Canyon Spectral MTB Review (29 CF9, 2022) @ Travs, You Yangs VIC

[@mangoshake]

I like reviews like these because it's made by one of us; the 99% of amateur riders out there. Not necessarily a full pro, and also not a sponsored journalist who isn't allowed to say bad things. If it feels great and gives you confidence in riding everywhere, then it should for us too. This review did help me with one thing though. I'm not very strict nor too handsy with my bike maintenance. The most I do are clean the drivetrain and suspension seals, burn, sand, and re-bed-in contaminated brakes, and pump up the tires to the right pressure. The carbon creaking from dust is gonna annoy me to no end, so the cheaper AL5 or 6 is gonna be the bike for me.

[@RNAMTB]

Glad to hear and thanks for the feedback. I was contemplating whether I should have spoken more about the wheelset, brakes etc. But overall it's just a really capable bike with its geometry, specs and value for money (from A5 all the way to CFR)

[@mangoshake]

@@RNAMTB I think talking about the frame itself is good enough for now. The frame is what controls the suspension kinematics anyway. The rest of the components are usually just changed for the owner's preference. Cheers!

[@fsquared64]

Great review and quite the trail! Just rode my new Spectral CF8 yesterday. Couldn’t be happier. Like you said it climbs incredibly well. I never thought a bike with that much travel would climb so easily. Descending is buttery smooth.

[@mtbdescender8912]

Nice bike , nice trails . Perfect combination!!! I have the CF7 and I love it !! Cheers

[@RNAMTB]

We have 2 x AL6 and a CF8 in our group also. We've had great experiences with Canyon that everyone has slowly joined the "team".

[@phillipharriott8632]

Yeah I have the CF7 too! Amazing performance for the value.

[@Skipperdilex]

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

[@andrewkormas8839]

Great review. Love to see some trail action in there as well - keep them coming

[@basstrom88]

I have the 2021 CF8 29 and it has been awesome around VIC. The three biggest solutions to creaks i've found are: 1. Cane Creek 40 headset dust cover and regular aluminium spacers to replace the stock plastic spacers - might be a bit difficult with your integrated cockpit, but works on the lower models. 2. Anti-seize paste on the two main pivot bolt threads, with periodic loosening and re-torquing. This was a major game-changer after grease wasn't keeping the creaks away when pedalling. 3. Chain lube dripped on the rubber cable port behind the seat tube, with a Mucky Nutz MugGuard short fender on the rear to keep the dirt out.

[@RNAMTB]

Thanks for the tips! I've actively cleaned and greased the main pivots as you say, it definetly helps and has eliminated any pedal creak. It took me a bit of troubleshooting to discover this, I kept pulling apart my BB thinking that was the issue. The most creaking occurs at the headset for sure, so #1 is interesting. I have seen others recommending Cane Creek 40s in a few forums. I'll need to look into it again, not sure if the integrated handlebar/stem setup limits me.

[@MTBr-of-SoCal]

Sick bike! I almost ordered this myself about a year ago but the back-order delivery date was crazy long. Settled with a YT but still regretting it :(

[@RNAMTB]

The wait times were pretty crazy this time last year. I was lucky enough to get the 2022 model as soon as it dropped, but they sold out fast. YT's are great bikes too. What did you end up with - Capra/Izzo/Jeffsy?

[@MTBr-of-SoCal]

@@RNAMTB Capra, which is a pretty good bike, minor side is it suffers from a low bb + longer crank arms, so get tons of peddle strikes.

[@musicasaservice]

Nice review! Thanks for sharing. I see some other reviews out there say the Spectral 29 can be a little harsh / not plush. I always wondered if that was just for lighter riders as most of those pro reviews seem to be extremely fit types. Keen to know how you rate it?

[@RNAMTB]

Hey David, harsh is definitely not a word I'd associate with this bike. Initially small bump sensitivity wasn't great but once I dialled my suspension it felt ace. I did my research before pulling the trigger on this bike, and most reviews were true, it's overall a solid package for great value. There will be some slight downsides, but for me none have been so noteworthy as to take away from my riding experience (maybe just headset creak once dust gets in on a ride). Pro reviews are great, but also I've found their feel/experience far exceeds mine when it comes to small nuances. If you can get a test ride I'm sure it would put your mind at ease.

