Canyon Spectral:ON gains battery beef

Canyon released the all-new Spectral:ON CFR earlier this year, with a stiffer, burlier design to meet the growing demands that riders are putting on eMTBs. The Spectral:ON carbon fibre (CF) range has now expanded, with three models using the carbon frame. The Spectral:ON CF 9, CF 8 and CF 7 models are now available with a choice between of two new Canyon-engineered 720Wh and 900Wh battery options. This means there is an increase in range of 15% or 42% respectively.

The Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9, 720 Wh battery, size medium weighs 22.84 kg. With 150mm front travel and 155mm rear, the Spectral:ON really hits the market as an eMTB that's ready to rip.

Ground up redesign

With a good starting point from the Canyon Spectral:ON we tested last year, Canyon still managed to cut massive weight from the frame by a full redesign. This included new carbon layups, more efficient frame layout and a reinforced carbon rear end with strong ball bearings that turn on 15 mm thru-axles. The result is greater strength and stiffness while still dropping weight.

The CF frame weighs 3180g, although the Spectral:ON CFR frame is light as 2880g. The weight savings on the CFR frame are achieved through material and layup differences. Both the CF and CFR frames now meet the even higher and more rigorous “Category 4E” strength and impact resistance testing standards. Sure, they're light. But they're still Tonka Tuff.

More range – more smiles

Canyone engineered their own batteries, and arranged the cells horizontally for a compact layout that is also more efficient. By tilting the Shimano EP8 motor upwards at a 30-degree angle, Canyon can tuck the battery lower in the frame and in front of the motor instead of above it. So the bike has a lower centre of gravity and more evenly balanced weight distribution which improves the handling.

With the option for a 720Wh or 900Wh battery, the Spectral:ON casually eliminates range anxiety with a 15% or 42% boost in capacity over standard batteries. These sizes are also options on both the Norco Sight VLT and Fluid FS VLT we tested in 2021, along with the Norco Range VLT. If you ride a size small, you'll be limited to the 720Wh battery.

Greater capability on the trails

Canyon have given the Spectral:ON a rejig on the geometry front. But it's not designed to only be a bike park sled, it's designed for riding.

Each Spectral:ON’s reach has grown by 25 millimetres for a more centred fit. The head angle was slackened by a degree and the chainstays grew by 5 millimetres to increase stability and overall balance. To aid longer dropper posts, Canyon cut about 20 millimetres off the seat tube, which also assists standover height for when things get fully hectic.

Add the lighter and stiffer frame and the mullet wheel setup (29" front, 27.5" rear) the combination should make for a capable ride that will be playful for those who like to get their bike moving.

The Canyon Spectral:ON CF models

The Spectral:ON CF 9 (22.84 kg with 720 Wh battery/23.75 kg with 900 Wh battery) features Fox Performance Elite suspension comprised of a Fox 36 Performance Elite fork with 150 mm of travel at the front and a Fox Float X Performance Evolution shock providing 155 mm of travel at the back.

The DT Swiss H1900 wheelset of the Spectral:ON CF 9 is driven by SRAM’s GX Eagle group and stopped by SRAM Code RS brakes while an Iridium dropper post moves the saddle out of the way. The build is rounded off by an in-house cockpit by Canyon that features partially integrated cable routing to create an extremely clean look.

Spectral:ON CF 9 720 Wh – $11,949 | Spectral:ON CF 9 900Wh – $12,399

The Spectral:ON CF 8 (23.04kg with 720Wh battery/23.95kg with 900Wh battery) comes equipped with a Fox 36 Rhythm Grip fork with 150 mm of travel at the front and a Fox DPS Performance Evolution shock providing 155 mm of travel at the back.

The Sunringle Duroc wheelset of the Spectral:ON CF 8 is driven by Shimano’s XT group and stopped by Shimano MT7120 brakes while an Iridium dropper post moves the saddle out of the way. The build is rounded off by an in-house cockpit by Canyon that features partially integrated cable routing to create an extremely clean look.

Spectral:ON CF 8 720Wh – $10,399 | Spectral:ON CF 8 900Wh – $10,849

The Spectral:ON CF 7 (23.04kg with 720Wh battery/23.95kg with 900Wh battery) features a RockShox Lyric Select fork with 150mm of travel at the front and a RockShox Deluxe Select shock providing 155 mm of travel at the back.

The RaceFace AR30/AR35 wheelset of the Spectral:ON CF 7 is driven by Shimano’s XT group and stopped by Shimano Deore MT6100 brakes while an Iridium dropper post moves the saddle out of the way. The build is rounded off by an in-house cockpit by Canyon that features partially integrated cable routing to create an extremely clean look.

Spectral:ON CF 7 720Wh – $9,149 | Spectral:ON CF 7 900Wh – $9,599

All bikes are also available in black – further details are available on the Canyon website.