CANYON SPECTRAL ON CFR

£8,667.98 shipped with a big battery and relatively low weight, the Spectral:ON promises top performance

Canyon's latest Spectral:ON avoids the usual trade-off C between e-bike weight and range, sporting a full-power motor and enormous battery. yet tipping the scales at just under 22kg in this top-spec CFR form.

THE FRAME

The chassis is made from carbon, with stiffness boosted by a chunky swingarm with 15mm pivot axles, large bearings and a seat stay bridge. Cables are routed internally, via the headset. A four-bar Horst-link suspension system delivers 150mm of rear wheel travel, with a relatively linear leverage rate, which means the bike is only compatible with air shocks. The Shimano EP8 motor is a proven unit with 85Nm of torque, while the removable 900Wh battery is Canyon's own. If preferred, you can opt for a lighter 720Wh battery.

This is a trail rather than enduro e-bike and its geometry reflects that. The 'mullet'-wheeled (29in front, 650b rear) Spectral:ON has a 65.5-degree head angle, matched with a 76.5 degree effective seat tube angle and 440mm chainstays. Our large test bike had a generous 485mm reach and 1,252mm wheelbase, paired with a lofty 652mm stack height and a BB that sits 334mm above the ground.

THE SPEC

It may have a steep asking price, but the CFR's spec goes a long way to justify it. A top-tier Fox 36 Factory fork with 150mm of travel is matched to a Float X Factory shock. Also from the Fox den is the Transfer Factory dropper post, with 175mm of travel (large). The drivetrain comprises Shimano's range topping XTR components and you get four-piston XTR brakes with 203mm Ice Tech rotors. Deep-profile, e-specific carbon wheels from Reynolds are wrapped in Maxxis rubber.

THE RIDE