Canyon Spectral:On CFR ebike review - 900wh monster battery

[@PhilosoFox]

Riding the „budget“ CF 7 variant, I also didn’t manage to empty that 900 Wh battery on a single day yet. So no complains here. Regarding the luxury CFR option, you can also order a limited variant in Canyon’s German web shop that’s another 500bucks on top of yours. Tell us mere mortals what we’re going to miss out on😄. Regarding the Shimano EP8motor, it’s not the slightly upgraded late 2022 version but no worries either. General nitpicking: I would have preferred a longer travel dropper post than the 170mm on my XL CF7 - something like the 8pins oem versions. And an onboard lighting system that’s fed by the main battery as well. Smooth riding after installation of aggressive pedals - the basic fiber ones out of the box were dangerously slippy. Oh, and that150mm Rockshox Lyrix select fork on the CF 7 is performing a bit on the lower end in my eyes. Something I would like to bring to an 180 more smooth one, but too expensive to actually do that. But maybe I was going too much dh on my trails. Anyway, I enjoy mine tremendously and hope you will too!

[@cristurean]

Hi, how do you find the weight for jumping and generally downhill? I’m thinking about the cf8. Did you weigh yours? Thanks!

[@PhilosoFox]

Hi Alex, I have to admit, I didn’t weigh it personally. But other bikers compared it by hand to their Treks and Rotwilds and found it great and surprisingly light weight despite its motocross optics from a driver‘s perspective (wide frame). Maybe the Orbea rise h10 would be more nimble, but I prefer not to have 2 batteries with worse capacity and a full power emtb to a potentially more brittle light one. The bike handled well on the track and all my criticism was in regard to the dropper post forcing me up too high in steeper drops. I could have gone faster to compensate, but didn’t dare so much in the Alpes😜 In regard to the CF8 version, it all depends on Fox & ShimanoSLX vs Rockshox & Deore in the CF7. I wasn’t willing to spend the extra 500 for the 8 and also liked the 7‘s metallic purple much more than the 8‘s non-stealth black or lighter green. On top of that, the sales representative didn’t encourage the upgrade either.

[@PhilosoFox]

I also was interested in a downhill capable all mountain emtb and did choose the Spectral over the enduro Torque for its higher versatility, newer frame design & better battery. If there was an updated 2023 Torque, I might have chosen that too, but then, for heavy downhill and jumps, I might have gone non electric too, for there often are shuttle services included in the access fees. Good luck with your decision!

[@cristurean]

@@PhilosoFox thank you so much!

[@bradsanders6954]

@@PhilosoFox A 170 dropper isnt enough drop? It seems more than plenty so far for me. My legs are long I cant sit on a seat dropped that far, seat is way out of the way for downhill exploits.

[@johns6708]

I have a CF9 - love the GX AXS, riding in the UK with the 720WH Battery - even in eco I am getting 1300m climbing over 40k MAX. Great bike though, very confidence inspiring

[@JR-pf7kk]

Wow really? Is that with the 750wh battery? Did you not use boost at all?

[@bradsanders6954]

@ 1150 miles on my 2022 CF8, Im checking back in. I havent heard any knock out of the EP8 motor, its really pretty quiet. Guys online are always going on about the Shimano motor not making enough power, not enough range, or various things. I have yet to experience any of those issues on mine, it will climb anything I point it at and can still stay on the bike. The big battery? It gives options for sure. Most rides I dont use it all, but Ive done some 55 mile rides and "range anxiety" is never a pretty thing. It turns out keeping a battery at 80% makes it last the longest. 80% of this battery is plenty except for that big day out. I really havent modded the thing any, might put a kit in the forks to get 160 travel. Might try 150 crank arms for the rocks around here. Its all rocks.

[@safavi273]

Was one of the trails in the video Fortini trail in San jose california ?

[@EMTBReview]

Yes, in the 12-minute mark, that trail is Stiles Trail in Santa Teresa near Fortini Road.

[@rogerserafin]

Another great review Fran. Currently looking for another e-mtb to replace my 2020 YT Decoy. Gonna have to look into this one. I'm looking for a 900wH battery so that I don't have battery worries if riding with groups. My 540wH battery doesn't even last with group rides because everyone is on Turbo; as for reason I ride solo during the majority of my rides. Plus, i''m a lot heavier than the average rider. I weight in the 230's with lots of muscle. Thanks again for the 411 on the Canyon.

[@SDmountainbiker]

Great comprehensive review! Giving some serious thought to this bike mainly because of extended battery capacity. Absolutely love my YT Decoy Shred custom and use my Yeti-160E for all-mountain rides. Have range anxiety on my Duck and still hold out hope YT does indeed come out with the mythical 700+ wh battery. The 65.5 Headtube angle on this bike is one factor holding me back and as you stated, can mitigate this with installing a 160mm fork. I actually like using 2.6" tires front and rear on my emtbs, but this bikes seems more suited for 2.5's. Appreciate all the time and effort you put into your reviews! Happy Trails!

