What do you think about the price, spec and geometry of the new Spectral? Video Contents 0:00 - Intro 1:27 - Direct-to-Consumer Bike Buying 2:19 - Buying a bike online from Canyon 2:43 - 2018 Canyon Spectral AL 27.5 and Strive 3:22 - Spectral 29 Bike Highlights 4:19 - Spectral 29 Bike Models 5:46 - Spectral 29 Weights and Details 6:10 - Spectral 29 Geometry 7:10 - Spectral Frame Features 7:35 - Potential Water Bottle Issues 8:17 - Canyon G5 Stem, Headset Spacers and Headtube 9:22 - Fork, Shock, Seatpost, Chainring 9:56 - Suspension Graphs 10:17 - RIDE REPORT 14:21 - Outro
Sick bike, but the cost difference is very small vs regular brand. Commencal has more cost saving/performance option I think, even if they are aluminum frames.
@@MTBs w/ the single ride on the bike so far, there's not a lot of input yet, but the 27.5 is definitely the "play" bike of the two. the 29 will pop, but takes a bit more effort to move around than the 27.5.
@@parkerlovell1675 yeah but I’ve ridden bikes with identical head angles and travel but they ride very differently , so hopefully they have set this bike up to have more trail characteristics through flatter terrain rather than just a downhill bomber
@@evanburt2766 yeah, I just realized that it's on the small end of enduro bike. I'll coin a new term other than all mountain. We will call it the "down trail" bike.
@@s14tat should we just start calling these bikes category fluid. I’ve got a fezzari la Sal peak with a 170mm fox 36 on it but don’t know what to categorize it as
This is a Winner. We love our Spectral’s 27.5 except for the cracked plastic Cable Routers on the Down Tube. Bike still smokes.. I’d buy it again in a minute. Can’t wait to ride this. Screw the Big Mtn. Bike Companies. The Prices they get away with for a Nice Bike with a $300.00 Carbon Taiwan Frame. Canyon and other Direct Consumer Companies are the future. Our Bike Shop was surprisingly welcoming. Said he makes more money off our Canyon Maintenance then he would putting Specialized Bikes on his Credit Line waiting for a Buyer. Support your Local Shops.
Someone has , saw it somewhere , the verdict stumpy more planted and stable at speed , spectral you have to choose your lines better , but is more poppy and pedals more efficiently
@@camwells9726 What I got from the PB article was that the spectral is more efficient, but the EVO is the better all around climber due to longer chain stays and better traction- but it's speculating when the EVO can have such a drastic change in geo, even if the traction really comes from the Horst link.
Nice spec as always. It is kind of an enduro bike. 29er with such long travel. I do think there is a huge market for these kind of bikes. Not a full enduro rig but not a short travel 29er. I think its the best range cause you get a little of both sides
The ride impressions sound like an Enduro. Making the trail feel easy and allowing you to go fast while still being a good climber is my definition of Enduro, no matter what angles and lengths the parts are. I did not cancel my Spectral 27.5" order (will arrive in 2 weeks). Not only because of the price difference from the alloy 27.5" to this, but also because I like a smaller, more playful bike. I wish they adjusted seat tube and head tube angle slightly on the 27.5" though. That one is still a trail bike for me: Can do it all but without the focus on speed.
I got my 27.5 two weeks ago because like you I wanted a fun bike and I'm not disappointed. I love ridding it, whereas the 29 would be, as you say, a downhill Enduro bike. Not what I'm after. I want to play on the trail and just have fun, not see how fast I am vertically. So I think you've made a great and wise choice. Enjoy.
Canyon does have the older, lower-end version of the Spectral that is aluminum, but I totally agree. I wish they still had an aluminum strive, and I would love to see another bike like the Capra AL LTD in the market again.
I have the 2022 Spectral CF7 and it rides great. Climbs good and rides downhill like a champ. I take it to bike parks and ride my local trails almost daily. Just a great all around bike.
Just ordered the LTD version. £6200, I'm going to have to lie to my wife. They've definitely hiked the prices. Would have liked to get a factory dropper at that price.
@@ArmorOfZeus It comes with XTR groupset, factory front and back but oneup dropper. DT XMC 1200 wheelset. I feel a couple of corners have been cut and they've definitely hiked the price. That said, it sold out in a week, next available May 21. I've had a couple of small issues but my 1 thing is the paint isn't hard wearing at all. I've only had 4 rides and had to spend 2 hours last night with T-cut and scratch remover bringing back the shine. I know I should have invisi wrapped it from new but kind of think the paint should be harder. Maybe I'm expecting too much.
If you want a great fun bike get the 27.5. If want an Enduro bike get the 29er. The 27.5 is less expensive and probably better suited to most trails and can deal with off piste. The 29er looks like a downhill beast that climbs well. Possibly overkill for most of us.
I'd say the biggest surprise in this video is that the Stumpjumper Evo Expert is only $200 more and it comes with similar equipment and not like a Deore Derailleur. I don't know if I should be saying kudos to Canyon for this bike or kudos to Specialized for finally realizing the DTC pricing isn't going away. I'm not saying $4600-$4800 is cheap or even affordable, but in the past you'd have something like the Spectral at $4600 and a comparable Specialized at $6000.
