Canyon revamps Spectral CF range with K.I.S. steering stabiliser, frame storage and reduced travel

Having effectively redesigned the previous Spectral from scratch, Canyon has announced the release of the newly refined Spectral CF, pitched as a precision trail slayer that sits firmly in the trail bikes genre. 

The new Spectral CF is built to excel in all trail conditions and is said to be suitable for those seeking a playful trail experience, adventure enthusiasts or individuals looking for one bike to do it all. 

While geometry tweaks are minor, there have been significant updates to the frame design, features, stiffness and travel. The new Spectral comes fitted with all the mod cons needed for a contemporary trail bike – and one that sits outside the norm. 

There are four models available, with prices starting at £3,299 / €3,399 for the Spectral CF 7 and rising to £6,699 / €6,999 for the Spectral CF LTD, with US prices TBC. 

We got to see the new Spectral CF ahead of its launch and had a few rides on the bike. Check out our first ride review of the Spectral CF 9.

Canyon Spectral CF chassis refinements

The redesigned carbon frame is the Spectral’s focal point. Canyon says it has engineered stiffness and compliance in specific areas, aiming to improve ride quality. 

The front triangle maintains its high stiffness, providing a consistent and precise connection between your hands and feet, while the rear triangle offers more compliance due to slimmer seatstays and chainstays. 

A new one-piece rocker link helps reduce lateral loads on the shock, enabling the rear suspension to function optimally. Additionally, the slimmer stays are said to increase heel clearance by 2-3 mm on each side, with the intention of reducing the risk of paint damage from heel rub.

The new Spectral CF maintains the same Category 4 'enduro proof' strength rating as its predecessor, recognising the desire of some riders to push their trail bikes to the limit. 

However, while the new bike's shorter-travel setup won’t be seen in the Enduro World Cup with a 180mm fork, it’s still well suited to local enduro events.

Additionally, the switch to wider-diameter 34.9mm dropper seatposts has increased dropper travel on all sizes, with the XL bike now offering 230mm of travel without compromising on flex or bending.

Canyon Spectral CF K.I.S.

Keep It Stable is a steering-stabilising technology that was invented by Jo Klieber/Syntace and licensed by Canyon. 

Integrated inside the frame, the adjustable system uses pre-tensioned springs connected via two straps to a cam ring on the fork steerer to actively centre the steering of the bike. 

This centring force is intended to improve overall stability and makes bike handling more predictable across a range of trail conditions, boosting rider confidence and control. 

Canyon states K.I.S. actively counteracts:

• Reduced traction and trail force from the front tyre’s contact patch on loose terrain
• Deflected steering caused by rough terrain and off-camber sections
• Wheel flop and sluggish responsiveness on slow-speed climbs
• Reduced trail measurement from frontal hits that shift the tyre contact patch forward

Canyon believes Keep It Stable can benefit a wide range of riders, which is why it was chosen to be integrated into the Spectral range.

The brand has made changes to the system since it first launched. The spring strength has been reduced, creating an adjustment window with lower maximum and minimum settings.

By moving from printed to injection-moulded parts, Canyon has been able to implement K.I.S. as standard on all Spectral bikes without a price markup. It can be removed if riders wish and bikes are shipped with an easy-to-install blanking plate.

Canyon Spectral CF luggage storage

The new Spectral CF joins the down tube internal storage bandwagon. A knee-lever mechanism, similar to those found in toolboxes and flight cases, is designed to provide secure clamping and easy operation even with cold or muddy hands. 

The lid features a two-component moulding with a rubber seal to help hinder water ingress. Stainless pins and brass bottle bosses offer protection against corrosion.

Internally, the frame can accommodate the Canyon Tool Bundle, which includes essential items such as tyre levers, an inner tube, a CO2 inflator and cartridges, and a 2-in-1 tool, ensuring riders are ready for any situation. 

This water-resistant bag is available as an optional extra.

In addition to the Tool Bundle, Canyon has developed a ‘just in case’ waterproof jacket that can be stashed in the frame. Stated to be one of the lightest and most compact rain jackets, it features a 10,000mm waterproof rating and weighs just 100g in a size M.

For longer rides or immediate access to tools and spares, the Spectral CF also offers on-frame storage mount options under the top tube. This enables riders to ditch paint-scuffing straps around the top tube.

Flipping good

Canyon explored 27.5, mullet and 29er wheel sizes with the previous Spectral. On the new Spectral CF, Canyon continues to offer wheel-size choices, focusing on mullet and 29er options. 

The 29er provides traction, rollover and speed, while the mullet offers front-end traction with added agility and playfulness at the back, along with increased rear-tyre clearance on steep terrain.

The new Spectral can be set up in either configuration, thanks to a chainstay flip chip that adjusts the chainstay length by 8mm (437mm for 29er, 429mm for mullet), while maintaining consistent angles and bottom-bracket height between setups. 

All models in the Spectral line-up will be available in both mullet and 29er configurations, enabling you to choose your preferred setup at checkout and switch configurations later on. In the USA, only the 29er option is available though.

Canyon has also kept the geometry flip chip in the lower shock mount from the previous Spectral. This feature enables riders to adjust the BB height by 8mm and steepen the head tube and seat tube by 0.5 degrees for improved pedal clearance on technical climbs and sharper slow-speed handling.

