 with 720 Wh. The good news is that you won't find any parts that spoil your enjoyment of the trail. The equipment with Rockshox Lyrik/Deluxe Select suspension, Deore brakes, XT drivetrain and Raceface aluminium rims with Shimano hubs is no longer of a particularly high quality. Additional weight compared to our test bike according to Canyon: 1.2 kilos.
Interview with Philipp Klein, Director E-Performance at Canyon
EMTB: Why did you decide to build your own battery?
Philipp Klein: We have seen that there is still room for development in the battery. Size, capacity, design, cell arrangement, BMS placement - from our point of view, the standard options leave potential here. We want to offer the rider the best possible bike. Our own battery is one aspect with which we can make the difference to our competitors.
What specific goals did you pursue when developing the battery?
Range was at the top of the list. We want to take away any range anxiety from the rider. There may be other options on the market, but they end up being very heavy bikes. We definitely didn't want that. The design is also important to us. We don't want to build motorbike-like bikes. The bike should be light and also look light. That's why we put a lot of work into keeping the battery and therefore the down tube flat.
Does 900 watt hours make sense for many Canyon customers?
During the course of the project, I personally became more and more convinced by the large battery. It simply makes the bike a no-brainer. Regardless of whether it's adverse conditions, low temperatures or high rider weight - with the 900 watt hours, I never have to worry about the charge level. And without too much extra weight. In practice, however, so many factors play a role that you can't recommend 900 watt hours to everyone across the board. That's why we'll be offering a free choice for every model from May. 720 or 900 watt hours.
Download:
*The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
**Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test lab, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
***Manufacturer information
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
