A former champion, reimagined! Back in 2021, the Canyon Spectral secured victory in our comparison test, and now it’s back with a few exciting updates: 150/140 mm of travel, 29” wheels front and rear, and a standard K.I.S. steering stabilizer. But is that enough to leave behind the competition in a cloud of dust?
14.6 kg in size M | € 6,999 | Manufacturer’s website
Sometimes less is more– or at least, that’s what Canyon believe! The new Spectral, which was introduced in spring 2024, has lost some travel over the years and enters our 2025 comparison test with 150 mm of travel up front and 140 mm at the rear. Unlike its electric sibling, which comes standard with a mullet setup, the analogue Spectral in our test rolls on 29” wheels both front and rear, though a flip chip allows you to convert it to a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5” wheel at the rear. The new Spectral also features Canyon’s proprietary K.I.S. system, which was developed in close collaboration with Syntace and was designed to improve stability and steering precision. Weighing in at 14.6 kg, our top-tier Canyon Spectral CF LTD model matches the average weight of the analogue trail bikes in this test. With a retail price of €6,999, it’s one of the most affordable bikes in the entire test field alongside the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS. But is that enough to reclaim the coveted Best in Test title it secured in our 2021 comparison test? Find out in the review!
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
The Canyon Spectral CF LTD in detail
Unassuming and finished in an understated “Minimal White” paint job, the Spectral CF LTD stands out from the rest of the test field with a clean, minimalist look. The cockpit is tidy and uncluttered, with all cables disappearing neatly into the frame through cable ports on the head tube – a nice touch for all home mechanics. All Spectral models come standard , which is integrated into the upper section of the top tube. This system is designed to improve stability and reduce rider fatigue on long descents. However, on the trail, the system failed to impress our test team, and was more of a hindrance in some riding situations. As a result, we used it in the weakest setting. Another new feature of the Spectral is the storage compartment in the downtube, which can be a bit fiddly to access, especially while wearing gloves. That said, despite the small opening, the compartment has plenty of storage space, and comes standard with a fabric pouch. This lets you keep all items neatly organized and prevents them from rattling inside the frame.
For even more versatility, Canyon added three mounting points on the underside of the top tube. One is designed specifically for Canyon’s proprietary multitool, which includes a special mount and can be purchased for an additional €40. The other two can be used to secure a pump, a spare inner-tube or other trail essentials directly to the frame. However, these mounts are sealed with rubber plugs, and you’ll need to supply your own bolts unless you opt for Canyon’s matching frame bag. A generously sized chainstay protector ensures a quiet ride on rough terrain, while an additional rubber guard on the lower end of the seat tube prevents debris and small rocks from getting jammed between the frame and rear triangle.
The spec of the Canyon Spectral CF LTD
The Canyon Spectral CF LTD comes equipped with FOX Factory suspension, which consists of a 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and matching FOX FLOAT X Factory shock, both boasting a fancy Kashima coating. While FOX already introduced the new GRIPX and GRIPX2 dampers last year, the GRIP2 still delivers a tremendous performance on the trail while offering countless adjustment options. SRAM CODE RSC four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear do stopping duties. Although the CODE RSC lack the sleeker brake-hose routing of the newer CODE Ultimate Stealth variant, they provide equally outstanding braking performance. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which is paired with a more affordable GX cassette. The disadvantage on the trail is minor, but nonetheless, the high-quality derailleur creates a misleading impression for less experienced customers, which is unfair.
The cockpit consists of Canyon’s in-house G5 components, including an alloy stem/ handlebar combo and a Canyon G5 dropper post. The latter offers a generous 200 mm of travel, which can be adjusted in 5 mm increments up to 25 mm – cool! The spec is rounded off by a 29” DT Swiss XMC1200 carbon wheelset and MAXXIS Minion DHR II tires, both in the MaxxTerra rubber compound. However, the front tire comes in MAXXIS’ lightweight EXO casing, while the rear tire relies on the more robust EXO+ version. To protect the carbon rims, we recommend upgrading to the EXO+ casing at the front. Additionally, we suggest switching to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound tire at the front for better grip and control.
Canyon Spectral CF LTD
€ 6,999
Specifications
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 140 mm
Seatpost Canyon G5 200 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem Canyon G5 40 mm
Handlebar Canyon G5 Alu 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss XMC1200 Carbon 29"
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHR II MaxxTerra EXO/MAXXIS Minion DHR II MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.4"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Weight 14.6 kg
Specific Features
storage compartment
Flip Chips
Tool Mounts
Tuning Tip:
– Upgrade to a front tire with the sturdier EXO+ casing and softer MaxxGrip rubber compound for better traction and durability.