Thanks for the great review. Just about to put an order in BUT, one thing I'm not fussed on in the straight tapered head tube and what this does to the aesthetics when a standard headset is installed. What is on display, e.g. frame recess, can water and grime get in, and what is done with that large steel spacer? Does the top assembly cap recess down into the frame if this spacer is removed to get a seal between the cap and the upper? Would love to see this stock headset removed and a standard Cane Creek unit installed... I'm not fussed on the G5 stem or spacers either.
Trail Bike? This bike has a slacker head tube angle than the evil wreckoning! And that bike was piloted to win legit downhill racing EVENTS! THIS THINGS A MONSTER TRUCK
hi, i'm interested in this bike but i'm afraid to find the very progressive rear suspension too hard for my tastes .. could you tell me more about the comfort of this bike on small and medium shocks ? is all travel used correctly ? Does it still provide a soft feeling on the trails or is it very (too) hard? Thanks you for your answers and sorry for my poor english ;-)
There are some reviews that explain that they removed a spacer from the shock and this helped greatly. One such review was done by Flow Mountain Bike 2 months ago, search UA-cam.
What’s a good bike that’s budget friendly (under 3k could jump around a little) and is for someone who rides trails, gets air whenever they can, and loves going as fast as they can on Strava segments. Basically does everything but is more centered on speed, trail riding, and jumps. Also I’d prefer alloy. I’ve been very befuddled with the options and have no idea anymore 😂 thanks!
We tested a bunch of very budget-friendly trail rippers, here: ua-cam.com/video/DSYwTlth1oc/v-deo.html. At $2600 go for the next-higher version of the Marin Rift Zone and get ready to rip.
I had the red al canyon spectral it was a good bike and now in 29 makes me think I own a 2020 Hightower at the moment but this new spectral got me thinking 🤘🏼💪🏼
Nice review guys. Non-tapered steerer tube is weird. How about a review of the new Vitus Escarpe or Sommet? They've been out for a few months but no professional reviews yet... seems strange. The spec kills the competition but we need a proper review to see how they ride.
Dude you can rip any bike park on 90% of the FS "trail" bikes nowadays ... Most people don't even need a FS for a true trail bike, but unless your taking pro lines are steep double black tech, all these "trail" bikes can absorb anything a bike park can throw at it (again, for most riders, not all).
I always wanted to see a 29er spectral... but I was hoping for a 150mm travel trail bike. This is a bit too enduro for me and my local trails. I still want one, but it wouldn’t be the right pick for my current situation.
which is why we put a graphic from our stumpy evo expert review video about at :22 into this video and mention comparing it to this bike. ua-cam.com/video/33M2BFOASxY/v-deo.html
I had a 2018 Spectral AL [ 1st. FS bike] and yes for the price a good value but with 175 crank it had its share of pedal strikes and also some pedal kickback that i felt and i am just an intermediate rider. I replaced it with a 2019 RM Instinct BC and although price was more i feel the Instinct BC is a superior bike, 170 cranks = much less pedal strikes and i never felt any kickback so i have no complaints paying more $$$$$.
Thanks for the detailed review. I'm considering this bike, but it seems pretty big. I'm not sure how it would fare in the tight, twisty, pedally trails in the woods I ride. The details are just right though: easy internal routing, replaceable threaded inserts, threaded BB etc. Looks like this would be durable and relatively easy to maintain. Also, the pricing is great for the kit you're getting and I think it's a clean looking bike.
@@hambo76 dude this is a do it all bike. Just dont size up and run it in the high setting. Tyres make a big difference as well. Best bike Ive ever owned.
@@cwalt74 I'm 6'5" so it's XL or nothing for me! Also I'd take the AL version so no variable geometry either. I ride in rainforest trails so EXO tyres should be fine here.
I have xsmall size spectral cf8 2022. My issue is the chain is tooo close to the chain stay near by the chainring specially when on the hardest gear... this really makes me think to return this bike. Pls advise what you think
I have ordered a Commencal meta tr 29 2021 which has a similar geometry but you get the top specs model spending £1700 less compared to the new spectral.. The frame is alloy , not carbon, which I prefer highly for a descending smasher.
Hi, which Meta TR build did you get? How much importance did you put on climbing capability? I just ordered the 2021 Essential and wondering if I should have given the Spectral 29 CF 7.0 a closer look.
@@kaptnunderpnts I have ordered the signature model, climbing capability is not very important for me as long it is decent, but the new meta tr seems to perform very well on the climbs anyway.. Descending is more important for me and the specs that the TR model has are perfect for me - big enough travel to smash descents but not too big to maintain more that nimble feeling. Geometry is very similar with the new canyon. You did the right choice to get the meta, If you compare the top spec model with the top spec canyon you save £1700 which is a lot.
