Following the success of the first iteration of the Spectral:ON electric bike launched back in 2018, Canyon has updated the e-MTB for 2020. The range of new mullet models hide the battery in the frame and as with the shorter travel Neuron:ON, they keep the Shimano E8000 motor.
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With new the Spectral:ON, Canyon has aimed to create an even better, more capable and fun descender. To do this the new bike now features a carbon front triangle which integrates the motor and the battery within it. This lowers the weight and the center of gravity while retaining a similar stiffness to the previous bike.
As for the geometry, it stays mostly the same. However, Canyon has lengthened the chainstays by 5mm to aid the bikes climbing capabilities, making for 435mm stays as opposed to the old bikes’ 430mm stays. Canyon has also slackened the head angle a touch to 66.5 degrees for a bit more confidence on the downhills.
You’ll find 150mm of travel both front and rear. Up front, there’s either a Fox 36 or a RockShox Lyric. At the rear there’s a Fox DPX2 or RockShox Deluxe Select, depending on the model you choose.
As before, the Spectral:ON is equipped with a 29″ front wheel and a 650b rear with Maxxis handling the traction. Up front, there’s a 2.5 Minion DHF Exo with a 2.6 Minion DHR II Exo+ at the back.
The new bike will be using the Shimano Steps E8000 motor with a 504-WH battery. Canyon has chosen this system over others because of its compact size and light weight. Its size means that the brand’s engineers have more scope to create a well handling bike. The brand also says that they’ve chosen this system for it’s smooth ride quality, a trade off for it’s smaller battery size.
A neat trick that the Spectral:ON offers is the USB-C charging port built into the frame. Great for keeping your tech charged while you’re out, as long as the bike is.
Slowing the bike down are a set of hefty 203mm rotors paired with powerful four-piston brakes from Shimano from SLX to XTR levers, spec dependant. There’s also that recognisable e-bike specific saddle found on Canyons’ range of e-bikes.
The new Canyon Spectral:ON is available now with four sizes from S to XL and will come in a range of model-specific colourways.
Prices start at £4,300 for the 7.0 and women’s models, and they reach £6,500 for the top of the range bike, kitted with XTR and Fox Factory kit.
