Canyon Updates the Spectral:ON

From rapid afterwork laps to epic weekend sessions, the Spectral:ON is a good time facilitator. The lightweight frame and playful geo coax out grins on even the grimmest days and the industry-leading power plant means riders finish their rides, not their batteries. For 2023, Canyon has improved on one of the best bikes in its class. Through more test riding and feedback, the design team made those little tweaks to make the platform that much better. Because there’s nothing finer than getting out for a big ride on a lively bike that stokes confidence on the downhill, and all but eliminates range anxiety, a bike made to play on repeat.

At its launch in 2022, the redesigned Spectral:ON set the stage for the next generation of Canyon e-mountain bikes. The bike did something that was unthinkable only a few years prior. It combined poppy and agile trail handling with an industry-leading 900Wh battery and a powerful motor. Now riders can expect an e-MTB that has a massive range and makes quick work of the uphills without compromising the loose loam, berm busting, corner crushing downhill performance that Canyon mountain bikes are known for.

With only one exception, the new Spectral:ON line-up is equipped with larger and sturdier 160 mm forks. This not only makes the bike more confident on aggressive trails it also slackens the head tube angle by about .5 degrees to make it a bit more stable at speed. An update to the Shimano EP8 motor (the EP801) ups its peak power to a wild 600 watts and the bike’s interface connects to the new Canyon app for GPS tracking and alarm notifications in case the bike is tampered with. The 2023 models rock some shiny new colourways and by popular demand Canyon is producing multiple all-black stealth bikes.

Canyon put together a true dream build bike with the Spectral:ON CFR LTD. The flagship bike is built around the ultralight and durable Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) frame that uses only the highest quality carbon fibres. It’s outfitted with the updated Shimano EP801 motor for maximum pedal assist on steep trails and features the all-new SRAM XX AXS shifting. The new wireless rear derailleur forgoes a traditional derailleur hanger and mounts directly to the thru axle for a safer and more reliable connection to the cassette. Paired with the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and Super Deluxe Ultra shock, both with wireless Flight Attendant control, and you have a fully electronic component spec on the cutting edge of mountain bike technology.

For riders that don’t need the best-of-the-best components the rest of the Spectral:ON line-up is more than capable of serious trail riding. The Spectral:ON CFR has the same no compromises frame as the flagship model and comes outfitted with sensitive FOX suspension and reliable Shimano wireless shifting. Down two pegs the Spectral:ON CF 8 gains a little weight but adds a lot of value. The playful all-carbon trail bike has full FOX suspension, a Shimano 12s drivetrain and bomber DT Swiss wheels for seasons worth of shredding. Finally, the Spectral:ON CF 7 has the same motor and battery as the flagship model while only making a few concessions on components from both RockShox and Shimano.

The Spectral:ON CF 7 starts at € 4,999 with a 720 Wh battery and tops out with the Spectral:ON CFR AXS at € 11,999 (720 Wh) or € 12,399 (900 Wh).

For more information, please visit canyon.com

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the Canyon Spectral:ON in the Vital MTB Product Guide.