The NEW 2022 Canyon Spectral 125 Is The Perfect UK Trail Bike! First Ride Review

[@ZanderRound]

Just ordered the al5 spectral, can’t wait to test it out, absolute bloody bargain considering the kit

[@irfkaptan]

I was lucky yesterday and got one! It’s sold out immediately until late summer 😳Exactly the same model as here… Already got the shipping code, it’s arriving next Tuesday 😍Thank you very much for the brilliant video. Excellent quality and review! Keep it up mate!

[@ryanwingfield3005]

Have you got it yet?

[@irfkaptan]

@@ryanwingfield3005 Yep! It’s an absolutely amazing bike. The perfect bike indeed

[@ryanwingfield3005]

@@irfkaptan time to upgrade i think

[@marksandoval5361]

I think that even the shortest travel Downcountry bike would benefit from a 77* STA and 64* HTA. If it works for Enduro bikes, it will also work for Downcountry bikes. Longer, slacker---big thumbs up!

[@ignaciosevil1944]

I can’t decide between neuron and spectral 125. Compare them on pedaling efficiency!!!!

[@xubanohx]

Neuron is more XC oriented , wich Bike did you bought ?

[@ignaciosevil1944]

@@xubanohx I still have not decided... i cant seem to choose between a trail, xc, or Enduro bike.. Currenly i own a Slash 9 2021.. But still im interested in another enduro bike idk why..... Hard choice to make

[@ignaciosevil1944]

@@xubanohx I might just go for the SPECTRAL ON. I wonder if spectral 125 is less comfortable than a neuron for pedalling and which is more efficient and more ergonomic... Thanks in advance if you got any info

[@gamingbros2533]

@@ignaciosevil1944i have a spectral 6 with 150mm fork and shock and its amazing. Feels like a dh bike on the downhill and like a xc bike on the climbs

[@ignaciosevil2157]

@@gamingbros2533 i wanted to know that 2 years ago, now im considering the XC bike and install dropbars on it

[@mcfcok3773]

My Marin Rift Zone 2 is a rocket. Not the lightest, but it's seen some upgrades. 125mm and 130mm travel. Does most things if you are brave enough

[@drmoynihan]

What an incredible review. Geometry is evolving - this and the Commencal Meta match up pretty well in their directions. And you have convinced me that the Canyon Neuron is the right choice in the geography of Southern Thailand, while the Spectral (or my Commencal Meta) is perfect for Oregon USA. Thank you for the clarity of this presentation. :) P.S. Aluminum/ Aluminium for me!!!

[@mobilemonster7681]

What are your favorite trails in Oregon?

[@drmoynihan]

@@mobilemonster7681 I live in Western Oregon and my Favorite Trails are the ones I can just go out the door and ride (sometimes have to drive 15 minutes). Oregon State University owns McDonald Forest which has miles and miles of trails. These aren't crazy flying trails - just take you through miles of forest - some technical and some easy. Also, Alsea Falls (1 hour drive) is a blast. BTW - I love to climb as well as scream down the mountain - so our trails give you plenty of that.

[@martinsero685]

Bravo bravissimo to you, David. Nice review. Quick on the singletrack with the brand new Canyon. Good work, Mr. Arthur.

[@davidarthur]

Thanks Martin

[@Perception_]

There's definitely a place for this kind of bike. Personally I will be aiming to step up a notch on the suspension on a FS trailbike, and then add a hardtail into the mix for the more relaxed rides + bikepacking. So far looking at the Propain Hugene which ticks off the most boxes for me. EDIT: After some thinking I actually find the CF8 in the big bamboo color to be the best choice for me. Propain sadly runs the same colors for 2022 plus everything else is the same. They still have no offerings from Shimano, and that plus no color I really want, is a big downside.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Really good review style. Loving the channel!

[@davidarthur]

Thanks 🙏

[@stephenking7809]

David, really enjoying your reviews, both polished and gritty.

