Following a large-scale recall due to cracks in the battery housing at the end of 2024 Canyon is now presenting the revised Spectral:On. The e-mountain bike returns to the trails with a new 800 Wh battery in an aluminium housing. Canyon promises proven riding characteristics and, above all, an excellent price-performance ratio. It starts with good parts at a price of 3999 euros.
However, the real hits are the top models CF9 and CFR for 4999 and 5999 euros respectively. The latter really packs a punch: Fox Factory suspension, transmission shifting and carbon from top to bottom put the price into perspective compared to other bikes. Back at the helm with founder Roman Arnold Canyon also wants to make a statement: Back to the roots of reliably delivering the best bike for the money.
Canyon Spectral:On 2026: The facts
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: New 800 Wh battery from Darfon (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Spring travel: 160/155 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Four models: CF7 to CFR for 3999 to 5999 euros
- Weight: 23.7 kg (CFR test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. system weight: 130 kg
- Guarantee: 5 years
As the battery in particular is new, the bike's key data remains pretty much the same. As an all-mountain e-bike, the Spectral:On comes in a mullet set-up and sets the tone with not too extreme geometry and agile handling. With 160 millimetres at the front and 155 at the rear, there should still be enough travel for demanding trails. Canyon combines the proven suspension concept with the new battery technology from Darfon.
Shimano EP801 meets 800 Wh power
The drive is based on on Shimano's EP801 motor, which delivers 85 Nm torque and up to 600 watts of power (tested here). The engine itself is already a few years old. However, at just 2.6 kilos, the power-to-weight ratio is still excellent. With the race update the Shimano has also noticeably improved its handling and now also offers features such as an extended trail for demanding uphills.
The new 800 Wh battery from Darfon should enable a full range despite its reduced capacity compared to its 900 Wh predecessor. Canyon speaks of 1900 metres in altitude. Fresh cells should provide more power. CAN communication enables faster charging.
Above all, however, the battery is intended to set standards in terms of safety. The complete aluminium housing of the battery includes housing body and end caps for increased resistance on rough trails. Double-sealed interfaces and two internal membranes are designed to prevent moisture formation and water ingress. The resulting IP57 water protection promises impermeability to a depth of up to one metre.
Curious: In addition to the new 800 battery, there is also a new development of the previous batteries with 720 and 900 watt hours and a plastic outer casing for existing customers. This means that the range advantage of the Spectral:On is retained for existing customers. However, only the aluminium batteries with 800 watt hours are used in the new bikes.
Model variants from 3999 euros
As usual, Canyon offers the Spectral:On in four equipment variants. The entry-level CF 7 model costs 3999 euros, while the CF 8 is available for 4499 euros. The top-of-the-range CF 9 model costs €4999, while the premium CFR model costs €5999. Not a little money for an e-MTB.
However, with Fox Factory suspension, DT Swiss carbon wheels, X0 Transmission and Code Ultimate, the price of the CFR is put into perspective. For comparison: Before the recall, the CF8 was available for 6000 euros (test here) and this also came out on top in our 2023 test. All variants use the new 800 Wh battery with aluminium housing.
Canyon Spectral:On CF7 - 3999 Euro
- Suspension fork / damper: Rockshox Lyrik / Deluxe Select R
- Circuit: Shimano Deore 1 x 12
- Brakes: Shimano Deore
- Impellers: Raceface
Canyon Spectral:On CF8 - 4499 Euro
- Suspension fork / damper: Fox 38 Performance / Float X Performance
- Circuit: Shimano SLX/XT 1 x 12
- Brakes: Shimano SLX
- Impellers: DT Swiss HLN 350
Canyon Spectral:On CF9 - 4999 Euro
- Suspension fork / damper: Fox 38 Perf. Elite Grip X2 / Float X Perf. Elite
- Circuit: Sram GX Transmission 1 x 12
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Impellers: DT Swiss HX 1700
Canyon Spectral:On CFR - 5999 Euro
- Suspension fork / damper: Fox 38 Factory / Float X Factory
- Circuit: Sram X0 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Code Ultimate
- Impellers: DT Swiss HXC 1200 Spline (Carbon)
BIKE review of the Canyon Spectral:On
Canyon's all-mountain classic aims to score points with proven riding characteristics and, above all, an attractive price. Especially the top model for 6000 euros with every conceivable refinement is a real statement. Some people will be happy to put up with the slightly older motor and the rather heavy battery. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor
Adrian Kaether
Editor