The only issue is that it’s not available. After researching the spike a little bit more my question to @Vital MTB is was this the 8 or 7 you tested because it looks like the 7 with is 3699 and a SRAM build. Can you confirm this? Thanks in Advance
Well, congratulations on the video, I get this bike in August, I measure 1.82 and 84 inseam, canyon advises me an M, how do you see it? Thanks in advance.
I didn't get it what Greg Montgomery meant by saying which bike fits him best by size. Did he mean the Medium or the Large one when I said that? Since im exactly between those two sizes, I am struggling which size I shall take and I am only an inch bigger than Greg is.
at this point it's a matter of what you can get. most are sold out. spectral is generally longer with a bit more modern geometry. both perform great. here's our jeffsy 1-minute bike review : ) ua-cam.com/video/wECeRKsyGSE/v-deo.html
Canyon spectral AL 27,5 will be my new bike , can anyone help me in choosing and give me an opinion what size frame to buy, I am 160 cm tall, inner length of the legs 74 cm. arm length 53 cm. think about M size 27,5 wheels
This head tube interface is totaly turn off from this bike, and only carbon frame too ... great review i was considering to buy this bike but I`ll go for local shopping to buy specialized, cube or orbea
Canyon and their weird steerer tube specs. So what you saying was going on there? I'm not sure I followed that. The steerer tube itself was normal right, 1 1/8"? Thanks.
nice! unfortunately the shot of the strap is a photo from canyon, not ours. strap looks nice though and while it didn't come with our test bike, maybe it comes with the bike? let us know! it almost seems like it's made to fit that top-tube.
you can for sure. braydon in our video has a deity setup with normal spacers, but if you don't have that bottom, shaped cap, the bearings/races will be exposed.
@@vitalmtb Beautiful! Also, about the bike, how does it compare to the Occam in terms of 'fun'? I actually have an Occam on order and will slap a 160 fork on it to get a 65 head angle, but this looks really good too...
You can run normal forks, the top end width is same as the lower end of a tapered head tube and there's a reducer at the top. What it means is that you could run angle spacers without raising your stack height. Not sure if there are any aftermarket ones available, but Scott has done that straight head tube in the Spark and included an angle adjust headset stock in the bike. Probably Canyon will release something similar.
surely the new spectral is a pretty nice bike overall, but Canyon as a company is just dissapointing. The costumer service is absolutely unreliable and i would never ever buy a canyon again. I'm now waiting for several months again to get my al spectral frame replaced and literally nothing happens...
I bought one in 2018 after I heard reports that they had really amped up their customer service to try and change, but I had to wait months just to get a replacement plastic washer, and when it arrived it was the wrong one. I had to shave it down with a file to get it to fit. I'm also never buying Canyon again.
They did the same thing with the 2019 Neuron. It wasn’t until mid 2020 that the alloy version (of that redesign) was released. It wouldn’t surprise me if they do the same with this one.
as said, our test bike is size large and our rider is 5'11 (greg on green bike). braydon on purple bike is on a medium (he's not a vital tester, he's a canyon rider). greg rode both and comments on the differences at 13:07 in video
@@vitalmtb tnx. What is the height of Braydon? As Canyon rider, I suppose he rode frame size which knew would be the best fit for him. I am 5'9 and according to Canyon sizing I am between S and M size. I am more towards the M size than S, but little concerned because of longer reach and the fact Canyon have direct sales, I am not able to test both sizes upon my decision.
I allways see the spectral as a trail do big jumps bikes, and I would like to se how this bike handle that with this new 29" , and the I would say its a #all do mountain bike", if not i guess would be more funny with 27.5" instead?
I'm guessing the frames are the same here in the UK. The small goes up to 5'9" and medium starts at 5'9". I'm bang on 5'9" so wasn't sure. The Canyon website said small, their customer service said medium. I'm pretty new into MTB so don't have the experience to really know. I went medium and its fine but definitely a big bike. I wish I'd been able to try the small but that's the negative with direct sales.
Just use canyon advice tool. They sell thousand bikes a day, be sure you'll get the right size. With most brands I use L size so I took this despite Canyon advice to order a M... it was too large I had to send it back, order another one and wait six months more.
@@Johnvdubable How do you feel about the Medium now? Do you wish you'd got the Small? I'm the same height and am looking to get one as soon as they are back in stock. I was planning on a Medium but now you've made me reconsider...! Any input would be great!
@@BR0SE1DON hi. I actually got a refund on the bike 10 months later. 1 full revolution backwards and the chain dropped down the cassette which annoyed me. It turns out it does this across a few brands. It always felt like a big bike but manageable. I wish I'd been able to try a small but didn't get the opportunity.
@@Johnvdubable sorry to hear that mate, what a pain. I’m guessing that as you ended up getting it refunded you weren’t in love with it. I was planning on getting the 27.5 version, did you have the 29? I was hoping that would make it feel smaller. The sizing does seem a bit strange, they seem to be missing an XL size, which means that the sizes they do offer cater to a wider height range. Any advice for a prospective buyer / UK rider? This will be my first bike in well over a decade… I’m desperately trying to make the right decision! 😬
hit up our long-term review here. we go into great detail about sizing. www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Canyon/Spectral-29-CF-8,32343#product-reviews/3978
not sure. the image of that is from the canyon press release. it might be a canyon-specific strap that comes with the bike? our test bike was fairly early and we didn't get that strap in our box, but consumers might.