Canyon Spectral CF suspension updates

Canyon made a marked change to the new Spectral CF’s suspension and kinematics, moving from the previous bike's all-mountain-esque 160mm front and 150mm rear travel to a trail-dedicated 150mm front and 140mm rear-travel setup.

The kinematics were fine-tuned to blend the capabilities of its predecessor with the pedalling performance of the short-travel Spectral 125. Canyon says this new suspension platform better aligns with the versatility of the new Spectral CF.

While maintaining the brand's long-standing Triple Phase Suspension approach (supple beginning stroke, supportive mid-stroke, big-hit-ready bottom-out resistance), Canyon employed a more linearly progressive leverage curve to ensure a smooth ramp-up through the travel, without harsh or unsupported areas.

Canyon has also made a slight adjustment, reducing the anti-squat to improve suspension response and boost traction on both climbs and descents.

The anti-rise characteristics remain consistent with the previous model, providing braking behaviour Canyon believes will be effective across a variety of trails.

The reduction in travel and anti-squat are said to balance each other, giving a ride feel that combines a fun and poppy character with bump-swallowing capabilities. 

Canyon Spectral CF geometry details

This is one area where Canyon hasn’t made radical changes, keeping the bike's angles very similar. However, it has adjusted the frame sizing to meet its latest MTB offerings such as the Strive. There are five frame sizes to choose between, from extra-small to extra-large. 

All frame sizes are available with 29in or 27.5in rear wheels, except the extra-small frame, which is mullet only. 

For a size-medium, there’s a 475mm reach. This increases and decreases in 25mm jumps between all five sizes. Stack heights have been increased more evenly, with a 9mm jump between all sizes and a balanced 630mm height on a medium frame. 

Canyon has kept the capable 64-degree head tube angle and 76.5-degree effective seat tube angle to deliver what it claims is the trail sweet spot for descending and pedalling. 

There are no size-specific chainstays here, with 437mm chainstay lengths across the board for the 29in flip-chip setting, and 429mm for the 27.5in back wheel. The bottom-bracket drop is a deep 36mm below the 29in axles. 

These figures are for the bike's low settings. In the high flip-chip setting, it steepens the head tube and effective seat tube angle by 0.5 degrees, and lifts the bottom bracket 8mm for a more pedal-friendly and responsive-handling bike.

Canyon Spectral CF usability, finishing details and 3D printing

Usability and reliability have been on Canyon’s improvement list. The frame bearings are double-sealed and filled with a proprietary grease. The pivot hardware has been redesigned, combining spacers and seals, reducing the number of parts. 

Replaceable thread inserts prevent frame damage if a thread is stripped. The fully guided internal routing features refined cable ports for easier maintenance, while a main pivot mud flap provides full coverage without rubbing.

A custom-made 850ml Fidlock water bottle will be available shortly after launch, while a standard 600ml bottle also fits with a side-loaded bottle cage on all frame sizes.

On the frame itself, increased protection on the chainstay and seatstay is designed to keep the bike running quietly and reliably. Chain security is handled by a top guide and an optional ISCG plate can be added for riders looking for more security or chainring protection.

Canyon’s new 40mm G5 Stem removes the knee-knocking, short-snagging traditional double-bolt clamp from the rear of the stem. 

What's more, Canyon's designers were on the hunt for an accessible place to stash the brand's multi-tool. They came up with a holder that mounts under the new stem, 3D-printed a prototype and liked how it worked. 

Instead of injection moulding a new mount, which Canyon might do in the future, it has provided the design file for free, so new Spectral owners can 3D-print the holder themselves. It should be noted this tool holder only fits the new Canyon G5 stem on the Spectral CF. 

Canyon Spectral CF range and pricing

The new Spectral CF range features four models, with prices starting at £3,299 / €3,399 for the Spectral CF 7 and rising to £6,699 / €6,999 for the Spectral CF LTD. All bikes use the same carbon fibre frame and are available with 29in or mixed-wheel options. 

Canyon is only selling 29in versions in the US and pricing is yet to be confirmed. 

Canyon Spectral CF LTD

• Frame: Carbon fibre, 140mm travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Factory, 150mm travel
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission
• Wheels: DT Swiss XMC1200, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ (r) tyres
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200/180mm rotors
• Weight: 14.56kg claimed (M, 29in)
• Price: £6,699 / $TBC / €6,999

Canyon Spectral CF 9

• Frame: Carbon fibre, 140mm travel
• Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate, 150mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Wheels: DT Swiss XM1700, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ (r) tyres
• Brakes: SRAM Code RSC, 200/180mm rotors
• Weight: 14.94kg claimed (M, 29in)
• Price:  £4,799 / $TBC / €4,999

Canyon Spectral CF 8 CLLCTV

• Frame: Carbon fibre, 140mm travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm travel
• Shock: Fox Float DHX Coil
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT M8100, Shimano SLX M7100 cassette 10-51t
• Wheels: DT Swiss E1900, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ (r) tyres
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT M1820, 200/180mm rotors
• Weight: 15.84kg claimed (M, 29in)
• Price: £3,849 / $TBC / €3,999

Canyon Spectral CF 7

• Frame: Carbon fibre, 140mm travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Rhythm, 150mm travel
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX M7100, Shimano SLX M7100 cassette 10-51t
• Wheels: DT Swiss M1900, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ (r) tyres
• Brakes: Shimano SLX M1720, 200/180mm rotors
• Weight: 15.36kg claimed (M, 29in)
• Price:  £3,299 / $TBC / €3,399