Steve Jones Canyon Spectral:ON | EMBN Presenter Bike Check

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Great content again. Really appreciate your personal experience on this bike and/or any other bikes. Proves you can talk about a sponsor and still give very credible information. 👍

[@embn]

Thanks so much! We really appreciate the support! 👍

[@vidmalesevic5332]

Just got my Spectral:ON CF 8 in Stealth Black color. It's so versatile and also looks brutal! 😍🥰

[@MBj1703]

One of your best videos, thank you! So much real true messages (travel, motor, suspension settings, ...)

[@bradsanders6954]

Ive got about 500 miles on my CF8 Spectral ON, and its a great bike, had it on all kinds of trails. The only thing so far I might change, is crank length. Smacking pedals on rocks happens way too much on some trails. Ive really tried to better my technique, but there it is. A 160 fork? Might try that also some day. To me, the mid range suspension on this bike is plush, I have no troubles with it. It sucks up sharp rocks and what ever all day long. I did 45 miles on the last ride with a long hour and a half climb. Still had 3 bars showing on the screen. The other guys I ride with, just dont have this range of battery. They end up babying the battery they have.

[@plokmko0]

Bang On !!! just needs a back fender to avoid buzz butt

[@ingarskjerven1885]

Nice video Steve! Was considering Canyon when buying myself a new bike in december. Went with the Husqvarna hard cross because of the battery size on the Torque:on. Should have looked at the Spectral too 😅

[@Raumance]

You don't want a Shimano motor they have the worst range by far out of all the manufacturers. Among other problems.

[@ingarskjerven1885]

@@Raumance do you have any statistics that support that? With source material please

[@Raumance]

@@ingarskjerven1885 Sams ebikes did a comparison for the motors. Warranty is voided for cam restriction. They won't even help you with the codes. Basically telling a customer to go fak themselves. The magnet isn't meant for the rotor the system was designed for the rim so it doesn't work as well as it should. And I own a Shimano Ep8 and I can confirm the range is sheit. Significantly lower than all the other manufacturers. If you can avoid buying a Shimano motor then you should. It should be the last option.

[@embn]

Good choice, Ingar! We hope you're loving it! Thanks for watching!

[@jarink1564]

Super❤👍

[@embn]

Cheers!

[@briankoehn1647]

Loved the video Steve. You mentioned that you sized up to an extra large. This bike became a consideration of mine when I learned it came with a 900 WH battery. What immediately dropped it off my list was that I am 5”6 and 130lbs. The small frame cannot fit the big battery and I would have to size up to a medium. I live in a small town in the Colorado Rockies and I don’t know of any places I can test ride the two sizes. My current ebike is a 2021 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay and I also ride a specialized epic XC bike for reference. Can you explain more about why you sized up and what I need to look for.

[@intertube1000]

If you a fit rider, and 130 lbs, you should be fine with 720 wh battery. I am 170 lbs, planning to get this bike in Medium with 720wh battery, try to bring the weight down a bit. my current bike is turbo levo with 700 battery, I never finish the battery, I finish first before the battery, 100 % on trail mode. I did 32 miles like twice only , still have 8 % battery left, so I do not need 900wh, most my ride is under 25 miles only, and I am done.

[@briankoehn1647]

@@intertube1000 thanks for your help! I am planning some longer routes the bigger battery would be helpful with. That being said, the medium is way too big for me and 720wh would help out a lot. I am still kicking tires.. so to speak.. there are a lot of great brands out there!

[@jimm244]

I appreciate your honesty about hyper-adjustable suspension. I agree with you.

[@DirtSurfClub]

In your experience, what would you say is the noise level from the EP801 motor? In terms of rattle when going down hill and in power delivery.

[@theforextraderevangelist7133]

I am 192CM/6'2" Canyons website days I fit a L frame but other brands say in need an XL. I am thinking I should go XL on the canyon. There is nowhere close to me to even try the bikes

[@phantombigballs8165]

Wish the spectral had the bosch motor

[@Ironie90]

im 172cm with 81cm inside leg length. What Size do you think will fit for me (For Canyon Spectral:ON)? S or M ? (with S i cant use the 900w)

[@jerryofthebikes]

Hi Jones how is your chain protector? In this model chain is constantly rubbing through protector on lower gears (1-6). Also did you change headset bearings yet?

[@bradsanders6954]

500 miles on my CF8, no wear showing there. Headset bearings also doing great.

[@whiskeytango854]

What helmet is that?

