Canyon Spectral 29 Review
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- This may be one of the sleeper bikes of 2021. This past year has allowed me to try some new trails and the Spectral has been first bike I've grabbed to accompany me. The Spectral 29 is a true jack of all trades as it climbs well and can handle some punishment on the downs without giving up too much on either end.
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#CanyonSpectral #Spectral29
0:00 - Intro
0:39 Build Overview
2:39 - Climbing
4:07 - Descending
7:05 - Things that could be Improved
8:54 - Comparisons - Sport
Great review. Thank you for putting in the time to do this!
Thank you Christopher. I appreciate the support.
From a performance perspective, the Spectral 29 legitimately seems to be the second best "all-mountain" trail bike on the market, right behind the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, which keeps winning Bike of the Year awards for a reason.
Then you compare the prices between the two, and suddenly the Canyon pulls ahead quite convincingly, as equivalent specced Spectral models are consistently 30% cheaper than their Specialized counterparts (for example, in Australia the CF8 is $6.8K, while the equivalent EVO Expert is $10.2K, while on the low end the AL5 is $3.9K and the EVO Comp Alloy is $5.3K).
I have been eyeing the ne Stumpjumper Evo but you are correct on the value difference. It's similar here as the CF8 has a much better value for the money. It really does put the Spectral in the spotlight. Thanks for watching
Cool video and a great bike buddy. Ride on and have fun
Thanks brother!
good vid bro, seems like a great all around bike
It really is and value is great as well. Thanks for stopping by brother
Dude I so like that bike. I almost got it. Canyons are pretty dope. My first bike was a canyon strive when I got an enduro
Canyon did a great job on this bike. I honestly went into this bike thinking it would be a long legged trail bike but it really can handle the abuse. Climbs and bombs well. Thanks for stopping in brother 🙏
sweet! i just my little one Canyon young hero spectral. i hope she gets a lot of smile per mile. being a 2xs, the travel is 140 front and back. minor problems on with build, broken tire valve. i should contact them see what they say.
Awesome. Canyon's service seems great but of course it is a pain to have issues out of the box.
A jack of all trades IS a master of none
The spectral is the girl you want after you've married that casual blonde.. A. K.a makes you question your 8k dream build. The suspension +shock tube are so spot on!
I agree, while it's not top spec it really isn't missing anything. XT is a solid drive train and the Performance Elite suspension gets all the right adjustments. Aside from the thin tires and needing a bash guard...this thing is ready to shred out of the box. Thanks for watching Roman!
Great review, loving your vids ♥️.
The spectral seems like the perfect do it all bike if you can only have one MTB, would you agree?
Combining the killer spec/price/availability I'm seriously considering buying this bike. Did you end up keeping it? Any noise/rattling issues? Love a quite bike 😅
Thank you Samuel. The Spectral is an excellent do it all bike for sure. It maybe a perfect do it all for a lot of riders as it climbs well and descends great. Spec for price is a huge bonus. Bike had been solid and only quirk was the headset design. Didn't seem to be sealed well so bearings went bad but Canyon sent out replacements quickly. Aside from that it was great.
@@StraightLine_MTB thanks for the info 👍 The headset issue is a bit of a bummer.
I see you've also ridden/reviewed the 2021 meta am 29 team. I've also owned that bike, would love to hear your thoughts on how the Spectral compares??? I loved the meta, but for my local trails it was too much bike, the spectral sounds like it might strike a better balance.
@@samit4me the AM and Spectral are different beasts. AM I found to be a big bike that needs to go fast. Sure you can ride it anywhere but it's most at home when things get rowdy. Spectral isn't going to handle the dh like the am but will be more fun when things are more mellow.....and will climb better. AM, for me, would be a great big bike option where I'd have something smaller to compliment it for more pedal friendly days.
