Canyon Spectral and Torque | Editor’s Choice 2019 | Mountain Bike Rider

Canyon Spectral AL 6.0
Canyon uses a unique numbering system to classify its bikes: 1 is for road racing, 2 covers commuter bikes, 3 is for hardtails and XC full-sus, 4 indicates trail riding but no bike park action, that’s reserved for the gravity and DH models in category 5. There are even small graphics next to the numbers on the bikes to highlight the gradient of the intended terrain. It’s all very structured and practical even if a little, well...German.
So imagine our surprise when the 2019 Spectral broke ranks. By adding a longer-stroke shock, Canyon upped the travel by 10mm to 150mm. It also increased fork travel by the same amount, adding a burly 160mm Fox 36 to slacken the head angle by one degree.
To maintain the ground-hugging BB height needed for railing turns, Canyon also bucked the trend for fatter tyres by downsizing from 2.6in to 2.4in.
These updates to the Spectral AL 6.0 made it more capable than ever before, but where did it sit in Canyon’s classification system? Canyon initially billed it squarely as enduro, but that’s probably because it couldn’t bear the thought of half numbers on the scale.
Yes, the extra travel makes the Spectral more capable than before, but it’s more of a hopped-up trail bike than full-blown enduro rig, and it’s all the better for it. Which is why it won the 27.5in class of our 2019 Trail bike of the Year test.
Canyon Torque CF 8.0
The lure of a big-hit bike is incredibly appealing - all of that travel acting as a buffer that does more work than you. The catch, however, is that you need a high-end model just so the bike is light enough to muscle up the climbs, which often means they can be prohibitively expensive.
One way to keep the price in check is to go with a direct-sales brand, so in the September issue we took delivery of the best 27.5 in enduro bikes from Canyon, YT, Radon and Vitus. It quickly became apparent that the Canyon Torque CF 8.0 offered the best bang for your buck.
We were won over by its composed, lackadaisical approach to even the roughest downhill tracks. The winning combination of the 180mm-travel Fox 36 fork and X2 rear shock gave the 175mm-travel Torque the necessary grip, control and pace to really let you open up the taps on the descents.
All of that travel wasn’t at the expense of agility though. The Torque steers light and neutral, the stiff, carbon front end making it every bit a precise as it is capable.
And it’s this split-personality that challenges ideas of what a bike with this much travel can do. Sure, the Torque is never going to be the fastest uphill, but with a neutral riding position and a climb switch on the shock, we were happy to plug away to get to the goods. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the Torque dispenses with your hard-earned elevation though, but that’s what makes it such a fun bike. And if you can’t stretch to the carbon frame, there’s also an alloy version with models starting at £2,149.
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[@germi1]

These two guys make the best bike reviews! So clear and objective!

[@dannygarcia4573]

I agree, they work really well together, balance each other out quite nicely.

[@camwells9726]

The top al spectral is a sweet deal , value for money

[@idontcaresapo8233]

Cam Wells yes bro I have the full carbon one... after testing many bikes I felt the spectral was the way to go and for the value woooww

[@GittinBizy]

You guys are the reason I bought my 2020 spectral and Im very happy, thanks!!

[@MBRmagazine]

Great to hear!

[@lewisj48]

Same here. Thanks.

[@ob08]

Love my '19 spectral. Awesome bike, and an amazing value.

[@mislavmrla1223]

can you take it to a bike park???

[@ob08]

@@mislavmrla1223 its a 160/150 travel bike. So, yes.

[@NotTheLarryDavid]

Saaaaaame!! Love my CF 8.0

[@dominikhess5664]

Spectral CF 7.0 = climbing, descending, bike park! What ever you want :)

[@willhinde]

I’ve cracked two spectral frames, they’re not strong enough for bike parks! 😂

[@felipesancho7259]

I LOVE MY SPECTRAL!!!! GREAT REVIEW!!