[@abdurraheemgreen2339]

Ok…those tyres! 2.6”! I have an issue with such big tyres. 1. They are too big to fit in some ruts. This can really throw you off line. 2. They can be plain dangerous in very wet conditions. The large surface area causes them to float onto top rather than dig in. If found this out the hard way after my bike disappeared under me on a fast descent. Let me with a separated shoulder. Was trying to figure out what happened and in my research found some info on this issue with big volume tyres. What’s your experience with the perelli, why those tires and that size?

[@KevisSquatchin]

What you don’t know how to change a tire? Change the tire size and quit your cryin.

[@abdurraheemgreen2339]

@@KevisSquatchin of course I can change a tyre Kev babes 😘 I was just sharing my experiences with those particular ones so little boys like you don’t get hurt and learn from big boys life lessons.

[@NIK666999]

What’s your opinion on all the ep8 motor failures and error codes

[@1111TerryD]

?

[@gisho9]

Have two bikes with Shimano one e8000 other with e8 both with hundreds of miles and zero issues 😂

[@TheWebstaff]

I take it we have no more Chris videos now?..

[@PMJ4]

He's left.

[@embn]

You may see Chris in reference footage and such! Like when we need to chat about something he was really good at or reference an old video :)

[@jebakaPiSd]

Apparently there are problems with electricity

[@andymoss4285]

Only problem: it’s the wrong colour 😂

[@PMJ4]

Way too expensive and no support structure in the UK if things go wrong, I would not buy.

[@jimm244]

I’ve read bd things about Canyon support.

[@Taylor5084]

Owning a Canyon and had issue that needed solving I actually found the support really good from them. They have a UK based team and some of the horror stories I’ve heard I personally have had no dramas with.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

Not just this one that's too expensive, it's the vast majority of ebikes. You even have motorcycle manufacturers jumping on the band wagon, and selling their ebikes more than some of their motorcycles, obviously they can make more money from bicycles.

[@Quedz9]

Not true. I have taken my spectral on to canyon head office in Surrey for them to fix it when I broke the battery release mechanism. Very helpful

[@gpearce11]

I'm not going to disagree about the lack of support, as Canyon support seems to swing wildly between great and terrible, but even at its best will never beat Trek/Specialized. However, I am going to have to disagree about it being too expensive. I'm not going to deny that it is very, very expensive (it's an E-MTB, what'd you expect?), but A) this is the second highest spec model, and there are much cheaper models available, and B) spec for spec, it's significantly cheaper than an equivalent Trek Rail or Turbo Levo, so it's actually quite good value for what you get. For example, the Spectral:ON CF8, which has almost identical level spec to the Turbo Levo Comp (EP8/XT vs Brose 2.2/GX, but otherwise very similar), is approximately 20% cheaper than the Alloy version of the Levo Comp and 30% less than the carbon model (that it actually competes with). Even this CFR model is over 30% cheaper than the equivalent Levo Pro.

[@Birdman393]

Just had the CF9 delivered last week. Bike is insanely good. The videos and reviews really helped me choose from a plethora of emtbs

[@bradsanders6954]

My CF8 has been great! Ive done 65 miles including hills with it on one charge, and had juice left still, it gets great range and flies downhill.

[@TheFruitingChamber]

Think I need to sell my project car for one of these 😅

[@ignaciosevil1944]

150 mm fork? mine is 150 and i dont know if i should get the 160 or even 170

[@hianof]

Steve jones how tall are you? What size would you recommend for someone @ 183 cm?

[@JeepingNet]

Wish Canyon would sell these in Canada. So odd they don't every other brands pretty much sells here and I can buy a non-emtb Canyon here.

[@brianbathgate4944]

Nice one Steve! I’m the same with suspension, got 38s on my Levo and they take a hellova lot of tweaking to hit the sweet spot. Too much fannying about (tho they are saaaahweeeet now they’re finally dialled)

[@ruralpestcontrol]

what kind of mileage do you get from a 900w battery compared to a 625w or 720w ?

[@bradsanders6954]

I know I can go 65 miles on my CF8, with proper use of power and modes. I weigh 170lbs.

[@garryhaines3066]

Nice one Steve, good honest video which sometimes is lacking in MTB channels. That's the attitude to have "let me just ride the bike" as that is what we want to do, however i run AXS GX and love it so easy to set up also run AXS dropper again that is amazing. I love getting out on my Cube HPC 160 does the job for me cycling around town and downhills and at the local trails prefect all rounder........EWMTB is the only way forward.

[@Scott-wz4sc]

This was and still is a contender for my next bike. Tempted by the merida e160 8000 too, and the nukeproof megawatt. My only concern with the canyon is the 150mm forks, I have a commencal meta power with I think 170mm or 180 forks. I ride the lakes mainly big knarly decent like walna scar etc, so wondering how 150 forks would far up. Any thoughts anybody? Thanks

[@rjahn3000]

Spot on, I agree with everything you mentioned!

