Canyon Unveils Updated Spectral:ON CF eMTB with Powerful Avinox M2S Motor and Enhanced Geometry

Canyon has introduced a significant refresh of its Spectral:ON electric mountain bike range, beginning with the release of the Spectral:ON CF 9. This updated platform features a new Avinox M2S motor, delivering an impressive 1,500W of peak power and 150Nm of torque. Beyond the powertrain, the bike showcases revised geometry, including a slacker head tube and a steeper seat tube, alongside size-specific chainstays. A standout claim is the projected weight of the upcoming Spectral:ON LTD model, which Canyon states will be an exceptionally light 20.8kg (45.8lbs), marking it as one of the lightest full-power eMTBs on the market. This update underscores Canyon's commitment to combining high performance with reduced weight in its electric mountain bike offerings.

The introduction of the Avinox M2S drive unit is a major highlight for Canyon's Spectral:ON series. This motor sets a new benchmark in e-bike power, providing a substantial 1,500W peak output and 150Nm of torque. This move sees Canyon joining a growing list of manufacturers, including Pivot, YT, Atherton, Mondraker, Orbea, Nukeproof, and Ari, who are adopting the Avinox M2S motor for their latest e-bike models. Canyon emphasizes that their implementation of the Avinox motor ensures this high power is accessible across all ride-assist modes, distinguishing it from some earlier Avinox-equipped bikes. While the raw power of the M2S might seem excessive to some, it offers tunability to lower output settings, catering to diverse rider preferences. The system is paired with a 700Wh battery, offering quick charging capabilities, reaching 80% capacity in approximately 76 minutes, though no alternative battery options or range extenders have been announced yet.

Alongside the powertrain enhancements, Canyon has made notable adjustments to the Spectral:ON's geometry. The new design incorporates a slacker head tube angle of 64 degrees and a steeper seat tube angle of 78.5 degrees, representing significant changes of at least 1.5 degrees compared to its predecessor. The chainstay lengths are now tailored to specific frame sizes; smaller frames will feature 442mm chainstays, while larger ones extend to 447mm. When configured as a full 29er, the Spectral:ON will have 451mm chainstays for small and medium frames, and 456mm for large and X-large frames. The bike is designed as a mullet but can be converted to a full 29er using a flip chip and a larger rear wheel. Reach measurements have also been increased by 10mm across all sizes, ranging from 445mm to 520mm, with medium and large frames at 470mm and 495mm respectively. This extended reach might prompt some riders to consider sizing down for their preferred fit.

The weight of the new Spectral:ON is a key selling point, with Canyon aiming to deliver a full-power e-bike that rivals the weight of mid-power alternatives. The company claims the Spectral:ON CF frame alone weighs just 6.4lbs, attributing this to advanced design and manufacturing techniques honed over several generations of their e-bike development. The upcoming Spectral:ON LTD model is expected to weigh only 20.8kg (45.8lbs), which is considerably lighter than many full-power e-bikes on the market. For context, some mid-power e-bikes with less powerful motors and smaller batteries can weigh around 44lbs or more. This achievement positions the Spectral:ON as a compelling option for riders seeking both high performance and a lightweight package. Canyon's strategy focuses on optimizing every component to shed unnecessary weight without compromising the bike's durability, aiming to keep all builds well under 50lbs.

The initial release, the Spectral:ON CF 9, features high-end specifications, including 155mm of rear travel with a Fox Factory Float X shock, a 160mm Fox Factory 36 fork (with accommodation for a 170mm fork), a SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain, Maven Silver brakes, and DT Swiss HCX1700 carbon wheels. Priced at $9,499, this model sets a high standard for the series. Following the CF 9, Canyon plans to roll out additional builds: the limited-edition Spectral:ON CF LTD (only 150 units) on November 12, followed by the CF 8 on December 4. Orders for these models will commence on December 4. The Spectral:ON CF 7 will be released on January 19, 2027, with shipping for all models beginning concurrently. Customers can expect to receive their bikes starting in February 2027, with pricing for the other models to be announced later. This phased release strategy builds anticipation for the full range of the revamped Spectral:ON eMTB series.