Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6: Scaled Down Enduro Machine | 2022 Value Bike Field Test
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- Built like a scaled-down enduro bike, the Spectral 125 AL 6 is a no-nonsense affair. Does it's aggressive geometry perform on the trail or is it limited by its travel?
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Presented by:
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Visit Tucson - www.visittucson.org/
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Bike Overview
01:17- Climbing
03:52 - Descending
07:19 - Components
08:21 - Timing
09:12 - Models
10:28 - Pros
10:59 - Cons
11:34 - Verdict
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"Canyon Spectral AL 6" is an other model.
You are talking about "Spectral 125 AL 6"
One thing that got my attention as a bigger/heavier rider is that this is a "mini enduro bike" in more than just geometry. The frame has the same cat. 4 enduro rating as its bigger brother, and the Fox 36 is a stiffer fork than those found on the other bikes in this test.
So if you're someone that's concerned about the rigidity or strength of the more purpose built trail bikes here, I think this might be a good option to consider.
The question is here, why this bike and not a full enduro bike? If you can answer this, it might be the right bike. I can say this after changing from a similar bike to a full enduro bike and don't regret it. The best thing is I don't need to care about bottoming out. The biggest plus about this smaller travel bikes is the better pump.
@@gesundheitstips2197 And this is exactly why I'd personally just go for the standard Spectral 29 (150/160mm) anyway.
Looks like another very decent value by Canyon. One thing I rarely see is that heavier riders (I've been 200+ lbs since I started riding) may benefit from the bigger fork, I felt an immediate difference when I went from a 34 to a 36 on my bike. Nice to see Palmer reviewing again.
hey buddy, i'm under 146lbs. Do you recommend the 36mm or 34mm version?
this review is spot on, bike is excellent for flowy trails, but it gives less confidence in techy rocky stuff, you'll have to work harder or pop above techy stuff and pick your lines (will definetly make your standard lines more challenging than on a full travel enduro bike). overall very good bike. 2 issues (suspension is making some Squeaky noise from cable passage, chain hits the carbon on the back triangle due to incorrect protective or very tight design).
Sick clothing from Norrøna🔥
new subgroup, upduro.
The best part of this video was Mike's ad read for sure
Very nice shirt and hat! You know which one I'm talking about.
This is what happens when the Neuron gets criticized by 90% of bike media for having too conservative geometry.
In the end, is it that much more efficient climber or more "poppier" than the 150mm rear Spectral? They weight nearly the same, not to mention, cost also the same.
thats what i am wondering as well should i go for 150 spectral or 125 - which bike will be the most versatile tool
I have a 150mm spectral 29 and I wouldnt give up the extra travel, unless I lived somewhere flatter. I doubt it climbs that much better tbf
@@kazikssss why make the sacrifice for the less agile trail bike without having the longer suspension to go with it. 150 all the way on this one.
Weight
@@TD05SSLegacy 125 and 150 weighs the same.
What accounts for your difference in tone between reviewing this bike and the very similar norco optic a few years back? On paper, the numbers are very close with the spectral being 1 degree slacker and a little longer, but seems to be very much the same category.
Comparing this to this similar-at-first-glance Norco Optic, this seems like a fighter cutting weight to go down in class versus the Optic being a fighter bulking up to go up in class.
Glad to see Palmer back in the mix and joining the pink bike crew.
He good here I didn’t like the beta bike reviews
Acabo de pedir está bici quiero pasar el neumático Maxxis dhr 2 detrás y poner mejor neumático delante cuál me recomendáis ?
unlike the 150mm model I'd actually consider this one, although I'd save up to get a carbon model then spec some lighter faster rolling tires to make it perfect for my trails.
honestly the 150mm model is closer to an enduro bike then a trail bike and for my terrain it's so overkill while the neuron is a tiny bit to trail XC oriented for my liking so the spectral 125mm is a nice middle ground close to the original spectral which I loved.
I think the weight etc is so so similar that I don't get what the 125 should do. I would stick with the big spectral cause it's not actually that different and basically just allows better suspension adjustment.
