As an owner of a 2022 OCCAM and 2023 Rise, it’s good to see this comparison of mid travel bikes. I would have loved to see the comparison of the Occam SL with its 140mm of rear travel to the Spectral. However I enjoyed the explanations of how each bike performed in the different locations. It validated some of the things I highlight when people ask me about my Occam.
Your Occam is quite different from this one- this one feels much burlier. The Occam SL sure sounds much more like an XC lightweight bike, where as the Spectral has the exact same design intent as the ‘24 Occam- heavy hitting aggressive trail riding. The travel numbers themselves don’t mean much when they are only 10mm different.
Great video! Great observations. Great filming. Jeff, you are my most trusted source for for honest bike reviews. I appreciate the discussion on angles and stack heights. I have to offer my first criticism of you ever though! Them some tight pants! FLashbacks of Jimmy Fallon "Tight Pants" song.
Really appreciated this video, as your initial Canyon video left me wanting more "analysis" of the differences to other bikes you've reviewed on your channel. I would still love to hear how pedaling efficiency compares between them... vs. the Ripmo, Switchblade, etc. Did I miss it? Great Content!
Hey jeff, since you're clearly testing some new helmets for the year, I was wondering if you had any initial thoughts on the fox dropframe pro I noticed you've had on in a few shots recently. Just busted up my POC half shell, so I'm stuck in my full face until I can figure out what to replace it with. You've given such a stellar review of the Giro Tyrant in previous years, do you think the new dropframe is a good enough update to bump it above the Tyrant? For a full-face I rock a Proframe RS, and find it comfortable, albeit very loud and creaky to pedal in, I'm very curious if the tyrant or dropframe pro have the same issue. Thanks to anyone with some input on the matter!
Jeff, I'm thinking of picking up a Ripmo V2s from Jenson. I've watched your videos on this bike and it seems like a fantastic bike. Quick question, i would be using a Fox Factory 36 (160mm) with a 51mm offset. I know the 51mm offset will slacken the HT Angle. I trust your judgement on this, do you think that will be an issue over using the recommended offset of 44mm? This purchase would only make financial sense if I can use a very expensive fork that i already own. Hope you see this and respond! Love the Vids!!
You’re fine with the 51 mm offset. It only makes the bike handle slightly quicker- sort of the opposite of slacker. In my opinion, the majority of people don’t notice the difference between the two offsets.
As a one-bike-quiver-killer, how well do you think these bikes would do at the bike park? Many of us want to slay "enduro" on the weekends but mostly ride trails during the week. Asking because I've leaned towards enduro in the past because I love to smash but I've noticed that all-mountain bikes are very capable these days! And lugging a big bike up the hill every time is not the most fun.
Ooops accidentally copy/pasted an LMNT thing here! The Orbea would be a much better bike park rig. I rode it at Whistler for a day vs the Yeti SB160. I know- you're gonna say "but that was a Rallon..." and you'd be right- BUT this new Occam is basically that old Rallon but with a 36 instead of a 38!
@@JeffKendallWeed My point exactly. The new SB 140 LR seems just as capable as the old 150. Yes I've ridden both plus the 160 and they are all super fun! Yes I'm a CO boy lol. Love your style and reviews!
You mentioned in the comments that the Occam feels like the old Rallon with a 36? I love fox. How is a 36 for the bike park? I ride Snoqualmie almost exclusively and and an intermediate 220 lb rider.
With this weight you probably benefit from the increased stiffness of the 38 when it gets faster and gnarlier. I don't know if you feel your 36 flexing but you would feel a difference trying a Fox 38 - that is for sure. It mostly depends on how and what you ride. I currently have a Fox 36,/Lyrik and Fox 38/Zeb on my bikes. Trail bikes Fox 36/Lyrik (160/150mm) Enduro/Park Bike bikes Fox 38/Zeb (170/180mm).
I've been looking on the Canyon bike page over the last few days at the Neuron CF 8, Spectral CF 7 and the Torque 29 CF 7. I'm not as good as both of you but I want to get myself my first full suspension bike and I do like the look of the Spectral after watching your videos.
I know nothing about Canyon and their bikes, but the Neuron looks much more "distance" oriented, and the Torque, much more bike park/chair lift/shuttle oriented. Spectral is the most well-rounded of the bunch.
