Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 first ride review

Sky’s the limit in our industry. To keep up with the huge demand and cater to as many tastes as possible, bike brands have to constantly refresh their portfolios and offer as wide a range of products as possible. That’s why Canyon expanded their current Spectral range, which now includes three different wheel size options, 27.5”, 29” and mullet. Whichever version you pick, the new 2022 Spectral was designed to crank up the fun factor to eleven. We tested the new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV with MX setup and found out whether it’s actually possible to combine business and party.

The Spectral has been an integral part of Canyon’s portfolio for over eight years. For 2022, the German direct-sales brand has released not one but two new versions of their popular enduro rig which, together with the pure-bred 29″ model, form an entire new Spectral family. But don’t worry: all new Spectral models combine 160 mm travel at the front with 150 mm at the rear while the 29” version still relies on the same proven frame platform of the current model and thus maintains the same geometry and kinematics. The most exciting news of the new lineup is the wider choice of wheel sizes. The brand-new Spectral range now includes a thorough-bred 29er, a mullet bike with a 29″ front wheel and 27.5″ rear wheel and a 27.5” version. The mullet bike is basically a hybrid of the other two models and combines the main frame of the 29er with the swingarm of the 27.5″ version. As a result, you won’t be able to convert your bike to a different wheel size afterwards, so we recommend choosing the model that suits your riding style and preferences best. In this test we’ll tell you which model suits what riding style best and reveal the pros and cons of each concept.

The new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 in detail

As mentioned earlier, the spec of the new 29″ model remains almost unchanged, which is why we decided to focus primarily on the mullet version in this test. However, all three models of the new Spectral range (27.5”, 29” and mullet) share very similar features and frame details. Moreover, all models will be available with either a carbon or alloy frame. The cables of the new Spectral CF8 are neatly routed through the frame and securely clamped at the ports, which prevents them from rattling on rough terrain. On top of that, Canyon rely on their proven, very chunky chainstay protector: together with the neat cable routing, this ensures a pleasantly quiet ride. On the top tube, there’s an additional mounting point for Canyon’s optional LOAD top tube bag, which is finally available in their online store for € 34.95. In the bag there’s enough room to store a spare inner tube and a mini tool. Unfortunately, the mounting point isn’t compatible with conventional tool straps because it attaches to the frame only with one bolt.

The funky party palm-tree on the seat tube and elegant decal on the top tube are reserved exclusively to Mullet riders. The 27.5” and 29” models, on the other hand, come with a plain finish. Moreover, the mullet bike is the only Spectral model available with a coil shock and none of the mixed-wheel models is available with an air shock. Both on the carbon and alloy frame, the pivot bolts and flip-chip thread into replaceable aluminium inserts rather than directly into the frame to prevent irreversible damage. Moreover, Canyon rely on SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which is easy to replace and can be found in most bike shops around the world as it wasn’t developed specifically for the Spectral. Canyon will also release a high-end model with a super-light CFR frame: while this is 300 g lighter than its CF counterpart, it’s just as stiff. To make this possible, Canyon use higher quality carbon fibers that allow them to achieve the same degree of stiffness using fewer layers and thus to save weight while maintaining the same degree of stiffness.

The spec of our Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 test bike

The 2022 Spectral range features new wheel sizes and spec variants and includes a total of 8 models. But be careful! Not all models will be available in all spec variants, which means that you’ll have to find the right compromise between wheel size and components. Our Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 test bike comes equipped with a FOX 36 Performance Elite fork with GRIP2 damper, which is the same you get with FOX’s high-end Factory models. While the Performance series doesn’t have the fancy Kashima coating, it offers the same excellent performance as FOX’s top-tier forks, only for less money. Awesome! At the rear, the Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 employs a FOX DHX Performance coil shock, which comes with a different spring rate for each frame size. But watch out! To change the spring,you’ll have to remove the wide shock bushings, and this procedure requires special tools.

