Canyon Spectral 29: Large wheels and a new frame for the trail all-rounder

Product news: Since its introduction, the Spectral has been part of the Canyon range as a fun trail all-rounder. With the new Spectral 29 CF, the people from Koblenz are now presenting the latest version of the evergreen – with large wheels, progressive geometry and a full carbon frame.

Of course, Canyon wants to retain the undisputed qualities of the previous Spectral: Lively, versatile and fun; this is how the successor should present itself on the trail – just a little bit better. Apparently the biggest innovation is the wheel size. In accordance with the current development on the MTB market, the new trail bike from Koblenz is now on large 29er wheels, although Canyon emphasizes that this does not mean that it will lose the agility that has given the Spectral such a large fan base so far. At the same time, the larger wheel circumference - in combination with the geometry and rear triangle - ensures smoother running and greater resilience off-road. In particular because nothing changes in the spring travel. The rear end still provides 150 mm, at the front there is also 150 or even 160 mm, depending on the model variant.

Canyon Spectral 29 with maintenance-friendly carbon frame

At launch, the new Canyon Spectral 29 will only be available with a full carbon frame. In concrete terms, this means that the main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon fiber. Despite its larger dimensions and greater rigidity, it has become slightly lighter than its predecessor: at 2.598g for the bare frame, it is 63 grams lighter than the previous CFR model. During the more than two-year development period, tube shapes were optimized, wall thicknesses adjusted and the bearing and axle system improved.

A fun bike for everyone - the one for everything. That's how Canyon describes the Spectral 29; However, the new trail bike shouldn't just impress on the trail, but also when it's not being used off-road – namely when it's being serviced. For example, a traditional BSA bottom bracket is used and replaceable thread inserts are installed on the entire frame. If a mishap occurs when screwing, the defective thread can be easily replaced and you do not suffer a total loss. Also very nicely solved: Almost all bolts and screws on the frame can be checked from the non-drive side and tightened if necessary.

Rear triangle with good absorption and progressive geometry

A metric 230x60mm damper teases out 150mm of travel from the rear triangle. As with all other current Canyon fullies, the so-called triple-phase suspension is also used here: In the first millimeters of spring travel up to the sag point, a high anti-squat value ensures a lot of liveliness and lively handling. In the area around the sag, where the bike moves most of the time, the rear stays active and doesn't sink into the travel. Towards the end of the travel, the progression increases, but doesn't become extremely strong. The bike handles hard impacts without bottoming out, but also makes good use of the spring travel and doesn't get stubborn.

A lot has also happened in terms of geometry: the reach of the frame has grown, the front is flatter, but the seat angle is steeper. All in all, you get significantly more progressive dimensions, which, together with the large wheels, should certainly contribute to the potential on the trail. A flip chip also allows the angles to be fine-tuned by 0,5°, and the bottom bracket can also be lowered or raised. The basic setting of the frame is slack – 64° head angle on the models with 160 mm travel, 64.5° on 150 mm. The high setting is intended to appeal primarily to those who regularly tackle demanding climbs and who need additional ground clearance.

Even if the dimensions might suggest it at first glance: The Canyon Spectral 29 is a race bike - this status in the range is reserved for the Strive, which will also remain the bike of choice for the pros in the EWS. The Spectral, on the other hand, is designed for maximum fun – without having to chase every second.

Canyon Spectral 29: Four model variants with Fox or RockShox

With four model variants between 3.299 euros and 5.999 The Canyon Spectral 29 will be launched at €150. These models differ not only in the quality of their components, but also slightly in their design: The two versions with RockShox suspension are a bit more moderate, with 35 mm of front travel and 29 mm stanchions, and should appeal to riders for whom low weight is also a priority. The two Spectral XNUMX models with Fox suspension are fully tuned for trail action and feature slightly more front travel—which also results in a slacker head angle.

Website

www.canyon.com