All of these bike are winner's. I spent two year's wanting one and after much research, finally bought a Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7. It's way above my skill set, but picked it up for $2,799. For the price I couldn't pass it by. My first choice was the Marin Rift Zone 2 or YT Izzo core 2. The Spectral is awesome!
Nice work Coop! I thought the same about the Tektro brakes on the T8 BUT, now that I have one, they feel amazing and have a ton of bite. Keep up the good work!!💪
Thanks boss! Appreciate the kind words! Glad to hear the Tektro brakes are treating you well! I totally assumed they wouldn’t be great. Makes me want to try budget components to truly understand if all the fancy stuff is worth it or not.
@@MTBCoop definitely what I’m finding… Double the price does not equal double the performance… Longevity is up in the air still but I never keep any bike that long to find out.🤣
I ended up going with the ibis ripmo af, got it for 25% off with their summer sale which ended up about $2600 + tax and shipping. All in all came out just under 3k. Waiting for it to arrive and hit the trails.
Thanks mate! The T7 is such a good build for the price! I get caught up in always wanting to upgrade too. Always a good reminder to enjoy what you have 🤘🏼
If the low-end bike doesn't have Shimano, then it's not a good value. I like these bikes. Was thinking of buying that Marin Rift Zone 2 but had enough money to get a Fuel EX 8 gen 6. For the price you can't beat that Rift Zone. Just got to upgrade those brakes first thing. That Spectral 125 AL 6 though has a very good part build for the price compared to its competitors.
First I was to get the Neuron as I had it in the past (called nerve back then). Then I made a research into trail bikes for about a month or 2. Boy has things changed in the past 8 years regarding mtbking... Then I was pretty much settled to get myself a Siskiu T7. Just before I'd make a deal for it, went to the canyon site again, for the reasons unknown and BAM, there they are for like 20-30% off. Spectral 125 about to get home now.
@@MTBCoop It exceeded my expectations. Suprisingly nimble and confortable on climbs despite.it's size and weight. Missing a few mm on the rear end on rockier/techy trails on descents but taht's about it. Total bargain.
I got myself a 2022 Giant Trance X3 27.5 ( grey and black ) aluminum and I'm in love with this thing. $ 2500.00 + tax + shipping and handling .... funny thing , I almost went for the Marin Rift Zone 27.5 II, I just don't like 29ners.
@MTB Co-op I was looking at the trek fuel ex 8 right now. It's more then I would like to spend even with the discount but it would be really good in my area. Also the Fezzari Delano Peak looks to be a sick bike. Also the polygon siskiu t8.
As a beginner that feels extremely comfortable at higher speeds and jumping already, what would be better the option? I love what I’ve heard about the neuron but also hearing how good the specs and also that the Polygon is about $400 cheaper. Thanks!
The brake spec on the Polygon T8 is wrong. It comes with Tektro HD-M745 with is 4 pot front and rear (M735 is 4pot front and 2 pot rear). And it's not a down grade. The tektro brakes have great stopping power. Everyone says they suck because all they know is Shimano and Sram. Tektro is the same as TRP brakes which are known for high performance. I did upgrade the wheel set to M1900 tho.
I had a Spectral 125 AL6 in my cart trying fight off the urge. Then, one day, I go back to mull it over and its down to $1980. They gave me no choice...
Just got into looking at new bikes. I thnk I have it down to the Neuron 6 and the Rift Zone 2. Still waiting on the Neuron 6 XS to come back in stock. The place I found the Roft Zone 2 is in stock, so trying to decide if I should wait for the Canyon to be in stock. Both are same price. I was looking at the Vitus Mythique as it is in stock as well, but it does not seem to be speced as good as the Rift Zone or Neuron 6.
There are so many good options out there! Are you able to snag the Rift Zone from a local shop? If so, I'd grab that! The Rift Zone looks like the perfect "doit-all" bike. What are you currently riding?
@@MTBCoop I am riding a 2005 Giant Reign 2. Really old, but I had it built custom for me in 2006, rode for about a year and then got into MX and put the Giant away. I just broke it back out about a year ago, gave it a refresh and it is working great. Just wondering if this 26 inch Reign is outdated and I would benefit from new geometry and 29 inch wheels.
Thank you very much for the review. Which brakes would you say are the better choice between the SRAM's on the Neuron 6 and the Tektro on the Siskiu T8?
