Canyon has unveiled its fourth-generation Spectral:ON, bringing an all-new carbon frame, updated geometry and Avinox's ludicrously powerful M2S motor to its popular electric mountain bike.
With up to 1,500W of peak power and 150Nm of torque on tap, the new Spectral:ON CF 9 certainly isn't lacking firepower. However, the brand says outright power wasn't its only priority as it looked to bridge the gap between lightweight and full-fat electric mountain bikes.
The new eMTB weighs as little as 20.8kg in the top-spec Spectral:ON LTD build, which is due to arrive later in the range's launch cycle.
That's an impressive figure considering the power on offer, putting it within touching distance of some lightweight electric mountain bikes.
I headed to the Aosta Valley in Italy to see whether Canyon has struck the elusive balance between power and playfulness.
And, after spending time on the region's demanding trails, I reckon the German brand might be onto something special.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF key details
- Avinox M2S motor, delivering up to 1,500W of peak power and 150Nm of torque
- All-new 2.9kg carbon frame, meeting Category 4e strength and impact-testing standards
- 64-degree head angle and 78.5-degree seat tube angle
- Mixed 29in front and 27.5in rear wheels, with full 29in compatibility via a flip chip
- Size-specific chainstays and revised suspension kinematics
- Avinox 700Wh FP700 battery on the CF 9
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 first-ride impressions
There's certainly no shortage of Avinox-equipped electric mountain bikes appearing on the market, with seemingly every brand wanting a slice of the 1,500W pie.
However, while these bikes share a motor, riding characteristics can vary wildly.
The new Spectral:ON CF 9 is one of the more sprightly Avinox bikes I've ridden, with an incredibly direct feel that makes it easy to throw around on the trail.
This was apparent almost immediately, with the bike taking very little time to feel familiar beneath me, starting with manuals in the car park as we set up.
Some full-power electric mountain bikes require a bit of wrestling to get them to change direction, particularly when the trail tightens up.
However, the Canyon feels eager to respond to rider inputs, making it easy to adjust lines through technical sections.
There's a playful character to the bike that makes you want to seek out features on the trail rather than simply plough through them.
That's not to say the Spectral:ON sacrifices capability in pursuit of agility.
The rocky, janky trails of the Aosta Valley provided a decent opportunity to test its composure, and the bike remained reassuringly capable when things got rough.
It strikes an impressive balance between feeling lively and having the confidence-inspiring characteristics needed to tackle more demanding terrain.
Climbing with the Avinox M2S
Unsurprisingly, climbing is another area where the new Spectral:ON CF 9 excels.
Avinox's M2S motor has enormous power reserves, making short work of steep gradients. However, there's much more to a good electric mountain bike than having enough torque to pull a house down.
Power is useless without traction, and thankfully the Spectral:ON remains manageable when navigating awkward obstacles, delivering on both fronts.
The motor provides excellent support on demanding ascents, and its responsive assistance makes it easy to maintain momentum through tricky sections – even on a janky ridgeline.
Combined with the balanced riding position, the bike encourages you to attempt climbs you might otherwise dismiss, and there's something rather addictive about cleaning a section that would usually have you pushing.
A seriously sorted ride
The Spectral:ON's lively handling is complemented by an excellent overall specification, with the components on my test bike feeling well suited to its intended purpose, and then some.
There was, however, one exception.
The SRAM Maven brakes developed a soft lever feel, requiring several rebleeds before the issue was resolved.
This was frustrating on a bike otherwise performing so well, although the brakes worked as expected once sorted.
Beyond that hiccup, I struggled to find much to complain about.
The Spectral:ON feels incredibly well-rounded, combining excellent climbing performance with descending characteristics that make it genuinely enjoyable to ride.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 frame and geometry
While the Avinox M2S motor will undoubtedly steal the headlines, Canyon has done far more than bolt a new powertrain onto the previous Spectral:ON.
