"Travelling without a motor today?" My colleague Laurin looks in disbelief at the black bike I'm working on in the basement. "Nope," I reply and turn the left-hand side of the bike with the discreet cooling fins towards him. "TQ engine."
This risk of confusion is a calculated one with the new Canyon Spectral:On Fly. Because when it comes to the question of E or not E, the new Canyon deliberately leaves the uninitiated in the dark. At least at first glance. Moderate motor power, sleek looks and maximum downhill fun should make the new Light E-MTB a success. Unusual, because the Koblenz-based mail-order company was initially sceptical about light bikes. It wasn't until the beginning of 2024 that Canyon with the Neuron:On Fly into the ring of lightweight E-MTBs. With the Spectral:On Fly, things get even more minimalist.
Video: Spectral:On Fly and Neuron:On Fly in comparison
Canyon has launched two new light eMTBs on the market within just a few months. However, the concepts of the Spectral:On Fly with TQ motor and Neuron:On Fly with Bosch's SX could hardly be more different. We compared the two bikes, which both stand out on the market in terms of price-performance. Click here for the video:
The facts about the Canyon Spectral:On Fly
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 360 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: Mullet (29/27.5 inch)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 5599 to 8999 euros (four models)
- Weight: 19.1 kg (test bike CF 9 in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Special features: Steering stabilisation with K.I.S.
Thanks to discreet motor power and a geo close to the analogue model, the Spectral should ride downhill like a conventional mountain bike. Canyon also promises all-round qualities and a frame that is no heavier than its non-motorised counterpart (click here for the classic Spectral without motor). The Spectral:On Fly also has more suspension travel: 160/150 millimetres instead of the 150/140 millimetres on the analogue model. In addition, a mullet wheel mix and Syntace' spring-based steering stabilisation K.I.S. The latter is already standard on the non-motorised Spectral, but a first for Canyon's E-MTBs.
The geometry of the Spectral:On Fly: E-MTB without E-handling?
Apart from the suspension travel and motor, the Spectral and the new Spectral:On Fly are almost like twins. This shows how serious Canyon is about downhill handling. Only a slightly shorter reach, a slightly longer rear end and longer stem put more pressure on the front end on the climbs. Since the shorter reach and longer stem balance each other out, the perceived length of the Spectral and Spectral:On Fly is identical. However, with 440 millimetre chainstays, the Spectral:On Fly also remains really short for an E-MTB.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 436 mm
- Wheelbase: 1290 mm
- Reach: 489 mm
- Stack: 646 mm
- Steering angle: 63.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 441 mm
Motor and battery: Small power, big riding fun?
Canyon relies on the Spectral:On Fly on the HPR 50 motor from TQ Systems (tested here). The drive is only the size of a fist and can therefore be integrated particularly slimly into the bike, while the battery delivers 360 watt hours. An optional range extender in the form of a bottle can be used to add another 160 watt hours.
The speciality of the TQ system: No motor on the market is as compact and quiet. Perfect for minimalist e-mountainbikes! However, the range and performance of the HPR 50 are also rather modest. 300 watts and 50 newton metres at the top. That's easily enough to make rapid progress on forest roads. There are better motors for real uphill challenges. The battery is good for shorter tours of around 1000 metres in altitude. If you want to ride significantly more or are very heavy, you'll need the extender or a charging stop.
A special feature of Canyon: the battery can be removed from the down tube. However, Canyon still refers to it as a permanently installed battery. While on our test bike in size L the battery easily fits past the motor, it's much tighter on frame sizes M or S. The delicate screws are also probably not made for daily removal. In principle, however, it is possible to remove the battery without removing the motor from the frame.
From 5599 euros: Equipment and models
Typical Canyon: despite a lightweight frame, A.I.S. and a lot of high-tech, the bike should remain relatively affordable. The entry-level Spectral:On Fly CF8 model with full trail-ready equipment changes hands for 5599 euros. This makes it an affordable exception among E-MTBs with a carbon frame and TQ drive. Our CF9 test bike offers a little more luxury for € 6299, while the top-of-the-range CF LTD model with Fox Factory and Reynolds carbon wheels costs € 8999. Canyon also offers the CLLCTV, a particularly mountain-orientated model with a thick Fox 38 Grip X2 fork. Cost: 7299 euros. According to the manufacturer, the weights of the bikes in size M should be between 18.1 kg (LTD) and 18.9 kg (CF8). Only the CLLCTV is slightly heavier at 19.5 kg.
At a glance: The spec of our test bike Canyon Spectral:On Fly CF9
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float DPS Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT 1x12
- Brakes: Shimano XT, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 Spline LS
- Tyres: Maxxis DHR Exo/Exo+, 29/27.5 x 2.4 inch tyres
Practical test: How the Canyon Spectral:On Fly CF9 rides
The geometry of the Spectral:On Fly is extremely close to the classic Spectral. Accordingly, the first seat test feels pleasantly unspectacular. The riding position is sporty and front-wheel orientated. This means that the Spectral:On Fly is more in its element on long climbs than on long flat sections. To make setup easier, the Canyon app gives the customer weight-dependent recommendations for air pressure and rebound on the fork and shock for the first time on the Spectral:On Fly.
