Canyon Spectral 125 Review | A Short Travel Ripper That Won't Be For Everyone

Canyon Spectral 125 Review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/ca...
A fresh release for 2022, the Canyon Spectral 125 is the newest addition to the Canyon mountain bike lineup. Essentially a shrunken down version of the existing Spectral 29, the Spectral 125 is an aggressive mid-travel trail bike that's been hardwired with big-hitting ambitions. So just how different are the two bikes on the trail? And how does the Spectral 125 compare to Canyon's existing trail bike, the Neuron?
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Canyon Spectral 125 Video Contents
0:00​​​​ - Canyon Spectral 125 Overview
0:26 - Canyon Neuron vs Spectral 125
0:55 - Frame Features & Geometry
1:30 - Canyon Spectral 125 Price & Specs
1:59 - Canyon Spectral 125 Weight
2:25 - Strengths
3:39 - Downsides
5:57 - Canyon Spectral 29 vs Spectral 125
6:28 - Flow's Verdict
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[@wadehillier7888]

I recently purchased the 125 cf8 and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I have stepped off a commencal meta am and find the spectral 125 to be so much more enjoyable for the trails in SEQ. I’m a heavier rider at 115kg’s so the stiff frame and progressive rear suspension works really well for me. I have also put the flip chip in the high setting and run 30% sag instead of canyons recommended 25%. I have found it gave the bike a fair bit more traction. As for the front end, the 36 has been great and I installed an extra token to help the fork ramp up a bit toward the end of its travel. Hope this helps for anyone thinking of getting one.

[@kennethm5721]

Hey! I'm gonna buy spectral 125, but cannot decide if I should get S or M frame at 173 cm...

[@wadehillier7888]

@@kennethm5721 have a look at canyons height tool mate Should help you decide.

[@stefanchase7188]

@@kennethm5721 I read several people somewhere said the canyon bike fitting rec based on inseam and height had them get M instead of L and they were too small. Double check how they tell you to measure the inseam. 1in (2.54cm for you in metriclandia )difference in inseam kicked me from M to L

[@joonashynes1850]

I’m looking at Both the Meta sx and cf7. I have to pedal to my trails (10km) but they are relatively steep though trails, which do you think is better suited?

[@harneetsingh3469]

@@kennethm5721 I’m 173 and in the same boat. I am currently on a Trek Procaliber size medium. I usually keep my road bikes ETTL at about 535-540. What did you end up getting?

[@TeddyParker]

I swear every review from Flow I'm blown away by the nuance, the awareness. Mentioning how uncomfortable a slacked out bike when fatigued can be as it struggles to go through the travel unless you are strong and high on the bike, guiding it through. I always come here to cross reference all the other reviews, and it's the only place that I truly get info about distinct characteristics of the bike. Not just, 'goat on the climbs' and 'plow machine on the descents'. They actually pick apart the design and don't get caught up in nonsense like the build spec (which won't be the same for everyone).

[@jaymueller2418]

Flow and AMB have the best reviews.

[@pj85438]

I bought the Neuron and then they released this 1 month later. I probably would have bought this instead, but I still adore my Neuron.

[@bitumen83]

Great review as always, and that bike looks fast even when its standing stil. Its like fusion of enduro and dual-slalom bike.

[@colhutchins]

Thanks for the review mate, it's helping me narrow down on what bike to get. I'd love to see a review on the al version of the spectral 125, just to see if it does in fact smooth out some of those stiffness and feedback issues, without losing too much with the additional weight. Have you had a go on one yet? Please do a review 🙂 . Cheers

[@nl3712]

Top class review. Beard is on point too.

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Another unbelievable review i loved it!!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Cheers mate! [Wil]

[@countryseller]

Another brilliant review Will. As a happish owner of a Optic C1 i was keen to see how Spectral 125 stacked up. And well… almost exactly the same. Fun, poppy and lightning quick trail riding. Rock gardens and big hits its nemesis. Thanks as always Flow.

[@ShadLife]

I don't agree that this bike should get EXO+ casing. This isn't something for harsh gnarly rocky downhill trails, you want more travel for that. This bike is suited more for flow trails, jumping, and of course being an easier to climb bike. Heavy tires make a bike feel dead and I would prefer it to feel lively.

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Well done happy frother. Interesting bike. Looking to depart from my Slash 9.8 older version to something like this but unsure if I want to trade the versatility of the 150/160 combo with a shorter legged bike. Ride more natural trails with roots rocks everywhere (mainly forest cutting machine tracks) but undulating terrain. Hence the want for a good pedal platform but something that can handle chunder.

[@bullit4x]

I LOVE mine. I went alloy. The cheapest they had because I had a stockpile of parts. I think all I kept was the headset and brakes. Put in my Xt drivetrain , nobl tr37’s, Renthal bar, ice tech rotors, fox performance elite dhx2 shock (yes, you can run a coil. Just don’t tell canyon. It fits just fine) and my factory 36 and haven’t looked back. One of my 3 favorite bikes I own (I own 3 bikes. lol )

[@joshinaction2340]

Thanks for the review! I bought the CF9 125 and absolutely love it! I did notice the creak and thought it was my bottom bracket- did you find a solution to reduce the sound? I also had the chainstay issue so not just your bike and I think canyon is going to send me another chainstay protector that’s extended. Thank you.!