[@user51204]

I think I’ll get myself the Torque in a year or so, I do really much dh in my local woods on a Hardtail rn, think I got more options on the more travel torque :)

[@davelogan77]

I love my 2020 Torque CF 7.0, its my do all bike, such a great bike.

[@terr256]

Just ordered the torque 7. Can't wait to try it!

[@flyingnorseman]

Just got a Neuron AL 7.0 a few weeks ago. Ive been riding Mt Bikes for over 20 years. Started on fully rigid GT Karakorum. My last bikes before this Neuron were a Transition Bandit 29er and a Gen 3 Tallboy 29er. For the money spent, you cant go wrong with Canyon. The Neuron, at less than half the price, is almost as capable as the Gen 3 Tallboy. Main difference being in the cornering and poppy/jumpy aspect of the VPP vs the Horst link. Horst link is a better climber, sprinter and more reactive to trail input, in my opinion.

[@oubellamed5572]

canyon spectral al 6 2020 its a great bike I have it in beautiful color Thank you for the video.

[@sebastianknebel1438]

A really great description!! And a cool explanation to the riding specs from the bikes!!! Nice 👍🏻

[@jaysonblanch3030]

Need to go now to buy this two amazing bikes.

[@Alexandros_Patsialidis]

That was a very well done review, guys, thank u for that! Objective and on point, MASSIVE :)

[@MBRmagazine]

Thanks!

[@idontcaresapo8233]

I have the spectral and is amazing... very nimble and playful

[@michael_the_chef]

but still you can shredd with it, great bike for the money

[@idontcaresapo8233]

Michael Schöch yea that’s true I have done stuff that probably requires a more aggressive bike but it felt amazing.. I just play with the suspension as tire pressure and I was good to go.. ...up gonna get a torque latter on bit for now my spectral is my to go machine....

[@michael_the_chef]

@@idontcaresapo8233 yeah i am looking i to a torque too, wanted that blue/turqouise color(like a Yeti) but the 2020 lineup doesnt have that color or maybe i will get a sb150 on Säle for shredding harder stuff

[@alexiscariaselmusico]

Which spectral do you have ? I am debating between 9.0 and the torque 9.0! Pls help

[@eudesmatos6860]

Great bike, great price

[@Healy69]

Cracking bike, love mine, was a choice between that and a radon swoop. My mates got a swoop and it’s good but the spectral is spot on for the Forest of Dean

[@cisco5400]

Great review, now i will chose Spectral.

[@McLOVIN_456]

Very nice video!

[@juancarloscalvojackson5383]

broke my trek slash 8, just ordered the torque cf7!

[@AntO-ut5bt]

Well done guys, great reviews as always.......

[@irgendeintyp2595]

Does it have a kickstand???

[@parker6711]

Solid honest review without any nonsense

[@PBeBeR974]

Ces choix prennent ils en compte : Les Défauts de ces 2 bikes? Torque probleme sur le YOKE/Link & Spectral triangle arrière qui se dessoude/casse . . .

[@thth151]

Salut les gars j'ai acheté un Spectral 2021 très bon vélo pour les trails sentier, grimper et descente! Mais j'aime aussi la DH je suis pas un gros descendeur et je fais pas des sauts énormes mais je compte y aller en bike Park de temps en temps..j'ai commandé un torque 2022 vous pensez que ça en fait trop où je dois juste me contenter du Spectral al5 ?

[@mason_stratton7]

Sick bikes!🤙

[@stonksrgud7645]

Soooo, all the spectrals are sold out, i have a neuron and wanted more travel, would the torque be a good alternative?

[@swissraver9286]

Ordered the 2020 torque cf 9.0 in stealth black. Can't wait for the delivery!

[@alexiscariaselmusico]

How did you Like it? I am in between 9.0 spectral and the torque. What made you decide over the torque?

[@swissraver9286]

@@alexiscariaselmusico Hi Alexis! They are both great bikes. I wanted a bike to ride trail with but that's also good to use in a bikepark from time to time. It should be able to take big hits but also be able to climb. With it's 180mm in front and (not sure) 170mm in the back, the 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle shifting system that allows good climbing and the adjustable seatpost the Torque became my choice.