[@jerryofthebikes]

This video is for sure paid promotion.. canyon starts today discount on that model too. But why? This bikes was never discounted before.. Its obvious that bikes now don't sale that good as before and also they need to change introduce new model as new ep801 is coming..

[@jasonkeithferry]

All manufacturers are now discounting due to stockpiled stock, not just a Canyon thing

[@rlapi33]

Thanks for that review. I do own a Giant reign E+1 which is a tank going downhill. But... I don't know, I might be ready for some playfulness and something lighter than a big enduro ebike. I have a 625wh, I'm 185 pds and I found that I could be a bit short of range sometimes, and I'm never on turbo mode. I'd love to try a 900 on a lighter frame. Thanks for your reviews René Whitehorse, Yukon Canada

[@gressshap8200]

Great share Steve…. a personnel reflection on your go to bike and spec was top draw. There was was so much content covered and it all made complete sense me. My bike is a home-built bafang mongrel that is suited to the terrain I mostly ride…. Any build is a good build if your using it!

[@vashon100]

Personal vs personnel

[@stolenthimes4391]

Got the cf9 2024, with the SRAM AXS Transmission, and I love the electric gears, came from Trek Rail 2023 also with AXS, and new that i had to get that again. Luckily CANYON has lots of options. The Rail had bosch, and now EP 801. One thing that never is mentioned is that the 801 is far easier to pedal when you ride over the help limit 25 kmh, or turn of the electric assistant. The bosch had an internal resistance that was extremely annoying when you run out of battery, or just want to go over that 25 kmh limit. Haven’t had any issues with the 801 so far. And love the 900 battery, because im also a heavy rider 99kgs🙉

[@Ntxsol]

After years of fiddling with High Speed and Low Speed Compression Settings could not agree more with your simple suspension set up for daily rider! Install few tokens, set rebound, and sag. Let her rip!

[@jeffdavis9028]

Steve and his pointer sticks! Haha Does he choose a new one for each review or does he bring one along for each video? 😂 Perhaps some behind the scenes on a future vid. Also…great bike review!

[@embn]

Spends about 10 minutes per shoot finding one that 'feels right' 😉

[@sinisakalicanec6823]

Why don't they make bikes with both 27.5 size wheels WHY. 😢 I have two Canyon bikes so far Spectral CF 9 and Torque 6 and now for the first time I wanted to buy an electric one but you can only buy Torque ON with 27.5 size wheels but it has a battery terrible, as much as I ride a bicycle for a couple of hours a day, the battery drains in 2 hours max😢 And I don't want to carry Extra batteries of 5 kg on my back 🤦🏼

[@113Markel]

In your opinion and expecrince, do people regret getting 720Wh battery instead of 900Wh? And if yes, do they try to sell it and buy bigger one ?

[@Emtbtoday]

Motors thing of the past looks like bosch it taking over even on the new canyons actually the thing thats putting me off just now i want a canyon just not a sram or shimano motor

[@helderfixe]

Magura mt6?

[@nguyenbanghia8970]

Squeaky brakes even after adjustments and cleaning anyone else and find a solution Or do we just need to change the pads

[@jeremyprice2936]

Orbea claim on the rise info that; “Our 1.5x Factor means that thanks to lighter bikes, increased efficiency and greater reliance on your legs, battery life is extended by a factor of over 1.5. This means that our 540Wh battery is comparable to a 810Wh battery in a standard ebike system” Can that really be true? Can you do a real world test 540Wh V Spectral:ON 720Wh maybe? I don’t own an e-bike yet but interested. The comment on here about no support for Canyon in the UK puts me off!

[@bradsanders6954]

"greater reliance on your legs" to me, that doesnt mean the battery is there for you, your legs are. Sounds like straight marketing hype. Some guys I ride with for sure do not have the legs to help propel an E bike like it needs to be propelled. I do 170 miles a week on normal roadbike, which really helps on long e bike rides with climbs. If strong legs help a 540WH bike go further? What do strong legs do with a 900WH battery? Go even further.

[@sulsj]

I think Rise has 60nm torque so they ad like it's 1.5x.

[@mtbed3653]

Just my opinion, but most people looking to get an E bike don’t have the legs!

[@jeremyprice2936]

@@mtbed3653 I did buy a rise in the end. And not because my legs aren't good! Its totally opened up the trails i ride to more fun and adventure. I did think it was 'all hype' but can tell you its a game changer. And its a nice bike to ride unpowered too, locked out on flat sections between trails. Battery does last me a full day ride as i only use boost for super technical uphill sections.

