Canyon Spectral CF9 29 // Bike Review

Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 215 lbs
Canyon’s Spectral 29 CF 9 is described by the German company as a “true all-rounder for all off-road conditions.” For a rider like me who loves the simplicity of a bike that can handle just about anything, Canyon’s vision statement is one I can get behind. So, eager to see how the Spectral would fare on Bellingham’s diverse terrain, I put it through its paces-riding everything from ultra-fast low-angle trails that are common close to town, to steeper lines farther afield. Our test model arrived with 150 millimeters of progressive rear travel and a 150-millimeter RockShox Pike Ultimate fork. Before we go on, one important note regarding spec: Riders who purchase the Spectral 29 CF 9 in North America will receive a slightly different build kit with a Fox DPX2 shock and a slightly longer 160-millimeter Fox 36 Factory fork instead of the RockShox setup included on the bike I received for the purpose of this review.
The Canyon Spectral 29 CF 9 lives up to its promise as being the ultimate single-bike quiver. I felt just as comfortable dropping in on any double-black trail as I did pointing the Spectral up technical climbs. This bike taught me that 150 millimeters might be the Goldilocks zone for travel. If you’re looking for a bike that feels great on any trail, don’t pass up a chance to ride a Canyon Spectral.
*Geometry Specs reflect X-LOW Setting*
Wheel Size: 29"
Rear Travel: 150mm
Fork: 150mm
Wheelbase: 1251mm
Chainstay: 437mm
Reach: 485mm
Head Tube Angle: 64.5°
SEE FULL REVIEW HERE: freehubmag.com/reviews/canyon...
CANYON WEBSITE: www.canyon.com/en-us/mountain...
#pov #bikereview #freehub
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[@johnrobertson4517]

How in the hell is this dude absolutely shredding this trail and reviewing this bike like he is narrating a children’s bed time book!?! I’ve got the spectral but I can’t do that!! Props to you my friend!

[@srirammanian536]

I don't understand how you can ride at that speed and casually review the bike at the same time. Mind boggling.

[@SmileyBoy84]

So true

[@melanatedmtb]

The magic of editing! It’s voice over with some well timed clicks to simulate shifting.

[@TheTazman63]

He’s a great rider even if his voice is edited in

[@melanatedmtb]

@@TheTazman63 I agree. I’m just answering your question.

[@TheTazman63]

@@melanatedmtb yep, 👍 I agree thanks

[@christopherwall1130]

No one can compete with the quality of these reviews

[@rekamniar]

Should’ve hop it? This guy’s nuts!!. Awesome kind of nuts!

[@eddie2go]

Watching this dude ride is like being on a roller coaster. I catch my self bobbing and weaving at every turn. Good stuff.

[@benbaines9807]

Easily the best reviews on KZbin. The riding whilst reviewing makes it so much more entertaining to watch and the reviews themselves do a awsome job of describing the ride feel of the bike rather than spending the whole time focusing on the spec and geo

[@freehubmag]

🙌

[@jpross_1128]

No doubt has that trail memorized. One hell of a rider 👍🏼

[@AceGoodheart]

Damn, I bought my bike a month too soon. I'm salivating over that Canyon Spectral CF 9. His riding reminds me of that scene in Return of the Jedi when Luke and Leia are using those speeder bikes in the forest.

[@fjoebiden4725]

This guy is the reason why I am buying this bike

[@AppleJack76]

Another outstanding review.

[@rickb.1656]

I really enjoy the Freehub bike reviews, the reviewer and his comments and the trail, please keep it up.

[@AaronDav-nq8hk]

really good job with the reviews!!

[@jasonpocsatko]

His reviews are my favorite by far.

[@robp3431]

juicy conditions....awesome riding !

[@westvideos]

This trail is amazing!

[@odeane15]

This review is simply amazing. Also you make biking like this seem so easy 😂

[@retiredshredders]

Exactly the info I needed in a way I like hearing it

[@PatLoughery]

Excellent review as usual. And as usual, I’ve decided I need this bike too :-)

[@barrakingbeatz7794]

Good to see some direct to consumer brands 🤟🏽

[@tchrist41]

This dude should do every bike review!

[@DJH3891]

Very interesting review at insane speed 👌 Seems like Canyon did it again..

[@hackgolfer7352]

What a trail and great review, thank you. I got impatient and just purchased the 27.5 version.

[@jamietennant2688]

You are absolutely shredding dude! I have no idea how you can talk to the camera while riding at such ludicrous speeds. Keep up the good work man!🤘🏽ps. should’ve hopped it.

[@paulwatkins4868]

Dude, you absolutely shred!!

[@marcelloc395]

This bike is top notch! Have been waiting for a Canyon review!