[@alexiscariaselmusico]

Have you heard about canyon frames breaking constantly ? I recently learned about it and now i am in doubt. I love canyon components, price, and even the look of their bikes but now I am second guessing myself. Have you heard about it and if so what do you think of it? Is it true?

[@swissraver9286]

@@alexiscariaselmusico Didn't hear about that. I also can't imagine, that Canyon wouldn't have changed anything on the frames of their bikes if they knew that they are breaking too often. And if you should really have some issues with the frame, then you got 6 years of warranty on it.

[@BenNguyen-uh8od]

I love the torque but I WISH it had a water bottle holder for shorter rides ;-;

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Fanny pack!

[@ulbricht1999]

I love my spectral as well, but my frame is broken atm...

[@ellocko2028]

What is broken?

[@ulbricht1999]

@@ellocko2028 I got a huge crack from my left main pivot down to the bottom bracket.

[@ellocko2028]

@@ulbricht1999 wow that sucks... what model year is yours?

[@ulbricht1999]

@@ellocko2028 it's 2018 Spectral 6.0

[@ellocko2028]

@@ulbricht1999 mm ok. My brother wants to buy the 2020 do you know if they beefed the frame up?

[@olivercoutts1156]

That's a great review. Thanks

[@valentinmiu1403]

Great vid..good joooob!!!

[@cwalt74]

great review. why get so hung up on tires? everyone I know changes the tires out for their favourites when they get a new bike. me included

[@MBRmagazine]

Maybe because everything else is so sorted?

[@davecomplin4089]

Anybody offer any advice on spectral 6.0,7.0 and 8.0...I like the idea of CF frame on the 7 but appears it’s a kind of stop gap between the 6.0 and the 8.0 offering carbon fibre but slightly lower spec for running gear and susp than the 6 and 8... thoughts?

[@xaviergriffiths8419]

Can you guys review the 2021 canyon spectral al6 please

[@aMilling]

It kinda sucks that the spectral CL 8.0 comes with Shimano and fox, where i'm more of a sram and rockshox kinda guy.

[@tamasvarga67]

a Milling But it’s perfect for us, Shimano guys... 😃 I had GX Eagle on two bikes and their durability was absolute crap I’m glad there is a Shimano 12speed option now. I would even take SLX over any of GX/NX/SX choice... and the brakes, no comparison on that front either. In the suspension, I prefer Pike over F34 but the Spectral comes with F36 and DPX2 so that’s all good. I just wish there was a 29-er option too..

[@aMilling]

@@tamasvarga67 I have a nx on my chameleon and really love it, it just feels great.

[@tamasvarga67]

a Milling Just don’t ride it in tall grass, anything that touches the cage will bend it... they are cheaply made crap.

[@aMilling]

@@tamasvarga67 Ha that's true, because when i rented a Bronson it had a GX on it, and it bented like that first day. But i have ridden my chameleon for around a year now, and that's doing fine.

[@tamasvarga67]

@@aMilling If it's working out for you that's great! Believe me, I wasn't happy to buy two GX Eagle rear mech... at the third I switched to XT and it's all good since then. In the past, I had 11 speed XO1 and that was really awesome but now I avoid their 'budget' stuff...

[@michaelbulcock6004]

I wish canyon would ship to Canada

[@xxstr8jacketxx]

I have the CF 7.0 I wish I could have got the option of a better hub set it came with the DT Swiss m1900 so no upgrades for it.

[@TravisN]

This? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C7oYWQeLGHjpY

[@dominikhess5664]

May I ask whats wrong with this hub? I ride this bike more then a year and everything seems fine, except breaks. I rather bought shimano saint. I am only angry that i can not use bash guard :/

[@xxstr8jacketxx]

@@dominikhess5664 you can't put a 54t ratchet kit in it I don't like the crank lag. And I totally agree with you about the breaks I thought there was a problem with them at first I will be changing them out to Shimano for sure!