Thanks for watching! I actually heard the Neuron is coming with Hays Dominions! If so, those are the better choice! I’d call canyon and see what brakes are shipping with the bike since it appears like they are changing it frequently!
Oh really? Thanks for the heads up. I bought a T8 back in August, but as a new rider, I knew nothing about geometry and bike fitting. After noticing some discomfort while riding, followed by some lengthy research on fitting a bike, it turns out that I should've gone a size down. Too late to exchange, so now I need to try and sell and rebuy. So it'll either be another T8 or the Neuron 6. Thanks for your time.
I’m a dirt bike rider and want to get a mountain bike to train cardio while also gaining skills that will directly translate to the dirt bike. Had no idea mountain bikes cost as much as dirt bikes 😂 I’m trying to spend like $500 or less on one.
I am a beginner biker in Seattle area, which one would you recommend - Izzo core2 or the new Polygon T9 ? They are similar price, one is better at climbing, the other has better suspension. which one will you choose for the local trails? Thanks!
I am undecided between buying the siskiu t8 or the neuron 6, I like the neuron 6 better but I would have to buy it at 27.5 because of my height, instead I could buy the polygon version 29, what do you recommend
In my country ( Greece ) there isn’t a canyon store that you can go to so you have to buy the bike from their website . On the other hand there is a polygon store that I can go there but the price for the polygon siskiu t8 is 3000€ … So that leads me to a question of which one to buy . The canyon spectral 27 al 5 or the polygon siskiu t8 ?
@@MTBCoop bro I’m loving my spectral it’s awesome in every sense of a true mountain bike 🚵♀️ I swear as soon as I hopped on it it was like I felt comfortable I went with a Large and it’s perfect for me at 5’9 I’m glad I didn’t get the canyon torque at 170 travel I feel it would of been to much travel for my needs my next bike will be the nukeproof scout hardtail then I’ll be complete but that’s later on down the road
Great question! The main difference is the geometry. The Spectral is for more aggressive riding. You'll feel more comfortable on steep terrain, whereas the Neuron is more nimble for tight turns. Where and what do you ride?
@@MTBCoop what do I ride? In my dreams, I'm doing blue trails and table tops. In reality that is a cold dark winter here, I'm doing occasional trips to the convenience store and staring at its beauty in the garage.
Tough choice! What type of terrain do you ride? I’d say the Izzo will be a better “do-it-all” bike whereas the Canyon Spectral will be better for steeper terrain!
@@MTBCoop I’m an old guy that hasn’t mountain biked in 30 years, but I’m in pretty good shape. I trail run 6.2 mile every other day. Recently i ran at Alafia state park on the mountain bike trails, and i now have an itch to try riding again for fun, and to cross train. I was going to just use an older hard tail, but i was told that a full suspension bike was what id want for those trails. No idea what bike to get really yet.
I actually just picked up a Cannondale Habit for my girlfriend. We will be doing a few videos on it soon! I often times see Cannondale get overlooked due to their price to spec ratio. However, there are some great deals on Cannondales out there right now. Good call out!
All of these bike are winner's. I spent two year's wanting one and after much research, finally bought a Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7. It's way above my skill set, but picked it up for $2,799. For the price I couldn't pass it by. My first choice was the Marin Rift Zone 2 or YT Izzo core 2. The Spectral is awesome!
Nice! Hope you're loving the bike! You'll 100% grow into it!
Great review.
Super informative.
When friends are looking to get into mountain biking, I send them videos like this! Strong work.
Thanks for the comment! Appreciate it my friend! Enduro bikes are coming soon!
Nice work Coop! I thought the same about the Tektro brakes on the T8 BUT, now that I have one, they feel amazing and have a ton of bite. Keep up the good work!!💪
Thanks boss! Appreciate the kind words! Glad to hear the Tektro brakes are treating you well! I totally assumed they wouldn’t be great. Makes me want to try budget components to truly understand if all the fancy stuff is worth it or not.
@@MTBCoop definitely what I’m finding… Double the price does not equal double the performance… Longevity is up in the air still but I never keep any bike that long to find out.🤣
@@TopToBottomMTByeah lol sell and buy every spring istg 😭😂
I ended up going with the ibis ripmo af, got it for 25% off with their summer sale which ended up about $2600 + tax and shipping. All in all came out just under 3k. Waiting for it to arrive and hit the trails.