@@LuLeBe the weight is similar but there is a bit of a difference and shorter suspension does heavily alter the feel of the bike. more travel feels bogged down and increasing firmness of suspension tends to mess up geometry or defeat the point of more travel.
it would me like driving a big SUV or pickup when a hatchback or sedan is perfectly suiatable for the job cause I might need the extra space once or twice a year.
@@LuLeBe I'm kinda with you on this one. I do appreciate options but I'm not sure why they actually made this bike? The Neuron range is desperate for geo update but they leave that and made a cut-down Spectral? Very strange to me. I would rather them work on a more capable modern geo Neuron with a more aggressive attitude.
@@andremostert8630luckily they do have a new Neuron now which is pretty sweet.
And to answer that other content about buying an SUV cause you need it once per year, but defeating the longer travel by making the suspension too stiff:
That's exactly my point. Adjust it to feel like the 125 for 95% of rides, but you've got the 160mm available for the occasional bike park trip. The Geo is the same, so are price and build quality. So why not have the best of both?
@LuLeBe What up, my dude. Wow, it's been a year already, lol. Funny enough, I bought a Scott Spark 2022 but the "trail" version with the 130mm up front and 120mm at the back. I absolutely love it and is perfect for the single tracks in NY area.
Coming to flow trails near you. lol
Looks like a good Oregon bike
def do about the torque al 5 or 6
Nice videos, but my problems with this edition of field test is the terrain. I wish they wouldn't have made these tests on such a very specific terrain that most of us can't compare to.
Agreed. The review ticked me off a bit on the 134 because here in Washington it is really good for a entry level full Sus. I used to have it and I thought it was pretty good.
Same could be said in the other way around. Its not a road bike, you don't ride the same surface everytime regardless.
I would imagine more people from the NorthWest watch pinkbike videos than from the south so I get your point... but I have been more interested in this field test because this is my local terrain.
@@literallyanythingelseother Yeah for sure, that is also my point. It would have been awesome to see them comment and make results on a place that has a combination of surfaces so it expands the range of perspectives people can compare to, specially for those trying to make a purchase decision. Still a fun series to watch.
@@MathersHale Fair
Can you guys do a review on the Canyon NeuRon please thanks🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
How is it positioned against a yt izzo? for an endurerman looking for an xc that lets you go downhill.
So, they complained about the Fezzari because it wasn't modern enough geometry 75 STA, 66.4 HTA, and now they get a modern geometry trail bike 76.5 STA, 64 HTA, and indicate that it isn't ideal for tight climb - climbs like an enduro bike! In the end it isn't any faster than the other bikes on the descents. Not that timed laps really tell you anything since they are too short and really need to involve more than one rider. Looking forward to the Izzo review.
I mean yeah, a longer and slacker bike isn’t going to climb quite as well. This is a trade off that most are willing to make
I think you forgot to add this video to the playlist. I had to go search for it.
better be careful or you’ll get a copyright strike for that perfect Scat Man cover 12:05
I love pink bike
Is it just me or does this bike look like a Polygon D-7 with upgraded components! (I own a D-7 and it is serious bang for the buck at under 1800)
When will it be available?
What's a good bike for someone who likes slower than recommended rebound? I like that "planted" feeling in the bike and eat away at the travel as I descend.
Is it more dependent on hi/lo compression/rebound damping adjustablility than linkage design?
Yeahh, maybe thats why Mike K. recommended to upgrade the Forks.
@@martsmarts no, only on the lower AL5 model which comes with rockshox recon RL silvers.
Check out norco’s their bikes tend to be less playful, they have the stuck to the ground feeling and crazy capable! Also running you’re rebound slow can cause the suspension to pack up; no good, better to find a frame that suits you’re style.
@@nathanwazowski698 It comes with a 35 Gold
Have an AL Neuron. The reach is too short for me (and the son has grown into it). Looking for something with more reach... My options are the izzo, jeffsy, stumpjumper and spectral. I'm more of a trail guy and the neuron is my only FS experience. Should I go more enduro (jeffsy), trail in the stumpy or izzo, or this spectral that's induro shaped but adds the longer reach with less travel? I'm stronger on the up and weaker on the down. Seems like this is the strongest descender, is that better for me if that's where I struggle?