[@dominikhess5664]

​@@xxstr8jacketxx Ok, thanks for an explanation. I just kept sram rotors and its works perfectly to me! Only thing you will need is to buy a "matchmaker integrator" for Shimano brake lever and Sram Shifter. :)

[@jegannicco6785]

Is this bike or the polygon siskiu t8 better?

[@Stengell]

I have the Spectral with Fox36 Factory, when fully open and 25% sag i still think it has a tendency to dive a bit when cornering, what settings are you guys running and did anyone add volume spacers to remedy this behaviour? otherwise outstanding bike, the dive thing could just be shitty technique on my part.

[@thekernel114]

Add some low speed compression

[@Stengell]

​@@thekernel114 would guess that it is suboptimal to compensate weight with low speed compression as this makes the fork harsh in more calm waters

[@markdavies5068]

How much travel are you using at 25% sag? If using all i would add a volume spacer, or Maybe try 20%. But really, low speed compression is the way to go for reducing brake diving.

[@Stengell]

​@@markdavies5068 tried 20% sag on my last ride with 4clicks of HSC and was still hitting around 95% travel without doing anything crazy on a blue/red trail.. so guess i will try throwing in one or two spacers. Just have to buy the 32mm flat socket and the spacers first 😅

[@thekernel114]

@@Stengell I'm 230lbs and run 93 psi, no tokens, 10 clicks HSC from closed, 6 clicks LSC from closed and the fork is butter smooth. Also remember to always start from closed when counting clicks because closed it always the same.

[@adamt3289]

@5.22 74 degree STA steep ? was this unloaded from the 2016 archives ? great bikes but need updating now

[@gweflj]

Effective means little if actual is slack.

[@m.t.pokkets86]

Some things I don't understand. Why didn't you compare two carbon frames? Why is price difference a point here when you compare an alloy frame to a carbon frame while both are a/v in carbon (and a carbon rear end is a/v for the spectral - of course the Torque in the test is more expensive)? Why is weight a point then when you compare alloy to carbon while carbon is a/v for both? Somehow you compared bikes that can't really be compared. I own a '19 Spectral 9.0 CFR SL (the version with a full carbon frame) and I test drove a Torque (top version with carbon front end). Both bikes where as different as they could be. The Spectral is why more playful and nimble while the Torque is some kind of a heavy and heavy hitting freeride bike.

[@MBRmagazine]

Both bikes were rated 10/10 in tests during the last 12 months - simple as that. Those were the models we tested, so those are the models that made it onto our Editor's Choice list.

[@m.t.pokkets86]

Okay. Pointless comparison then.

[@MBRmagazine]

It was intended to be more of an explanation of the two models than a comparison.

[@ayrtonnathan6830]

can you pls review strive vs torque

[@SSH01]

Hi Alan can i ask in your review of the nukeproof scout 275 comp 2020 you say it has nx drivtrain and guide r brakes etc but it actually has sx and guide t and maybe other not as good parts on it as in you're review so i am looking to know why this happened ???

[@MBRmagazine]

It's entirely possible that Nukeproof has changed the spec on the Scout 275 Comp. Most brands have a disclaimer along the lines of all specifications subject to change without notice. It also looks like the price has dropped accordingly - from £1699 to £1499 - so that seems fair.

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Cant help but think the Torque is a bit pointless for Surrey based riding where I know Ill spend most of my time moving from one small trail to another just to have fun on some pathetic jumps.

[@Peanutdenver]

It's a full on bike park/free ride machine. You need big downs, large jumps and huge drops to appreciate it. I used to live a short distance away from a park in Colorado and it was perfect. I took it on a trail ride once and it was almost like taking the motor out of my mx bike if you know what I mean Too much bike for regular flow trails. I would get another one though.

