Women are smaller and lighter than men. This was established years ago by worldwide studies. However, bike manufacturer Canyon knows even more precisely, as the Koblenz-based mail order company has collected its own data with its PPS system. 68,000 women have entered their body measurements into this system on the company's website in order to calculate their optimum frame size.
According to the study, the average bike-interested woman is 1.68 metres tall and too light for conventionally produced suspension elements. In relation to her back length, she also has shorter arms and narrower shoulders than a man. These findings prompted Canyon to develop a special women's bike at the same time as redesigning its best-selling Spectral.
How does the Spectral WMN differ from the unisex model?
At first glance, you will recognise the two centimetre lower top tube on the women's model. The lower standover height is intended to give smaller female riders in particular more confidence on rough terrain. The reach has also been shortened and a shorter head tube installed. The handlebar measures 740 mm instead of 780 mm and the grips are slightly slimmer. To save weight, the WMN bike rolls on 2.4 inch wide tyres instead of 2.6 inch tyres. However, it is possible to upgrade to 2.6 tyres.
The frame sizes are also new: The range extends from XXS to M, for women from 1.48 metres to 1.79 metres tall. However, the heart of the design is the kinematics optimised for lightweight women. Together with Fox, the fork and shock have been tuned for so long that the suspension can also be adjusted for 50-kilo female riders.
First driving impression
We were allowed to test ride the Spectral WMN in the mountains of Blausasc, half an hour's drive north of Nice. At 1.71 metres tall, the Spectral WMN in size M fits me perfectly. The riding position is upright and comfortable, the suspension feels pleasantly firm even in open mode. Even when pedalling out of the saddle, there is hardly any bobbing to be felt.
The carbon Spectral WMN CF 9.0 model is said to weigh 12.5 kilos. In fact, the all-mountain bike climbs light-footedly thanks to the carbon wheels. It is easy to imagine crossing the Alps with long climbs. Only on steep ramps do you have to lean far forwards due to the upright riding position to prevent the front wheel from lifting off the ground.
However, the Spectral really feels at home on the descents. Thanks to the relatively short chainstays, it turns agilely into every switchback, while maintaining a pleasantly smooth ride with the 66 mm steering angle for precise steering. The suspension works harmoniously, keeps the bike planted on the trail and irons out even big hits from below.
The Sram Guide RSC with its huge 200 mm brake discs is very responsive - even with a light pull on the lever. As soon as you get used to the effortless handling, it gives you a lot of confidence, especially on rough trails. At the end of the descent, the O-ring on the shock provides a further explanation for the riding fun: the suspension travel has been fully utilised - not a matter of course for women's bikes.
How does the unisex Spectral compare?
The Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 unisex model feels more massive, beefier, front-heavy and almost a size bigger as soon as you sit on it. The handlebars are 40 millimetres wider, the grips are thicker and the wider 2.6-inch tyres are heavier and more sluggish. However, this is initially an advantage when entering the rough, slightly steeper and tightly curved trail. The wider handlebars in particular help when steering through the tight hairpin bends. The longer reach also gives you a sportier and more aggressive position on the bike.
The thick tyres simply swallow up even more rough terrain. But it also takes significantly more effort to maintain control of the front wheel - which is also due to the thicker grips and longer head tube. On the climbs, the wide tyres grip better on the sandy, crumbly terrain, but they absorb more energy on asphalt. Although the trail was rougher and more demanding than the test course of the Spectral WMN, with my riding technique and 65kg body weight I was only able to utilise two thirds of the travel in the end. The precise ride feel of the women's model was therefore missing.
Conclusion: Women's model lighter-footed, more agile, more precise
Although I wouldn't necessarily have to for my height and weight, I would choose the women's model. Simply because the suspension can be optimally adjusted, making the Canyon Spectral WMN feel lighter, more agile and more precise. On trail-orientated tours, however, I would fit a slightly wider handlebar.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
