Canyon Spectral 125: The Canyon trail bike with enduro genes in the endurance test

"Which bike would you choose if you could only pick one?" I'm sure everyone has been asked this question at some point. Including me, when it came to the distribution of the permanent test bikes almost a year and a half ago. It really wasn't an easy decision for me. The variety is too great, ranging from purist hardtails to uncompromising downhill bikes. It almost seems as if there is a separate bike category for every root size. I personally love enduro bikes. The safety that goes hand in hand with the flat geometries and confident suspension inspires me. However, I don't spend the majority of my time in the saddle on enduro tracks with a lot of depth, but on tamer routes on my doorstep. A trail bike would clearly be the better choice here. So I was torn between the two.

But when Canyon presented the Spectral 125 to us for the first time, the decision was suddenly very easy for me. The Koblenz-based mail order company combined enduro geometry with a 140 mm fork and only 125 millimetres of rear travel in this bike. This also gave me that enduro feeling on my home trails - without me having to get bored on the easier routes. Nevertheless, I didn't have to miss out on high alpine enduro trails and bike park visits thanks to the unrestricted park clearance. In short, the Spectral 125 seemed tailor-made for me at the moment. To test whether the concept also works in the long term, the Spectral 125 CF 9 accompanied me through a year and a half of endurance testing.

The Canyon Spectral 125 in Practical test

Mileage in the endurance test: 2820 km | 109,000 m altitude difference

This much in advance: the test candidate didn't have it easy. Because in addition to the relaxed everyday life on my home trails, the 125cc Spectral had to take a heavy beating on over 100,000 metres of downhill riding. Numerous bike park visits, gondola weekends on the notorious enduro tracks around Lake Reschen, holidays in rocky Finale Ligure and even a race put the short-stroke bike under extreme stress.

Details and customisations

In order to make the Spectral 125, which is actually designed for trail bikers, fit for these purposes, a few tuning measures were also necessary. Firstly, Sram's Code had to make way for the more stable Hope Tech4 stoppers. Especially on a bike that gives as much feedback as the Canyon, powerful brakes save energy on long descents. I also swapped the standard Fox Float X shock for the TX22-M steel spring shock from Öhlins. This softened the tight progression, making it easier for the rear triangle to release its travel, generating more traction and a fuller ride feel.

So the bike was perfectly equipped for crisp trails. Initially, I still had to get used to the fact that the slack geometry wants to be faster than the short-travel suspension can absorb impacts. However, with an adjusted line choice and more leg and arm work, the Spectral 125 and I became almost inseparable over time - on any terrain. Although the Canyon has the basic requirements to handle even the nastiest bumpy sections, it also makes rigorous demands on the rider's riding skills.

List of defects

The constant creaking from the bottom bracket shell and the rattling of the integrated cables were somewhat annoying. Towards the end of the test, the rear hub and the headset bearing were also running a little rough. Two cracked spokes and a broken brake lever are also on the Spectral 125's medical record, and the drivetrain also needs to be replaced. However, considering the mileage, this is just normal wear and tear.

Conclusion on the Canyon Spectral 125 by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor:

The concept of the Canyon Spectral 125 polarised our first test: too heavy for so little travel. Or too little travel for the downhill-heavy geometry. Today, however, I find that the bike is the perfect machine for experienced downhill riders who want to test their limits on their home trails or in enduro terrain.

Technical data and evaluation of the Canyon Spectral 125 trail bike

Manufacturer information

• Material: Carbon, size L
• Price: 5499 Euro

Measured values

• Weight: 14.1 kg without pedals

Equipment

• Suspension travel: 140 mm / 124 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory / Fox Float X Factory