I would go for the 150/160 Spectral. Many reviewers state it to climb better than neuron and on descends, it's a mini Enduro bike. Better geometry and more travel will give more confidence and great platform to get better.
buy the bike for the terrain you ride, not by a reach number.
suggest you consider top tube length, not just reach... reach is half the picture of the length fit (well, about 2 thirds)
@@kensheeran2961 if I go by top tube alone the stumpjumpers win as they're longer than all other options. Of course of all the bikes I'm looking at the top tube length and reach are both married to say the least. I could go by either number and arrive at the same answer.
Basically I am going by the terrain I ride. A trail bike is the best option (and what I'm on) but I could go to an enduro to gain on the down but give some up on the up. With that in mind I'm also shopping reach. Stumpjumper is 535, spectral, jeffsy and izzo span 510~513. My current neuron is 473 stock (I've swapped stems and bars to help).
The jeffsy being the go to "just buy it" option is what broadened my search to include 150~160 bikes.
What's the song at the end of the video?
New Status?
Specialized Status has the same suspension at $3,000. 160mm or 140mm.
And ready to ship. I just got one lol
And it's a suffer fest when climbing. The Status is not a trail bike.
@@MTBs says who? I've had no issues with climbs.
@@CODE-BROWN I say so, it climbs slower than most bikes I have tried. It is big and heavy. Don't get me wrong, it's a great bike for gravity focused riding in a bike park but there are far better trail bikes for climbing.
@@CODE-BROWN I think it climbs pretty damn good. Probably because I prefer to stand while climbing and lean over the bars
In 2023 you get them for 2500 for the lesser model and 3000 for the slx spec-ed one
Is the CF7 worth the extra cost over the AL6? Saves about 1.5kg of weight, but it could be argued that the components/suspension aren't as good.
is a pike select plus less good than a fox 36 rhythm? select plus is top of the pikes and rhythm is bottom of the 34s.
Does anyone know which trails they're riding here?
Palmer looks like he's trying to fit into the outside mag merger org chart shuffle. Hang in there palmer!
The Spectral AL 6 is awesome, would never scale down to a 125.
It's kinda ridiculous they say the Fox 36 would need replacement sooner than later. Seriously? Even the Fox cost a ton. This bike market is crazy.
You Guys should have had a medium
hmmm, "value bike" @ $3500..... Things must be going pretty good there in Tucson lol.
Vs optic ???
FYI, 6 months late, this video isn't included in the field test playlist.
How tall are you guy's?
Surprised they didn't include the Specialized Satus for the Value Bike Field Test.
It's freaking 4k +, these are all under 4k.
@@theGiver3 I got mine for around 3.000 US dollars recently. For me it´s the value bike for rowdy stuff at its price point. Where is it selling at 4k??
Honestly I don’t see the point and wonder why the guys didn’t ask why it exists. With more cabals bikes having equal or more efficient platforms why limit yourself with a less capable bike for no benefit. Stumpy Evo, Ripmo, and many more offer better capabilities for the same weight, actual water bottle capacity and probably climb better and definitely descend better due to travel. Again, what’s the point
Remember when direct to consumer brands actually saved you money?
Polygon still does.
Perfect recipient for a coil shock.
I own one and you cant fit a coil!
canyon advises that you do not fit a coil.
@@nathanwazowski698 that's a shame.
@@hanspeter5752 what a shame, I ended up with the new torque cf 7 29er. Loving it so far.
@@nathanwazowski698 Which is weird when you consider the frame is almost identical to the 150mm version, which is offered with a coil from the factory (CF8 Mullet). Do they provide a reason for not using a coil?
I would like to buy it, I am between two sizes S and M, which one yuo recommend, I am more for stability....is it a nervous bike?
Next cycle trek slash 8 2022
It must be kinda cool to need a less capable bike, so your usual trails don't bore you to death. I still shit my pants going down staircases longer than five or six steps on a 150mm AM
I used to jump small staircases or ride up and down them on my hardtail, kept damaging wheels and tires so now I stick to actual trials like intended XD
you get used to riding and pick up the skills along with confidence required over time
What are the shoes the huck to flat rider had on?
Is this bike the best 140mm front fork equipped bike for downhill stability through rocks and drops?