@@StraightLine_MTB Cheers for sharing your thoughts and experience, really appreciate it 👍
@@samit4me my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by
Would like to hear your thoughts on the spectral 125 AL 6. The large seem more slacker and steeper seating and longer wheelbase. I'm 5'11" and can't decide M or LG size.
On this model, I felt the large was a great fit for me, and I'm similar in height. While not ridden the 125 I imagine it will be even more playful which could make it a great short travel bike that can still rip.
Curious, are the standard EXO casings really that bad? I've put several thousand miles on some (EXO and EXO+) the last couple years and not one has been cut or torn. Granted I am only a moderately skilled rider and I ride in the PNW (WA) mostly at locations like Tiger Mountain , Raging River, Galbraith, etc that do not generally have a lot of sharp edged rocks to slice into tires. My only complaint is that under hard cornering they do not have the support of the DD casing and will move around under hard cornering load. I would say for sure if I was riding park or hitting extended rock gardens on the regular, then DD for sure would be mandatory.
No they are great tires in the right conditions. Where I ride the chunk and sharp rocks love to eat tires and sometimes rims. I find anything less than exo+ is too thin for me. It's not a deal breaker but I have had un repairable tears with exo casings so a tube is needed to get home. Double down casing is even better if you don't mind the weight penalty.
I agree with the EXO not having much support, even with tubes in mine. My main trails are NorCal with South Lake Tahoe, Rockville, Auburn and for some reason I managed to tear my front DHF at a small little chunky section at Granite Bay is 90% XC flowy trails lol.
how would you rate the spectral against the commencal metas for descending? the geo looks very similar
The TR compares more so than the AM with the Spectral so I will go there. The TR rides more heavy and will feel more planted. The lighter weight of the Spectral will feel more poppy as well as lighter on the climbs. The TR is more smash and grab where the Spectral would be more finesse. It's hard to recommend one over the other as their attitudes are different but are great options.
Hey ! Nice video :)
How would you compare it to the Ibis Ripmo AF ??
Ripmo AF will be heavier as this Spectral is Carbon. While travel numbers are similar, I felt the Spectral was more confident when things go more technical. Also being lighter the Spectral felt more nimble. Climbing, the AF may have a slight edge but again the Spectral being carbon made it lighter and more snappy. I also felt the AF was more compact feeling in the saddle. It's hard to overlook the AF's value and Ibis' pedigree of making amazing bikes. I think Ibis wins in the ability to reach out and get a quick answer but Canyon's customer service is pretty good. Its a tough call on either but if I had to choose I think i would go with the Canyon in carbon.....but I have not ridden a Ripmo in carbon yet so that could be a great comparison.
@@StraightLine_MTB Ok thank you ! I've owned a Ripmo AF size XL for a year now (I'm 6ft1). And I fear that I'm a bit overbiked for what I ride...
I'm tempted to get a Spectral 29 in size L though. Would you say it would feel more poppy and playful for when the trails are on the tamer side ??
I'm thinking of getting back to MTB after almost 20 years.. I need to say Spectral is the bike I am looking at to buy in place of my very old based on GT Karakoram frame. I live in quite hilly area so I could definitely use trail bike. Do you think prices will get lower considering the situation? CF8 is expensive from my perspective (around my 4 whole salaries) but I can't find anything to upgrade it with after it is bought. So I'm thinking of it as one time huge experience instead of buying and upgrading as the time goes on.
I doubt prices will drop on bikes. Manufacturers continue to raise prices and buyers are still buying. Canyon has had 2 price increases in the last year and are still competitively price considering. The model just below this one is also a great build for the money if you want to save some more. It's an excellent all round bike that could serve you for many years.
@@StraightLine_MTB I'm simply wondering if it is worth paying extra for better overall components. It seems like it's around 1k$ more but with different shock and fork, rims, XT group.. These separately seem to cost more than the price difference and I am sure they will be more sturdy.
