Canyon Spectral:Onfly CF9 on test: Super-slim e-bike at a great price
When we look at the Canyon homepage, our jaws drop: The Koblenz-based company has reduced the price of our test bike to 3999 euros. Normally, you can hardly get a bike with the same level of equipment without a motor for that price. In terms of price-to-weight ratio, no other light bike can beat the mail-order company. What's more, with the possible exception of the first Trek Fuel EXe (test here) and Simplons Rapcon TQ hardly any other light bike looks as similar to its non-motorised counterpart as the Spectral:Onfly. Slim silhouette, flat down tube. If you don't want to stand out as an e-biker, you've definitely come to the right place.
Canyon Spectral:Onfly CF9: The facts
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 360 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL,
- Price: 6299 euros, currently reduced to 3999 euros
- Weight: 18.9 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 130 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
TQ motor: Super quiet, but also powerful?
One reason for the current low price: the motor system. The TQ unit in the Canyon lags behind its competitors from Propain and Rose. with the new HRP 60 (tested here) The HPR 50 is one model generation behind and draws its energy from a rather small battery. The HPR 50 in the Canyon is also whisper-quiet, but delivers slightly less torque to the chain and doesn't push quite as hard as the new HPR 60 at low cadence. The electrified Spectral therefore starts the climb with a small handicap.
However, if you are not looking for demanding uphills, but rather use the motor for faster climbs on forest roads, you should have no problems with the older HPR 50. The motor still pedals smoothly. The small battery with 360 watt hours can be topped up with a range extender if required. A special feature at Canyon: The battery is communicated as permanently installed. However, if you loosen a few delicate screws, you can remove the battery with a multitool in five minutes without touching the motor. Not a solution for every day, but practical if there is no power socket near the bike.
Fox Performance and Shimano XT
The CF9 is the mid-range model in the Spectral:Onfly range and comes with Shimano XT throughout, from the drivetrain to the four-piston brakes, as well as performance parts from Fox. However, Canyon has dispensed with a shock with a reservoir, but in return has installed the Syntace steering stabilisation K.I.S. Attachments such as handlebars and the adjustable dropper post come from Canyon.
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Fox Float DPS Performance
- Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 LS
- Tyres: Maxxis DHR II Exo / Exo+, 29 / 27.5 x 2.4
- Special features: K.I.S. steering stabilisation
Long reach, short chainstays
One look at the geometry makes it clear that the Canyon is built for active riders. The long reach and short chainstays appeal to experienced riders. This makes sense, as Canyon still has the Neuron:On fly (test here) in the programme. The seat angle is rather moderate by modern standards.
Practical test: How the Spectral:Onfly CF9 rides
The slack seat tube angle and the long front triangle lengthen the riding position on the Canyon. Compared to the eOne-Sixty SL from Merida and the Sly from Mondraker, the rider on the Canyon has a lot of bike to deal with on the climbs. The compact rear end doesn't make the weight on the front any easier either. In technical climbing sections, you have to work actively to keep the bike in the desired line.
Discreet steering stabilisation thanks to the spring integrated into the head tube of the K.I.S. system wants to permanently centre the front wheel. Opinions differ as to whether this brings advantages on the climbs. The Canyon's shock is high in its travel and hardly lets any energy dissipate. When it comes to the componentry, Canyon has done its homework: the mechanical Shimano XT drivetrain runs smoothly and the brakes bite hard. Unfortunately, the cables rattle in the frame. Due to the limited space in the head tube area with K.I.S., they cannot be padded afterwards. You also have to make do with reduced puncture protection on the front tyre, but the wheels can be removed without tools. To remove the battery, on the other hand, four screws have to be loosened using a multitool. Nevertheless, this is added value for exceptional situations that many other light bikes do not offer.
He just wants to play
The flat geometry of the Canyon can handle a lot of speed in the valley. The riding stability is rounded off by the K.I.S. system. At the same time, turning pleasure and verve are brilliant thanks to the short chainstays and low weight. No other light bike in this price range is as light-footed on the rear wheel or can be pulled into the air better on edges. These competences are supported by ample support in the chassis and plenty of freedom of movement over the top tube - thanks to the short seat tube and the long Vario hub.
In the hands of an experienced pilot, this is an explosive mixture. Those who are fully committed to the racing line, who corner with gusto and pull off jumps will be rewarded with great riding fun. The progressive character of the mullet bike fits perfectly with the Light concept, but it also has a downside: the firm suspension transfers more shocks to the rider's body. Long rumbling downhills on the Spectral:On fly cost a lot of energy.
The Spectral:Onfly in comparison
In addition to the competitors from Propain, Rose, Merida and Mondraker from our current light comparison test, there are two main candidates for the Spectral:Onfly. Firstly, there is the in-house competition. The Neuron:Onfly (test here) has the more powerful Bosch SX motor, but is slightly heavier and not as slim. Nevertheless, a clear recommendation: The Neuron:Onfly is more comfortable at a leisurely pace, has good reserves off-road, is slightly cheaper and offers more flexibility with the more powerful motor. However, the Spectral:Onfly should suit experienced downhill riders in particular, as the Neuron:Onfly is more versatile.
If you are looking for a light bike that is as playful and discreet as possible, the Specialised classic Levo SL (here in the test) squint. Here, the chainstays are even shorter for fans of playful handling. The suspension is somewhat more versatile, the motor is comparable in terms of power and torque, but louder. The Levo SL is also slightly more expensive than the Canyon and the model with the aluminium frame is heavier.
BIKE review of the Canyon Spectral:Onfly CF9
Strengths
- Playful handling and firm suspension reward active drivers
- Price, weight, equipment
Weaknesses
- Uphill steering behaviour
- Overhauled motor system
- Chassis not very comfortable
BIKE conclusion on the Spectral:Onfly CF9
The Canyon is a bike for shredders! With a high level of playfulness and lots of feedback from the suspension, it is well ahead in the favour of active downhill riders. To realise its full potential, a good amount of riding skill is essential. Touring comfort, range and climbing skills are not among the strengths of the lightweight Spectral:Onfly. The price is super-hot. - Jan Timmermann, Editor Test & Technology
Jan Timmermann
Editor
