2024 Canyon Spectral Review | When Less Is Actually More

Ever since it debuted as a 27.5in trail bike in 2014, the Canyon Spectral has been one of the most popular and well-loved bikes to come from the German direct-to-consumer brand. Its success has seen the platform grow significantly over the years with the arrival of the Spectral 29 in 2020, followed by a mullet version in 2021, before both were joined by the short-travel Spectral 125 in 2022.

We’ve had a tonne of experience with almost every variation of the Spectral over the past five years, including the Flight Attendant-equipped Spectral CFR LTD that Mick purchased to be his personal trail bike. As you can imagine then, we were excited to hear that the platform would be getting a total overhaul for 2024.

It ain’t just a simple facelift either. There’s a new frame with big changes to the geometry and suspension design. Canyon has also brought on key improvements to address the issues we’ve encountered in the past, while introducing a few surprises too.

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Canyon Spectral Video Review Contents

0:00 - Intro
0:36 - 2024 Canyon Spectral Overview
1:06 - Frame & Suspension Design
2:14 - Geometry & Adjustability
3:16 - Canyon Spectral Price & Specs
3:56 - Canyon Spectral Weight
4:04 - Canyon Spectral Sizing & Fit
4:51 - Strengths
7:37 - Downsides
9:04 - Canyon Spectral vs Neuron
9:23 - 29in vs Mullet Testing
9:39 - Flow's Verdict

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[christianborris]

I told myself I'd never buy another Canyon, but this bike looks sweet. My main takeaway from this vid is that the riding in Australia looks excellent and I'll add it to my already long list of reasons I want to go.

[prostotakwo]

Why is nobody saying anything about this outstanding MOUSTACHE??!!

[chrish]

Everywhere I look the strive is the fractionally better bike. Please explain….? Although canyon give you the choice between the shape shifter and the steering damper thingamy jig to deal with steering flop due to the slack trend xc.

[jimradcliffe]

Great review as always! Thanks 🙏🏼 Are there any solutions for adding a second bottle to the frame?

[sandycarmichael]

Sweet review Wil, unfortunately alloy frame doesn't get an update but I'm guessing it would heavier again and entering Polygon Collosus territory with extra material to accommodate those massive reach numbers?
Wonder if Stumpjumper Evo will follow suit and go to 150mm/140mm which would be a great comparison review with the Spectral. Hypothetically, which bike would you choose for blasting around typical Aussie trail centres?

[IIISentorIII]

I like Carbon Trail Bikes to be around 13Kg (28.6lbs). After all, you need to carry some water with you too ;)
My Stumpjumper is around that and I guess I've come used to it.

I still own an Alloy Scott Genius with 150mm x 150mm that weights 15kg (33lbs).

Cheers from Switzerland

[TheDoctorvr]

Were you at the You Yangs?

Would of been nice if this vid was in 4K 60FPS

[ggmtb]

How is it on harder landings and bigger jumps?

[charlessauve]

i m looking for to buy a canyon bike but Torque:on cf8 or Spectral:on cf8 considering the sale at the moment ? Torque behing at 4899 USD and Spectral at 4999 usd

[mattblack]

Are they updating the 2024 AL frames???

[bitumen]

When less is actualy more...

Well yes, you have less travel, more weight and higher prices. So yes they are correct.

You get less for more 😐

[htonmusic]

ive always found that canyon sizing is silly!!

[pavelmatousek]

There are two main reasons why I think that the old 2023 Spectral was better - Weight. My M size CF8 weights about 14.3 kilos, the new CF9 weights 600 grams more, while being cca. 1.600€ more expensive. And you pay for K.I.S., while there is just only one reasonable thing you can do with it - throw it away.

[floriancella]

Finally canyon admit that the ancient medium was too small for the height they advised. Great bike but it seems the weight has increased

[eriknash]

I'm confused because I'm looking at Spectral CFR and its 155 rear, 160 front, while you are saying it's 140/150

[Mockle]

Why on Earth would Canyon send you a Medium? Even the size chart on their own website would have suggested a Small would be best.

[Hjorten]

Isnt it a well known fact that you should always down size with canyon bikes

[xcx]

Mate - rethink the moustache and dungarees

[bfranco]

When is the bike industry going to stop with the ugly two tone paint??

[thegriff]

Far out. Just about every cliche used in those video review. This bike must be about as good as it gets then hey?😂