[@davidarthur]

thanks Stephen really appreciate the feedback

[@austindean271]

Couldn’t have said it any better about less suspension being more rewarding when you find its sweet spot

[@farisellahibakhsh6345]

I really love the design of this bike, perfect trail bike for me

[@Pedritopancito]

What a good review! Thank you!

[@benediktmerl4510]

Great review! This short travel, aggressive geo appeals much more to me than the Neuron. By the way, these boars were a bit close for comfort, these buggers can be pretty hostile

[@davidarthur]

Thanks 🙏

[@mancello]

Have a Canyon Exceed XC hardtail. Great bike and value.

[@petef15]

The bike industry is genius. 10 years ago all trail bikes were 125mm.

[@davidarthur]

Not sure what your point is really? Travel has increased on bikes but the big change is how longer travel bikes have become much better for all mountain pedalling and the geometry advances that improved capability and fun factor. Remember then the Specialized Enduro was redesigned in 2005 with 150mm travel? Now that’s was a pivotal and divisive bike

[@ezraestrada4992]

I really like that color!

[@tomassopuch9841]

Just bought this one for 2.299€ in canyon special offer. Cannot wait for delivery 😀

[@mrxy4254]

Same here! So cool that it was aviable in my size L. Good Deal!

[@baddriversofcolga]

I remember when Canyon used to be one of the best value brands, but it doesn't really seem to be that way anymore. The $2900 version comes with a RS Gold RL...

[@davidarthur]

The pandemic has hit Canyon just as it has all the other brands. Unfortunately the price of all consumer products are higher than they were a couple of years ago

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@davidarthur That's true, but there are other brands with quite a bit better specs for the price.

[@paul2673]

@@baddriversofcolga The 150mm AL5 comes with a Fox 36 and Float X, which is wildly better suspension than what comes on the 125, but costs the same $2900. Not sure why they did that.

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@paul2673 Ahh, that's pretty strange.

[@gordonyoul9515]

That said the top end spec is a screaming bargain. Add up the cost of the components and you are getting the frame for free.

[@grahamalexharvey]

Awesome review. Curious how you think this compares in feel/ride vs a Santa Cruz Tallboy v4?? I‘d be a L on the Spectral but would size up the the XL Tallboy.

[@bubby372]

What was crossing the trail at 4"12? Yikes!

[@davidarthur]

Wild Boar! They are native to the Forest of Dean but that's actually the first time I've ever seen them. Gave me a hell of a shock I can tell you. I didn't hang around to get a closer look either

[@bennoh550]

Looked like pigs.

[@yveswoit5413]

Would you pick it over the YT IZZO?

[@matthewserna7475]

How does this compare to the izzo? I'm sure buyers would be torn between the two

[@GingerPhotographer]

Nice bike! Did you see the wild boar 🐗 at 4:13 ✌️

[@jankubista3335]

Hi David. Excellent review! How would you compare it to the Bird Aether 9? Looking for a versatile trail 29er for my trails and I don´t need a lot of travel for my trails in Czech Republic. Cheers! Jan

[@mattsherwin5072]

Great review. Looks like the ideal UK trail bike. Does it have ISCG tabs though?

[@rmbtd]

I've had a rattling type of sound coming from the cockpit area. I changed out the stem and handlebars and it got better, but still lightly there. I think I'm tracking it down to the internal cables bumping inside the frame when going through techy sections. Would you have any input or recommendations?

[@tywitt3351]

So a short travel heavy bike with no water capacity is perfect? I haven’t ridden in UK but if I needed that geo wouldn’t a Stumpy Evo or Ripmo or similar offer same geo, better efficiency when pedaling and much more capable travel be more perfect. Besides they actually have capacity for a legit water bottle

[@tywitt3351]

@@Michael-fi6ve 100%

[@Carl_Donaldson]

Spectral or Spectral 125 for the uk? Mainly Trail centres (Glentress, Hamsterly and Lakes) but also the odd XC from the door across fields and stuff.