[@acelectricalsecurity]

I must admit I am curious when I see these presenters riding bikes, as to which bike they actually own.

[@rolandbeason8398]

great video Steve its good to see what you would call your preferred daily steed !!! I ride mainly in the highlands of Scotland and im looking to buy the CFR for battery and handling on the terrain you know all to well. so its not about speed its control for me would you recommend the CFR as one of the best suited for where i ride ?

[@gavindean]

Love mine, have the 720 batt but can always go 900 in the future and you can't beat the price.

[@nigelking3353]

Meet you at Gatwick airport few days ago, in the lift, great show, keep up the good work, from the ambulance man, Nigel.

[@philh3041]

Loved my first spectral on back in 2018 👍🏻

[@embn]

What a great bike! 👊

[@md.moinulislam9467]

Super Creative and Unique Designed Trai eMTB.....!

[@tonygee3284]

Oh man this will be my next e bike for sure

[@drew5027]

What size would you recommend for someone @ 5'10" / 178 cm?

[@simonm1447]

I'm 175 cm and I'm riding a non electric Scott hardtail, size M. The size is OK, but L would also fit. Typically manufacturers give a recommendation regarding the frame size in behalf of the size of the rider

[@anandpatel4079]

My last two canyon non e-bike always rate me as a small frame, but classed as a medium on other brands, would you say the sizing is spot on to what they recommend?

[@phantombigballs8165]

I bought the small spectral on on their advice.. way too small especially the reach !! Sent it back and got the medium

[@Charlie59438]

I live in a flat on the top floor. Am I able to remove the battery and charge it out of the bike.¿¿

[@hikkks]

of course

[@m3drivr]

I think its a good design. But here are the caveats 1) Canyon after sales support: can be sketchy. It’s cheaper than comparable e-bikes but if you don’t get the support, it’s still a 8K paperweight. 2) Motor: If they had put in a Bosch, it would make the bike more attractive. This is the EP8, which is less on power and more of a battery suck. Hence the 900W battery. I was very intrigued, but sorry Canyon. It’s a pass.

[@JR-pf7kk]

Is this true about the EP8?

[@bradsanders6954]

@@JR-pf7kk No, not for everyday riding. Online people whine about the EP8, in real life I can go 65 miles with the 900WH battery and EP8 motor in my canyon. It makes plenty of power in medium/trail mode and runs really quiet. Online BS can be just that, some rant about the EP8 so then lots of guys do the same. The Canyon can literally go further than most guys will ride. It does make a difference to a large degree on any of these e bikes, how strong leg power is, its part of the deal.

[@brocwavra8813]

How tall are you

[@kevinmanzo862]

steve jones = winning

[@thelanehunterdevon1664]

Tell us you have joe dropped the tyre pressure with tubeless. STEVE PETE have another word!

[@embn]

The pressures Steve can run with tubes in and not puncture are pretty impressive! We'd puncture almost immediately climbing some of the stuff he does with tubes!

[@francisbrooks8533]

I just ordered the medium after using their online recommendation and it is we-he-heeeey too small. Massive headache now.

[@riccardopolacchi]

How tall are you?

[@bradsanders6954]

@@riccardopolacchi Im 6' tall, I always ride a large. I bought a large Canyon CF8, which is what their size chart said to do also. It fits just fine.

[@Scott-wz4sc]

Steve I'm working near Bangor next week, where do you think i should go to ride please?

[@embn]

You're not too far away from Dyfi, Bala or Llangollen there but Coed Y Brenin would probably have our vote!

[@Scott-wz4sc]

@@embn thanks man 🤙🏼

[@Mtb9r]

Just ride steve

[@samharris82]

Agility is why I love my Trek Fuel EXe. Got it down to 36.9lbs/16.74kg (magazine weight: no pedals) for a 140mm/160mm. I don’t have a use case yet for a full fat but if I ever did the Canyon looks solid.

[@francisbrooks8533]

Yeah these full powered ebikes are lumpen. Doesnt even feel like a bicycle. Feels like a slow motorbike.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@francisbrooks8533 Many experts would disagree. Guys I ride with that have the ultra light battery/motor, are going to be looking for a tow. They need to stick to bike parks not going up in the mountains.

[@hatsaucee]

Spoko materiał !

[@Raumance]

As long as you don't have a Shitmano it doesn't matter that much. Least range by far.