[@dougr550]

Seems like a great bike. Also seems insane to buy a bike from a manufacturer known for taking a full year to deal with warranty claims. Especially ironic given it being marketed as a one bike quiver.

[@PedalingDave]

Very good review and it puts the Spectral high on the list when new bike day rolls around. Capable but more playful (Trek Remedy, Santa Cruz Bronson) style...my jam!

[@svenhofmann4916]

Oh nice! Finally a review from an european brand! I really like your reviews! 👍🏻

[@ehvoslef]

Nice review. I would love to see another one done on the trail you took the non-evo Stumpjumper on. Haven't seen that trail in many of these videos.

[@crissvaughn85]

you guys are so awesome 🚀

[@cas_waterpas8629]

Great review en damm nice riding. Earned the sub

[@ombra306]

So cool! just ordered one left available. will pick up in Italy in 4 weeks! now I know I made THE BEST CHOICE! I hear no rattle either...

[@2ji8888]

whats amazing to me besides the bike is how you review it while shredding like that.. 🤯

[@otisjordan5613]

this is the absolutely the best review I've ever seen. And seeing how well it climbs, makes the choice between this and the Izzo just that tiny bit harder.

[@Mockle07]

Haha two of the bikes I am choosing between for upgrade time...

[@TheTazman63]

Bro, I live in PNW and I'm familiar with the trails you ride and I have to say, your riding is absolutely sick! Kudos to you. Thanks for sharing and still waiting to see your review on the new Bronson, keep up the great work 👍

[@christopherhatley4796]

whats the climbing trail to ride double black and double down? I've only ever shuttled it.

[@TheTazman63]

@@christopherhatley4796 honestly not familiar with his climbs. I recently watched him take Pump Track down at Galbraith and hitting jumps while talking like it was nothing. Even on Trailforks it shows no trial ride up for double black and double down, so I’m not sure what trail he’s riding up.

[@TheTazman63]

@@christopherhatley4796 I think he edits in different trails

[@monsterogi69]

Best riding in history!

[@MLFproduction14]

Best bike reviews

[@abdulbasitchughtai5172]

Hey I think you should review more canyon such as the strive and torque also some orbeas and nukeproof I love your content as its very detailed and fun to watch thank you and good luck with your youtube chanel

[@SmileyBoy84]

Can't wait to see your review on the new Norco Range 🤤

[@freehubmag]

Stay tuned, its coming soon!

[@SmileyBoy84]

@@freehubmag yes🥰

[@johnkozina2014]

You guy's are really doing top notch reviews here! Spencer is a fantastic rider and reviewer. I've got an unusual comparison in bikes, but you've ridden/reviewed both so I'm hoping I can get some feedback... I have a Canyon Strive now, and I want to go a little smaller/better feedback. I have my eyes on either this Spectral, or the Pivot Trail429 Enduro. Fairly different bikes, I know. But, if you're about to pull the trigger on owning just one or the other for everyday riding, which do you guys choose??

[@ridemx323]

Best mtb videos on KZbin. By A LOT. No question.

[@paulwintermute1495]

I would add, best mountain bike review videos on KZbin. There are some great instructional KZbinrs (Kyle and April), some great trail building series (Backyard Trail Builds, Berm Peak), but yes, best bike reviews for sure.

[@freehubmag]

🙏Thank you for your kind words

[@comumlourdes9648]

Looks nice, great geo, but expensive (for an online brand)... if you have a problem with this brand that means a long time without cycling. Keep going with the good job 🤘

[@mr.anderson8211]

Nothing surprising here - another awesome review! Wonder if you guys are considering reviewing the new 951 Trail by Intense?

[@bensun432]

Sounds like a dream bike. Wish there was a way to demo one

[@donnyischanov2138]

Well explained review! Would you guys consider reviewing the 2021 canyon torque 9.0? That would be great, thanks.

[@MarioXcore1]

He’s really flexing on us with this review, talking about hopping that tree

[@johnsospencer]

So true, I never ended up hopping that tree - it was down for at least a month.

[@mikeoxley9796]

I'd love to see you review the Commencal Meta TR 29.

[@paulwintermute1495]

Another outstanding review 👏. Thank you for sparing us the repetitive blerb about mail order bikes, value vs local support, blaaa, blaaa, bla....

[@zachperez6940]

Would like to see you do a Fezzari Delano Peak or maybe even the Propain Hugene those are the two bike I’m stuck on.

[@josephbujka7235]

I’d love to see you do a review on a Canfield lithium or balance.

[@abelm.s9661]

🤩 i want to ride like you

[@sejeanders]

Great review! Any comments on how it feels compared to the Stumpjumper Evo and Trek Slash you reviewed?

[@willy2374]

Wish they had this colour on the lower models

[@justinheiser7605]

I need you to get your hands on a Canyon Spectral 125 and do a comparison video on the 2 bikes. Please and thank you.

