Just like the regular Spectral:ON models, the CFR comes with Shimano's EP8 motor. The rest of the equipment makes your mouth water. Only the finest of the finest is fitted, the parts list reads like a gourmet menu: The Fox elements with Kashima coating are accompanied by Shimano's XTR groupset and rounded off with carbon wheels from Reynolds. Tasty, isn't it?

The Canyon is available with two battery versions. One is the 900 watt-hour version, which provides maximum power. The version with 720 watt hours brings the total weight down to 22.3 kilos. The large battery weighs 910 grams more.

According to Canyon, the following three statements speak for their e-bike:

1. In order to manage the balancing act between the enormous range and maximum riding fun through playful handling, the frame was completely redeveloped and the layup of the carbon fibers otherwise used in aerospace was rethought. With identical stiffness and durability, it was possible to save another 300 grams compared to the previous model.
2. A new battery cell architecture was also designed for the bike. The battery not only sits significantly lower and more compactly in the frame, but above all, with a capacity of up to 900 watt hours, it also offers enough reserves for even the toughest Alpine tours.
3. The Spectral:ON CFR is the ultimate e-mountainbike all-rounder. Accordingly, we have chosen the equipment with 150 millimetres of travel at the front and a mullet setup so that the bike, in combination with the flatter but still moderate geometry, is really fun everywhere - on flowing single trails as well as in the bike park.

Statement by: Lukas Behning, Marketing & Sales Coordinator DACH

Special features

• Mullet structure
• Optional 900 Wh battery
• Push-in axle with lever extension
• Well-protected charging socket
• Largely dimensioned industrial bearings

On the flat

The long head tube in combination with the high riser handlebars and the Acros headset with integrated cable routing results in a very high cockpit. The riding position is therefore very upright and the steering behavior is a little tough on flat terrain. After a short break-in period, you get used to it and with an active riding style, the Spectral:ON turns out to be fundamentally agile. On the other hand, the suspension inspires right from the start with its sensitive response. Stony and rooty trails feel like cobblestones, with only slight vibrations noticeable.

Up the mountain

The seat angle is pleasing and ensures efficient pedaling. On steep climbs, you have to lean forward a little due to the high front and the mullet structure as well as the rather soft rear. Otherwise the front wheel will rise unintentionally. The Canyon is a good climber, but be careful: if you ride up steps too fast, you risk hitting the cranks. The shock rushes quickly through the suspension travel and lowers the bottom bracket.

Downhill

The Spectral:ON releases a lot of travel quickly, but still has enough reserve when things get really rough and you hit a deep compression. The suspension is well tuned and ensures a smooth ride. The bike corners well and carries a lot of speed. Quick successive hits are absorbed perfectly and not passed on to the rider. This tempts you to ride faster and faster. If you take very large steps at high speed, the bike becomes slightly nervous. That's when you realize that it's "only" an all-mountain and not an enduro bike. Although the suspension is rather soft, it has enough support when jumping: landings are soft, unless you crash into the opposite slope. With the smaller battery, the Canyon is a tad more maneuverable and aggressive to ride.

Conclusion

The Canyon Spectral:ON CFR plays in the top league, the price-performance ratio is unbeatable. But the riding performance is also absolutely top and has nothing to hide. If you choose the bike with the large battery, you will probably get tired before the battery runs out. Most people will be fine with the smaller battery - which is actually also large. In return, you get slightly better riding performance.

Recommendation

Installing handlebars with a low rise and building the cockpit as low as possible gives you even more control and excellent handling. If you want to coax the DH genes out of the bike, you can retrofit a Fox X2 shock, then the Spectral:ON flattens almost everything.

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: Link

Manufacturer

www.canyon.com