@@Umarluch I think one should spend the most they can afford up front as you do save in the long run. That said the CF7 build is very nice. CF8 vs CF7, on the CF8, your getting upgraded suspension in the form of more sophisticated dampers...but the Lyrik RC and Super deluxe on the CF7 are still excellent parts just with less knobs to turn. The XT groupset will be lighter than the NX on the CF7. The wheels on the CF8 will be lighter and more durable. Brakes on the CF8 will be more powerful. All that said, I would still refer to budget and what you feel comfortable spending. If you can swing the CF8 I don't see any parts that I would recommend swapping out. On the CF7 I would want to swap out the brakes and down the road the wheelset and rear derailleur. Otherwise pretty solid build.
What are some of these trails you're riding in this video? I recognize big cheif but the others??
I took this bike to a lot of places. Santiago Oaks in SoCal, Downieville, a lot here in Auburn. Very versatile bike.
have you wrecked at all? I wanna get it but the only thing i’m scared of is cracking the carbon frame. granted I haven’t wrecked in like 2 years, but yk always gotta be careful I mean I hit double blacks, jump trails and everything
No crashes on this bike but have on other carbon bikes. I've never cracked carbon from a crash. It's relatively resilient. I have dented aluminum frames that have put them out of commission.
@@StraightLine_MTB that’s what I was thinking honestly i’ve saw a few people wreck in vids w carbon bikes and they just get back on and cruise on. I just order the Spectral CF 7 29er i’m excited asf for it to get in
May I ask how these 29ers feel on this bike? I'm around 180cm tall and I ride a medium 27,5er with a similar reach to a Spectral in the same size, but I once sat on a 29er hardtail and it felt so high up and weird to me. I'd like to get myself an AL version of the Spectral, but I don't know what wheel size to go for.
I had a Spectral 27.5 and really liked that bike. The 29 wheels smooth out the trail more and I haven't ridden 27.5 in a while. The geo puts you I. A comfortable position and to me feels great. I don't feel like it's too hight at all.
@@StraightLine_MTB Okay I see. Thanks a lot. Time to sell my old bike then :D Btw. the black version you got looks so badass and clean 🥲👍
How would you say this bike stacks up against the Marin alpine trail,idk which to get I ride in Arizona terrain
I haven't been on the Alpine but from what I gather the Spectral more than likely will climb better and AT descend more like an enduro bike. Having recently ridden in Sedona I would grab the Spectral over something more burley like the AT. Spectral does a lot of things right and is a solid all rounder.
The rear tire comes in exo+, the frobt tire in exo.
Our model came EXO front and rear. Hopefully they have changed to EXO+.
@@StraightLine_MTB
Sorry i now realized its the 2021 version, the 22 now has exo+ in the rear.
@@petesahad3028 that's great the are adding the EXO+. Ideally I'd probably go exo+ up front and Double Down in rear. Thanks for stopping by.
@@StraightLine_MTB
Yeah me too, thankfully 3c maxx terra wears out pretty fast, so the upgrade is coming😁 thanks for your review and your channel, good stuff.
when will you review the spire you got?
I haven't gotten much riding in on the Spire yet but once I do I will get some info out.
Looking at how this is literally 50% more expensive then the AL6 version (which also doesent come with the weird proprietary headset and spacers) id argue that this is the sweetspot.
Select+ suspension, Code R brakes, GX drivetrain, DT Swiss AM 370's (upgradeable to 54 ratchet) and the same finishing kit are a REALLY compelling package for well below 4 grand.
Heck, its even got exo+ tires in the trunk and that 0.5° slacker HT. Funnily enough it doesent even come in recognizably heavier than the build featured in this video.
Canyon supposedly did a good job on the Jekyll too
Cannondale Jekyll for 2022 looks amazing and I am after that bike as we speak. Hopefully we can score one for review. 😃
Is the meta tr more good in black diamond or spectral?