[@nicholashines7686]

I had the 2020 27.5 spectral In the bright red and that is one of my favorite bikes did I have owned. Really playful but I did have some issues with it. It sounds like with the new geometry and the 29 inch wheels a lot of those issues have been fixed

[@MrChadLedford]

Same. What issues did you have?

[@battlegoatracing]

Also curious as I'm thinking about Canyon for my next purchase. Thanks!

[@the510wagon]

Anyone else keep flinching when he goes past the trees and you think he's gonna clip a bar?

[@wolfihuber6030]

Very nice review! Would you prefer the Spectral 29 or the Specialized Stumpjumper?

[@joekindred7901]

Definitely should have hopped it 🤯 How does this bike compare to the Transition Sentinel V2? On paper they are pretty similar in terms of travel and geo.

[@damacknificent151]

I just purchased a canyon spectral 125 AL 6 Good deal for the bike you get.

[@johndoyle5983]

I’m unsure about the sizing on these. I’m 191cm which is bang on the L / XL changeover point. I hopped on an XL today and it felt okay but it was just in a car park. It didn’t feel big but the website says I should buy a large and I hear mixed messages regarding the canyons website calculator.

[@michaelsernst]

Curious if you have thoughts on the 27.5 vs 29 in regards to the Canyon Spectral offering? Have been out of the game recently and curious on what aspects of rider, terrain, or other factors that would cause a rider to lean towards one or the other for the Spectral. Thanks!

[@edgeofsanitysevensix]

Great footage! What camera did you use?

[@shill0867]

When are we going to see Spencer review the new transition patrol?

[@terraphyrma1373]

Hmmm, another totally positive review. - Instead of deliberating over which negatives would pose least problematic and most acceptable, your reviews, Spencer, leave one to choose by avoiding those which are the _least positive._ I find this review particularly positive, up there with the Ibis Mojo-4 and the 2021 Pivot Trail-429, meaning - you've tossed a 4-bar link ''wrench'' into the DW-Link ''machinery'' right when I'd thought I'd decided my next bike *has to be DW-Link* - lol

[@johnsospencer]

A lightweight build can go a long way. This bike felt very zippy on flat trails and the rear suspension ramped up like a DW bike. Im pretty impressed with this Canyon Horst link bike. This was definitely one of the bikes I would have liked to keep for myself.

[@Nunes929]

The amount of laughts and “oh man!!” comments from you, is quite revealing. Having said that, I think Evil bikes are your favourite? Thx forthese videos, all amazing!!

[@johnsospencer]

This Canyon blew my mind. Such a good all rounder. I personally loved our Pike and Deluxe build as well. Such a lightweight build that can handle most gnarly trails.

[@amnahamin492]

😳💪🤘

[@mauromenegolli202]

Hi Dow does it feel compared to the Stumpy Evo? I had the opportunity to try the Stumpy Evo and it felt a bit short ( S3 size) but in a good way, nimble and confidence inspiring. I want a nimble all mountain bike but still planted at speed.. Does it feel longer than the Evo but still nimble? Thanks

[@barrakingbeatz7794]

The Canyon Spectral and the Norco sight are so close on paper. Which one to buy 🤔

[@SuperTacticalcom]

How tall are you ? I'm in between a M and an L. Currently on a Medium Neuron CF8 but want to upgrade

[@zxtenn]

How would you compare that to a new Rocky Mountain? I sold my 2019 Instinct BC and thinking of the Spectral LTD US for 6 grand, lots of top end components like the Fox 36, DT carbon wheels, XO 10-52, etc.

[@quban79]

love to know how this compares to the norco optic? tipping fairly similar ?

[@rishig4847]

how would this bike compare to the trek slash. Im currently looking for a bike to race enduro on as well as some national forests and bikepark days. Thy both seem like good bikes, Im just wondering if i should go the big enduro bike route or the all- rounder way. Thanks

[@camwells9726]

I think the newer version comes with the lyric and super deluxe with the piggy back , Do you feel the suspension was lacking and needing improvement or is it more marketing ?

[@3chaserrrr]

Great review !! How does this bike compares to the Rocky mountain Instinct ? Looks pretty simular to me.

[@johnsospencer]

I'd say the spectral is a bit more capable in steep/fast terrain - while still being a great lightweight all rounder with this particular build. This Canyon had a bit more slack head tube angle and plowed quite a bit better than the Rocky.

[@vincew4527]

HI, how does it compare to the specialized stumpjumper EVO? Thanks

[@michiganmafiamx5543]

If you had to choose between this bike and the Rocky Mountain Instinct, what would you choose and why?

[@donwongjohnson3223]

Torn between this and the new evo expert. Which do you like more?