[@Macca78]

I've got the torque 2020 I use it to go work on through week it's absolutely fine don't have a problem peddles uphill great and at weekend I'm on the trails great bike good all rounder have no problems with it me and my freinds are off to the megavalanche this year can't wait get it on that course

[@pesomasagravedad]

Loved my spectral. Too many frame failures in the forum. Sold it before mine broke. Would buy again if issues were proven to be fixed. Some people were on their 4th chainstay

[@BlackgoldTwinduck]

what year was it? ive heard early 2018 had issue and has since been resolved

[@pesomasagravedad]

@@BlackgoldTwinduck Oct-nov 18. There were guys joining with 19s with cracking stays. From March 18 to Oct this year the stay had not changed.

[@mattastill9922]

@@BlackgoldTwinduck I had a early 2018 AL that I was told was definitely not in the affected batch, then it cracked in the exact way described after about a year, then my second "reengineered" stay cracked in the same area a couple months ago after about the same use as the first one.

[@BlackgoldTwinduck]

@@mattastill9922 damn.. both got replaced for free i assume?

[@mattastill9922]

@@BlackgoldTwinduck yes.

[@Exalix]

Unfair comparison. You should take the Spectral CF8.0 instead. Much better everything and still at a killer price.

[@tomihenrik4387]

What do you mean unfair? These two bikes don't compete with each other.

[@lennyknott2734]

Review the 2020 cersion

[@GneX4Ktb]

what about spectral vs neuron?

[@gregengler399]

So if I'm someone who does a decent amount of trail riding, but like to hit dirt jumps once a week and something like Trestle bike park once or twice a month, would I be better off with the Spectral or would I need something with more travel like the Torque with how often I'd go to bike parks?

[@RobertSzarleja]

Did you get any of those bikes?

[@gregengler399]

@@RobertSzarleja Probably gonna go with a YT Jeffsy 27.5 whenever they come back into stock, but I could still be convinced otherwise.

[@RobertSzarleja]

@@gregengler399 Yeah, great bike too (I consider it myself). I have the same case as yours; trail riding and some local jumps during the week and bikeparks from time to time at weekend's. At first I thought Spectral would be great, but now I'm not sure if it could handle some rough stuff

[@RobertSzarleja]

(just sold my DH bike after 6 years of riding)

[@gregengler399]

@@RobertSzarleja I'm no expert, but I was between getting an enduro and a trail bike, and I think most bikes with 150 mm travel in the rear and 160 up front you'll probably be fine with occasional park use as long as you're not hitting huge features all the time. I had a Trek Remedy that I brought to Trestle bike park this past summer and it did fine on all of the medium stuff. I just know I'll be doing more trail riding with a good amount of climbing, so I don't want to be lugging a pig up a mountain.

[@daveandmerlin]

Be nice if there is a Torque 29 in the pipeline

[@NerfHerdsman]

That's a Strive

[@daveandmerlin]

@@NerfHerdsman strive is a triail bike . The torque is a free ride buke

[@unkle-user]

​@@daveandmerlinstrive 29er is a enduro bike - that's official site saying.

[@tomlocke6124]

Sweater game on point, slashed sleeve next time perhaps?

[@bikingwithryan5968]

What about the strive?

[@gregengler399]

I think they were comparing the two trail/enduro 27.5" bikes, Strive is a 29er.

[@martinjurik6067]

well..this didn´t help in deciding.. I would need to ride both bikes for a few rides in a park/local trails..

[@RobertSzarleja]

Did you buy any of them? I consider buying Spectral but idk if it will survive some bikepark runs

[@martinjurik6067]

Robert Szarleja hi I have spectral .. I realized that as much as I would love to jump big and ride hard I simply will never do it and after watching some other videos I decide to go for lighter bike. Even though I had nerve plus with 150mm of travel it was so different bike and 36” for with this geometry is what I needed. i am not going to make any big jumps. Still the spectral doesn’t seem to be a bike for any longer maybe rides

[@svssvs9848]

What is the difference between Strive and Spectral?