[@yofoo138]

Does this bike only fit its own water bottle cage? I see reviews with like only one bolt.

[@RideShagbark]

I think so. It's been mentioned in some other reviews. It's odd, but not unprecedented that a full suspension has its own proprietary cage or bottle.

[@sinisakalicanec6823]

Hi.Very good review I'm waiting of mind Spectral ON CF 9. ( frame size M ) currently, that bike model costs 6,500 euros in Germany,😢. the only thing I will change is the front wheel for a smaller 27.5,. despite the fact that Canyon does not recommend it,😊 On frame size M, the 29-inch wheel looks ridiculous, the wheel is bigger than the entire frame of the bike 😂 I don't know where they get the idea to put it on the frame size s, m, l, it should only be put on shoulder size XL, nothing else.

[@Arkane117]

Please update us on if the 27.5 front wheel works out. I also wish someone would offer an all 27.5 e-mtb option.

[@Chr027]

I was determined to buy the CF8. I almost hit the "buy" button. Then i had the chance to testride it. The 150mm fork but especially the 65.5 head angle made me not buy it.

[@Arkane117]

The new CF8 comes with 160mm fork now. Also has the new EP801

[@chewchew74]

This is getting ridiculous, just put small motor and decent size battery. Why do they think enthusiasts motor bike. We spend thousands of extra dollars to shave off weight for all these years.

[@EMTBReview]

Good to have options and I suspect many companies will explore the lightweight and heavyweight categories of ebike and offer products. At the end of the day, what the consumer buy will rule the marketplace. But I suspect folks will want more than one ebike. One lightweight one and others with big batteries and tons of range. I'm a firm believer in modular batteries. Have a smallish battery in the frame and have the ability to carry 250wh batteries if the big rides are calling.

[@djgenadeloos5893]

Wich size did you take? I am 182 cm with 89 cm inseam legs and the calculator puts me on an M. i am at the end of M and beginning of L so i guess the smaller choice would be smarter. i Guess the calculator will be quite correct but still wondering...

[@francisbrooks8533]

I am 183cm and got the M........its tiny. I can hang completely off the back of it. Combined with the small back wheel it looks like Im on a dirt jumps bike. Im in the process of trying to send it back for a large but it is such a hassle with an ebike. And the inconsistent and laggy comms from Canyon.

[@djgenadeloos5893]

@@francisbrooks8533 whats your leg lenght (inseam)

[@djgenadeloos5893]

i guess it's just a matter of personal preference, i tested the M and it did not feel so tiny. It was the same as my Orbea L...

[@jebakaPiSd]

Spectral cfr or Turbo levo s works, what would you choose?

[@EMTBReview]

Levo. Even cheap levos are great

[@klaymoon1]

Great video. Does 900wh last whole day?

[@EMTBReview]

On ECO mode, it lasts about 6-8 hours. Basically, it outlasts the endurance of the most riders. For heavier riders, this is a godsend since it allows them to keep up with fitter 700wh riders.

[@eddie3426]

lol

[@cargumargum7848]

Amazing rides, I want to buy me an e-bike this is a great option! What type of protection is necessary? Besides helmet, anything else I should be looking for? For helmets I found xnito helmets and they claim that they protect up to 28 mph, do you think they are legit?

[@camryn07]

Great review! Slightly off topic but that trail at the 7:35 mark looks incredible. Is that in Santa Cruz?

[@andreasbrandstetter9221]

jeah its wide. so no need for these wide downtube mud guards... *g*

[@joehoeper3941]

Would love to see the Struve:On reviewed!

[@Cooldad310]

I am really interested on the Spectral:ON CF 8 but my problem is warranty here in the USA. it does not seem seamless more like a hassle to deal with..what's your opinion??? if it's positive I will pull the trigger on this one, thanks in advance! love your reviews!

[@bradsanders6954]

My CF8 has been completely reliable, if the motor does have a problem? Thats on Shimano not Canyon. So any shop that deals in Shimano would know what to do with it. I havent seen many issues with these 2022 Canyons though.

[@jerryofthebikes]

hi, what about chain rubbing when riding on smaller cogs? is it a problem?

[@bradsanders6954]

It rubs on my Canyon, Ive never once noticed it while riding. It has a good soft surface for chain to lay on.

[@candidcapture]

wait... That was Stiles in STP.

[@candidcapture]

I'll add... I hate that hairpin.

[@francisbrooks8533]

Im regretting it. It is so fat and heavy. It lands so hard. It doesnt pump or pop. Whats the point being able to get the top so easily when it is boring on the way down?