[@bradsanders6954]

Shimano motors are on 80% of e bikes sold, online hacks might say they suck, in real life they work really well. I get great great range out of an EP9 motor.

[@Raumance]

@@bradsanders6954 It's just the reality unfortunately. 15% less range which is not marginal it's a big deal. And that's just talking about range not about the other problems and customer service. They are shit compared to other manufacturers. 750Wh battery everyone else gets 1400+m vert where as Shimano gets 1200m... Tell me again how I'm a hack. You look like an idiot buddy. Maybe you are just genuinely ignorant and that's how you approach life. And I own an EP8 and I recommend anyone buying an ebike to not buy Shimano except as a last resort. Just a shit motor value and range wise compared to anyone else. Bafang, Yamaha, Brose, Bosch, Pinion. Anything else is just better.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@Raumance Be serious, range is determined by a whole bunch of things, from rider weight, to riding style, to hills involved. Your an online hack with an ax to grind, there are lots of them......someone you know or heard of had a problem with shimano. Big deal. There are so many shimano motors that work great....I can go 65 miles easy with the Canyon I bought...seems to work great. Happy to say it again, your a hack.

[@Raumance]

@@bradsanders6954 You are a fucking idiot dude. I own an ep8 motor so I know. Sam's ebikes did the range test and Shitmano is by far the worst it's just reality. And obviously it's done by the same rider on the same track... So no there are no factors. With any other motor you would get far more range. You are not a smart person so of course you didn't do research. You are a testament to the stupidity of man.

[@harlanswan8184]

The Spectral On is super annoying in that you can't transport the bike on a roof rack without battery. Come on Canyon! Where is a solution? You make it I'll buy it...... Please, I'm still waiting....

[@RideShagbark]

Can you elaborate? why can't you?

[@harlanswan8184]

@@RideShagbark, the problem is that the battery cover and power cable are held together with screws and magnets directly into the battery. So without the battery everything flops around. I have found that I can fixate the battery cover with a strap but you still have to be super careful with the cable which is hard to fixate and which can easily get caught between the cranks and frame leading to damage when backing the bike out of the garage on its rear wheel. Because the crank arm naturally spins in reverse... I

[@bradsanders6954]

@@harlanswan8184 I leave the battery in the bike. Cant find a problem with transporting it that way.

[@thewrx2600]

awesome bike, especially with the geo, xtr, and the massive batttery capacity; but........ loses points with ep8 shimano motor and their fisher price app (compared to competitors). Also, I would be going with biggest battery on the base model and build up with my own components, as in current trim shown that's a hefty price tag for that model.

[@bradsanders6954]

Like steve said, the app isnt even needed, it works great as delivered.

[@thewrx2600]

@@bradsanders6954 meh don't think so. I have an ep8 and it leaves a lot to be desired imo. Calibration or "tuning" is one of the greatest benefits with electric driven units/motors, is that you can fully manipulate how it performs; so it can best fits your riding style and/or terrain. Ebike (or any battery powered mobile) calibration also happens to be the most commonly overlooked feature by most riders, often because they don't understand what's possible, or the manufacturer, and/or there is not a lot of community support for the average e-rider; that also happens to be a decent mtb rider.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@thewrx2600 Nah. Your picking nits. Like Steve says, it works great just like it is. Literally no problem on any trail. EP8 seems like a great motor to me on every ride. I can go straight up a wall, or pick my way thru tight trails, it works as is.

[@phantombigballs8165]

I have both the bosch is for me a much better system

[@wharfeego]

I spied a review of the ON CFR which mentioned that the "Shimano EP8 motor rattles when coasting" - have you noticed such?

[@Scott-wz4sc]

This was a big thing with the new motor about 1.5 year ago. Not sure if they rectified it or, people have just stopped rattling on about it. Excuse the pun 😉. Loads of old videos about it though, find out and let us all know 😄

[@Taylor5084]

Got a mate who has got one and he says the issue was resolved with his by Canyon. Not sure what the resolve was but he says his Spectral is now silent

[@darekgudra971]

Apparently in a carbon frame EP8's rattling is more audible. Did Canyon handle it?

[@jebakaPiSd]

Better than Turbo levo?

[@e-bikeautonomy]

What E-mountain bike would you guys recommend for someone 5'2?

[@kevinmortimer1883]

nice. had an old manual torque ex which was superb. however, far too expensive

[@argusauge4812]

Canyon, your local Dealer love these bikes.

[@jasonkeithferry]

Why?

[@bradsanders6954]

@@jasonkeithferry Dealers can sign up to work on these Canyons, if they want to. If they dont want to they dont have to. Canyon contacts them to set it up. I work on my own bikes though.