THE WHY - My Canyon Spectral Bike check

29er? 170mm? SMALL!? Find out all the things, and if I missed something just ask below.
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[@JesseMelamedMTB]

What else do you want to know!?

[@ArturMendoncaMTB]

Aren´t those the new code brakes that just came out?

[@mikeyegan7186]

What differences do you feel from a wider EX511 to a narrower width Ex471?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

@@ArturMendoncaMTB not quite.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

@@mikeyegan7186 there’s a big difference having to run 2.4 tires vs 2.5 tires on them. Different feel, 471 is more precise but takes more work. 511 is smoother with the wider tire

[@btom42]

What length cranks and stem?

[@_Giannigio69_]

Less go Sr. Jersey Marmalade❤️

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Yesssir

[@hillsidewoods]

Thanks for the video! Always great to see what you are riding and most importantly the reasons behind the choices. Could you pls share some lines on your approach to tire pressure?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

For my next bike check I will include some tire pressure talk.

[@tensuitengu7695]

Very sick bike Jesse , big up and good luck in new team and new season 🤟🤟

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thank you!

[@HelplmAlive]

I literately searched for a new bike check a couple days ago from you and was disappointed there wasn’t a new one.

[@NextLevelRiding]

cheers Jesse - always intigued to hear suspension set up details. Have an awesome season bro!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thanks!

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thanks for the bike check 👍

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

You're welcome!

[@carlosj.ortizbernal2010]

Great vid. I have been waiting for a while to the see the spectral bike check. I have the 27.5 and I love it.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Nice!

[@BockaufBiken]

Looks like a super duper winning machine!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thanks!

[@svdk1506]

Thanks for this!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

You're welcome.

[@Rockytherottweiller]

Hey Jesse, Why did you stop using the spectral? was the 160/170mm bad? i did the same with my spectral and felt much more better with 162mm shock

[@fABIO-cs3un]

It is probably closer to 161mm since the LR at 150mm travel is 2.2

[@hedrick5286]

For the overstroke did you have to put the flip chip in high mode.

[@Picklesismyhero]

Love the bike check vids. What kinda hand guards are those again? You da man Jesse!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thanks! They are from Sendhit_MTB on instagram. They are the Nock hand guards.

[@Nunes929]

720 bars? Starting a new trend 😀? Best of luck for the rest of the season

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

haha I've had them for a couple years now!

[@SWOP_B]

Awesome to see the bike check. Did you say you're running LSC in the first quarter from CLOSED and also rebound first quarter from CLOSED? E.g. both LSC and rebound close to closed?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Fork LSC is from closed, 11. Rebound is 7

[@maxtongue1671]

Hello Jesse, thank-you for your very detailled bike check, it is very usefull. I have a little question, wich spring are-you riding, I can’t find one at 275lbs for rockshox super deluxe coil. Also, it seems that you have spacers attached to it, so, is-it the case ? Wish you the best for the next races !

[@alankaye4382]

New bikes, still fast! 👍

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thanks!

[@colinsutton7944]

Great video jesse! I actually just started racing enduro on my stumpjumper. I'm thinking about getting a dedicated enduro bike and am between the strive and altitude. I had a change to ride the altitude and loved it but just want to know what you think the key differences are between the two bike. do they really ride that different?

[@TheInfinitear]

orbea rallon brother

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Definitely different! The Strive is more stiff and more slack and with a good rear suspension, it is very fast in straights and steeps.

[@colinsutton7944]

@@JesseMelamedMTB Thanks for getting back to me! I’m leaning towards the strive but I’m worried it will be lifeless unless I’m pushing my limits speed wise. Is the shapeshifter keep things lively and fun on mellower tracks? Is the bike at all poppy in the low position?

[@nicorawmtb]

Nice video! What about your cleats settings? Do you put your cleats all the way back? Or do you prefer the cleats right in the middle of your soles for the sprints? Thank you!