[@GuyKesTV]

Super keen to try this one myself. What's the exact weight? From your 30lb without pedals it sounds like the CF7 is a lighter than they're claiming (13.8kg for CF8 and CF9). Be good if it was as otherwise the Spectral CFR is only 13.5kg

[@hambo76]

Did you ride it with the flip chip set to high to see if you preferred it or to see how it changed the character of the bike?

[@highlandhillwalkin]

Great review. how do you think it would compare against the whyte s120c rs, apart from the head tube and angle and 5mm in suspension they aren't really that much different.

[@andreizian3993]

Hi. Thanks very much for this good review, which put the Spectral 125 in top of my choices. Have you ever tried Norco Optic? It is hard for me to make a choice between the Optic C3, Spectral 125 Al 6 or CF 7 (my budget is 3500 €). It would be nice to have your opinion comparing these two bikes. Cheers!

[@Amaury-i3v]

Hi, the frame is M. How tall are you please? Do you fell good in this size?

[@Bpf1893]

Are they going to cancel the Neuron? How does this compared to a Ripley?

[@davidarthur]

I reckon they’ll keep the Neuron for different customers and markets

[@marcus4870]

What do you think about the rear suspension? Some reviews complain about it being to stiff!? Thanks

[@mrxy4254]

bought the cf7 in sale for 2300€ today!

[@HaltonOutdoors]

Ordered this exact model reviewed, braaaap!!

[@patrickwright8352]

Live in the United States and average 1000 ft of climbing on my rides,would this be a good bike for me with that slack geo?

[@rouxenophobe]

Looks like you can only fit a small bottle in the frame, is that the case?

[@grahamhubbard6614]

Hi Dave. Could you, at some point, do a video on Gravel bikes made by Brit companies that we may not have heard of and why they're worth noting.

[@davidarthur]

I’ll add it to the list

[@hedrick5286]

This one or AL with fox suspension?

[@damiankrupa2698]

It's funny how canyon increased price's of full travell versions by ~200€ few days before release so 125's will look cheaper :)

[@snurrbullen]

What are the cranks on this? Looks like GX cranks, but the spec-list on the website says its X1 Carbon cranks.

[@itr0863]

livin in the states, i was deciding on YT or canyon. which ever comes first i will get lol. but honestly im leanin towards canyon because yt has sales tax which added an extra $200.

[@TRISHYXX]

This or a ibis ripley AF? I'm stuck between these 2

[@heribertdichter2838]

I am 1,92m und got a inner Leglength, is it possible to buy are L Bike Or better stay with a a XL

[@matpewsey]

Very similar to my norco optic…. Which is an absolute ripper!

[@Talos353]

How would you compare this to the Izzo? If you were to buy one to supplement an XC bike (Supercaliber), which would you choose? Thanks.

[@jevanskickstandcrew8373]

Izzo is great if you want a small water bottle for the summer?

[@radektrompisch]

Hello Dave, if you compare this bike and Trek Fuel Ex 9.7 what is better for all day bike travel? Road/trail?

[@davidarthur]

Hi Radek sadly I haven't ridden the latest Fuel EX to be able to compare it to this Canyon

[@radektrompisch]

@@davidarthur okey and if you compare with Transition Spur?

[@Shep2345]

Great review! I’m sold. One question tho, what is the colour like? It’s listed as ‘grey’ but it looks very white in most of the online stuff.

[@davidarthur]

More of a gloss off white in real life, check out my IG for some more photos. I really like it for what it's worth

[@ronbeardsley5961]

My question is what mount did you use for computer on top tube? Great idea if there is a mount for that.

[@davidarthur]

Just a Garmin quarter turn mount with rubber bands holding it in place, nothing fancy :)

[@sasproductions701]

im after a new bike i have the carrera kraken ive had for quite a long time and i love it but now i want an electric bike. ive been looking at a canyon and haibikes and also scott. i didnt want to spend anymore thank 4k. i would say i prefer a trail bike more than a mountain bike like the carrera kraken because i like a laid back ride and would have the seat as low as possible chilling and then stand up when ready to bomb it. im a short guy of 5ft3 and my kraken is 16" frame which is suppose to be the right size for me but i feel i need bigger so im thinking medium next right? if i had got a seat post that aims back a bit then my legs would feel more comfortable i think. its also 27.5 wheels and i think i should step it up to the 29" wheels. ive been deciding should i choose bosch or should i choose shimano and im thinking more shimano.