What do you think about the price, spec and geometry of the new Spectral?
Video Contents
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Direct-to-Consumer Bike Buying
2:19 - Buying a bike online from Canyon
2:43 - 2018 Canyon Spectral AL 27.5 and Strive
3:22 - Spectral 29 Bike Highlights
4:19 - Spectral 29 Bike Models
5:46 - Spectral 29 Weights and Details
6:10 - Spectral 29 Geometry
7:10 - Spectral Frame Features
7:35 - Potential Water Bottle Issues
8:17 - Canyon G5 Stem, Headset Spacers and Headtube
9:22 - Fork, Shock, Seatpost, Chainring
9:56 - Suspension Graphs
10:17 - RIDE REPORT
14:21 - Outro
Sick bike, but the cost difference is very small vs regular brand. Commencal has more cost saving/performance option I think, even if they are aluminum frames.
How poppy and playful is it? I know it is a long bike, but is it easy to pop on smaller jumps for instance or is it more planted?
@@MTBs yeah, if I knew that then it would make it a lot more simple to decide on this bike, the meta tr, and the trek slash.
@@MTBs w/ the single ride on the bike so far, there's not a lot of input yet, but the 27.5 is definitely the "play" bike of the two. the 29 will pop, but takes a bit more effort to move around than the 27.5.
@@vitalmtb Thank you for replying. I guess I will have to wait and see when you have tested the bike more thoroughly. Have subscribed.
2021 Trail Bikes: Enduro bikes without ZEB or 38
LOL so true
Nailed it! Lol... would the new of this year(2020) Transition Sentinel(150mm R, 160mm F w/ 36) be trail aswell? Hmm...
Fr dude. Some brand new dh bikes have the same head tube angle as this trail bike it insane
@@parkerlovell1675 yeah but I’ve ridden bikes with identical head angles and travel but they ride very differently , so hopefully they have set this bike up to have more trail characteristics through flatter terrain rather than just a downhill bomber
Pretty much
That's not a trail bike, that's an enduro bike that can pedal good.
So it’s an all mountain bike...
@@evanburt2766 yeah, I just realized that it's on the small end of enduro bike. I'll coin a new term other than all mountain. We will call it the "down trail" bike.
whatever happened to "all-mountain"? that was the term before enduro and it just went away : )
@@s14tat should we just start calling these bikes category fluid. I’ve got a fezzari la Sal peak with a 170mm fox 36 on it but don’t know what to categorize it as
@@evanburt2766 "fluid", oh man. That sounds like fluid gender. No thanks.
This is a Winner. We love our Spectral’s 27.5 except for the cracked plastic Cable Routers on the Down Tube. Bike still smokes.. I’d buy it again in a minute. Can’t wait to ride this.
Screw the Big Mtn. Bike Companies. The Prices they get away with for a Nice Bike with a $300.00 Carbon Taiwan Frame. Canyon and other Direct Consumer Companies are the future. Our Bike Shop was surprisingly welcoming. Said he makes more money off our Canyon Maintenance then he would putting Specialized Bikes on his Credit Line waiting for a Buyer. Support your Local Shops.
U should do the canyon spectral 29 CF 8 vs specialised stumpjumper EVO Expert
Yes plz
Someone has , saw it somewhere , the verdict stumpy more planted and stable at speed , spectral you have to choose your lines better , but is more poppy and pedals more efficiently
@@camwells9726 oh ok thanks I’ll look around
@@camwells9726 What I got from the PB article was that the spectral is more efficient, but the EVO is the better all around climber due to longer chain stays and better traction- but it's speculating when the EVO can have such a drastic change in geo, even if the traction really comes from the Horst link.
Finally Canyon catched up with the gold standard in terms of geometry and looks. Well done!
Nice spec as always. It is kind of an enduro bike. 29er with such long travel. I do think there is a huge market for these kind of bikes. Not a full enduro rig but not a short travel 29er. I think its the best range cause you get a little of both sides
The ride impressions sound like an Enduro. Making the trail feel easy and allowing you to go fast while still being a good climber is my definition of Enduro, no matter what angles and lengths the parts are.
I did not cancel my Spectral 27.5" order (will arrive in 2 weeks). Not only because of the price difference from the alloy 27.5" to this, but also because I like a smaller, more playful bike.
I wish they adjusted seat tube and head tube angle slightly on the 27.5" though.
That one is still a trail bike for me: Can do it all but without the focus on speed.
I got my 27.5 two weeks ago because like you I wanted a fun bike and I'm not disappointed. I love ridding it, whereas the 29 would be, as you say, a downhill Enduro bike. Not what I'm after. I want to play on the trail and just have fun, not see how fast I am vertically. So I think you've made a great and wise choice. Enjoy.