Powerful Shimano XT four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors provide powerful and reliable deceleration. The drivetrain consists of a Shimano XT rear derailleur and shifter combined with an SLX cassette and matching chain. With this setup, you’ll get the excellent shifting performance and features of the XT drivetrain (i.e. Multishift function for quick gear shifts) and only a slightly heavier cassette. New for the 2022 Sectral is Canyon’s own-brand G5 dropper, which lets you adjust the travel by 25 mm quickly and without using tools. The system is a game changer, because it lets you adjust the maximum extension of the dropper to suit your anatomic needs – despite the long seat tube of the Spectral. For the tires, Canyon rely on a MAXXIS ASSEGAI 2.5 at the front and MAXXIS Minion DHR2 2.4 at the rear, both with puncture-prone EXO + casing mounted on a DT Swiss EX 511 alloy wheelset. The cockpit is made up entirely of Canyon’s own-brand Gravity series components and consists of 780 mm handlebars and 40 mm stem.

Tuning tip: Tires with more robust casing (e.g. MAXXIS DoubleDown) | use the harder spring or a progressive spring, i.e Cane Creek VALT

The geometry of the new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022

The new Canyon Spectral CF8 CLLCTV will be available in 4 frame sizes, S to XL, with the reach growing in 25 mm intervals from 431 mm (size S) to 506 mm (size XL). While the 27,5” model will also be available in a total of 4 frame sizes, here the sizing goes from XS to L. Unfortunately, the new Spectral also inherits the seat tube of its predecessor, which at 460 mm in size L is super long, restricting freedom of movement on the bike and making it hard to choose your frame size based on the reach. That being said, the 2022 range comes equipped with the adjustable G5 dropper post, which somehow makes up for this. Chainstays are 432 mm across all sizes (27.5” and mullet). A flip chip on the shock mount allows you to adjust the head and seat tube angles by 0.5° and the bottom bracket height by 8 mm. Unfortunately, this feature is reserved exclusively to Spectral models with a carbon frame!

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	583 mm	610 mm	637 mm	664 mm
Seat tube	395 mm	430 mm	460 mm	490 mm
Head tube	95 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle	64.1°	64.1°	64.1°	64.1°
Seat angle	76.1°	76.1°	76.1°	76.1°
Chainstays	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm	432 mm
BB Drop	17/33 mm	17/33 mm	17/33 mm	17/33 mm
Wheelbase	1,192 mm	1,221 mm	1,250 mm	1,285 mm
Reach	431 mm	456 mm	481 mm	506 mm
Stack	613 mm	614 mm	623 mm	669

The new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV 2022 on the trail

Thanks to its comfortable pedalling position and drive-neutral kinematics, the new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV is suitable for epic rides and long days in the saddle. Once you’ve reached the trailhead and point the front wheel into the valley, the high front end of the Spectral integrates you nicely into the bike. As a result, the quiet Spectral conveys huge amounts of confidence, with the small rear wheel playing a crucial role on steep terrain. That being said, the long seat tube restricts the freedom of movement while the high front forces you to actively shift your weight forward to keep the front wheel tracking. We recommend removing a spacer under the stem to lower the bars and thus generate more traction over the front. Although the lower stem tends to rob you of confidence on steep descents, it makes for big dust clouds in tall berms, because the shorter cornering radius and lively handling typical of mullet setups encourage you to rail through corners with maximum confidence.

On technical trails, the Spectral sticks to the ground like an omelette to an old pan, providing grip and braking traction. With an active riding style, however, the suspension lacks support and the rear-shock tends to blow through its travel with big compressions. We recommend swapping the stock spring of your coil shock with a progressive spring – or even changing to an air shock altogether.

The new Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV offers a well thought-out overall package with cool frame details and clever features at a fair price. The mullet setup is especially fun on playful and steep trail sections and invites you to drift through corners and go sideways. Unfortunately, the rear suspension lacks reserves and is expensive to upgrade.

For more info visit canyon.com.

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Peter Walker Photos: Boris Beyer