[@grasenwillink4554]

Can you do a review of the canyon torque

[@thefloydtube]

Hey mate, thanks for the review and great riding. What height are you riding the Large? Cheers

[@freehubmag]

Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 205 lbs. Spencer rides Large bikes.

[@tomosypian]

How would you compare this to the Knolly Fugitive (LT or 138)?

[@jakubkraut8430]

Hi, Great chanel and review! Can I ask you for your opinion on the frame size? According to canyons site you should ride size M with 180cm, but it looks you enjoyed the L prety good. I am 191cm and canyon size calculator is recomending L for me. Can I trust it or go xl?

[@saweksawkowski9902]

Hey Jakub, and which size did u finally choose? Happy with the decision?

[@jasonpocsatko]

Can you (or anyone) compare the climbing/pedaling characteristics between this bike and the Evil Offering v2?

[@scheibelhut38]

How would you compare this to the Evil Offering V2? Better climbing?

[@taybubble]

Would you usually ride a large framed bike? I typed my dimension in on Canyon (72-inches tall 32inch- inner leg length) and it puts me on a medium. I am around 225lbs too. I just thought a medium sized frame would be too small? I don't know.

[@Stickybutton]

How would you compare this with the Stumpjumper EVO?

[@WillFairfaxSKI]

where's this trail? looks awesome

[@lucasloffel437]

Which camera and settings are you used for that great review?

[@freehubmag]

Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

[@mtbntaco66]

Awesome review! One question, I’m in the market to purchase a spectral cf 8. I’m 5’5” with a 30” inner leg. Site states a small is best for me but Im right on the border of small and medium. Which size should I go?

[@johndoyle5983]

What did you decide? I’m having the same problem with the large vs xl, I’m right in the middle and the website says get a large.

[@mtbntaco66]

@@johndoyle5983 I ended up getting a 2021 intense primer in medium. If you’re right on the border between 2 sizes I would go the larger size. Chances are if you go the large it might feel slightly to small for you. Just my 2 cents

[@EverythingisFire]

Is this a competitor to Trek's 2023 Fuel EX?

[@rud8051]

So did you buy this bike? Is this your go to ride?

[@battlegoatracing]

If you had to choose one bike for everything, would it be the Offering, or the Spectral?

[@sethvicious]

I've ridden both extensively. I feel like the Spectral climbs better and is better suited to long , all day rides. Both are incredible going down hill. The offering is more nimble and more flickable but not by much.

[@kevinliu6002]

Alright I must ask: Which camera are you using? It's brilliant.

[@freehubmag]

intros shots are with a Black Magic Cinema Camera. Riding shots - Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

[@lowpitchorchestra]

great review what size are you and also the bike thanks!

[@freehubmag]

Size large bike. Spencer is 5'11" & 210 lbs

[@actionpp]

11:11 boom

[@Nickmann28]

Could you please tell me how tall you are? Thank you in advance!

[@porckitchens]

Do you have a new Capra review in the future? Been waiting to hear some honest feedback on that one but YT doesn’t seem to be putting the bike in the hands of testers yet.

[@Hardcaslte]

I've been waiting for a YT Izzo review forever, I even emailed YT to get it in the hands of a few KZbinrs and they never do. I have an Izzo and love it, but still like watching people like this shred it way harder than I could ever imagine.

[@porckitchens]

@@Hardcaslte makes me a little worried to order anything from them. Great bikes but I never get answers either. I’ve tried email, Facebook and Instagram as they advertise getting a hold of them that way but they don’t respond. I’ve heard their warranty is trash also. Hard to get parts. Hmm should I refund my down payment 🤔

[@Hardcaslte]

@@porckitchens Not sure, I had emailed a couple of times with questions before ordering and they always responded. It's been an awesome bike though.

[@DjTomnie]

When size 54 cm will be available?

[@rodrigopages1054]

How does this bike compare to the Stumpjumper evo 2021!?

[@johnsospencer]

This spectral in the build we received was a really light weight peddler compared to the stumpy EVO. They both straddle the all arounder category well! I’d say the canyon is a bit more catered toward small terrain (with this build) and the stumpy more big scary terrain.

[@ZachD]

did the large feel like the right size? I am quite a bit bigger at 6'3" and canyon is recommending the large for me. any feedback would be appreciated.

[@johndoyle5983]

How’d you go Zach? I’m in the exact same boat.

[@ZachD]

@@johndoyle5983 I ended up on an specialized stumpjumper (size s5) and the fit is near perfect. Good luck.

[@choogle4111]

Holy smokes, what's your camera setup? Looks like your going mach 2.

[@freehubmag]

Hero 7 with karma gimbal. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

[@choogle4111]

@@freehubmag cheers

[@jane.3433]

I think I never saw trailriding at such a speed. Would have wrapped myself around every second tree I suppose.