@@dirtrider6198 thanks man, that's what I was thinking. Enjoy the bike!
@@dirtrider6198 " I want to play on the trail and just have fun, not see how fast I am vertically." Couldn't agree more.
im expecting a 50° HTA in the future with 200 mm travel for xc race
Are we starting from Mt Everest peak sire ? In that case might as well add 2 x 200 mm 😀
This new trend of having carbon only models is really disappointing.
Canyon does have the older, lower-end version of the Spectral that is aluminum, but I totally agree. I wish they still had an aluminum strive, and I would love to see another bike like the Capra AL LTD in the market again.
Facts
I know i would rather have aluminum because of the durability
It's super frustrating, aluminum bikes with a good spec is the way to go no questions asked.
not to mention the wheel size option
I have the 2022 Spectral CF7 and it rides great. Climbs good and rides downhill like a champ. I take it to bike parks and ride my local trails almost daily. Just a great all around bike.
Just ordered the LTD version. £6200, I'm going to have to lie to my wife. They've definitely hiked the prices. Would have liked to get a factory dropper at that price.
Wait what?! I'm in america so I can't see the LTD spec but the american C9 has full factory, full XO1 and carbon DT's laced up to 240's for $5600 USD
@@ArmorOfZeus It comes with XTR groupset, factory front and back but oneup dropper. DT XMC 1200 wheelset. I feel a couple of corners have been cut and they've definitely hiked the price. That said, it sold out in a week, next available May 21. I've had a couple of small issues but my 1 thing is the paint isn't hard wearing at all. I've only had 4 rides and had to spend 2 hours last night with T-cut and scratch remover bringing back the shine. I know I should have invisi wrapped it from new but kind of think the paint should be harder. Maybe I'm expecting too much.
Hey bro that’s I’m planning to do too, hopefully she doesn’t divorce me!!!😂
@@4mtbexperience the bike is worth it. I feel so confident on it, it handles everything you throw at it.
If you want a great fun bike get the 27.5. If want an Enduro bike get the 29er. The 27.5 is less expensive and probably better suited to most trails and can deal with off piste. The 29er looks like a downhill beast that climbs well. Possibly overkill for most of us.
I like it !!! I would love to see a head to head between this and the new EVO
I'd say the biggest surprise in this video is that the Stumpjumper Evo Expert is only $200 more and it comes with similar equipment and not like a Deore Derailleur. I don't know if I should be saying kudos to Canyon for this bike or kudos to Specialized for finally realizing the DTC pricing isn't going away.
I'm not saying $4600-$4800 is cheap or even affordable, but in the past you'd have something like the Spectral at $4600 and a comparable Specialized at $6000.
Here is Aus the Stumpy Evo Expert is 50% more expensive ($9000 vs $6000 for the Canyon). So really depends on the specific market.
It's an Entrailo bike. Except in Europe, where it's a Traiduro.
LOL entrailo!
Excellent review of this bike. Really appreciate all the info in this video!
A few days ago i ordered the new 27.5 AL Canyon Spectral.
I‘m really hyped about how it will work
thanks - find Canyon hard to follow, all the variants differences. Would be nice to just compare framsets and add suggested builds.
Funny how now I can’t tell if them listing the price seems like it is expensive or cheap. Wild times!
I'd be down for a Canyon Spectral AL 29 if it's a grand or two cheaper!
My dream bike, hopefully I would be able to buy it this year.
Have you done a review on the spectral 125 AL-6 ? Would like to see that and back to back with this spectral 29
Thanks for the great review. Just about to put an order in BUT, one thing I'm not fussed on in the straight tapered head tube and what this does to the aesthetics when a standard headset is installed. What is on display, e.g. frame recess, can water and grime get in, and what is done with that large steel spacer? Does the top assembly cap recess down into the frame if this spacer is removed to get a seal between the cap and the upper? Would love to see this stock headset removed and a standard Cane Creek unit installed... I'm not fussed on the G5 stem or spacers either.
I have ride the cf8 whole summer, it’s amazing
I hope Canyon introduces a new Strive model soon.
But this Spectral looks very promising.
Yeah, let's hope the head angle doesn't stay at 66 degrees!
@@danielmtb6707 I don't believe they left the same head angle. Will definitely be lower than Spectral or at least the same.
Great review- lots of info - well filmed
Trail Bike? This bike has a slacker head tube angle than the evil wreckoning! And that bike was piloted to win legit downhill racing EVENTS! THIS THINGS A MONSTER TRUCK
hi, i'm interested in this bike but i'm afraid to find the very progressive rear suspension too hard for my tastes .. could you tell me more about the comfort of this bike on small and medium shocks ? is all travel used correctly ? Does it still provide a soft feeling on the trails or is it very (too) hard? Thanks you for your answers and sorry for my poor english ;-)
There are some reviews that explain that they removed a spacer from the shock and this helped greatly. One such review was done by Flow Mountain Bike 2 months ago, search UA-cam.