[@Arkane117]

So you got the Spectral ON and you don’t like it? You are the first person I read in comments that said you regret the e-bike..

[@RideShagbark]

Which one did you get? What suspension components? From what I've been reading it can make a huge difference in how this bike feels. I'm trying to decide between the CF7 (Rockshox) and CF8 (Fox)

[@phantombigballs8165]

​@ChristopherBurkhart_CDB did you buy one? I'm in the same postion now...I really want the grey/white but the wheelset on the 7 puts me off

[@Cooldad310]

helpful. noted

[@rommel-777]

Francis, that is an impressive battery pack, wow. May I ask what your opinion is of the Pole Voima? Thank you and look forward to all of your videos, God bless!

[@rommel-777]

@@EMTBReview thank you. It seems very interesting, departure from the current trends.

[@neil27pearson]

How heavy is that battery 🔋 😐 🤔

[@yoterryh_JTH]

He discussed the battery specifically from 2:54 on. At 3:03 he says its 10 lbs.

[@neil27pearson]

@@yoterryh_JTH It was more of a rhetorical question..... As in.... Ohhh... that's a bit heavy..... But thanks anyway 😊

[@francisbrooks8533]

Heavy. Enough to make the bike unliftable. Like Im used to riding up to a fallen tree and just slinging my bike one handed onto a shoulder and climbing over with a free hand to help climb. I cant lift this bike with one hand. Not even close. Now sure how I will get around such obstacles in future.

[@bradsanders6954]

I listened to your review, I listened to others, I bought the 2022 CF8 about a week ago, my first ride ever on an E-bike was on the CF8. I love the thing, it mows thru the rocks in our local huge park, way better than any pedal bike. It makes its own momentum or something...........Honestly so far the CF8 level suspension does really well in these sharp rocks, I'm still getting used to it but it will climb anything I point it at, with no run at it sometimes. I'm a long time dirtbiker at a competitive level, and have spent a lotta time on mountain and road bikes and gravel bikes. This CF8 is absolutely a Blast! Its the step between dirtbikes and pedal/amish bikes. I can see how a 160 fork could be good, more ground/pedal clearance, slacker head angle, more travel, and get the next level of fork with Kashima of course. The stock fork surprised me, it really works pretty well. Ive only got 105 miles on bike so still a short timer.

[@drew5027]

@brad sanders - How tall are you, what size frame do you have, and how is the fit?

[@bradsanders6954]

@@drew5027 Im 6 foot even, I bought a large like I usually do. It fits me fine, feels roomy.

[@drew5027]

@@bradsanders6954 - Thank you for your response. I'm 5'10 and ordered a Medium based on the geo charts. I'm hoping that the fit is on point.

[@simdal3088]

I get the utility of a e-bike for the elderly but on a mtb? Kinda defeats the purpose does it not? Exercise is the whole point. I prefer the classic mtb, my dutch legs are a battery pack in their own right 😉. The technology is amazing tho.

[@simdal3088]

@@EMTBReview Ah yes, i mean e-bikes in general. In my country you see mostly older people using them. It does increase range i gues. In the netherlands biking is more focused on daily utility economy and getting around in general. I see how this could be nice in a country that isnt as flat and without proper biking infrastructure. Maybe wil consider it in the future, do love the design. Ty for replying.

[@stephenternlund7535]

Well, when you live in the flattest place on earth I guess it’s difficult to understand the utility of a pedal assist MTB. Ebikes allow even very fit people to climb trails they otherwise would not be able to. Also haven’t you ever seen lift access mountain biking? Seems the rest of the world sees many other possibilities in mountain biking. Since when has exercise been the “whole point?” More and more these anti -ebike comments seem to be people trying to boast about their own fitness and how they would never need one. Newsflash- no one cares. We aren’t using them to ride the way you do.

[@simdal3088]

@@stephenternlund7535 I do mtb in the ardenne. Lots of walking involved haha.

[@PhilosoFox]

@@simdal3088 I would have argued as you did above, but wondered, why many mtb couples I know went eMTB BOTH. I could see the less fit partner opting for the motor, and so they usually started. Then the fitter one fell behind during climbing sessions or was too much spent thereafter. Tadaaaa, half a year later, both have the motorized ones. Not being wasted after a steeper climb and being able to fully handle technical descents convinced quite a few non-pro tour pros that I know too. Can only comment on that from an amateur perspective, but definitely true for non competitor me.

[@neil27pearson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 🤣 Dutch Mountain Biking 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Tell me about your Mountain Rescue Team next!!!!! You all ride those strange town bikes anyway don't you..... I can see how you got yourself confused.. 😉😉🤣🤣😉😉

[@phantombigballs8165]

Any issues with the flap coming off at for the battery charger ??? Looks like irs nit sitting flush in your video??