Yes, yes, yes! A Trailbike with Enduro geometry. A 77* STA and 64* HTA is where all Trailbikes should be.
Can't tell if sarcastic.
It's interesting that this AL version has the STA from the CFs high setting and the HTA from its low setting.
@@TeddyParker No sarcasm implied. Modern geo is one of the greatest recent improvements to mountain bikes in modern times. I put it right up there with wider tires on wider rims, dropper posts, and 1x drivetrains.
@@marksandoval5361 Heh. Yeah 65-66 is great, but trail bikes really don't need to be 64. I mean they literally go over how these particular trails didn't even have the space to let a bike with a 64 degree head tube run. I'd say for the normal Spectral, an all mountain bike, 64 degrees is okay. Makes sense for the travel. But on the model they specifically made 125 to be more 'fun' and 'poppy' or whatever, a 64 degree HTA is just a hindrance. To us riders that actually want poppy and playful. See: Santa Cruz 5010, Pivot Shadowcat, Ibis Mojo, etc.
1:04 damn those welds are undercut!
not true. it's camera angle. you can't determing UC without proper lighting and inspection angle. nice eye to catch that though
put grim donut on something I have to pay to watch - and you'll have me for life!
Is it just me
Or
Were the Value Bikes from 2 years ago more valuable than these ones on test ?
😆
Not just you. It’s real. Look at the $2999 Ripmo AF from 2years ago. Deore build is now $3899. #Inflation
Yeah compare that Ripmo AF to some of these bikes here today ? Wow night and day in some cases #inflationsucks
IMO...YT Izzo is the best value. You can still get main frame in carbon, awesome fox suspension with an NX drive train for $3400. The geometry is also great. They jumped in price but not as much as other brands. (Full Carbon was $3k 2 years ago)
The specialized status has the same components for 3k, it shreds.
Not at all. NX drivetrain vs slx, and code r brakes vs slx
@@carissabond3147 code r brakes > slx, ill give you the slx over nx, but if you’re looking for a fun bike that has similar components for a little cheaper and the mullet setup fits your riding style… the status is a great budget all mountain.
The status has much lower anti squat from what I know
Can you please review the Scott Spark 920 trail?
This or the jeffsy core 2? People please chime in.
Are the rims tubeless ready???
Huck to flat! Huck to flat! Huck to flat!
Good lord, for $3500 you could have an Ibis Ripley or Ripmo AF with primo dvo suspension. 🤣
Please let me know where! Joking apart, Ripley AF was 3200 (now 3600 I believe) with Deore, so similar price point, I would say more boutique frame, slightly lower spec. But you can buy a Canyon but I’ve struggled to find an Ibis.
@@stevengrace6712 talk to Shaun at N+1 Bikes. He ships in the US. He has ripmo afs available right now.
deore may be low spec for Shimano but trust me I've had both SRAM nx and deore and deore is LIGHTYEARS AHEAD of nx or SX junk. The DVO Onyx that comes on the Ripmo is also a top end fork. I have one on my Ripmo V2 and it performs like a dream. Better than my fox 36 factory that I had on my mojo HD4.
can you guys do a under 2000 $ budget mountain bike field guild
Not gonna happen just save up up another 1000 and get a way better bike
I gotta agree with ^ person. It's just not worth it to buy a sub 2k bike and have to fix a bunch of shit for a thousand dollars when you could have a much better one for 3k.
If that all sounds like elitist nonsense tho, you should really only be looking at Marin, Vitus, Fezarri, and maybe diamondback?
Sisku T8 or go used
Under 2000 bikes are not wprth buying. Better off with used bike then
If you don’t plan on riding often then it would be okay to buy a bike under 2000.
Really, really not a fan of the word "core" when describing a mountain bike. I don't think that translates well to beginner bike buyers and it doesn't even necessarily translate well to experts. What is core about it? In this context... Well specced? Good geometry? All around good? To a certain extent core in this context is being used for 'expensive and not cutting any corners'. Which if that's the case, well, just say that. Not "core".
Far as I'm concerned a 26" Kona Stinky is "CORE". Is it more core than this bike? Not sure. That word is too vague.