For me:
Trail/Short Travel; >=115 to =130 to =150mm to
What’s a good bike that’s budget friendly (under 3k could jump around a little) and is for someone who rides trails, gets air whenever they can, and loves going as fast as they can on Strava segments. Basically does everything but is more centered on speed, trail riding, and jumps.
Also I’d prefer alloy. I’ve been very befuddled with the options and have no idea anymore 😂 thanks!
We tested a bunch of very budget-friendly trail rippers, here: ua-cam.com/video/DSYwTlth1oc/v-deo.html. At $2600 go for the next-higher version of the Marin Rift Zone and get ready to rip.
I had the red al canyon spectral it was a good bike and now in 29 makes me think I own a 2020 Hightower at the moment but this new spectral got me thinking 🤘🏼💪🏼
Nice review guys. Non-tapered steerer tube is weird.
How about a review of the new Vitus Escarpe or Sommet? They've been out for a few months but no professional reviews yet... seems strange. The spec kills the competition but we need a proper review to see how they ride.
we're trying to get a vitus. we rode the mythique 29 last year and really enjoyed it for the price - ua-cam.com/video/INPdK9RxkGk/v-deo.html
anything above 135mm rear travel isn't a trail bike
140mm can pass but it's leaning in towards all mountain to much at that point
It's an interesting discussion. If it pedals good i'd be pleased to get more suspension travel for trail riding.
Dude you can rip any bike park on 90% of the FS "trail" bikes nowadays ... Most people don't even need a FS for a true trail bike, but unless your taking pro lines are steep double black tech, all these "trail" bikes can absorb anything a bike park can throw at it (again, for most riders, not all).
I always wanted to see a 29er spectral... but I was hoping for a 150mm travel trail bike. This is a bit too enduro for me and my local trails. I still want one, but it wouldn’t be the right pick for my current situation.
it is 150mm rear travel. has 160mm forks if you live in the US. we're wrestling with the same thought, though, it's a lot of bike for a lot of places.
Wow. Bought a Honda CR 125 in 1994 for 4, 100 . Shit is getting crazy
The Stumpjumper evo has basically the same spec for around 200-300 bucks more on the model you’re showing during the review tho
which is why we put a graphic from our stumpy evo expert review video about at :22 into this video and mention comparing it to this bike. ua-cam.com/video/33M2BFOASxY/v-deo.html
@@vitalmtb ah HAHAHAHAHAHA i completely missed that graphic 🤣 I stand corrected ! It’s funny how they even copied the colour almost
Thought you was gonba review it against the 27.5 version
These videos are just the best
you're the best! xoxo
@@vitalmtb I heard downhill bikes really get the people going
I had a 2018 Spectral AL [ 1st. FS bike] and yes for the price a good value but with 175 crank it had its share of pedal strikes and also some pedal kickback that i felt and i am just an intermediate rider. I replaced it with a 2019 RM Instinct BC and although price was more i feel the Instinct BC is a superior bike, 170 cranks = much less pedal strikes and i never felt any kickback so i have no complaints paying more $$$$$.
Insane that this exact bike is $500 more now with the exact same components.
I love my 2020 Spectral! Hoping to try this out for next year!
Thanks for the detailed review. I'm considering this bike, but it seems pretty big. I'm not sure how it would fare in the tight, twisty, pedally trails in the woods I ride. The details are just right though: easy internal routing, replaceable threaded inserts, threaded BB etc. Looks like this would be durable and relatively easy to maintain. Also, the pricing is great for the kit you're getting and I think it's a clean looking bike.
tight/twisty is what we're curious about too and will be putting the bike in terrain like that.
@@vitalmtb Shame you never got round to posting a video about that as I'd like to know too!
@@hambo76 dude this is a do it all bike. Just dont size up and run it in the high setting. Tyres make a big difference as well. Best bike Ive ever owned.
@@cwalt74 I'm 6'5" so it's XL or nothing for me! Also I'd take the AL version so no variable geometry either. I ride in rainforest trails so EXO tyres should be fine here.
I have xsmall size spectral cf8 2022. My issue is the chain is tooo close to the chain stay near by the chainring specially when on the hardest gear... this really makes me think to return this bike. Pls advise what you think
I have ordered a Commencal meta tr 29 2021 which has a similar geometry but you get the top specs model spending £1700 less compared to the new spectral.. The frame is alloy , not carbon, which I prefer highly for a descending smasher.
Hi, which Meta TR build did you get? How much importance did you put on climbing capability? I just ordered the 2021 Essential and wondering if I should have given the Spectral 29 CF 7.0 a closer look.
@@kaptnunderpnts I have ordered the signature model, climbing capability is not very important for me as long it is decent, but the new meta tr seems to perform very well on the climbs anyway.. Descending is more important for me and the specs that the TR model has are perfect for me - big enough travel to smash descents but not too big to maintain more that nimble feeling. Geometry is very similar with the new canyon. You did the right choice to get the meta, If you compare the top spec model with the top spec canyon you save £1700 which is a lot.