[@Max-dj5qj]

Nice bike and review. And hard ridden longterm test would be nice, if the frame really holds. Most of these short travel bikes with aggressive geo are superb to ride, but because of that you ride them so hard that durability is a problem. So I go back to aluminum and will get the new stumpjumper evo alloy as one bike for all, hopefully it is good even when its more weight...

[@oskarstaudte]

My Spectral 29 2021 model (which has 160/150mm travel) held 3000km without any issues for the moment and I've ridden it in bikeparks, enduro races, and local rough trails. I think the 125 might hold up similarely maybe minus the bikepark black tracks lol

[@Max-dj5qj]

@@oskarstaudte so your are lucky 😁. My Canyon strive cracked at the chain stay, even so my brother's and a friends spectral at the same place... And you get 6 year warranty, but unfortunately they do not have enough spare parts after 4 years... So all in all, not the optimum.

[@oskarstaudte]

@@Max-dj5qj Nah, they solved the issues on the 2021 and up frames. Prior to the 2021 MY, the spectrals had cracking issues. After that, they beefed up the areas prone to cracking and now the issue appears to be solved when I look at all the experiences from people in the canyon spectral fb group. All frames can crack, canyons are just so notorious for it because direct to consumer model: instead of complaining to a bike shop, people complain in a FB group.

[@Max-dj5qj]

@@oskarstaudte yes that's true, people always complaining 😁. Good to hear that they beefed up their frames. I m waiting for the new alloy stumpjumper evo, hopefully that holds up😬😋

[@oskarstaudte]

@@Max-dj5qj Ah sweet! I'd love to try one of these stumpy evo alloys, sure look like a nice bike. Hopefully yours arrives soon, happy trail :)

[@jaymesannand]

Thanks another great review, would like to know how this compares to the Pivot 429. Is this a much higher value prospect? Cheers

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

In terms of the components you get for the money, the Canyon is definitely a higher value prospect being a direct-to-consumer brand. The quality on Pivot frames is exceptionally high though, and the Trail 429 rides very differently to the Spectral 125, so it really depends on what you're after. [Wil]

[@mattiasvanoverbeke1831]

Perfect bike for me then😂 thanks for the info

[@MrRagsd]

You say the Spectral 29 is better at rock gardens what about as compared to the Neuron? I ride a older model Neuron now 130 130 and want to get more into jumps but all of my local trails are very rocky. Current bike does just fine but I worry about losing efficiency with the full spectral.

[@titus1800]

My trek remedy 9.7 (2018) weighs like 13,2 kg, but it’s definitely not stock tho so u could compere it to like a 9.9 with a aluminium rear triangle.

[@8654ZuluFoxtrot]

Love this bike....but for $8,800 I can buy two top end dirt bikes....as in motorcycles! Would LOVE to hear why they feel as if this bicycle, with no motor and vastly cheaper parts, costs twice what a high end dirt bike costs? Nope, nope, and NOPE! The ONLY way we are going to get these bike companies from gouging their customers is to refuse to buy a new bike from any manufacture who is price gouging. The bubble will break, it's already heading in that direction, we just need all of these companies to realize we aren't putting up with this nonsense anymore!!!

[@radektrompisch]

Hello guys, if you compare this bike and Trek Fuel Ex 9.7 what is better for all day biking trip? Road/trails?

[@PavelisLord]

So basically a Canyon version of the Evil Following? A compliment of a comparison

[@Skogmtb]

Unreal timing with this review thank you, close to pulling the trigger on a new bike in the next few months. How does the stack height feel on trail? Coming from a mid 40s rider with dud wrists . Does it compare to the 29 bigger version?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The riding position emulates the bigger travel Spectral 29, so it feels very similar on the trail. And there's a decent amount of steerer length and headset spacers out of the box to play with to tweak the bar height. [Wil]

[@Skogmtb]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin i think you spoke about this in a review for the spectral 29er but how is the stack height feel against bikes like the meta TR and the YT izzo ? Consumer direct bikes . Iam after a decent stack height on the trail without running massive rise bars or 40mm of spacers. Thank you by the way , new bike affirmation on my part

[@willekewk]

​@@Skogmtbwhat did U get?

[@johnnnewmex]

I'm not sure why you'd put tougher casing tires on a 125mm bike. It is 5x rockier and mountainous where I live and exo holds up fine. Might not take it to the bike park but for trail riding.... excellent casing.

[@kennethm5721]

Hey. The Green painting is matt & the white (grey) one is gloss?

[@OTWW]

Tue best Spectral 125 review so far. I got CF 8 and I like it so far. I also have the creaking noise, It did occur to me that it might be coming from the protector, but it makes sense. Any tips how you managed to cure that?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Nice one mate! I managed to silence the squeak with a bit of lubricant dabbed on the cable guides where they rub against the plastic ports. Hopefully that helps! [Wil]

[@MrSupermugen]

Id like to point out that while trek and norco do intend provide a suspension setup advice, its generally shit. Neither the trek slash nor norco sight i owned were close according to thier setup. Its ment to be a starting point, but i would just call it "way off point" set the sag the old fashion way and setup compression/rebound off feel.