Thought I was set on buying the Siskiu T8 but not I’m considering the spectral 5. Great video
Just bought the spectral 125 and I’m loving it
Nice! Did you get the AL 5 or 6? Such a good value at the sale price
@@MTBCoop AL 6
I took AL 5. I’m not super pro for 6😅
@@TeamMaxxlife nether am I but it’s great for me
Recently bought a Polygon T8 on sale for $1,999. This bike is such a great value.
Nice! That is such a good deal for a full suspension. Hope you’re enjoying it!
Just got the Spectral 125 AL5 for ~1.7k$ which i think is a bargain for a beginner like me! Can't wait to take it to the woods!
That is a killer deal! 🔥 Enjoy your bike my friend! Where are you riding it first?
great list. I went with a polygon siskiu t7 due to budget and have been happy, but the tinkerer in me wants to upgrade or build from scratch already.
Thanks mate! The T7 is such a good build for the price! I get caught up in always wanting to upgrade too. Always a good reminder to enjoy what you have 🤘🏼
If the low-end bike doesn't have Shimano, then it's not a good value. I like these bikes. Was thinking of buying that Marin Rift Zone 2 but had enough money to get a Fuel EX 8 gen 6. For the price you can't beat that Rift Zone. Just got to upgrade those brakes first thing. That Spectral 125 AL 6 though has a very good part build for the price compared to its competitors.
First I was to get the Neuron as I had it in the past (called nerve back then). Then I made a research into trail bikes for about a month or 2. Boy has things changed in the past 8 years regarding mtbking... Then I was pretty much settled to get myself a Siskiu T7. Just before I'd make a deal for it, went to the canyon site again, for the reasons unknown and BAM, there they are for like 20-30% off.
Spectral 125 about to get home now.
Nice! Glad you got it on sale! This is the perfect time to pick up a new bike. Let me know how you like it! Happy trails!
@@MTBCoop It exceeded my expectations. Suprisingly nimble and confortable on climbs despite.it's size and weight. Missing a few mm on the rear end on rockier/techy trails on descents but taht's about it. Total bargain.
Which model would claim better?
Nothing has changed except reach and RRP
I got myself a 2022 Giant Trance X3 27.5 ( grey and black ) aluminum and I'm in love with this thing. $ 2500.00 + tax + shipping and handling .... funny thing , I almost went for the Marin Rift Zone 27.5 II, I just don't like 29ners.
Nice! That is a solid deal on the Trance! How are you liking it so far? 27.5 is definitely fun! My first bike was 27.5 and I miss it!
2 weeks later it seems I missed these discounts! I would pick up one of those Canyons in a heart beat at those prices.
There will be more sales! It’s a great time to be in the market 😎
What are you looking at now?
@MTB Co-op I was looking at the trek fuel ex 8 right now. It's more then I would like to spend even with the discount but it would be really good in my area. Also the Fezzari Delano Peak looks to be a sick bike. Also the polygon siskiu t8.
As a beginner that feels extremely comfortable at higher speeds and jumping already, what would be better the option? I love what I’ve heard about the neuron but also hearing how good the specs and also that the Polygon is about $400 cheaper. Thanks!
I would say the Polygon if you’re looking to ride more aggressive. Honestly the Spectral might be a better fit!
@@MTBCoop i actually went with the polygon cause of price point and it being on sale right now. I’m stoked.
I was trying to get the YT but it was sold out at the time but overall I’m more than happy with the spectral 125 and the savings are plush
Shucks! At least you snagged the Spectral. I think I’d appreciate the slacker head tube on the Spectral 125 over the Izzo for the type of riding I do
great video!! Ya sold me!!
* too bad they're sold out everywhere unless you're 6'10" :(
Check out Eminent Cycles. Crazy good deal on a full carbon frame from 3000!
@@MTBCoop VERY NICE! Have you heard good things about Eminent ?
@@bigdonniebrasco Yep! I love the look of their bikes. Check out Matty Active. He just got one and seems to love it!
The brake spec on the Polygon T8 is wrong. It comes with Tektro HD-M745 with is 4 pot front and rear (M735 is 4pot front and 2 pot rear). And it's not a down grade. The tektro brakes have great stopping power. Everyone says they suck because all they know is Shimano and Sram. Tektro is the same as TRP brakes which are known for high performance.
I did upgrade the wheel set to M1900 tho.