As usual, the TQ motor starts up barely audibly. The slight hum is quickly drowned out by the rolling of the tyres. No other engine is this quiet. Only when you call up full power does the engine noise become more prominent. Canyon has deliberately chosen a progressive tuning of the support. Accordingly, the motor only pushes moderately at first in the lower rev levels and only releases its full power when pedalling hard. This is pleasing and saves the battery in practice. If you prefer a different setup, you can adjust it via the app.
Noticeable: the shock is high in its travel when climbing, the suspension bobs only slightly even without the shock lockout specified on all models. This is not as comfortable as it could be, but we can't complain about a lack of traction. The Spectral:On Fly cuts a solid figure on technical climbs. However, you shouldn't expect it to be an ace climber for uphill challenges. The motor simply lacks punch, and the geometry and suspension aren't the top priority. The front wheel rises noticeably on particularly steep stretches.
Downhill is where the Spectral:On Fly shows its sporty side. Maximum comfort at low speeds is not its strong point. However, the suspension is always very defined and offers high reserves for a fast riding style. The bike can be pushed willingly over waves and bends and, thanks to the poppy suspension, is still light-footed even at 19 kilos. If you pull hard on the jump, you'll be rewarded with unexpectedly high air resistance. However, due to the long wheelbase (which is large!), the Canyon needs to be ridden actively. The high front end and the good integration of the rider into the chassis provide a lot of security.
Only the Exo front tyre and the shock without a reservoir don't quite match the bike's potential. Otherwise, our CF9 test bike with Fox Performance suspension lacks little. The K.I.S. system can be preloaded using an Allen key and, after a short period of familiarisation, noticeably increases riding stability on slippery surfaces. Nice to see: Thanks to a sensible spec, even the entry-level model CF8 for 5599 euros works really well. We were able to take this bike for a long spin at the launch event. The weight disadvantage compared to the top bikes remains manageable here too.
EMTB review of the Canyon Spectral:On Fly CF9
Strengths
- Riding safety at enduro level
- Light-footed and poppy
- Comparatively fair price
- K.I.S. steering stabilisation
Weaknesses
- Chassis could be more sensitive
- Trains rattle in the frame
The BIKE verdict on the Canyon Spectral:On Fly
The Canyon Spectral:On Fly is aimed at bikers who have been travelling without a motor up to now. The TQ motor provides you with plenty of thrust, almost without any annoying riding noise. The wide range of use and fun handling are impressive. In the light e-MTB context, the price remains moderate at a good 6000 euros.
Spectral, Spectral:On Fly or Neuron:On Fly? Interview with Canyon product manager Patrick Gross
What type of rider is the Spectral:On Fly made for?
With the Spectral:On Fly, we are targeting trail mountain bikers for whom downhill fun is particularly important.
In which terrain is the Spectral:On Fly best suited?
Versatility is the keyword here. The bike is still fun on flowing trails, but can also be ridden on easy to medium enduro stages and occasionally in the bike park.
The Spectral:On Fly rolls on Mullet wheels. Was Full-29 an option during development?
Smaller riders in particular have more freedom of movement with the smaller rear wheel. The On Fly bikes are particularly interesting for them because of the rider's weight. We also wanted to achieve playful handling. Mullet was the first choice for this.
With the Neuron:On Fly, you have a second, very trail-orientated light E-MTB in your range. Which bike is the best option for which rider?
The motor makes a big difference. With less power but also less weight, the lighter TQ is certainly the more pointed system and appeals to sporty mountain bikers. Also because of the background noise. The Bosch SX in the Neuron:On Fly delivers more power and is therefore much closer to a classic E-MTB. In terms of handling on the trail, the Spectral:Onfly focusses more on the downhill. The Neuron:On Fly is also a lot of fun on the trail, but simply reaches its limits a little earlier on the downhill.
The Spectral:On Fly is slightly more expensive than the Neuron:On Fly. Why?
Firstly, the lighter frame of the Spectral:On Fly is somewhat expensive. We also opted for slightly more stable components. For example, Fox's 36 fork instead of the 34 in the Neuron:On Fly.
The classic Spectral has only had 150/140 millimetres of travel since 2024. Why did you go back to 160/150 for the Spectral:On Fly?
For 2024, we wanted to move the Spectral back into the centre of the trail bike category. On the Spectral:On Fly, however, the motor compensates for the disadvantages of the slightly longer travel. That's why we opted for the slightly longer stroke here.
How close is the Spectral:On Fly to the classic Spectral, especially in terms of geometry and suspension?
The contact points are identical on both bikes. This means that the Spectral:On Fly has slightly less reach, but a longer stem. The perceived length remains the same, but the On Fly puts more pressure on the front uphill. Slightly longer chainstays also help on the steeper climbs that can be ridden on the On Fly bike. For the suspension, we rely on a tried and tested Canyon recipe: progressive and with good support. Here, the Spectral:On Fly is also very close to the classic Spectral.
The cheaper Spectral:On Fly models rely on a damper without a reservoir. Simply for cost reasons?
We rode both versions of the Spectral:On Fly in all models and found that the bike also performs excellently with inline shocks. The effect only becomes noticeable on longer enduro descents of over 500 metres in difficult terrain due to the increased heating of the oil in the inline shock. The expensive models are therefore fitted with the reservoir. The price point was more important to us for the cheaper versions, as the performance disadvantage remains manageable.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
