My 'Dream Bike' was a fail, so I bought this Canyon Spectral 125.

After buying my "dream bike" and being severely disappointed, I've been searching for the best value bike for me. Enter, the Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6.

I have no affiliation with Canyon and purchased the bike at full price.

Gear I wear:

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[Jacob]

We need to help Evan make waaaay more money, so he can make waaaay more of these reviews!

[NH-iluc]

I had a 2018 Canyon Spectral. LOVED IT. Would still have it, but it broke. But Canyon took really great care of me. They didn’t have any replacement frames in stock, so they gave me a full refund. Yeah, FULL REFUND. After riding the bike hard for 3 years they wrote me a check for a full refund inclusive of tax and shipping. They also offered me a 10% discount on a new Canyon but unfortunately didn’t have any in stock and wouldn’t for months. So you have a great bike backed by a great company with awesome customer service.

[Nitzagoat]

Its amazing how much better rider you are on this bike. so steezy dude 🤘

[rmhfpv]

I LOVE that you are honest with the negatives or rather pros and cons since every parts choice is a compromise somewhere. So many channels hype everything up and act like the product has no compromises. For example when you mentioned how the slacker head tube feels like it wants to jack knife in sharp turns. you could probably do a whole series of each geo feature and talk about the pro and cons and situations it's designed for and has issues with.

[emilivarsen]

Really great to see appreciation for lower end builds. Even though they look nicer, high end parts are more nice to have, rather than need to have. I have tried both low, mid and high end. Mid end is definitely where you get the most for your money, which it is clear Canyon have gone with

[Jeseryhesery]

I am a huge fan or your videos, keep up the good work!🎉

[phoenixkellah-nash]

Hi, man. Tbh I saw it coming with all your problems with your 'dream bike' but I'm stoked to see you on this one!

[tracymcmanus]

Those wheels held me back not due to the weight but the hub. With only 18pt of engagement it made it difficult to clear some really chunky stuff. Switch to a higher engaging hub (72 pts) and it’s made a difference

[leiste_]

I have the spectral 160mm 27, 5 version, it’s a great do it all bike. From trails to bike parks. Really playfull bike.

[dsrtrcr]

The effective top tube would be the room for your knees when pedaling, the reach would be when standing.

[mrmatthewking]

Bought me one of these as my first MTB! Good to see other similar opinions on it. Hammers downhill, the suspension feels so capable. The weight, wheelbase and head angle make climbing a challenge (not helped by the rider...) but if you can set up the right line it seems to just grip and motor through, as long as you can keep pedalling.

[petedog]

Sweet ride. I still ride a 2013 Stumpjumper 29er alloy w a 68 headtube and 72 seat tube. The reach and wheelbase are shorter but the bike is 150mm fork and 130mm rear. Why I keep upgrading it is exactly what you noticed... Weight. My bike is 30# packed w tools, tube, and water bottle. It jibs great and rides stable at 25 mph. I live in OH so you rarely have extended downs for higher speeds. I have demoed LLS bikes and they just don't cut it on my steep twisty climbs. This is the bike I would get if I were to go modern and ride parks. Great review. I have about $4K into my bike over the years. Lol.

[silvan]

My bro I literally saved up 2 years for a mountain bike and when I finally had the money this beauty came out. I decided to buy it. Got it 3 months ago, literally the exact same model, exact same size and color. I am so happy with it. Pretty cool!

[christopherhurst]

So stoked that you got this bike to review. I also purchased the Canyon Spectral al6. I’m a year into riding mtb and love this new wip. Can’t wait to see the upgrades you out in the Spectral.

[dimimtb]

Welcome to the short travel gang, the Spectral 125 is super similar to my Norco Optic, at 5'10", the large fits me perfectly and not far off the Medium Spectral. These new school short travel bikes are a lot of fun!

[NewDoughs]

So I have a canyon 125 in a size Large (I am 6'1 200lbs). I agree with this whole video! first thing that felt a bit off for me was the head tube angle and how the bike wanted to "jackknife" when turning. I am used to it now but initially, it felt a bit odd. I also agree with the weight, its a bit heavy so I could see the carbon wheels being a really nice addition! I don't really mind it though. My only wish is I wish I could make it a mullet for a bit more playfulness. Overall its a great bike and I am surprised how capable it is for its low travel!

[joebikes]

Great video Evan! 🤠I agree with Jared, that longer wheelbase provides a more confident and stable ride. I prefer that myself, being a big guy... the long bikes just feel better for me. Looks like the Spectral is a winner for Bentonville trails!

[chrisburns]

It’s amazing how much more confident you look on this bike, so much more steeze!

[kult]

this is my first time watching Evan in quite a while and to see how much he's grown in the past year really makes me happy; keep at it man! love the new content too!

[gerrygadget]

Responding to Yeti carbon frame being flexy, my Fezzari Delano Peak (135 DPX/150 Fox36, ShimXT) is carbon and doesn't feel flexy at all. And total weight with pedals when I first got it, no upgrades, was 32lbs. Paid 4600. Love it.