I believe what they’re trying to get at, or at least what I take “core” to mean, is one doesn’t need upgrade a bunch of parts as one becomes a better/faster/more hours in the saddle rider.
@@rocketpac kinda sorta. But then you could say that about a top tier factory Fox XT/XTR build... But would you consider those builds "core"?
Like, I really don't know if 'expensive/overpriced' bikes should ever really be tied to the word "core" lol
My opinion would be closer to, a bike that is as simple and cheap and solid as possible... Would be very "core". Meaning for the no-nonsense rider just focused on the core of performance and value in MTBing. Maybe.
It's just... Not a great word to use, even when speaking to friends. Let alone as a MTBing media reviewer.
broo in romania it is 2100 euro
This is my first road czcams.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and I have taken it out a handful of times and so far it is exceeding all of my expectations. I didn’t want to break the bank on a first bike and the herd is a great option for getting a fast bike with reliable components. I plan on riding this bike for many years to come. Thank you Sava!
I miss Henry bring back Henry! :)
Canyon sorry to say, just isn't a progressive bike company when compared to peers, let alone boutiques. Bikes should be designed around its travel... Santa Cruz makes the Tall Boy, High Tower and Megatower for a reason... not a Megaboy that comes in 120, 145, 165
I think it's cool to have more choice. Have look at VitalMTBs Hightower MX setup. In general I want more mullets!!
@@BenSch100 well thats what I'm saying but not just taking basically the same frane and hanging different parts on it...
Specialized went down this route with their Stumpy - Evo, 6Fatty, 27.5, 29, Short Travel and it didn't really bold well IMO.
It makes sense to build distinct offerings built for purpose XC, Trail, All Mountain, Enduro etc..
Optic, Sight, Range
Santa Cruz 5010, Bronson, Nomad or Tallboy, Hightower and Mega
Yeti SB 115 (XC) 130 (Trail) 150 (Enduro) 165 (all mountain)
The spectral CF125 is a total different frame, i have both bikes here in the same size. The 150mm 29 CF9 ande the 125 CF7. The frames are definitely different just the bearings are the same!
You're not wrong, but to be fair to Canyon, they do also make the Neuron if you want a more "traditional" trail bike (it's also cheaper for similar spec, as it has Fox 34/DPS instead of 36/Float X), which will probably be the better pick for more people just looking for a "trail bike".
@@irfkaptan if thats the case, then its a bit disappointing as I had high hope that this would be more akin to a Ripmo or a SB130, OR executed closer to a Stumpjumper, Fuel or Tallboy
I didnt know 3500 is considered as a budget bike! Wow.
I’m just stating the facts here, but it’s exactly 1/4 if the price of a new top spec mega tower. 😂
I paid $800 in 1988 for a rigid Norco MTB - that’s $1700 today and that would get you a sweet hardtail. Good bikes have always hurt the wallet. There’s too much precision manufacturing - especially in frames and suspension - to get the price down a lot more 🙁
@@WesMacaulay I call bs. I think it has more to do with supply and demand. When a 2022 “factory edition” motocross bike costs the same as a “high end” carbon mountain bike… you know the mtb crowd is a gullible bunch, and manufacturers know it.
@@KYMXRacer there's some inflation since there's more competition for parts. However, the holdup now isn't components - it's frames. But that said, all the metals out there are costing more, so it's not the bike industry to blame.
@@KYMXRacer you are 100% right, they know how to get their stacks but since shipping by ship atm costs nearly 3x as in 2020 shipping from asia got more expensive, so they let the customer pay for it so the margin remains the same.
I'm sure they've covered this, but bonkers that a 3k bike is 'value' these days
Value doesn't mean cheap. It means what you get for the amount of money you're paying
It has better spec than most bikes at that price point and offers overall good package for what you pay for. That is what value is.
Canyon Bikes always have good value because if the better spec for the pricepoint in comparison with other bikes at that pricetag. But i think it would be interesting to put the Neuron 7 for 2400€ in this test.
@@BoxCarBoy12 Yeah but in that case they shouldn't have even bothered with the base Stumpjumper lol. Or even the Kona with nonexistent brakes. So ultimately it becomes a 'prove how bad values are in the industry now' test. They can't just keep testing the Polygon T8 over and over and revealing how it slaps every other bike on value and performance.