[@bikedude019]

Im about the same height ~173cm, and also downsize to a small frame (0:54) even if the manufacture chart states Im fit for a Medium. Much better handling et reactive bike. 💪🏻

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

It's all about what kind of riding experience you want. Glad you are happy!

[@Luke899tw]

I'm 172cm and went with size M 27.5. Feels a bit big but thought it was because my previous bike was a size M 26 from 2010. Now I'm wondering if I should have gone with size S. @@

[@davormismas]

​@@Luke899tw probably, I sized down from 2022 spectral M to 2023 S and find it better for my ride style: playfully an no big need for all out speed (mind you I am still in the top 15% on Strava times)

[@TheDingopaul]

Good luck jess all the best this year mate

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Thanks!

[@santiagoyesque]

Un crack colega

[@Cord1976]

Any more info on the seatpost mods? I want an AXS, but haven't room for the battery on bottom out. Looks so much better with the post turned 180º. Maybe i need to just get brave and buy one, then machine my own mounts, but any help (or pictures) would be brilliant.

[@blantonator]

Curious how tall are you for the small?

[@edgarm2036]

Are you allowed to change bikes during the enduro season? Lets say a race venue is more suited for the strive, could you change?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

For sure! I can choose whichever I feel is the best.

[@MrEem1hm]

Will you be riding the Strive with size S or a custom size? Just thinking the Small Strive (with -5mm headset setting) is much longer (+15mm) than the Spectral at the same size.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Similar to my bike size last year though. We will do what we can to make it comfortable.

[@teunhartwijk9026]

Hey Jesse, what is the biggest difference between the spectral and the strive in terms of ride feel?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The spectral was very nimble and precise but you needed to ride perfect to get it to ride that way fast. The strive you can be a bit more lazy to go fast but it takes work to move it around quick.

[@sameskew109]

When you run a dh casing tire, do you run it with inserts? Best of luck this season Jesse!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Depends on the track.

[@sameskew109]

@@JesseMelamedMTB Thanks!

[@juanfran777]

Thanks for the great bike check! Last season you were riding a medium bike, why did you switch to a small? did you notice any advantages with the small?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The small is the same size as my Medium last year... different year bikes are always different size.

[@vin9976]

@@JesseMelamedMTB You used to ride a Medium Altitude with 450mm of reach (+-). This is now the same reach as the Small Altitude (roughly 430mm). Why'd you downsize in reach for this Spectral from previous years?

[@Kamza_]

That spring rate seems too small, arent you bottoming out all the time? Since you went so for such low spring rate wouldn't progressive one suit it better?

[@greatghettoful]

Any reason why enduro pros are not using FR 541? Similar weight to EX511. Pros never comment on the valves they use in bike checks. What’s your take on the Fillmore valves?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I’ve only been on dt Swiss for a little while so I haven’t had time to test them all. We don’t want the strongest wheel, only the strongest wheel t last one weekend. Lighter is better for us.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

And for the Fillmore. I’m sure they are good, I only use what I get for free haha

[@Ganiscol]

I believe Canyon was testing the 541 last season. While the rims never brandished the FR 541, the other sticker with the DT Swiss logo was on them. That said, the 541 is a tiny bit improved 511. Its now anodized again (instead of painted, which saves weight) like all DT rims used to be, the flange hooks are a staggering 0.15mm thicker, which does exactly nothing of that which DT touts it to be doing - same tendency to dents and snakebites if you run low pressure without a DD or 2ply casing or even inserts. As a commercial wheelbuilder I still recommend the 541 over the 511 - it costs the same and weighs the same and comes with small improvements plus 4 color ways for decals - why would you take the old one? 😅 I'm just pissed they discontinued the ever so slightly stronger FR 560 for it as opposed to just replace the 511.

[@janeblogs324]

@@JesseMelamedMTB ? Your saying strong wheels last you just 1 race?