[@piotrszczepaniak7401]

WHat is your body height? I'm 173 and cannot decide, if I should buy S or M frame

[@sandycarmichael31]

So if it pinballs around on the rough stuff and excels on machine built flow trails, I guess the main advantage of the short travel Spectral over bikes like Merida One Twenty (which also excels on flow trails) is that you can ride it safely down steep technical black runs without over extending the bikes capabilities, it just isn't as comfortable as the longer travel Spectral?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

For sure Sandy - the Spectral 125 is remarkably capable and it delivers you a confident riding position on the steeps, providing you can handle getting knocked around more compared to a plusher or longer travel bike. [Wil]

[@hambo76]

How does this compare to the Polygon Siskiu T8 you reviewed a while back? My main trails are in and around Cairns and I do a lot of seated pedalling up and down so just wondered if a Spectral 125 (AL6) would suit. My current bike (hardtail) has a 65 degree HA so I'm used to that now.

[@hambo76]

Also, any plans to request an aluminium version (AL 5 or AL 6)?

[@jaysyate6161]

What an awesome review thank you! How would you compare this bikes geometry to something like say a Siskiu T8? I only ask as the Al version of the Spectral and the polygon seem to be quite similar spec wise but with the spectral appearing to be slacker.

[@rxckyiskuul6829]

I had the creaking in the cables from the front triangle to rear triangle, it’s so annoying

[@Gretsch0997]

The Fanny Pack you are wearing in the videos is what’s most impressive

[@michalkus509]

What would you recommend for a rider 90-95kg plus 5kg backpack plus equipment so a total of about 100-105kg. For trails but also for riding in the wild and moving on roads. Spectral 125 - and fitted with faster casings, or Neuron 2023. I'm a little worried that the Neuron won't be durable enough at 100kg for a jump, and I think it can ride quite similarly on the same tires down the road.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey mate! Sounds like the Spectral 125 might be the better option out of the two - I wouldn't be too worried about the Neuron not being strong enough, but the Spectral 125 does come with stronger and heavier parts that will stand up to harder riding. The suspension is also much more progressive and comes with a piggyback shock, so it will offer better support for jumping. [Wil]

[@ldadams9943]

do you have frame size of 58 or 60?

[@joonashynes1850]

Choosing between this and 150, I do enduro/bike park runs on weekends but still want a bike that can pedal from a to b

[@davidmagdalena8149]

What did you choose and why?

[@joonashynes1850]

@@davidmagdalena8149 150 as for the budget options they are roughly same weight and have same geometry so only difference was travel

[@jumemachan7035]

I am 5'8" tall, do u think this 29 good to me or original spectral 160mm better, thx dude

[@davidmagdalena8149]

Your height doesn't matter

[@saml8119]

I’m confused by sizing on this bike. I’m 5’8” and fit a medium on every bike frame I’ve owned in the last 25 years of riding. This spectral is suggesting a small. Is this due to a very long reach spec? Have you found sizing down to be common on this model?

[@tracymcmanus550]

It is more likely do to the seat height. Canyon’s have very long seat tubes. I’m 5’11” and I bought the large Neuron based on the reach, even though they suggested med. with a 150 dropper, my post is slammed and I just fit when fully extended

[@RD-kq3ml]

I'm 5'8 myself and medium fits perfectly, at least, for me.

[@saml8119]

@@RD-kq3ml thanks! I chatted with someone online and they weren’t very helpful. Just read me off what the online tool says

[@RD-kq3ml]

@@saml8119 I bought the medium 2 weeks ago. I hope this helps.

[@13thbornpr]

I can confirm you're a medium. I'm 5'8 and I tried my friends Spectral size small and immediately knew it was too small. Canyon's sizing is way off.

[@user-su5pw2vi1w]

I dont the maxxis tyre

[@xabierzuazola]

El artículo me encantó pero no tienes subtítulos en castellano no puedo entenderte aquí

[@user-tj4tj5di8v]

Not a beginner bike. Easy to assemble.

[@dennisoven9259]

Spectral CF 9 is 14.94kg, not 13.6

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

You might be thinking of the longer travel Spectral CF 9 rather than the Spectral 125? [Wil]

[@dennisoven9259]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin yes correct

[@titus1800]

You should have pointed out that this would be a better option for younger riders (9-12) that want to start with enduro racing.

[@jiajianhou426]

canyon bikes looks good on paper but their build quality really sucks. got a strive back in 2022 and the shapeshifter broke in 3 rides. I've always dreamed of owning a canyon but once I did, I realized: one should never buy from canyon.

[@tainted180]

Mountain bikers are meant to park in town😜

[@13thbornpr]

Too agressive for a short travel trail bike imo

[@fastfish666]

nice looking tyre pressure gauge - what brand is it please?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

That's the Efficient Velo Tools analogue gauge in the 10-30psi version. Had it for years now and it's been flawless, highly recommended. [Wil]