@@TeddyParker I think the base stumpy is still a decent value, especially when you consider it will more than likely resale better down the line. Could they have specked it better? For sure. But you get some pretty damn good suspension design with that package.
Again how are you comparing this $3500 Spectral to a $2600 Stumpy. Really defeats the purpose of these comparisons. Then you mention there's a $3600 Stumpy with way better suspension and brakes.. but nope.. not tested. You're comparing a $900 gap in builds. Useful.
When did Ryan Palmer join PinkBike?
EDIT: Ahhh... LinkedIn says he's Senior Editor Outside Mag. That sort of explains things 😉
The chapters on this video are all messed up.
Why are you testing these bikes on this terrain? Makes zero sense.
LOL. I have less than zero interest in riding in the southwest. there's no dirt! it's literally just rock. With love from the PNW.
I don't see why you would give up on travel for nothing.
smoother trails that overbiking would make boring.
You could easily make your suspension harder and boom - don't need that bike. Whatever, I feel like this bike has a relatively small purpose.
@@hannes6114 making your suspension harder messes with the anti-squat and gives you less sag.
@@hannes6114 not quite the same thing. But yes I agree that the cases where this bike would be the perfect bike are small
@@nathanwazowski698 yeah gives you less sag because you pump it up more but that has nothing do to with anti squat. If anything, pumping your suspension up should give you more antisquat because your bike will be less sensitive and stay in the first part of the stroke which almost always has the highest antisquat numbers in almost every suspension design.
Insanely cheap bike, and great for the price
I get that palmer dude is new to this, but off script he is unusually inarticulate compared to other hosts.
Completely unrelated but he looks like a mix of David spade and the neck guy from 90 day fiancé 😂
I feel that but I'm liking him in the mix
I disagree. I get every word he says. He’s fine. Holds up his end very well. Overall it would be good to have repeated ALL THREE guys perspectives. Who’s the Xc guy, who’s the jumper, etc.?
Every time he says 'progressive' about the rear suspension.... his sentence makes no sense (pedaling efficiency or suppleness)
Unfortunately he's not new at it. He has been a reviewer for Bike Mag/Beta for many years now.
Progressive suspension “ that phrase means nothing to anyone!
NERDS!!
this bike is pointless - just get the regular Spectral and forget about this short travel nonsense.
Bull… I’m coming from an 2015 Strive CF Race, and my Wife got the 29 Spectral CF 150… I just bought the new CF29 125 and it’s the perfect thing for my Trails here in north Germany
@irfkaptan I’m trying to decide between the regular spectral and the spectral 125. I’m leaning towards the 125 because I ride local CO trails that are steep and rocky but don’t have a lot of massive obstacles like jumps and 3+ foot drops. What are the trails like in Germany where you ride this and do you think it’s better suited for your 125 or your wife’s full travel spectral?
@@joelhubbart5935 It’s an absolutely no brainer for the 125 in my case, since I’m more experienced than my wife I’m having more fun on the less travel bike. I ride both, they are both the same Frame size and for everything the 125 feels more fun and climbing is significantly better. On the other hand the 150 is more forgiving and plush. I’d say it depends on your experience with Mountainbiking. I’d go all day for the 125 because it needs more effort and has more popp im the suspension. My trails are nothing special s0-s1 maximal
If your bike is "too big" for the trails you ride, you'll be bored to death.
@@irfkaptan this is great intel. I’m in the highly experienced camp, sort of. 10 years ago I walked away from mountain biking as a pro XC and Super D racer and semi pro DH to start a family and grow my career. Started riding again last year and everything has changed. Bikes are way different now but I’m still flying down stuff on my Salsa Timberjack. Anyway long story short I appreciate the intel, I’ll probably be buying to the 125 CF7 once it’s available here in the US
Please get Palmer off these videos. He sounds like a 13 year old girl from the Valley with every other word being “like”
Disagree
@@jarnold1789 did you count how many times he says “like”. I doubt it
@@lacopper95 You are correct I definitely didn’t count how many times he said “like”, why would I. I did go back and listen to him speaking again after reading your comment though and observed him stringing together long, articulate sentences without using “like” unnecessarily