When I see the Olympic cross country track, this bike is definitely the good one for it !
lol
Great review and good info on details etc.
Glad it was helpful!
Hey, great review! Where can I find the strap shown at 7:10 of the video?
new to your channel, nice work!! what part of the country was this video filmed?
Idaho
Just ordered my 29 cf7, was gonna get a 27.5 cf7 but saw that it just came out the night i had tried to order the 27.5
The only issue is that it’s not available. After researching the spike a little bit more my question to @Vital MTB is was this the 8 or 7 you tested because it looks like the 7 with is 3699 and a SRAM build. Can you confirm this? Thanks in Advance
Damn that looks cold.
Well, congratulations on the video, I get this bike in August, I measure 1.82 and 84 inseam, canyon advises me an M, how do you see it? Thanks in advance.
I wouldn't rule out the L, but considering the saddle height range (geometry specs)
I didn't get it what Greg Montgomery meant by saying which bike fits him best by size. Did he mean the Medium or the Large one when I said that? Since im exactly between those two sizes, I am struggling which size I shall take and I am only an inch bigger than Greg is.
My dh bike feels numb on trails because of the suspension thats why i want a trail bike to feel the trail more
Head tube is not tapered... is the fork steerer tapered??
What do you think about spectral vs a jeffsy? I’m stuck between the two.
at this point it's a matter of what you can get. most are sold out. spectral is generally longer with a bit more modern geometry. both perform great. here's our jeffsy 1-minute bike review : ) ua-cam.com/video/wECeRKsyGSE/v-deo.html
I'm getting the neuron cf 9 sl, that's a trail bike this is a enduro,slash trail!
Canyon spectral AL 27,5 will be my new bike , can anyone help me in choosing and give me an opinion what size frame to buy,
I am 160 cm tall, inner length of the legs 74 cm. arm length 53 cm. think about M size 27,5 wheels
Canyon was one the last brand which did 27.5, now they begin to stop. I'm sure YT will do the same next year. Is 27,5 dead so?
This head tube interface is totaly turn off from this bike, and only carbon frame too ... great review i was considering to buy this bike but I`ll go for local shopping to buy specialized, cube or orbea
I'm 5"10(178cm) would you recommend medium or larger?
I’d also like to kmow
Following
idk if i should get the spectral cf8 or the torque cf8.
Canyon and their weird steerer tube specs. So what you saying was going on there? I'm not sure I followed that. The steerer tube itself was normal right, 1 1/8"? Thanks.
fork steerer tube is normal tapered. bike head tube is not, but there's a reducer in there so it works.
@@vitalmtb Thank you!
Awesome another bike that'll be out of stock till 2022
Thanks very much ❤️
Just ordered mine!
Could you tell me what tool strap you used? Can't find a good with single bolt mount.
nice! unfortunately the shot of the strap is a photo from canyon, not ours. strap looks nice though and while it didn't come with our test bike, maybe it comes with the bike? let us know! it almost seems like it's made to fit that top-tube.
@@vitalmtb It doesn't come with the bike and it's not listed on their website. I'll call them in the new year nd see if I can find out what it is.
6'3" w/ 35 inch inseam. Large or XL?
Why is the dropper post diameter straight outta 2015
They need two 29" 160 bikes Strive and Spectral?
What happened to that long-term review?
it's been on our site for a while - www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Canyon/Spectral-29-CF-8,32343#product-reviews/3978
It's an Enduro bike by the way. Not a trail bike.
not according to canyon.
the next strive will probably have more travel so their lineup will make more sense
Long distance 29-ers the do it all bikes...bridge the trail to entry of enduro.
Is it possible to set a standard stem on there headset spacers? Thank you
you can for sure. braydon in our video has a deity setup with normal spacers, but if you don't have that bottom, shaped cap, the bearings/races will be exposed.
@@vitalmtb Hi, what bottom cap is he using then? I hope it hasn‘t to be left exposed.
Canyon should stick with what they do best. Making suspension bikes with massively long seat tubes and short reach.
why isn't it mullet friendly?
can u review the new giant trance x?
already did! www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Giant/Trance-X-Advanced-Pro-29-0,31504#product-reviews/3920
Was the bike weighted with bottle?
What came first… the revel or canyon….
Looks great! Are these mountains above LA +-?
boise idaho
@@vitalmtb Beautiful! Also, about the bike, how does it compare to the Occam in terms of 'fun'? I actually have an Occam on order and will slap a 160 fork on it to get a 65 head angle, but this looks really good too...
how does the non tapered headtube work? does this mean we cant run tapered forks or ?
You can run normal forks, the top end width is same as the lower end of a tapered head tube and there's a reducer at the top. What it means is that you could run angle spacers without raising your stack height. Not sure if there are any aftermarket ones available, but Scott has done that straight head tube in the Spark and included an angle adjust headset stock in the bike. Probably Canyon will release something similar.
Is the fork still a tapered steerer?
surely the new spectral is a pretty nice bike overall, but Canyon as a company is just dissapointing. The costumer service is absolutely unreliable and i would never ever buy a canyon again. I'm now waiting for several months again to get my al spectral frame replaced and literally nothing happens...