Thanks for the feedback! TRP brakes are the real deal. I’d love to try the TrailEvo on my current bike at some point
No ibis.? or are they too expensive. Im thinkin a bout a ripmo. maybe it will be in your next vdeo.
Hi. Thanks for the video. Could you please provide a link to where you saw the Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6 for that price. Thanks
I had a Spectral 125 AL6 in my cart trying fight off the urge. Then, one day, I go back to mull it over and its down to $1980. They gave me no choice...
That was a sign from the MTB gods! Hope you’re enjoying the bike! What do you like about it so far?
Hi Andrew. Where did oí buy it?
Good for you
Just got into looking at new bikes. I thnk I have it down to the Neuron 6 and the Rift Zone 2. Still waiting on the Neuron 6 XS to come back in stock. The place I found the Roft Zone 2 is in stock, so trying to decide if I should wait for the Canyon to be in stock. Both are same price. I was looking at the Vitus Mythique as it is in stock as well, but it does not seem to be speced as good as the Rift Zone or Neuron 6.
There are so many good options out there! Are you able to snag the Rift Zone from a local shop? If so, I'd grab that! The Rift Zone looks like the perfect "doit-all" bike. What are you currently riding?
@@MTBCoop I am riding a 2005 Giant Reign 2. Really old, but I had it built custom for me in 2006, rode for about a year and then got into MX and put the Giant away. I just broke it back out about a year ago, gave it a refresh and it is working great. Just wondering if this 26 inch Reign is outdated and I would benefit from new geometry and 29 inch wheels.
My Neuron 6 came with Hayes Dominion brakes which work much better than the SRAM ones.
Nice! I have been wanting to try those out. I have a friend that absolutely LOVES them on his Transition
My dads did as well, a nice surprise
How does the canyon spectral cf 7 compare to the spectral 125
Thank you very much for the review.
Which brakes would you say are the better choice between the SRAM's on the Neuron 6 and the Tektro on the Siskiu T8?
Thanks for watching! I actually heard the Neuron is coming with Hays Dominions! If so, those are the better choice! I’d call canyon and see what brakes are shipping with the bike since it appears like they are changing it frequently!
Oh really? Thanks for the heads up.
I bought a T8 back in August, but as a new rider, I knew nothing about geometry and bike fitting. After noticing some discomfort while riding, followed by some lengthy research on fitting a bike, it turns out that I should've gone a size down. Too late to exchange, so now I need to try and sell and rebuy. So it'll either be another T8 or the Neuron 6.
Thanks for your time.
I’m a dirt bike rider and want to get a mountain bike to train cardio while also gaining skills that will directly translate to the dirt bike. Had no idea mountain bikes cost as much as dirt bikes 😂 I’m trying to spend like $500 or less on one.
You can get a solid hardtail for about that price! Check out Trek Marlin or Giant Talon!
I am a beginner biker in Seattle area, which one would you recommend - Izzo core2 or the new Polygon T9 ? They are similar price, one is better at climbing, the other has better suspension. which one will you choose for the local trails? Thanks!
I am undecided between buying the siskiu t8 or the neuron 6, I like the neuron 6 better but I would have to buy it at 27.5 because of my height, instead I could buy the polygon version 29, what do you recommend
Gimme that purple Polygon
You would choose the most flashy 😎
Canyon spectral al6 125 best choice imo
I agree! The current sale price is such a good deal!
Is the spectral 125 better than spectral 29?
@@Clixlol yes
In my country ( Greece ) there isn’t a canyon store that you can go to so you have to buy the bike from their website . On the other hand there is a polygon store that I can go there but the price for the polygon siskiu t8 is 3000€ … So that leads me to a question of which one to buy . The canyon spectral 27 al 5 or the polygon siskiu t8 ?
The canyon spectral on canyons website is 2400€ btw
Looks like here is a big sale at Canyon! I would 100% pick up the Canyon Spectral CF 7 if you can!
Do you think its worth to pay the 300 bux more for the cf8 compared to the al6?
Thats tough. Sometimes I wish I had an aluminum frame since I baby my carbon bike too much! I think either would be a good purchase!
Hi, what you think about the Radon Skeen trail 10.0 HD? Thanks
The Radon is a GREAT value. I wish they sold them in the U.S.! I'd be all over the Radon Slide if they did!
