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2023 Canyon

Spectral 27.5 CF 8

A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.

Manufacturer Price

$4,999
Weight30.5 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 150 / 160mm
ForkFox Performance Elite Float 36
ShockFox Float X Performance Elite
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Spectral 27.5 CF 8
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Spectral 27.5 CF 8

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Sizing
XS

< 5'6"

SM

5'4" – 5'10"

MD

5'8" – 6'1"

LG

5'11" +

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.

Reviews

Summary

The Canyon Spectral is celebrated for its playful and versatile ride, making it a top choice for aggressive trail and enduro riders. Its suspension performance, particularly with the RockShox Select+ and Fox DHX shocks, is highlighted for being supple, supportive, and progressive. The bike's build quality and value for money are frequently praised, though some reviews note areas for improvement in climbing efficiency and component specs.

Pros
  • Playful and versatile ride

  • Supple, supportive, and progressive suspension

  • Excellent build quality and value for money

  • Lightweight for its travel category

  • Fun and predictable on steep and technical trails

Cons
  • Effective seat tube angle could be steeper

  • Slightly sluggish on climbs

  • Stock components could be improved

  • Limited suspension tuning without additional springs

  • Rear wheel doesn’t roll over bumps as well as the front

Key Quotes
This is a really fun bike to get silly on.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Spectral CF8 CLLCTV is a blast to ride.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
It’s a fun, predictable ride that meshes well with steep and featured trails.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
The Spectral is one of the best bikes I have tested when it comes to mechanical durability over an extended period.
NSMB logoNSMB
The Spectral CLLCTV is unapologetically fun on the descents.
Vital MTB logoVital MTB

Feedback?

View all reviews

Mountain Bike Action
LONG TERM REVIEW: CANYON SPECTRAL CF 8 CLLCTV - BROADENING THE SPECTRUM - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

Oct 2024 · Ron Koch

It’s a bike that wants to climb and descend in just about any creative way you can imagine, aside from professional-level enduro racing, and is a versatile platform that can cater to a wide range of riders.

Read Review

MTB Mag
[Review] New Canyon Spectral CF

Feb 2024 · Marco Toniolo

Canyon introduces the new Spectral, which is one of the most multi-purpose bikes on the market. Since the previous model was unveiled in 2021, I have used it assiduously: long alpine rides, bike park days, weekends in Finale Ligure with shuttle service, and a lot of day rides on the hote trails. The Canyon Spectral 2024 hasn’t been overhauled, partly because it didn’t need to be, but it has undergone some interesting changes and is slightly heavier, but let’s go in order. The model being presented today is the CF, that is, the carbon one. So it is not quite

Read Review

Singletracks
Canyon Spectral CF 8 K.I.S. Delivers Good Times with Mixed Wheels and Steering Stabilization [Review]

Oct 2023 · Matt Miller

The Canyon Spectral CF 8 K.I.S. is a unique carbon fiber mountain bike with a mixed-wheel layout, coil shock, and a SRAM GX AXS drivetrain, all for under $5,000.

Highs
  • FUN!

  • Looks great

  • Cornering and handling manners

  • Quiet

  • Good suspension spec

Lows
  • Room for improvement in parts spec, particularly the wheels and cockpit

  • K.I.S. is not a clear winner

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Tested: Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 K.I.S.

Sep 2023

Everything except the K.I.S.

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
Canyon Spectral CF 8 KIS Review | Is this the future of mountain bike steering?

May 2023

We put the Canyon Spectral CF 8 KIS to the test to see how the new steering stabiliser works, and how it impacts your riding.

Highs
  • Improved cornering performance on loose terrain

  • Significantly reduces wheel flop on the climbs

  • Simple & lightweight

  • Adjustable slider is useful for different terrain

Lows
  • KIS system adds cost & complexity

  • There are notable quirks on the trail

  • Price of entry is relatively high

Read Review

The Gear Loop
Canyon Spectral 125 CF 9 review

Jan 2023 · Leon Poultney

With shorter travel and a lighter frame, the Canyon Spectral 125 CF 9 is designed to rip on a multitude of terrains.

Highs
  • Great handling

  • Plenty of adjustment

  • Sweet components

Lows
  • Not much weight saving over 150mm version

  • Carbon frame prone to chipping

  • Fair amount of initial set up

Read Review

NSMB
2 Mullets: Canyon Spectral CF 8 (CLLCTV) and Torque CF8 Reviewed

Aug 2022

The Big brawlin' Torque vs the go-anywhere Spectral - which one brings more business without spoiling the party out back?

Read Review

Singletrack World
Canyon Spectral 125 CF 8 review

Jul 2022 · Ben Haworth Ross Demain

The new-for-2022 Canyon Spectral 125 has pretty much the exact same geometry as the regular 150mm rear-travel Spectral. Why?

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Canyon Spectral CF

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Hanger StandardUDH

ColorBig Bamboo

Fork

FOX 36 Performance Elite Grip2

Travel160mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX Float X Performance Elite

Travel150mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano MT800, Threaded

Stem

Canyon G5 Stem

Handlebar

Canyon G5 Riser Bar

Saddle

Ergon SM10 Enduro Comp

Seatpost

G5 Adjustable Dropper Post

TypeDropper

Pedals

None included

Grips

Canyon G5 Grips

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Deore XT M8100 12speed, Precise 1x12 drivetrain.

Crank

Shimano XT M8120 32T

Shifters

Shimano Deore XT, 12-speed, Rear derailleur shifter, 12-speed, Textured rubber lever pad, Multi-Release, 2-way release, I-Spec EV clamp allows 14mm lateral adjustment and 20-degrees rotation adjustment, 130 g

Cassette

Shimano XT, 12-speed (10-51), Cassette size: 10-51T, Gear range: 510%

Chain

Shimano M6100 12-speed

Chain Guide

Canyon GP0293-02

Brakes

Shimano Deore XT M8120 | Shimano Deore XT M8120, High-power 4-piston brake, reach adjust, quick pad retraction, banjo-type connection, ICE TECH brake pads, 410 g

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss XM1700 | DT Swiss XM170

Tires

MAXXIS Minion DHR II 2.4'', Casing: Exo, Compound: 3C Maxx Terra, Technology: Tubeless ready | Maxxis Minion DHRII 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 2,4x27,5"

Disc Rotors

Shimano RT86, 203mm, A big (203mm) Shimano RT86 brake rotor delivers equally big stopping power.

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added December 5

Last updated March 23

Not listed for 821 days