The geometry of the Canyon Spectral CF LTD
Canyon offer the Spectral CF LTD in five frame sizes, XS to XL. Given the generous reach values across the Spectral range, we opted for a test bike in size M, which, according to Canyon, is suitable for riders between 1.72 m and 1.85 m tall – a good choice for our test team. Be careful when choosing your size, as it may be different from what you’re used to. Before buying, you can choose between a full 29″ setup or a mullet version with a smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear, whereby the smallest XS size is available exclusively as a mullet bike. Two flip chips allow you to customize your bike: one in the chainstay for switching wheel sizes, and another in the shock mount for geometry adjustments. In the high setting, both the head and seat tube angle steepen up (from 64° to 64.5°, and from 76.5° to 77°, respectively), while the bottom bracket rises by 8 mm. Moreover, the Spectral combines a compact 475 mm reach and short 437 mm chainstays across all sizes, except for the smallest XS size (429 mm chainstays). Despite the short 415 mm seat tube, the dropper can be inserted all the way into the frame, ensuring maximum freedom of movement on descents.
We rode the Canyon primarily in the low flip-chip setting, and the geometry table values are also based on this configuration.
The Canyon Spectral CF LTD consistently combines high-quality components with an attractive price, grabbing the attention of trail bike fans.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tube | 572 mm | 599 mm | 626 mm | 653 mm | 680 mm |
| Seat Tube | 375 mm | 400 mm | 415 mm | 445 mm | 455 mm |
| Head Tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head Angle | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° |
| Seat Angle | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° |
| Chainstay | 429 mm | 429 mm | 429 mm | 429 mm | 429 mm |
| BB Drop | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,184 mm | 1,213 mm | 1,243 mm | 1,272 mm | 1,301 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm | 525 mm |
| Stack | 612 mm | 621 mm | 630 mm | 639 mm | 648 mm |
The Canyon Spectral CF LTD on the trail
When you swing your leg over the saddle, the Canyon Spectral CF LTD places you in a slightly front-heavy yet comfortable pedalling position. The rear suspension works efficiently, swallowing up only a little energy on climbs. As a result, you’ll only have to reach for the easily accessible climb switch on long uphills. However, the Spectral doesn’t quite match the climbing prowess of competitors like the Pivot Switchblade, Trek Top Fuel, and Ibis Ripmo.
On the trail, the Spectral transforms into a pure fun machine. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, and the intuitive handling makes you feel at ease from the get go – it’s like slipping into your favorite shoes. Right away, the Canyon inspires huge amounts of confidence, allowing you to tackle the trail without having to go through a steep learning curve. Carving through tight switchbacks with a Scandi-flick or spontaneously changing direction? No problem with the Spectral CF LTD! Canyon’s trail bike turns every trail into a playground. The progressive suspension provides excellent support, encouraging you to actively pump through rollers and berms,. You’ll carve your way from side to side, like a true trail surfer, popping off ledges and kickers while savoring the airtime with a massive grin on your face. Yeahhh! Only a few other bikes – the YT Jeffsy CORE 5 CF and Ibis Ripmo XT – are this nimble, and only the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper outshines the Canyon in this regard. However, when the trail gets rougher, the Spectral begins to show its limits.
On flowing trails, the Spectral delivers a constant grin thanks to its super-agile character and intuitive handling:)
While initially holding its own against competitors, it starts to get nervous on more demanding sections and is eventually outpaced by most of the test field. It lacks the composure of bikes like the Transition Sentinel X0 AXS and Atherton S.150, positioning itself closer to bikes like the Raaw Jibb V2 or Pivot Switchblade. One additional drawback: after our test session at the Innsbruck Bike Park, the shock bushings were already shot – an issue we noticed already with the Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD – very disappointing!
Who should take a closer look at the Canyon Spectral CF LTD?
The Canyon Spectral CF LTD appeals to anyone looking for a fun trail machine for their home trails. At the same time, it holds its own on bike park tracks, as long as you don’t push it too hard. Thanks to the intuitive handling, both beginners and experienced riders will enjoy it – just make sure to choose the right frame size when buying.
Conclusions about the Canyon Spectral CF LTD
In this comparison test, the Canyon Spectral CF LTD stands out particularly on flowing trails, where it impresses above all with exceptional agility, intuitive handling, and a solid dose of fun. While it reaches its limits on rougher trails and the shock bushings wear out a bit too soon, it shines as a fun-oriented trail bike. Add the fair retail price, and the Canyon presents itself as an attractive choice for riders of all skill levels.
Tops
- Exceptionally agile
- Great fun
- Fair price
Flops
- Unsettled on rough trails
- Shock bushings wear out quickly
- Only available with the unnecessary K.I.S. system
For more information, visit canyon.com
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF
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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Peter Walker
