2024 Canyon Spectral Review | When Less Is Actually More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- See the full review here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/20...
And check out our Spectral 29 vs mullet test here: flowmountainbike.com/tests/ca...
Ever since it debuted as a 27.5in trail bike in 2014, the Canyon Spectral has been one of the most popular and well-loved bikes to come from the German direct-to-consumer brand. Its success has seen the platform grow significantly over the years with the arrival of the Spectral 29 in 2020, followed by a mullet version in 2021, before both were joined by the short-travel Spectral 125 in 2022.
We’ve had a tonne of experience with almost every variation of the Spectral over the past five years, including the Flight Attendant-equipped Spectral CFR LTD that Mick purchased to be his personal trail bike. As you can imagine then, we were excited to hear that the platform would be getting a total overhaul for 2024.
It ain’t just a simple facelift either. There’s a new frame with big changes to the geometry and suspension design. Canyon has also brought on key improvements to address the issues we’ve encountered in the past, while introducing a few surprises too.
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Canyon Spectral Video Review Contents
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - 2024 Canyon Spectral Overview
1:06 - Frame & Suspension Design
2:14 - Geometry & Adjustability
3:16 - Canyon Spectral Price & Specs
3:56 - Canyon Spectral Weight
4:04 - Canyon Spectral Sizing & Fit
4:51 - Strengths
7:37 - Downsides
9:04 - Canyon Spectral vs Neuron
9:23 - 29in vs Mullet Testing
9:39 - Flow's Verdict
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I told myself I'd never buy another Canyon, but this bike looks sweet. My main takeaway from this vid is that the riding in Australia looks excellent and I'll add it to my already long list of reasons I want to go.
@@wayne5741 weird sized and proprietary parts. My gravel bike is a canyon and needs a weird bearing size for the headset. Part is cheap on the canyon site, but costs over $110 for shipping. Insanity from a global brand.
Great review! Thanks. 👍
Thanks mate, glad you dug it! [Wil]
Sweet review Wil, unfortunately alloy frame doesn't get an update but I'm guessing it would heavier again and entering Polygon Collosus territory with extra material to accommodate those massive reach numbers?
Wonder if Stumpjumper Evo will follow suit and go to 150mm/140mm which would be a great comparison review with the Spectral. Hypothetically, which bike would you choose for blasting around typical Aussie trail centres?
I reckon you're on the money there Sandy - the Trek Fuel EX has gone to 150/140mm travel, the Merida One-Forty is the same, and now with this Spectral, I wouldn't be surprised if the new Stumpjumper/Stumpy EVO settles on a 150/140mm platform too.
As for an alloy Spectral with the new frame design, I suspect it'll be coming but perhaps not for a while as Canyon often spaces these things out a bit. And the current alloy Spectral is still very relevant. Adding in-frame storage would certainly make it heavier, but generally Canyon is pretty good on the weight front so we'll have to wait and see!
[Wil]
How is it on harder landings and bigger jumps?
Everything is fine but it can't jump over a *Canyone*
I like Carbon Trail Bikes to be around 13Kg (28.6lbs). After all, you need to carry some water with you too ;)
My Stumpjumper is around that and I guess I've come used to it.
I still own an Alloy Scott Genius with 150mm x 150mm that weights 15kg (33lbs).
Cheers from Switzerland
I'm confused because I'm looking at Spectral CFR and its 155 rear, 160 front, while you are saying it's 140/150
You're looking at the previous model Spectral, which has 160/150mm of travel. The new 2024 model features a new frame and 150/140mm travel.
Currently Canyon only has four Spectral CF models with the new generation frame. We're yet to see alloy or a CFR version, but perhaps those will be coming down the line.
Hope that helps!
[Wil]
Finally canyon admit that the ancient medium was too small for the height they advised. Great bike but it seems the weight has increased
ive always found that canyon sizing is silly!!
Ironically, only a couple of years ago we found the reach numbers were too short on the Lux, Neuron, Spectral and Strive. Things have changed quite a bit! [Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-camI found the lux trail felt too long for me but the spectral was too short. I suspect most canyon riders are pre-existing riders who already know their numbers and given its d2c it’s better if they do
When less is actualy more...
Well yes, you have less travel, more weight and higher prices. So yes they are correct.
You get less for more 😐
And steering wheel tensioner
, one more thing that will need to be monitored and maintained😅
All of that is completely irrelevant if it’s actually a better bike to ride, which by all accounts it seems to be. People need to stop ‘reviewing’ bikes based on spec sheets.
Why on Earth would Canyon send you a Medium? Even the size chart on their own website would have suggested a Small would be best.
According to the sizing calculator on the Canyon website, a rider of my dimensions can ride a Small or a Medium. And as mentioned in the video, I was able to make the Medium work, albeit with a conscious change in my riding position to keep the front wheel weighted.
Personally I'm more of a 450mm reach kinda rider, which is why I'd be keen to try out a Small.
I think the change in sizing will create a confusing situation for some folks, particularly as Canyon is a direct-to-consumer brand. Unlike going into your local bike shop to swing a leg over a couple of different bikes and frame sizes, obviously you can't do that with a Canyon.
[Wil]
@@FlowMountainBikeTH-cam I completely agree - 450 is about my sweet spot too; I can’t imagine many people our kinda height would be more comfortable on a medium over a small.
I actually think I’d find myself on a small on some Pivots and Mondrakers too, but canyon is the worst offender. My GF is short (but hardly a Hobbit) at 5’3 and she would struggle to fit on literally any Canyon bike!
Anyway loving your work mate, your reviews are 👌🏻
Gota have a solid nose bonk
Isnt it a well known fact that you should always down size with canyon bikes
Funnily enough, I used to need to size up with older Canyon models that were too short! [Wil]
you lost me at +7000K cost
hi
When is the bike industry going to stop with the ugly two tone paint??
The stripes and wheel accents that matched the frame colors from the 2000's were too much, too busy. I like the simplicity of the two-tone.
The main frame yellow and black rear on this Canyon look dope AF.
Far out. Just about every cliche used in those video review. This bike must be about as good as it gets then hey?😂