The shift in values in the mountain bike industry towards faster downhill performance is omnipresent. Modern trail bikes in particular are feeling the effects of this. Current models are increasingly being transformed into mini enduro bikes thanks to extreme geometries, stable components and chunky tyres. Canyon has so far resisted this trend. Because the Trailbike Neuron is light, easy to pedal and has a moderate geometry - the perfect touring bike. But now the mail-order company also has an answer for anyone looking for a fun companion for the trail chase in trail bikes: the new Spectral 125. The fun starts at 2799 euros.
Visually, the new Spectral 125 is reminiscent of the eponymous 160-millimetre all-mountain the Koblenzer. However, the engineers have intensively reworked the frame to optimise the newcomer for the shorter stroke of just 125 millimetres at the rear and 140 millimetres at the front. The carbon frame weighs 2538 grams (size L). A decent value, considering that the Spectral 125 is fully approved for the bike park. The stable Fox 36 suspension fork, grippy enduro tyres and a shock with reservoir on the top model leave no doubt about this. The 29er trail bike thus fills the gap between the Neuron (classic trail bike) and the Strive (all-mountain/enduro). In future, downhill-hungry enduro riders who are looking for a smaller yet robust playmate for home trails or rough low mountain routes will also find the right mountain bike at Canyon. On the other hand, those who prefer to ride long distances and are hoping for a comfort boost from the suspension travel will prefer to stick with the lightweight Neuron. The robust equipment means that even the top model weighs 13.9 kilos.
The key data for the Canyon Spectral 125
- Full carbon frame (2538 grams in size L)
- Suspension travel: 140/125 mm (front/rear)
- 29-inch wheels
- Two aluminium models from 2599 euros
- three carbon models between 3499 and 5799 euros
- Weight: 13.9 kilos (top model in size L)
The Canyon Spectral 125 in detail
The geometry of the Canyon Spectral 125
A look at the geometry also reveals the 29-inch bike's downhill drive. Its 64 degree slack head angle and 486 millimetre reach (size L) would look good even on designated enduro bikes. For a mountain bike in this suspension travel class, the geometry is extremely long and slack. For comparison: despite two centimetres more travel, the normal Spectral The same steering angle as its little brother. In terms of reach, the 125cc Spectral even surpasses the All Mountain by seven millimetres. Another new feature is a flip chip on the shock mount, which can be used to vary the steering and seat angle by half a degree.
Models and prices for the Spectral 125
A total of five models of the new Spectral 125 are available between 2499 and 5799 euros. The two cheapest versions from Canyon are based on an aluminium frame. The three carbon models cost 3499, 4499 and 5799 euros. The frame sizes S, M, L and XL are available.
Ride report: How the Spectral 125 rides
After the first few metres on the Spectral 125, we can't stop being amazed. Despite the visual resemblance to the classic 160cc Spectral, the character on the descent could hardly be more different. The Mini-Spectral is astonishingly direct and agile on winding trails. The 140 mm fork paired with the extremely slack steering angle also encourages you to go full throttle on fast sections and gives you confidence. However, if you shoot into rougher terrain, the rear suspension with only 125 millimetres of travel forces you to slow down a little. To compensate for this imbalance between front and rear, we favour the high position in the Filpchip setting. The slightly higher bottom bracket and the steeper angles curb the overconfidence downhill and thus ensure a more balanced riding experience on downhills. Thanks to the short stroke and progressive suspension characteristics, the rear triangle offers plenty of support when jumping off off-road edges or pushing through berms. Active riders love this feature! At the beginning of the suspension travel, comfort-conscious bikers can also benefit from the fine response behaviour of the rear triangle. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a cosy companion for pedal-intensive tours and relaxed descents, you are still better off with the classic Neuron. This is because the extreme angles require an active riding style. Under the dictates of passive riders, however, the bike quickly becomes unwieldy.
Whether you're an active rider or not, the Spectral 125 is a bike that you can take it easy on the climbs. The grippy tyre combination, the sturdy components and the thick suspension fork provide plenty of downhill fun, but when you look at the scales they spoil the overall picture of the Spectral 125, because at 13.9 kilos for the top model - despite the carbon wheels - the forward momentum of the bike falls by the wayside.
A detailed test report on the Canyon Spectral 125 with all the data from our measurements in the BIKE test lab will soon be available in BIKE 6/22.
Max Fuchs
Editor
