The Canyon Spectral is now in its fourth generation and has undergone a number of changes since 2014, from the wheel size to the suspension travel. The demands placed on the model by Canyon but still the same: The Spectral should be a fun bike that cuts an excellent figure everywhere from the low mountain range to the trails in Finale Ligure.
Slightly less suspension travel and an adapted geometry: with these innovations, the aluminium version of the Spectral finally follows on from its carbon counterpart, which was introduced over a year ago. One of the biggest changes is certainly the reduction in travel by ten millimetres at the front and rear. With 150 millimetres of travel on the fork and 140 millimetres on the rear triangle, the new Canyon Spectral AL is also moving a little further away from the enduro Strive and positioning itself more in the all-mountain category, where the focus is more on propulsion.
There will be three models of the aluminium version, priced at 2399, 2999 and 3999 euros. The Canyon Spectral AL 6 pictured in pink is the mid-priced model. All three models are available in mullet or as a complete 29er. Only in size XS is there only a mullet setup available due to the small frame.
We were able to put the first Spectral AL 6 in size L through the BIKE test lab for the new launch. Without pedals, the high-quality Spectral AL 6 weighs 15.6 kilos. In terms of geometry, the new aluminium frame is one hundred percent based on the current carbon model. At 63.5 degrees, the steering angle is decidedly slack and the resulting wheelbase is long at 1282 millimetres. This should give the Spectral AL a good portion of smoothness. At 434 millimetres, the chainstays are nevertheless kept short, even despite the 29er rear wheel. A seat angle of just under 77 degrees completes the modern geometry and keeps the front on the ground when climbing. The bottom bracket measures a low 332 millimetres.