Exactly as Jeff said, the Spectral is right in the middle between the Neuron and the Torque. What you want to ride? Tours with 20/30+ miles and the occasional steep and challenging section? Get a Neuron. With the Spectral you can ride trail, park and jumps as Jeff demonstrates impressively. The Torque is the choice if you want to go primarily downhill and want to ride gnarly stuff on trails and bike parks. Most likely the wrong choice as your first full suspension.
FWIW my first full suspension was a neuron 1.5 yrs ago. Rode Sedona beautifully and was only occasionally under-biked. In all respects it was a perfect first FS; excellent climber and capable on fairly rough features -not the greatest at cornering though. I just got a spectral though bc I do want to step it up a bit on double blacks and my logic is that the spectral will have just that little edge over the neuron in travel and geo to take, say, hiline (in Sedona) and not worry me.
Bought the Occam a few weeks ago, and if the price was equal it would have been a very tight race between them, but I got a very good deal on the Orbea. Very interesting video to watch after having made the decision, and I think I made the right one! Can't wait for the snow to melt here in Norway. thanks for the video, really enjoyed the format
Hello, this new Spectral's sizing is really confusing. I'm a bit taller (175.5cm bare foot, about 5'9''), coming from a Giant Trance (435mm reach 1160 wheelbase). I happened to demo a YT Jeffsy 2023 (size L, 475mm reach and 1240ish WB, recommended by a friend). I found it is hard to maneuver. And I noticed that a number of riders with similar height, including you, who are far more skilled than me, chose to go small on new Spectral. But given that I'm not very experienced, will I benefit from the stability of size medium? I know I can adjust the stem, bar, spacers and saddle to make their cockpit feels similar. But the their handling are surely different. Do you have some sizing suggestion for me? Thanks!
Canyon's size "medium" is actually a size "large." Ignore the name they put on the size, tho, and look at the numbers. At 175cm, a ~475mm reach is likely in your sweet spot. Also remembers that if your Trance is actually that tiny, ALL modern bikes are going to be harder to maneuver, requiring more out of the saddle riding style more often. Most ~130 and longer travel bikes have gone to the slightly bigger, slacker format, which works amazing on steep trails or out-of-the-saddle riding. Use your dropper a lot, and embrace this- it's a lotta fun!
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks！I can do wheelie and bunny hop on my old Trance 27.5 easily. But I could barely lift the front wheel to an ideal height when I was on that Jeffsy. I have never rode I modern trail bike long enough before, maybe that's why I connot handle it as I wished. I think I would go for a 475mm reach Spectral and accmondate its modern geo. Thank you again for your advice!
In a podcast they mentioned the efficiency loss vs increasing capability without increasing travel. Have not ridden the bike the suspension kinematics were also tuned for pedaling (they tweaked anti squat a bit)
Took a shot on the Spectral. A piece of the KIS system broke. Canyon doesn't keep spares and don't have an eta on when they will. So I spent thousands on a bike that is unridable indefinitely with no support from Canyon who doesn't keep spares of their proprietary parts. Oh and you can't throw a standard headset in there because that's proprietary too and not available on Canyon US' website
Sorry to heart that! Thanks for sharing your experience. Just remove the KiS system entirely and your bike will ride better than with it, as I mention in the actual bike review vid.
Shock pump . . . don't leave home without it. The multitool? Yeah, that too. I never rode either, probably never will. No horse in the race. All things being equal, mo' travel mo' betta.
Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
had an occam. was a nice rig. my latest 140/150 rig is the Hugene. can't complain with either.
Killer music selection
Love seeing Logan in front of the camera! Great vid
Another great video! I always enjoy seeing Logan in front of the camera ❤
I have been riding the Orbea Occam LT for about 2 months. It feels solid, plush, and it climbs fairly well having the 150mm of travel.
Definitely cool to see our local trails on your channel and thank you for not mentioning all the locations you were filming at! 🤙
As an owner of a 2022 OCCAM and 2023 Rise, it’s good to see this comparison of mid travel bikes. I would have loved to see the comparison of the Occam SL with its 140mm of rear travel to the Spectral. However I enjoyed the explanations of how each bike performed in the different locations. It validated some of the things I highlight when people ask me about my Occam.
Your Occam is quite different from this one- this one feels much burlier. The Occam SL sure sounds much more like an XC lightweight bike, where as the Spectral has the exact same design intent as the ‘24 Occam- heavy hitting aggressive trail riding. The travel numbers themselves don’t mean much when they are only 10mm different.
Great video! Great observations. Great filming. Jeff, you are my most trusted source for for honest bike reviews. I appreciate the discussion on angles and stack heights. I have to offer my first criticism of you ever though! Them some tight pants! FLashbacks of Jimmy Fallon "Tight Pants" song.