[@dieterd1533]

how did you overstroke it? 230x62.5 or a 65 ? and does it work good

[@DavidFoundCo]

Hey Jesse, I’m on the same coil shock and was wondering if you’re on the linear tune? I’ll be going down a spring weight to get closer to 30%sag

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Yea linear tune.

[@DavidFoundCo]

Thanks bro! Good luck on the next race

[@a.m.wright3819]

Just wondering why you (& Jack) stay/stayed away from the Torque?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I personally have not tried it. I think the Strive is the proper Enduro bike.

[@a.m.wright3819]

Got ya. Thanks for responding. But the world would love to see what your caliber of rider thinks of the Torque though...

[@bollanza]

Did you notice some improvments with the new sram transmissiom? (Both mechanical and performance)

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

100%. It shifts so well and so perfect, I don't have to think about shifting anymore.

[@bollanza]

And about the fork, do you always prefer volume spacer and "low" pressure or sometimes do you remove them at all and use higher pressure?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

@@bollanza I’ve done both. But I think I like the volume spacers. I can have it really soft off the top but then have a good ramp

[@bollanza]

Thank you jesse for the tips, good luck for the world cup in finale 🫶🤟🤟🫶

[@rokbukejlovic]

How much sag at front?

[@daylight31415]

How do you like the new Sram Maven brakes? Compared to the Codes?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The maven? The codes were nice, but I like the power of my new ones.

[@daylight31415]

@@JesseMelamedMTB that's what one can seem to read on the spyshots of the brakes

[@nehmebilal3580]

Hi Jesse, can I ask how much stroke you used on the shock? Is it 62.5 or 65?

[@Rockytherottweiller]

65

[@andrewlee5181]

A lot of enduro guys going back to the 31.8 bars…any specific reason?

[@padraicbateman]

Given that a small Strive has 20mm longer reach, does that mean Canyon is launching an XS Strive or are you going to be using a shorter stem and reach adjust headset, etc...??

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

We might have some bits to help the sizing for me.

[@postro11111]

Do you know what headset cover you running? The stock plastic one is driving my crazy how creaky it is. Thank you!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

My mechanic found an acros one that works well

[@bramjaques4726]

Is there such a difference in having 31.8mm clamp or a 35mm clamp bars, since I see a lot of pro's riding the smaller ones? just bought a 35 mm clamp, 40 mm rise bars to be more comfortable on the steeps

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

There shouldn’t be a difference. They are both built to the same strength standard

[@jameskroz1737]

Have you considered an EX511 front and an EX471 rear - or do you prefer to keep the same rim front and rear?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I have. Just haven’t had time to properly test it yet

[@jameskroz1737]

@@JesseMelamedMTB awesome, I’d be interested to hear your findings! So much to test though hey😅

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

@@jameskroz1737 too much haha. Slowly getting through it all

[@soumyakantipal9942]

❤❤wow superb.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

thanks

[@jamlee344]

What's the sweet spot HTA for Enduro? I take it you'll steepen the Strive up?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

64 seems like a nice even number to me.

[@jamlee344]

​@@JesseMelamedMTB cheers for the info and good luck this weekend mate 👍

[@lonelytrailsmtb8105]

Not really a question about your MTB but about your gravel bike. What tires do you run on that? Looking to switch my gravel bike tires to something a little better for gravel/trail riding. Thanks, dude.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The Maxxis ravager a good aggressive option, the traction for corners is sweet. But generally run the Rambler.

[@lonelytrailsmtb8105]

@@JesseMelamedMTB thanks, dude!

[@C-D-a-w-g]

What size water bottle fits on your size small spectral? How many ml?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I ran a 500ml

[@TheCaptainBondo]

Thanks Jesse - slightly wierd question but what bottle cage is that?

[@alicoghill]

Do you have issues with fork diving on the steep stuff under braking with having a low fork pressure and a few tokens?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Not really, and I like it everywhere else so it's ok.

[@matthiascampedelli4321]

Are you riding everyday during race season or do you take some days off ?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I take a lot of days off, you can only get stronger if you give your body a chance to recover.