The weight of the TR helps in the tech for sure, but the Spectral has a bit more rear suspension travel. Spectral is also going to be half a degree more slack out front. Both are great, but Canyon may be a bit more of a value, and the slight slacker geo will be more confident. Plus, I thought the Spectral had the edge climbing. Hope this helps
@@StraightLine_MTB thanks alot man u are great!
How did you go for sizing on the large, as I am the same height as you but 2inches longer in leg and their website suggests a medium for me.
Honestly I've found Canyons sizing odd. I had a 27.5 Spectral in large and couldn't imagine the medium being a better fit. I'm 99.9% of the time sized for large and stuck to that. Fit feels great.
5' 11.75" and 32" inseam, I bought the medium and I'm happy. Everybody finds the sizing odd, but Canyon insists they've got a clue when it comes to fitting bikes.
@@tedwingate I went with large as the numbers more closely resemble other bikes I've ridden and reviewed. Bikes have gotten a lot longer so a large 10 years ago probably are closer to smalls now. I'm very interested in trying a medium size to compare geo and how either size feel. I bet a medium as super poppy and fun on trail. Thank for the feedback and watching!
@@tedwingate that's good to know, as i'm basing my size on Canyon's recommendation.
@@tedwingate Edward I am the same size as you. I owned a 2019 Strive and always felt it was a bit too long. Looking at getting a Spectral. Canyon is recommending medium in both Strive and Spectral. I took a ride on my wife’s Polygon D7 size medium and was surprised how much fun it was. Are you happy with medium? Would you choose same size again?
Orale!!
Simon!
can you compare against a Norco sight, they are very much alike .
Norcos seem pretty hard to get a hold of but I will put it on the list. Sight looks awesome
@@StraightLine_MTB thanks. that was other choice. But just like you said, i can't find one.
@@nostr8ghtlinzs596 yeah times are tough when trying to find a bike. Luckily they are all pretty awesome. I get my heart set on one and then can't find one so I just grab what we can lol
@@StraightLine_MTB yep! I was not expecting to get a canyon. But when look at it, I want to ride it...
Im thinking of buying the spectral 29 AL 5. do you think it is a good bike for my price range of under 3500 AUD?
Canyon is an excellent value. Thr spec for the price is hard to beat and the frames are nice.
Okay, thanks. I will consider it
@SunKvist I also have to highlight Polygon T series. Excellent bikes at an even better value. I believe they're available in 🇦🇺
@@StraightLine_MTB Indeed they are. My friend recently bought one and is very happy with it, as it is on sale. I would buy that one but having everyone in my friend group on the same bike is a bit boring.
@SunKvist I also like having unique bikes. Spectral is great......I've been wanting the Propain Hugene as well. Lots of great options on the market. Consider the Devinci Troy 29 as well. A little bit less travel but rides like a bigger bike, one of my favorites
which do you think is a better bike? spectral or sentinel?
Honestly they are a pretty close match. Sentinel will have little more slack geo. Canyon will feel a touch more nimble and little quicker up the hill. Sentinel will handle downs and chunk a touch better. Transition will have a more family vibe where Canyon a big brand feel. If I had to choose it'd be hard as both can pull duty as a one bike. I'd probably go Sentinel v2
@@StraightLine_MTB I have already a spectral 29 CF small size but I m feeling it a little small so I m looking for something more capable and bigger as a sentinel v2 aluminium medium frame to swap. Do you think is worth? Do you have something to suggest me? thank you
@@AntonisG. the Sentinel would be a bit more capable but I wouldn't say it would be vastly different. I'd say spectral and Sentinel straddle all mountain and enduro categories. Sentinel with coil front and rear could get you a pretty awesome desceder. If you're looking for more bike then maybe look the enduro category. I loved the Nukeproof Mega 290c a lot. The Spire is a great bike as well but a little heavy in alloy form.
I don't understand how you could call an all-mountain bike with 64 degrees "on the steeper side." It's one of the slackest bikes I've seen for that category, unless you're also counting enduros.