[@musicasaservice]

@@RNAMTB thanks! That helps. I’ve been finding it super hard to test ride premium bikes other than a bounce around in the car park. I completely agree that most reviews are from people riding at way above the average riders skill level and not always translate. That’s why it’s great that your posting stuff like this. Keep up the good work!

[@mitchcocker4514]

Nice review! I Am Thinking of getting the new cfr spectral but is hard to know what they are like as there are few reviews. What are they like on a more flowing trail? Also do they have much pop to them? Do lots of mixed riding with more mellow trails to rough and rooty stuff Cheers

[@RNAMTB]

I've had a great time on this bike. As mentioned, it can do it all. Yes it's poppy, and it's really good fun on flowy trails too. I use this bike for everything which is what I wanted/needed, and I can recommend it if you need one bike for most riding situations. Most reviews showcase the CF8, which will still be a good gauge as to what to expect from the bike. The geometry is the same, albeit the upper models just have some nicer tweaks that make the bikes feel sharper (carbon wheels being the most noticeable). Cheers!

[@Patsesson]

This spec is pretty much full carbon? Rims, frame, cranks and handlebar? Is it hard on the body or more pleasant than a aluminium build? As a beginner i really dont know 😊 but im interested on this Cf 9 because of the lightness, is the geo ok for bikeparks also and local mellow trails?

[@jake_stewy]

what fender are you running on the rear? it looks great!

[@RNAMTB]

Hey Jake. It's just a generic guard from eBay, which I shaped a bit with a heat gun (hair dryer would work too). Was $10 and took ages to come, but it's always hard finding a nice rear guard, I've never had one thats fit perfectly/looked great.

[@andrews3994]

How has it been for lower key tracks like Lysterfield etc?

[@RNAMTB]

It's been great. I've never felt over or under biked on this, and recommend it if you need something that can do it all. Having said that, if you only plan to hit Lysterfield and not Bright/You Yangs etc. you probably could get away with less travel (perhaps a Spectral 125). If you do plan to alternate between hitting some more difficult drops/enduro lines and Lysterfield/easy trails, this bike is for you.

[@andrews3994]

@@RNAMTB Great, cheers!

[@HugoRidesMTB]

How does it climb compared to your trance, I am also coming from a trance advanced 29 2020 and now looking to get the spectral cf8, in the spec sheet the spectral only looks to be about a kilo heavier not sure if that would make much difference

[@stevec505]

I’m just a bit shorter than you, 5’7”/170cm and 30.5”/78cm inseam. Do you feel like if you were any shorter you’d be better off on the small?

[@hedrick5286]

Yeah I’m 5’6 with 30” inseam. Think I’m going with a small

[@Gowessepedagunung]

mtb is really good bro

[@hakooq6432]

im about 170 cm tall and 80 cm inside leg or something like that and i want to go with the S frame but im not sure if i get the M frame if i will reach to the ground while sitting comfortably

[@rustedskull7093]

Im 170 and have S frame it fits perfectly.

[@endurogod-r1e]

never been a fan of the look of the handle bar that doubles as a stem, is there any actual advantages to it? just curious

[@RNAMTB]

No advantages other than the fact it will always be centred and aligned after removal and fitting. It might not be for everyone, but I've really grown to love this feature.

[@Simon-st8jy]

I’m also very similar in height bar 1cm. Do you think you could fit on a large?

[@RNAMTB]

Personally, I think a large may not be the best choice. But everyone has their own preferences. Why are you considering the large? If it's secondhand and you're compromising, I think you're better off buying a bike better suited to your height and reach as it will be more rewarding overall.

[@Simon-st8jy]

Cheers for honest feedback of sizing. Been offered a second hand large before buying new from a friend. Think I will pay the extra for the right size of a medium

[@csuthymerse5794]

bro ur the same height as me! im 175 too and my legs are 82

[@RNAMTB]

That's why I mention my height as a reference! :) Canyon sizing can be quite confusing.

[@Henkepenkeberg]

Whats the mudgaurds are you using?

[@RNAMTB]

The front guard is a Mucky Nutz MugGuard. The rear is some cheap plastic off eBay I've shaped with heat.