We tested these five all-mountain bikes up to 6300 euros:
It can hardly be said often enough: 900 watt hours in a bike weighing well under 25 kilograms is impressive. In our test procedure (see below for measurement method), the juice from the battery was sufficient for over 2200 metres of altitude in turbo mode. That's absolutely amazing! If you save a little battery and are not too heavy, you should be able to squeeze more than 2200 metres of altitude out of the battery even in everyday touring. Fitting: The riding position on the Canyon is comfortable, the handling uncomplicated. Nothing stands in the way of long tours.
The versender bike receives similar praise for its downhill handling. At 441 mm, the chainstays are relatively short and the handling is correspondingly agile, yet there is no lack of confidence even on rough trails. The Canyon therefore cuts a fine figure on slower, flowing trails as well as on brisk descents. Only the inexpensive Rhythm fork was too uncontrolled through its travel, limiting the bike's potential on rough descents. Strange, we are used to better from Fox's cheapest model.
Criticism for the Spectral:On is uphill
However, the Canyon Spectral:ON has to put up with some criticism on the climbs. Thanks to the steep seat angle, you sit comfortably on the bike, the saddle offers plenty of support when things get steep and the sensitive suspension is also pleasing. However, the front wheel quickly becomes light on ramps or steps due to the short chainstays. Smaller riders also find it difficult to actively apply pressure to the high front end to contain a rising front wheel. No wonder, because Canyon only recommends frame size L, as in this test, for riders over 1.84 metres tall. On technical uphill terrain, the cranks also touch down too quickly and even the low-slung frame comes into contact with the ground on steps. Riding comfort, on the other hand, is excellent with a high front end and neutral steering.
Surprising: The 800 euro cheaper Canyon model CF7 with Rockshox suspension, which we EMTB 3/2022 We liked it just as much and it was even 500 grams lighter.
Adrian Kaether's verdict on the Canyon Spectral:ON CF8:
The Canyon is the only bike with a full carbon frame among all-mountain bikes up to 6300 euros. Despite slight weaknesses on the climbs, the Canyon Spectral:ON impresses once again with its balancing act of range and weight. In combination with the pleasant and surprisingly playful downhill behaviour, this helps the Spectral:On CF8 to win the test. Attention: Size L is very large. If in doubt, go for a smaller frame.
EMTB judgement: 8.6 points (very good) - EMTB test winner
The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers, the results of the reach measurement and the laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Technical data and rating of the Canyon Spectral:ON CF8
Manufacturer information
- Price: 6299 Euro
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 24.2 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2221 (+33)hm
- Average speed: 14.3 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 514 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 184 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 467 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Canyon / 4776 g / 1200 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano SLX / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 24; 10-51
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000
- Permissible total weight³: 130 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Rhythm / Float DPS Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel): 150 / 155 mm
- Telescopic seatpost: Iridium dropper, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano SLX four-piston / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringlé Düroc SD 37 Comp
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai EXO / DHR II EXO+, 29 x 2.5 / 27.5 x 2.6"
Footnotes:
1: The reach height was determined using standardised measurement methods on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider. Rider weight incl. equipment 90 kilograms. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
2: Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory. Weight without pedals, battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
3: Manufacturer's specification.
4: Step test, measured with the rear wheel raised by 36 centimetres.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