Comparing to the Transition Sentinel V2 which I previously reviewed, yes the Spectral's HTA is more steep by almost 1°. This model is the first model of the 29 CF8 with listing HTA of 64.5°. Current production is listed at 64°. Canyon lists the 29 Spectral in both the Trail and Enduro categories on their site and i think it can handlefull Enduro duties. Is it's HTA steep? No, not really. It balances out an excellent ride. The message is that geo numbers are one thing but how a bike rides as a total package is the true key. As stated in the review, the Spectral is such a versatile bike that you could climb all day and smash the downs without much worry. Comparing it closely with the Sentinel which has more aggressive geo.....the Spectral hangs in right there with it.
@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks for the response. I didn't realize the 2021 model was only 64.5° not 64° as it is listed now. I wonder if they tweaked the frame, as the fork is the same travel between versions.
What is your height ?
I'm just under 6'
@@StraightLine_MTB ok thanks ! And the L is good for you ? Not too long ? I'm just under 6 too, i ordered a spectral Al 6 in L buy canyon suggest M... i dont know what to think.
@@McFly439 large fits great. I think medium would feel cramped
@@StraightLine_MTB I'm 180cm and 81cm inseam (on Canyon's measurement spec). I dropped from a large Neuron CF to the Spectral CF in Medium. Canyon recommended a Medium, I assume based on my inseam, at first I felt that my centre of gravity was marginally forward of centre and felt like I might go over the bars a few times. Compared to the Neuron I really rely on the dropper to keep my weight back when required. Strangely, while the reach and wheelbase is longer, the top tube isnt, and as a result I am a lot slower on the flat however it fells far more nimble and easier to throw around. I need to buy another Spectral/bike and am torn between another M or to move up to the L based on my perceived centre of gravity - would appreciate your opinion? Thanks.
@@msjj000 I am 181cm and on a large and feel it is a good fit. The bike feels nimble yet stable enough in the rocky stuff at speed. With this bike the front end is a bit higher than other bikes so I do find the bike pushes me back a bit but as you get used to it you're able to adjust just fine. I personally think at Large is the right fit for me with my 31.5" inseam and 5'11.5" height.
first
Score!!!
Sexy looking bike.🤩🤩🤩
Yeah, she's OK 😆. Like a stealth bomber
@@StraightLine_MTB 🔥🔥🔥
Conservative geometry - ah come on...
With 160mm travel up front - FOX 36, the Spectal 29 CF has 64 head angle! The reason Canyon say 64,5 Head Angle is because the 2021 models also came in variants with 150mm travel up front. US models are still 2021 models. Take a look at the European models. They all come with 160mm up front and is listed with 64 Head Angle.
The Spectral has a longer Reach and and shorter chainstay. 2mm higher stack than Sentinel V2..
Take a look at US vs EU model of the CF8 model.
2022 EU models has
Float X 2022 rear shock
G5 Carbon bar
G5 Dropper seat post( PNW RAINIER GEN 3)
DHR II front and rear
203mm rotors front and rear
This model is listed at 64.5° per Canyon's website info. Newer models are listed at 64°.
@@StraightLine_MTB Did you just delete my answer and explanation to you???
Silly that the wrongly listed 64,5 head angle has such big placebo effect on you, when it actually is a 64 head angle for 160mm travel up front.. go ahead delete this post too..
@@Exalix i didn't see a response from you nor do I delete comments. Hope you have a great day.
@@StraightLine_MTB Nevermind! If you put on a 170mm fork it will have 63,5 head angle. Bingo! The 64,5 head angle is with a 150mm fork and with 160mm it's 64. So I really don't understand why you are saying it's a little to the conservative side for a Trail / All Mountain. ..
Yeah, 64-ish head angle is around the same as my 2022 Evil Wreckoning with a 170mm fork, which while not extreme like 63 like on a few bikes, is still still what I'd consider very contemporary. Now if the Spectral was 66 degrees, then yeah that would be more conservative by todays standards.