Just like I thought mostly all of these bikes sold out as of right now glad I purchased when I did
Yikes! Talk about good timing for you! 😎
@@MTBCoop bro I’m loving my spectral it’s awesome in every sense of a true mountain bike 🚵♀️ I swear as soon as I hopped on it it was like I felt comfortable I went with a Large and it’s perfect for me at 5’9 I’m glad I didn’t get the canyon torque at 170 travel I feel it would of been to much travel for my needs my next bike will be the nukeproof scout hardtail then I’ll be complete but that’s later on down the road
What's the difference between Canyon's Spectral and Neuron models? I don't get it.
Great question! The main difference is the geometry. The Spectral is for more aggressive riding. You'll feel more comfortable on steep terrain, whereas the Neuron is more nimble for tight turns. Where and what do you ride?
@@MTBCoop what do I ride? In my dreams, I'm doing blue trails and table tops. In reality that is a cold dark winter here, I'm doing occasional trips to the convenience store and staring at its beauty in the garage.
I also like the polygon but it’s never available in my size but like I said the canyon is really great for my needs
Where do you ride? Would love to hear what you like about the Spectral!
@@MTBCoop I’m in Arizona
@@MTBCoop bro it’s incredible and I’m 5’ foot 9 went with the large size it’s perfectly comfortable and rolls over terrain like butter 🧈
For me the canyon neuron 6 comes up as 2400
The prices have been changing like crazy! Still a great deal in my opinion!
I am between the Izzo and the canyon, but where I live the Izzo is at 3200 and the spectral is at 2500, so yeah don't know what to do
Tough choice! What type of terrain do you ride? I’d say the Izzo will be a better “do-it-all” bike whereas the Canyon Spectral will be better for steeper terrain!
I just bought a Spectral AL5 after it went down 400€.
Seems like buying used from someone looking to upgrade would be the best way to get a good bike on a budget?
100%. There are a TON of great deals on PinkBike and Marketplace in the used market. What bikes are you currently looking at?
@@MTBCoop I’m an old guy that hasn’t mountain biked in 30 years, but I’m in pretty good shape. I trail run 6.2 mile every other day. Recently i ran at Alafia state park on the mountain bike trails, and i now have an itch to try riding again for fun, and to cross train. I was going to just use an older hard tail, but i was told that a full suspension bike was what id want for those trails. No idea what bike to get really yet.
Every one of these are now up in price closer to 3k except the polygon which is down to $1999. I haven't found anything close in value under 2k.
Give it a few months....my gut tells me all of these will be on sale.
There are several mountain bike channels on UA-cam that I watch...why do none of them ever talk about Cannondale??
I actually just picked up a Cannondale Habit for my girlfriend. We will be doing a few videos on it soon! I often times see Cannondale get overlooked due to their price to spec ratio. However, there are some great deals on Cannondales out there right now. Good call out!
When I think "bang for the buck" I always think of Kona yet I don't see any here. Oh well.
Surprisingly Kona has been crazy expensive since the pandemic. They just got bought back so I am hopeful they will start releasing more bikes soon!
That Spectral is a great deal.
and it is a sweet bike!
T8
Awesome bike for the price! What are you riding?
Damn the canyons arent onsale anymore
It was too good to be true! What bikes are you looking at now?
@@MTBCoop I ended up buying a second hand 19' canyon neuron 7 al
No Vitus Mythique on here? How disappointing...
The Canyon sale was too good to not include! 100% the Mythique would be on here if the sale wasn’t happening. What bike are you riding?
@@MTBCoop a cheap $500 hard tail until my AMP lands in a few weeks 😁
Man , I was thinking more like five hundred bucks
Yeah... full suspension bikes are crazy expensive these days. Better to start out with a hardtail at your price point!
@@MTBCoop i ended up getting a used gravel bike. Perfect for my area. It's pretty flat here and the trails aren't to crazy
These are nice bikes with good suspension amd geometry. None of them have a good drivetrain or brakes like an XT level. Disappointing rwally
The market has been crazy! So many good deals out there now!
Im loveing my Rift Zone 2 its been shredding the gnar. 🤙
Nice! The Rift Zone is such a sick bike for the price. I have been eyeing a Marin for quite a while now. Glad to hear you like it 💯
I literally RAN to buy the Spectral 125 based off those video, and they're gone 🥲
Dang!! I’m sorry my friend! Plenty of great bikes out there still. Find those deals! 🔥
@@MTBCoop fear not! I'm pulling the trigger on the Vitus Mythique AMP today. You should check them out! Serious bang for buck, no deals required.