Test result
| Property | Grade |
|---|---|
| Riding behavior | 3,2 |
| Lab | 2,4 |
| Equipment | 2,3 |
| Motor | 2,3 |
| Final grade | 2,9 |
You can find the full bike rating here
Data and facts about the Canyon Spectral ON CFR
| Suspension travel | 160 mm |
| Weight | 23.68 kg |
| Motor | Shimano EP 801 |
| Battery | Darfon Akku 800 |
| Fork | Fox 38 Float Factory |
| Rear shock | Fox Float X Factory |
| Drivetrain | SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission AXS |
| Front brake | SRAM Code Ultimate |
Flashback to 2022: With an unprecedentedly powerful 900 battery and low weight, Canyon's Spectral:On came extremely close to the dream of a long-range all-rounder and scored several test wins. However, it was the special 900cc battery with its plastic outer casing that was to become the Achilles heel of the otherwise celebrated bike. Small cracks in the cover became more frequent, Canyon had to withdraw the entire bike and its sister model Torque:On with the same battery from circulation. After a long dry spell, the Canyon is now back!
This test is part of a large comparison of 7 high-end E-All-Mountains. Here are the other bikes & articles:
- >> Cannondale Moterra 1: Test winner - the best E-MTB 2026!
- >> Canyon Spectral:On CFR on test: Price tip for E-MTB with dream equipment
- >>Crussis e-Full 12.11 Pro test: fun ride with DJI Avinox
- >> Rotwild R.EX Pro: The best bike with DJI Avinox?
- >> Santa Cruz Vala 90: Downhill specialist with all-round qualities?
- >> Stevens E-Inception AM 8.8.1 GTF: Test winner e-bike relaunched
- >> Transition Regulator CX in the test: short range, lots of riding fun
The facts Canyon Spectral:On CFR
- Motor: Shimano Ep801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Spring travel: 160/155 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S - XL
- Price: 5999 Euro
- Weight: 23.7 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. system weight: 130 kg
- Guarantee: 5 years
Comeback with a new battery
The Spectral:On returns to the E-MTB stage with a proven concept but a new battery. The battery with aluminium outer casing now "only" offers 800 watt hours. So some capacity had to go. At 4.6 kilograms, the 800 battery is almost as heavy as the previous 900 battery (4.8 kilograms) and around half a kilo heavier than comparable 800 batteries from Bosch or DJI by four kilograms. Unfortunately, the Canyon also clearly misses its predecessor's top mark in terms of range. In our standardised range test at full throttle, the Canyon can cover around 1800 metres in altitude. The 800 Bosch regularly climbs a little further with over 2000 metres of altitude.
Shimano EP801 - 2026 still up to standard?
The motor of the Spectral:On remains unchanged from the previous versions. An EP801 is still at work in the bottom bracket. The Shimano has now become rare. This is also because, at around five years since the original version was launched, it is already quite old for an E-MTB motor. However, the EP801 still offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio at just 2.6 kilograms and a peak torque of 85 Nm / 600 watts. The minimalist display appeals to sporty riders. Shimano even made noticeable improvements to the off-road performance with last year's race update. Major points of criticism such as the lack of coasting and the moderate modulation of the power have thus been eliminated. What remains is the notorious motor rattling on descents.
Canyon's trump card: the equipment
But now, at the latest, we also need to talk about the equipment. The consignor clearly plays its trump card here. For just 6000 euros, our top model CFR has every conceivable refinement to marvel at. Fine carbon wheels from DT Swiss are mixed with an XO transmission, Srams Code Ultimate, a Reverb AXS seatpost and factory suspension from Fox. Even the handlebar/stem unit is made of carbon. The only downside: many parts are from older model years. However, this is only noticeable with the Code brakes and perhaps the AXS dropper. The chassis, transmission and wheels are still completely up to date.
In terms of equipment, Canyon's E-MTB even outperforms most bikes without a motor for the same money. For comparison: Our last Canyon Spectral:On on test was considered a bike with an excellent price-performance ratio. However, for another 6000 euros, it only came with a 720 battery, cheap Fox suspension and mechanical Shimano gears. And yet it almost won the test.
Canyon Spectral:On CFR: On the trail
Can Canyon's all-rounder still prove itself in the top league in 2026? The motor is surprisingly unproblematic. The EP801 cannot compete with Bosch or even DJI in terms of power. However, the performance is sufficient in almost all situations. You can fine-tune the speed levels via the app. The strongest possible trail mode proved to be the best compromise between power and modulation for us. The uphill traction in difficult conditions is then not quite at Bosch level. However, in combination with the new motor overrun, the Shimano still makes a lot possible uphill. The thrust is pleasant and even.
In direct comparison with many modern e-mountainbikes, the peculiarities that the Canyon has always had are all the more noticeable. The low bottom bracket quickly leads to pedal bob on climbs, and even the battery cover easily comes into contact with the ground on steep steps. With the high front end and moderate chainstays, the front wheel often becomes light. Never overpowering, but the Spectral:On is definitely not a self-runner on the climbs. There is praise for the active suspension, which gives the rear tyre a lot of grip.
Playful and not too extremely downhill
On downhill trails, the Canyon deliberately keeps its character from being too extreme, instead seeking a balance between playfulness and riding strength. The rider is always secure and well integrated behind the high front end. The low bottom bracket contributes to riding safety and cornering behaviour. With a firm pull on the handlebars, the Canyon willingly lifts the front wheel. Unfortunately, the bottom bracket can also bottom out on steep downhill sections. This is unsettling on demanding trails.
The suspension favours sporty, defined support. This makes it easy to jump off small trail edges. The elegant carbon wheels provide lively handling. However, we would have liked a little more comfort on rough terrain. Shimano's EP801 still rattles downhill. The elegant carbon cockpit offers few adjustment options. Incidentally, Canyon's All Mountain is large: If in doubt, we would definitely recommend the smaller size - then the bike's strengths in terms of handling and playfulness are shown to their best advantage.
BIKE Review: Canyon Spectral:On CFR
Strengths
- blatant high-end equipment
- Handling balanced and not too sluggish
Weaknesses
- Driving strength in difficult terrain
- older Shimano motor
BIKE overall grade: 2.9
The BIKE grade is made up of the testers' practical impressions and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading spectrum analogue to the school grading system. We award a grade of 3.0 for a solid performance.
BIKE Conclusion on the Canyon Spectral:On CFR
Canyon's revitalised Spectral:On is a solid performer with flawless premium features at a competitive price. That alone makes the bike attractive. The riding characteristics can still hold their own in a demanding high-end comparison, but the carbon cockpit and bumpy cranks and bottom bracket can be a nuisance in everyday use. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