I bought one in 2018 after I heard reports that they had really amped up their customer service to try and change, but I had to wait months just to get a replacement plastic washer, and when it arrived it was the wrong one. I had to shave it down with a file to get it to fit. I'm also never buying Canyon again.
That's good to know.
WE WANT HIGH SPEC ALLOY MODELS!!
As a person with a carbon bike it isn’t worth it. It brakes easier and makes us worried. So #metalfan
totally agree about wanting alloy (but not about breaking easier). while nothing is said about alloy yet from canyon, we're hoping maybe, someday.
They did the same thing with the 2019 Neuron. It wasn’t until mid 2020 that the alloy version (of that redesign) was released. It wouldn’t surprise me if they do the same with this one.
This bike is awesome.. but.. Strive and Torque? Now those bikes no longer make sense 🤔
Wait hold up.. is the steerer tube on the fork tapered or straight??
tapered. that silver compression ring is a reducer.
@@vitalmtb ohhhh. Thats really interesting. Thanks for the quick reply! :)
Still not available to order with dates getting pushed back by months...
brutal.
So at 5'9 would you guys recommend the medium (CF8)?
yep
I’m going to buy this bike in 2023
You missed something else on the US CF7 version, the drive has been downgraded from the GX to the NX eagle.
if that's the case, that's been changed since the original bike launch. the press kit they sent said GX for CF7.
wait so can you run a tapered head tube in this bike?
yeah, fork included is tapered
What are the riders and frames sizes in field test?
as said, our test bike is size large and our rider is 5'11 (greg on green bike). braydon on purple bike is on a medium (he's not a vital tester, he's a canyon rider). greg rode both and comments on the differences at 13:07 in video
@@vitalmtb tnx. What is the height of Braydon? As Canyon rider, I suppose he rode frame size which knew would be the best fit for him. I am 5'9 and according to Canyon sizing I am between S and M size. I am more towards the M size than S, but little concerned because of longer reach and the fact Canyon have direct sales, I am not able to test both sizes upon my decision.
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES A 29ER SPECTRAL
I don’t understand why they made it a 29er because they already have a 160/150 29er?
Especially cuz it’s more capable than the strive lmao
I bet some canyon enduro races might ride this bike over the Strive but idk.
the official word from canyon on that is "canyon enduro racers will still ride the strive" - curious if that holds up all the time.
@@vitalmtb strive does pedal like a rocket🤷🏻♂️
@@vitalmtb yeah I bet some racers opt for the spectral in some cases but we will have to see.
I allways see the spectral as a trail do big jumps bikes, and I would like to se how this bike handle that with this new 29" , and the I would say its a #all do mountain bike", if not i guess would be more funny with 27.5" instead?
At 5'7.5 would you guys recommend the medium or small ?
I'm guessing the frames are the same here in the UK. The small goes up to 5'9" and medium starts at 5'9". I'm bang on 5'9" so wasn't sure. The Canyon website said small, their customer service said medium. I'm pretty new into MTB so don't have the experience to really know. I went medium and its fine but definitely a big bike. I wish I'd been able to try the small but that's the negative with direct sales.
Just use canyon advice tool. They sell thousand bikes a day, be sure you'll get the right size.
With most brands I use L size so I took this despite Canyon advice to order a M... it was too large I had to send it back, order another one and wait six months more.
@@Johnvdubable How do you feel about the Medium now? Do you wish you'd got the Small? I'm the same height and am looking to get one as soon as they are back in stock. I was planning on a Medium but now you've made me reconsider...! Any input would be great!
@@BR0SE1DON hi. I actually got a refund on the bike 10 months later. 1 full revolution backwards and the chain dropped down the cassette which annoyed me. It turns out it does this across a few brands. It always felt like a big bike but manageable. I wish I'd been able to try a small but didn't get the opportunity.
@@Johnvdubable sorry to hear that mate, what a pain. I’m guessing that as you ended up getting it refunded you weren’t in love with it. I was planning on getting the 27.5 version, did you have the 29? I was hoping that would make it feel smaller. The sizing does seem a bit strange, they seem to be missing an XL size, which means that the sizes they do offer cater to a wider height range. Any advice for a prospective buyer / UK rider? This will be my first bike in well over a decade… I’m desperately trying to make the right decision! 😬
canyon bicycles は、この動画を見ていますと、おすすめに書いてありました!
Gray review. Thank you
the geo is very similar to the new stumpy evo, even the paint lmao
What size was he riding?
Large
I'm 5 10 and I normally fit on a large but the reach of this looks like I'd be on medium. Somone help me pick between m or L pls
hit up our long-term review here. we go into great detail about sizing. www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Canyon/Spectral-29-CF-8,32343#product-reviews/3978
what strap mount is this at min. 7:11?
not sure. the image of that is from the canyon press release. it might be a canyon-specific strap that comes with the bike? our test bike was fairly early and we didn't get that strap in our box, but consumers might.