[@matthiascampedelli4321]

@@JesseMelamedMTB Thats what i needed to hear :D Good Luck in Finale !

[@lynxg4641]

I've seem Dimitri riding the Strive and that dumb ass internal headset hose routing, I'll be curious to see how you like that and if you do it or run external of that. Not sure how they do it, but that BS where it's run right through the headset bearing is so damn stupid, someone who doesn't work on their own bike obviously designed that. Will be interesting to hear your thoughts with regards to the 511 vs 471 and what the width does to the tyres. Personally I think i25 up to 2.3", 2.4" kind of pushing it, i30 for 2.4-2.6" to get proper support, especially running lower pressures.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The Strive doesn't have internal headset routing, the new E-bike does, but not the enduro bike.

[@roskice]

Which size should I get I see u got an S downsized, but im 187 cm tall and I cant decide between spectral al6 size Large or Medium, hope u can give some opinion :).

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

The Canyon website has a pretty good tool to give your bike size, if you put in your height and inseem it tells you the correct size, that works for me on all their bikes.

[@MrDavecore777]

Hey Jesse, what coffee you drinking these days?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

An etheopian right now.

[@wisnusiswanto4087]

What rotor size dou you used jesse?

[@yycmtbr5087]

Thoughts on coil vs air shock for racing?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Depends on the track, I ran coil shock in europe for the more rough tracks and air shock in tasmania for better pumping and pedalling

[@yycmtbr5087]

@@JesseMelamedMTB Thanks Jesse! Keep on crushing it!

[@masonrudolph7249]

YS LD

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Yussss

[@tahoeebikes]

Innes Graham and Jesse using 720mm bars... Hmmmm!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I gave him all my enduro tips.

[@Whyusadd]

Very similar to the Rocky Mountain altitude

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Kind of, but not really. Smaller, less travel, different head angle.

[@Whyusadd]

@@JesseMelamedMTBdid you go down a size or just the reach numbers are different on the Spectral

[@alexthemtbr]

Can you elaborate on the differences between 25mm and 30mm rim width? Like tire profile/feel on each width Thanks man!

[@daylight31415]

dude, where have you gone? really enjoyed your videos a few years ago

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Too much for text, but basically the narrowing rim/tire cuts into the ground more, it has less comfort over rough and is more precise. The 30mm I found softened a lot of the harsh trail and for cornering gave some good stability. A wide tire on the narrow rim was hard as the tire folds, so I didn't like it so much, mainly in the rear.

[@alexthemtbr]

@@JesseMelamedMTB thank you! Any info helps. Very cool you are so open about your setup!

[@dash0173]

Wait... 275lb coil spring weight? that can't be right, especially given how hard you ride. I weight 180lbs with all my gear and I ride a 500lb spring. there's no chance i use a spring almost twice as stiff as yours.

[@mtb_skg]

why the spectral over the strive?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Did you watch the video?

[@Bibektaye]

I love cycling but I don't good cycle 😢

[@thescerigai]

235lbs spring, how much do you weigh?!

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

275lbs. and I weigh 155lbs

[@juanandreszentenoc4142]

What about KIS?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Haven't tried it yet.

[@manua253]

How much does it weigh?

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

No idea.

[@Flexit375]

At what age did you start with MTB?

[@ervin7178]

He started at 29

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

3

[@effevu2759]

Maybe it is a stupid question: why zeb instead of Lyrik?

[@Longafilippo]

Sorry, but why the spectral and not a strive?

[@IIISentorIII]

" I only use what I get for free"

[@alankaye4382]

Did you watch the whole thing? He said exactly why he started the season on a Spectral.

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

I felt like it was the faster bike for the tracks in Tasmania. I am on a Strive now for Europe.

[@hannes6114]

Hmmm not completely stock you say :)))))

[@JesseMelamedMTB]

Noooo

[@cwoodward6614]

😬 *Promo SM*