Review some Transition bikes….
You still prefer the Ibis Ripmo over most of these?
Really appreciated this video, as your initial Canyon video left me wanting more "analysis" of the differences to other bikes you've reviewed on your channel. I would still love to hear how pedaling efficiency compares between them... vs. the Ripmo, Switchblade, etc. Did I miss it? Great Content!
Hey jeff, since you're clearly testing some new helmets for the year, I was wondering if you had any initial thoughts on the fox dropframe pro I noticed you've had on in a few shots recently. Just busted up my POC half shell, so I'm stuck in my full face until I can figure out what to replace it with. You've given such a stellar review of the Giro Tyrant in previous years, do you think the new dropframe is a good enough update to bump it above the Tyrant?
For a full-face I rock a Proframe RS, and find it comfortable, albeit very loud and creaky to pedal in, I'm very curious if the tyrant or dropframe pro have the same issue.
Thanks to anyone with some input on the matter!
Jeff, I'm thinking of picking up a Ripmo V2s from Jenson. I've watched your videos on this bike and it seems like a fantastic bike. Quick question, i would be using a Fox Factory 36 (160mm) with a 51mm offset. I know the 51mm offset will slacken the HT Angle. I trust your judgement on this, do you think that will be an issue over using the recommended offset of 44mm? This purchase would only make financial sense if I can use a very expensive fork that i already own. Hope you see this and respond! Love the Vids!!
You’re fine with the 51 mm offset. It only makes the bike handle slightly quicker- sort of the opposite of slacker. In my opinion, the majority of people don’t notice the difference between the two offsets.
@JeffKendallWeed Thanks Man, appreciate the response 👍
Epic video like usual
POV footage looks great! Are you still using the settings from your gopro settings video you made a bit ago?
See you changed helmet, do you like this green stuff in the helmet, comfortable?
As a one-bike-quiver-killer, how well do you think these bikes would do at the bike park? Many of us want to slay "enduro" on the weekends but mostly ride trails during the week.
Asking because I've leaned towards enduro in the past because I love to smash but I've noticed that all-mountain bikes are very capable these days! And lugging a big bike up the hill every time is not the most fun.
Ooops accidentally copy/pasted an LMNT thing here! The Orbea would be a much better bike park rig. I rode it at Whistler for a day vs the Yeti SB160. I know- you're gonna say "but that was a Rallon..." and you'd be right- BUT this new Occam is basically that old Rallon but with a 36 instead of a 38!
th-cam.com/video/bgUHgnmMBc4/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/bgUHgnmMBc4/w-d-xo.html
@@JeffKendallWeed My point exactly. The new SB 140 LR seems just as capable as the old 150. Yes I've ridden both plus the 160 and they are all super fun! Yes I'm a CO boy lol.
Love your style and reviews!
Thanks Wiz!
what a are those rims on the canyon ?? look sick!
canyon way to quiet than orbea starting here 12:50 which is good
Super fun video!
Have you ever tried a Giant trance X or reign?
Did bro make to Hawaii?
Idk
Love the Stooge Jeff.... 🇬🇧 💪 Great video as ever.....
I’m looking at the orbea occam h10 sl I’m hearing mixed reviews on orbea does orbea make reliable quality bikes?
I can't find your items on pinkbike..
You mentioned in the comments that the Occam feels like the old Rallon with a 36? I love fox. How is a 36 for the bike park? I ride Snoqualmie almost exclusively and and an intermediate 220 lb rider.
With this weight you probably benefit from the increased stiffness of the 38 when it gets faster and gnarlier. I don't know if you feel your 36 flexing but you would feel a difference trying a Fox 38 - that is for sure. It mostly depends on how and what you ride. I currently have a Fox 36,/Lyrik and Fox 38/Zeb on my bikes. Trail bikes Fox 36/Lyrik (160/150mm) Enduro/Park Bike bikes Fox 38/Zeb (170/180mm).
Or get a 36 Durolux or a 37 Mezzer…
thank you@@BenSch100
I've been looking on the Canyon bike page over the last few days at the Neuron CF 8, Spectral CF 7 and the Torque 29 CF 7. I'm not as good as both of you but I want to get myself my first full suspension bike and I do like the look of the Spectral after watching your videos.
I know nothing about Canyon and their bikes, but the Neuron looks much more "distance" oriented, and the Torque, much more bike park/chair lift/shuttle oriented. Spectral is the most well-rounded of the bunch.