The fourth-generation bike features an entirely new carbon chassis, with geometry and suspension kinematics taking inspiration from the brand's Spectral:ON CF trail bike and race-proven Strive.
The frame weighs a claimed 2.9kg and meets Canyon's Category 4e testing standards, meaning it has been designed to withstand demanding enduro riding.
Canyon has also tuned the frame's stiffness, with a stiffer front triangle designed to improve steering precision, and more compliant seatstays and chainstays intended to improve traction and reduce trail chatter.
A 64-degree head tube angle provides stability on faster descents, while the steep 78.5-degree seat tube angle puts riders in an efficient climbing position.
The bike also features size-specific chainstays, with small and medium frames receiving shorter rear ends than large and extra-large models.
It comes fitted with a 29in front wheel and 27.5in rear wheel, although a flip chip enables riders to switch to a full-29in setup.
Canyon has revised the suspension's leverage curve and increased anti-squat and anti-rise, claiming improved pedalling efficiency, greater mid-stroke support and more consistent behaviour under braking.
Judging by my initial ride, the changes appear to have paid off.
Mechanical practicality
One detail I particularly appreciate is the dual derailleur cable exit on the chainstay.
This enables the frame to accommodate mechanical SRAM and Shimano derailleurs, rather than forcing riders down the increasingly common electronic-only route.
Admittedly, many riders buying a high-end electric mountain bike will likely opt for electronic shifting, but it's refreshing to see Canyon retain compatibility with mechanical drivetrains.
The brand has also made servicing easier with fully guided internal cable routing, enabling the brake hoses to be replaced without removing the battery or motor.
It's a small detail, but one that home mechanics will undoubtedly appreciate.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 motor and battery
At the heart of the new Spectral:ON sits Avinox's M2S motor, producing up to 1,500W of peak power and 150Nm of torque.
The CF 9 is equipped with Avinox's 700Wh FP700 battery, which Canyon says has helped keep weight down while maintaining a slim down tube profile.
The battery also enables the motor to deliver its full claimed peak output across the system's five assistance modes, according to Canyon.
While the headline figures are impressive, it's the way the power is delivered that makes the system so enjoyable.
The assistance feels smooth and responsive, providing plenty of support without making the bike difficult to control.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 specification
The Spectral:ON CF 9 comes with an impressive build kit, pairing Fox Factory suspension with a SRAM X0 AXS electronic drivetrain and DT Swiss wheels.
A Fox 36 Factory fork is matched with a Float X Factory shock, while SRAM Maven Silver brakes take care of stopping duties.
The drivetrain also includes a power meter, while DT Swiss HXC 1700 wheels complete the high-end build.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF pricing and availability
Canyon is launching four Spectral CF models between now and January 2027.
The Spectral CF 9 is the first to be unveiled, priced at £6,699 / €6,999, with three additional models following over the coming months.
Pre-orders are scheduled to open in most regions on 4 December, with deliveries beginning on 19 January 2027.
Selected models will also be available in the United States and Australia, with deliveries expected in early 2027.
US pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 initial verdict
It's becoming increasingly difficult for electric mountain bike manufacturers to stand out when so many are using the same Avinox powertrain.
But the Spectral:ON proves there's still plenty of room for brands to differentiate themselves through frame design, geometry and suspension performance.
Canyon has created a bike that feels exceptionally natural and playful on the trail, without compromising the climbing ability or descending capability expected of a full-power electric mountain bike.
Aside from the initial brake issues, my time on the Spectral:ON was overwhelmingly positive.
It's one of the most enjoyable Avinox-equipped bikes I've ridden so far, and a reminder that outright motor power is only one part of what makes a great electric mountain bike.
I'll need more time on familiar trails to deliver a definitive verdict, but my first impressions are exceptionally strong.
Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 key spec
- Motor: Avinox M2S
- Battery: Avinox FP700, 700Wh
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 AXS with power meter
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
- Wheels: DT Swiss HXC 1700
- Grips: Ergon SM10 Enduro