[@MBRmagazine]

Strive is 29 only and features the Shapeshifter. It’s Canyon’s dedicated enduro race bike

[@santclause1]

Love my Giant reign e+

[@charliehopkins4737]

Is Danny Milner, Gee's dad?

[@MBRmagazine]

Ha! No relation I'm afraid.

[@vttallm.phil91]

😍🤘👍😉

[@ariel_monaco]

Yeeha!

[@newsletteraaron]

lol @ releasing this review after the 2019s are totally sold out and the 2020s have changed many components. Great review but it seems like you guys are a whole year behind.... Bike Mag and Pinkbike just finished reviewing all of the 2020s....

[@MBRmagazine]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it. To add a bit of context though, we first reviewed the Spectral back in April - this video is a round-up of some of the bikes that scored a perfect 10 during the year. You mention Bike Mag and Pinkbike. Certainly the Field Test and the Bible of Bike Tests are huge undertakings and we have huge respect for the amount of work involved, but 13 bikes and 25 bikes respectively are not "all of the 2020s". We tested - that doesn't include first rides - over 70 bikes last year and may end up doing even more this year. And we've already published reviews of nine 2020 models and first rides on 19 more. So we're hardly off the pace. Cheers

[@newsletteraaron]

Mountain Bike Rider I stand corrected. thanks for the response! Excited to see more reviews from you guys. Review the ibis Ripmo AF!

[@willhinde]

I liked my aluminium spectral but I have gone through 3 frames in one year! One had a horrible mark in the metal and the other two have cracked in the same place! Terrible quality

[@jasonlundie8876]

Where did they crack?

[@willhinde]

Both cracked on the top weld of the top shock mount

[@jasonlundie8876]

Thanks for the info. Just bought a 2020 spectral so I'll keep an eye on it.

[@antonkern4036]

My flatmate had a crack on his spectral at the exact same spot

[@willhinde]

STtyrone I had to send the bike back for inspection and they then replaced the frame. After the 3rd frame I sold the fourth and bought something else.

[@timtb7906]

What the heck? I hated my Torque. The shock was so linear I had to run 20% or less sag with 3 volume spacers to stop it from bottoming out like 15 times per ride. Also the linkage is crap, I ended up bending the whole rear end. Wouldnt be a problem if the customer service repaired it but they just didnt have the replacement parts at their headquarter in Koblenz... I mean what kind of company is that?! Then the wanted to send me the replacement parts when they had them in stock so I gave them my adress and here I am one year later, nothing showed up. I simply sold my Torque at that point... Never would buy a Canyon again.

[@mtbalandin9594]

Best bikes but the worst service!

[@mtbalandin9594]

Scott mate of mine ordered a bike from canyon in October 2017, they delivered the bike at the end of August 2018. Three rides in he notices that the frame was defect, a production mistake. He sent the bike back and they told him it would take another six months. He asked for his money back. Cyber attack my arse!

[@phantombigballs8165]

My forth canyon is being delivered On Monday. all been spot on arrived early and never had any issues with CS from canyon

[@Macca78]

To be honest fuk all do with the bike done the mega 3 times on a 25000 grand bike and fin in top 100 nothing do with bike it's what you can do

[@karunyavlogKB1432]

Please give me one mountain bike gift bro

[@itsajoke631]

Crap wrong video, I own a 2019 AL 6

[@JogBird]

Buy local

[@colemitchmtb]

It’s so much more expensive for the components, it’s not even close to worth it

[@Healy69]

I bought a spectral. My mate owns a bike shop and sells giant. He was fine with my choice, he works on loads of canyons. We went in the shop as a family the other day, my boy wanted to go in as we were passing. The giant is a good bit of kit, you pay more but if it goes wrong take it to the shop, you don’t have to send it in a box.

[@andresperez5387]

This was such a great review. Straight talk, clear and helpful. Also made me laugh. Am hooked! Appreciate the lack of brahbroschralpysketchystoney crapspeak you get in most other reviews.