Exactly as Jeff said, the Spectral is right in the middle between the Neuron and the Torque. What you want to ride? Tours with 20/30+ miles and the occasional steep and challenging section? Get a Neuron. With the Spectral you can ride trail, park and jumps as Jeff demonstrates impressively. The Torque is the choice if you want to go primarily downhill and want to ride gnarly stuff on trails and bike parks. Most likely the wrong choice as your first full suspension.
FWIW my first full suspension was a neuron 1.5 yrs ago. Rode Sedona beautifully and was only occasionally under-biked. In all respects it was a perfect first FS; excellent climber and capable on fairly rough features -not the greatest at cornering though. I just got a spectral though bc I do want to step it up a bit on double blacks and my logic is that the spectral will have just that little edge over the neuron in travel and geo to take, say, hiline (in Sedona) and not worry me.
hey, cool videos. how tall are you two?
I’m 5’7, Jeff is 5’8.
Bought the Occam a few weeks ago, and if the price was equal it would have been a very tight race between them, but I got a very good deal on the Orbea. Very interesting video to watch after having made the decision, and I think I made the right one! Can't wait for the snow to melt here in Norway. thanks for the video, really enjoyed the format
Thanks Storm, the Occam is a great bike- you'll dig it!
Hello, this new Spectral's sizing is really confusing. I'm a bit taller (175.5cm bare foot, about 5'9''), coming from a Giant Trance (435mm reach 1160 wheelbase). I happened to demo a YT Jeffsy 2023 (size L, 475mm reach and 1240ish WB, recommended by a friend). I found it is hard to maneuver. And I noticed that a number of riders with similar height, including you, who are far more skilled than me, chose to go small on new Spectral. But given that I'm not very experienced, will I benefit from the stability of size medium? I know I can adjust the stem, bar, spacers and saddle to make their cockpit feels similar. But the their handling are surely different. Do you have some sizing suggestion for me? Thanks!
Canyon's size "medium" is actually a size "large." Ignore the name they put on the size, tho, and look at the numbers. At 175cm, a ~475mm reach is likely in your sweet spot. Also remembers that if your Trance is actually that tiny, ALL modern bikes are going to be harder to maneuver, requiring more out of the saddle riding style more often. Most ~130 and longer travel bikes have gone to the slightly bigger, slacker format, which works amazing on steep trails or out-of-the-saddle riding. Use your dropper a lot, and embrace this- it's a lotta fun!
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks！I can do wheelie and bunny hop on my old Trance 27.5 easily. But I could barely lift the front wheel to an ideal height when I was on that Jeffsy. I have never rode I modern trail bike long enough before, maybe that's why I connot handle it as I wished. I think I would go for a 475mm reach Spectral and accmondate its modern geo. Thank you again for your advice!
Canyon being weird with their spectral is odd, like why detravel it? It was their best selling bike for a reason... so weird.
Frrrrr I've had the spectral and tough to wait to the new generation and then got disappointed to see the detravel
In a podcast they mentioned the efficiency loss vs increasing capability without increasing travel. Have not ridden the bike the suspension kinematics were also tuned for pedaling (they tweaked anti squat a bit)
YT did the same thing with the Jeffsy, its direct competition. Not weird at all.
They added 15mm of travel. It went from 125 to 140. At least, the version I was most excited to ride basically got bumped up!
@@JeffKendallWeed They replaced both 125 & 150 with the 140mm version
😎🙌
The Orbea is a medium and the Canyon a small?
Yep - same size- they both fit a 5’8” rider. Unfortunately they use different words for their sizing.
@@JeffKendallWeedhow about 5’6? Small or medium?
Why are you riding a size small on the Canyon? Did I hear that right
Took a shot on the Spectral. A piece of the KIS system broke. Canyon doesn't keep spares and don't have an eta on when they will. So I spent thousands on a bike that is unridable indefinitely with no support from Canyon who doesn't keep spares of their proprietary parts. Oh and you can't throw a standard headset in there because that's proprietary too and not available on Canyon US' website
Sorry to heart that! Thanks for sharing your experience. Just remove the KiS system entirely and your bike will ride better than with it, as I mention in the actual bike review vid.
Bro kinda sound like Badger from breaking bad
how is 150/160 a trail bike wtf?
Shock pump . . . don't leave home without it. The multitool? Yeah, that too. I never rode either, probably never will. No horse in the race. All things being equal, mo' travel mo' betta.