[@ronlind1757]

Great review and video! Is it true Spectral fork does not have tapered steerer??? Thanks

[@mensuddevic8983]

what's rider weight limit..?

[@oliverburke3743]

What trail pants are those you are riding. Look good.

[@davidarthur]

They are new 7Mesh Glidepath pants 7mesh.com/glidepath-pant

[@Motorep146]

Looking at the frame mounted computer got me thinking how cool it would be if companies started adding top tube bosses for front bags like on gravel bikes. That would be the ideal place to store spares. On this bike I think I'd look to Wolftooth for a way to get a bigger bottle in the frame. Otherwise it seems perfect.

[@Flexo_l]

I want one!

[@johnnnewmex]

I'm glad they didn't do the lighter suspension (SID, 34, etc) like many bikes these days. Bikes like this and the NP Reactor are ahead of the pack.

[@Dryb1as]

Where are these trails ? Where it is?

[@davidarthur]

Forest of Dean

[@Dryb1as]

@@davidarthur Thanks

[@stevesnailfish]

Do you still ride a hardtail ?

[@davidarthur]

I just sold my hardtail. I do love them but my back doesn’t love them so much

[@ahmetuslu9252]

Yeah bro.. perfect bike Just wether...... normally for uk ....

[@owenbirch6188]

Wish it was 27.5

[@Dogboy73]

I like this bike ;-)

[@tomaslarsen7814]

Think these canyon mtb, are somewhat in the same market. Neuron can do the same. Very hard to buy a new mtb, too many to choose.

[@fabiotanasa2476]

it looks almost the same as the spectral 5 that goes for 1.800 euros

[@endianAphones]

Would thing about getting one if it had small wheels.

[@endianAphones]

*think

[@richt3484]

Has it still got the aweful headset knocking issue that dogs the existing spectral, that canyon deny exists?

[@davidarthur]

Not experienced that so far, will update if it changes

[@Sarncho]

I think this makes want to sell my 27.5 spectral…

[@gordonbloe6959]

U don't like 27.5? Or is it a bike with old geometry. I'm wondering if the normal spectral with 27.5 is the best for me

[@Sarncho]

I'm probably just caught up in the 29 hype. Depends what type of riding you are doing? 29 is going to be a bit more stable, 27.5 more agile and 'poppier'

[@trickyrickymtb5622]

Looks ace, too slack. Would not trade my Reactor for this.

[@johnykryll]

Always found the quality of mid Canyon bikes lacking and corner cutting evident on all the bikes I've seen in my price range. Wouldn't buy another!

[@clarkeol88]

Why don't they make an actual trail bike with 150/140 travel.....

[@nathanwazowski]

They do? There’s also the spectral, which is 160mm, and 140 on the nueron

[@CopperCityPatriot]

Hmm? What I'm bored of is every rig, of every brand, looks identical to mountain bikes of the 1980's. Where is the ambition(great name for a bike brand)? The ingenuity? The future? And carbon fiber? I remember in the 1990's, bike magazines emphatically stating how carbon would soon be affordable for all. Yet, it keeps getting more expensive. And it's boggles-my-mind why aluminum frames are still astronomical in price. Aerospace grade, is a marketing gimmick. It cost the company a few hundred to make the complete rig, and they sell-it for eight grand! That's criminal. Seriously. fourteen grand for a carbon rig? European brands are devouring the market with down-to-earth priced rigs. Amen.

[@JibbaJabber]

First??

[@Freidenker888]

A 29er trailbike cannot be perfect! The wheelsize is much too big!

[@TeamMaxxlife]

Just ordered Spectral 125 AL 5. Let’s see