Cheap versus expensive: Canyon Spectral:ON CF7 and CFR in an EMTB test duel
The good news first: the Canyon Spectral:On is a great all-rounder with 160/155 millimetres of travel, high riding confidence and fun handling. Even with the gigantic 900 Wh battery, the bike remains at 23 kilos in the top configuration. Even the entry-level model avoids being disdainfully overweight and remains under 25 kilos with the giant battery. Regardless of which model in the series you choose, the bike is so successful that you can hardly go wrong. Or can you? When you can save up to 4500 euros when buying the Spectral:On - depending on the equipment line - you start to wonder. The most drastic difference in the fact check: the CFR saves 1.7 kilos, despite the more powerful shock. The difference in weight is not only due to the equipment. The CFR chassis uses higher quality fibres, which make the frame 300 grams lighter.
Fact check: The Canyon Spectral:On at a glance
- Motor: Shimano EP801, max. 85 Nm torque
- Battery: either 720 or 900 watt hours (+400 euros / 900 grams)
- Full carbon frame
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Suspension travel: 160 / 155 millimetres
- Price: from 4999 Euro
- Weight: from 22.2 kg (CFR, size L, with 720 Wh, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kilograms
Shimano EP801: Same motor in both bikes
The drive is identical: both Canyons are powered by the Shimano EP801. This delivers plenty of peak power even with low rider input and a classic 85 Newton metres at the top. Here and there, the customer can choose between 720 or 900 watt-hour batteries ex works. The larger battery costs 400 euros and weighs 900 grams more. The motor power and reach height are therefore equal. Incidentally, the range of the Spectral:On with the 900 battery is gigantic. In our standardised altitude tests, the Canyons climbed well over 2200 metres in boost mode. This is the absolute best value in EMTB history.
1.7 kilos less for 4500 euros more: a good deal?
As testers, we often ask ourselves which model we would recommend to our best friend. With the Spectral:On, this is not so easy to answer at first. So we grabbed the affordable CF7 for 5399 euros and the luxurious CFR for 9899 euros, each with a big 900 battery, and jetted off to South Tyrol to answer this question. Canyon has really installed everything a biker's heart could wish for on the top-of-the-range Spectral:On CFR model. Carbon wheels and a one-piece handlebar stem unit made of carbon fibre reduce the weight. Top suspension elements from Fox are widely adjustable in all parameters and have proven to deliver excellent performance. In addition, the Fox transfer dropper post, also glittering in Kashima gold. And the XT Di2 drivetrain and XTR brakes leave no room for doubt: Here, they have only reached for the top of the equipment shelf. With the 900 Wh battery, the L-model weighs in at 23.1 kilos, and with the optional 720 Wh battery at just 22.2 kilos. Really light for an e-MTB with a large battery! However, at 9899 euros, the purchase also makes a huge dent in the bank account.
The CF7 weighs just under two kilos more with the same battery. That's still okay, even if the heavy Sun-Ringle wheels push the weight up a little after the model update. The predecessor with Raceface wheels was lighter. With the Lyrik Base and the Select R, RockShox provides favourable suspension elements with few adjustment options. The shock also has no reservoir, which experience has shown can lead to heat problems on long descents. The steering centre is classic aluminium and bolted. Deore shifting components take care of the gear changes, the Sram DB8 for deceleration.
Spectral:On CF7 and CFR: A comparison of the features
- Model: CF7 / CFR
- Price: 5399 / 9899 Euro
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory / Rockshox Lyrik Base
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory / Rockshox Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Shimano XT Di2 (12-speed) / Deore (12-speed)
- Brakes: Shimano XTR / Sram DB8
- Wheels: Reynolds TR E (carbon) / Sun Ringlé Düroc
- Wheel weight: 5254 / 6189 grams (EMTB measurement, weighed including tyres and hardware)
- Weight: 23.1 / 24.8 kg (EMTB measurement)
Savings potential worth the value of a family holiday
Sure, the components on the entry-level CF7 model are somewhat simpler. But: The bike also costs a whopping 4500 euros less than the CFR. For that, you can take the family on holiday to Thailand for a few weeks! Crazy. Real Swabians have already made up their minds, but we haven't yet. So we get on the bikes and head up the first climb. As the saddle is the same on both bikes and the stem position can be adjusted to the same level, the riding position is virtually identical. The cheaper model actually wins a few comfort points here, as it is much easier and more variable to adapt to the owner's wishes. The one-piece carbon handlebar stem unit on the expensive CFR must fit - only the height is adjustable, but not the bend of the handlebar forwards or backwards. Trying it out is not an option with Canyon. So if you're unsure, the cheaper model is easier on your nerves and wallet.
On gravel climbs, the bikes have nothing in common. We didn't use the lockout function on the more expensive Fox shock, as the rear is stable and composed. The lack of a lockout on the cheaper model is therefore no loss. The tyres roll the same, the motor makes the same sound and has the same amount of power. When things get very steep, both front wheels rise quite early due to the short rear triangle. A draw according to the uphill rating. Otherwise, traction and handling are good.
Downhill: A fun victory for the Spectral:ON CFR?
Downhill, the world looks a little different. At least when the going gets steep and rough. On flowing trails, the CF7 is still secure and plush. At high speeds, however, you can already feel the favourable suspension elements. The inexpensive Lyrik from RockShox passes on very fast hits to the rider and works with more spring movement than necessary on steep terrain. This brings unrest to the ride. The CFR with Fox 36 Factory and defined compression damping, on the other hand, gives no cause for complaint: secure, plush, defined. You do need some expertise and patience to set up the bike, but then the suspension works perfectly.
Surprisingly, the rear end of the CF7 is just as plush as on the expensive CFR. In direct comparison, the low wheel weight of the expensive bike is noticeable. The carbon rims from Reynolds save a whole kilo in rotating mass - with identical tyres. That's quite a lot, which is noticeable in the lively acceleration and even more agile handling. However, if you're not travelling at racing speed, but rather taking the throttle out a little on demanding terrain, the affordable Canyon also offers good and fun riding characteristics that you're unlikely to find a second time at this price and with this battery size.
Weak point exposed
The CF7's most elementary weak point is the suspension fork and the keyword "throttle release". The Sram DB8 is fine on flat tours, but struggles with little bite and fading on long and steep descents. This leads to high hand forces and occasional panic in the view. Good: It may also have been due to the direct switch from Shimano's powerful XTR stopper that the bend came at me unexpectedly quickly. But once you've experienced the high-end braking power, you'll want to upgrade to the CF7. It doesn't have to be the 1000 euros that Canyon charges for the next best model, the CF8. Experienced hobbyists who are not afraid of cable routing and bleeding can get very good brakes online for just a few hundred euros. Once you have tuned the bike with them, we believe that normal riders without racing ambitions can confidently opt for the cheaper model. The almost two kilos extra weight and the extra kilos on the wheels are of course noticeable in a direct comparison - but even the cheaper model cuts a really good figure in everyday trail riding. The electronic XT Di2 drivetrain with Freeshift on the CFR is a nice gimmick, but not a necessary extra, even for passionate bikers.
Conclusion on the Spectral:On CFR vs CF7 duel
The price difference is enormous, but the riding characteristics are surprisingly close. Only at full throttle on rough terrain does the CF7 weaken due to the fork and brakes. If you like to keep going and don't like tinkering, it's best to go for the CF8 and still save 3500 euros! - Christian Schleker, test author for EMTB
Adrian Kaether
Editor
