Hi Guy! Thanks for the review! I have this bike (but CF7 spec) and love it. I've upgraded the wheels to e13 trsr carbon rims with i9 hydra hubs, and pirelli scorpion tires in 2.4" to drop some weight and it is an unbelievable ride. I also swapped the heavier stock ergon saddle (306g) for a lighter sqlab 611 ergowave carbon (165g). All in weight on the bike now is 27lbs.
@@Carl_Donaldson Congrats! Really liking mine so far and I've been riding it on a pretty wide variety of trails. Still mostly stock, except for new bars and a saddle. It climbs well which sort of surprised me.
I love this kind of bike and hope people can look past the numbers on paper and go and ride one so they stick around for a long time. I have a Norco Optic and I share your enthusiasm about the aggressive and energetic ride you get from this category. They might not be as fast up hill as an xc or as fast down hill as an enduro but it will happily do both while putting a bigger smile on your face than either.
Norco Optic is a superb bike that doesn't get nearly enough recognition here in the UK. Just keep an eye on the main bearing. I wore out the one I had on test relatively quick.
@@GuyKesTV Word on the street is there could be plans to build the Norco brand in the UK soon so that will be awesome for you over there as they've are making great bikes lately! I did seize my main bearings and started to wear out the frame but Norco fixed it up for me. I'm happy to take some blame for that too though as I didn't check them for 2 years 🙄
Interesting video. On the market now for a short travel mtb here in Cape Town. I am currently riding a custom Commencal Meta TR 29 and I love the bike. The downside is that the bike is quite a lot if you do ride more than 50km and 1500m of elevation. I don't ride big tours often as I like to play more on my local trails but it's always nice to have a bike that can do all of it till a certain degree. I saw that the CF9 is quite light. Do you think the Spectral 125 could be a fit?
The 125 is the same weight as the Spectral 150 and has similar tires etc so you’re not really gaining in terms of efficiency for distance. I’d look at a something like the YT Izzo or Mondraker Raze if you’re after a fast and efficient trail bike. Latest Canyon Neuron could be a good shout too
Hello, excellent review and great channel! I am on market for a shorter travel trail bike, as i live in Czech Republic (mostly rolling hills just like in UK) and most of my home trails arent super rowdy to use a full on enduro bike. Most of my trails are natural singletracks in woods with occasional techy and rooty sections and quite a bit of pedalling. The spectral caught my attention, but some reviews says that the back end is pretty harsh. Would you recommend this bike as a good one bike quiver, or should i look elsewhere? Currently on older Commencal Meta TR 27.5 130/140 (which i think is the sweet spot in terms of travel for the trails i ride), but willing to buy a 29er. Keep up the great reviews! Jan
Hey Jan, that Commencal is a classic. I still have the last one I tested! Some people rave about this Spectral, but like you say it’s pretty harsh and I wish it was a lot lighter. From your excellent description I’d say a Trek Top Fuel or YT Izzo would suit you really well. Or Scott Spark if you like lockout for climbs. Where do you ride in Czech? I have a friend who lives in Jablunkov
@@GuyKesTV Hey Guy, thanks a lot for the quick reply! My grandmother was from Jablunkov 😃 i am from Prague, but we have decent riding just outside the city and lots of trail centers in the hilly regions within a short drive. I do work part time in Madeira, which has become very popular for biking in the last years, but riding relatively short time and the trails there are usually bit too much for me 😃 Your recommendations are spot on, i've been looking at these bikes as well. Is there anything else from smaller brands that comes to your mind in that category? Been looking at Bird Aether 9 (don't know if you've ridden it) plus some of the Cotic bikes look sweet, but maybe too long for the riding here. I actually prefer smaller brands and i do like aluminium or steel frame for the enviromental reasons as well...but its hard to find something in this category now as a true allrounder for someone who wants to pedal. Cheers and keep riding!
@@jankubista3335 I need to get on an Aether but Birds I have ridden are more in the Spectral category. I built up a Cotic FlareMax as a lightweight project though (it wasn’t that light TBH, around 13kg) and it was awesome. The SID fork steepened the angles a bit too and you could go a size down so it wasn’t so long. it climbed and pedalled way better than I expected and is still one of my favourite ever bikes so check out the various ride and build videos on my channel. Cotic even offer a bike in a very similar ‘Kes’ spec and a SID blue frame 🤣
@@GuyKesTV hello Guy. One last question, what you think about the Norco Optic for my intentions? I can get a C3 here in my size. Looks like you loved that bike 😊
Great review. Could you compare it to some other trail bikes, do you remember any bike that - purely - due to kinematics of the suspension, was better at claiming and still not that bad in descending department? I really don't think I could find anyone more honest and yet experienced to answer that.
Cheers for the kind words Michal. Can you wait a month? Just confirmed I'm doing a way test for MBR on the new Santa Cruz Tallboy, the Yeti SB-120 and the Pivot 429 Trail. That should add some interesting options and I'll obviously get videos up on here too.
@@GuyKesTV Sure! I'll try to track your reviews! I'd like to add that I do have downcountry Cannondale Scalpel SE 2 (120/120) 2022 - it is super efficient, but I am a bit worried regarding rowdier trails. It is 'almost' spot on, but I want something that is kind'a tough yet efficient. I know, I know - those may exclude each other.
Hi there, another great review, I’m new to mountain biking and wanting to buy a new bike are you best going for a e bike over a normal mountain bike ?, I’m 60 but very fit for my age, beeb a road cyclist for numerous years, now looking to go off Roading, I’m looking a specialized stump jumper, canyon, Whyte and Orange, looking for something that climbs well, and turns well, the kind of trails I’ll be on is much like you where doing in this video thanks in advance
The whole e bike or not thing is tricky. TBH I’d say you don’t sound like you need one, esp as you like climbing. If you’re not into big drops and jumps I’d say look at Specialized Epic Evo or Canyon Neuron. Spectral or Stumpy might be overkill. Whyte and Orange don’t really have anything light enough to be a keen climber. If you did go E something like Levo SL might be a great compromise. Theres a new one out soon too. If you can find a shop with demo bikes or a demo event being able to try the bikes for real will really help.
Hi Guy! Thanks for the fast response last time i super appreciate! I have been doing some homework, and have a two part question for you: 1. Would you say this 125 is more inclined to seasoned riders, due to it’s shorter travel aggressive demeanor? 2. Or can it be regarded as a “step-up” from a hardtail, in the sense of retaining the excitement with that little extra? I really enjoyed riding 29er hardtails on Red-Trails and as you mentioned it will be great on Black-trails.. I am 41 and am an occasional trail rider..
Sorry John, failed on the response time for that one! It's definitely one for aggressive riders who want a challenge and there are certainly other bikes I'd go to first as a step up bike. What are you riding at the moment and I'll see if I can suggest some.
@@GuyKesTV no rush at all i appreciate you coming back to me! Very kind! I got back to the trails recently and i really enjoyed riding hardtail 29er, so i was thinking a short travel aggressive bike would fit nicely, to ride mostly red and black trails and i like a little challenge… i’m 41 and usually do more road cycling, but trails are too much fun 😁.. You still think the 125 is good fit for my kind of riding.. which i would think it’s more of the weekly/monthly occasion few hours of fun on the trails
@@unalteredcapture the way you’ve described that sounds like you want a feisty little bike where you’re definitely the pilot not the passenger so yes, I reckon the 125 would definitely suit you.
Alloy is 34 lbs, I think almost same as the 150 travel, so I'd say they don't apply. Significant difference of weight when pedaling around. 34lbs kinda unacceptable for a 120 in 2022 if you want an opinion
The vibe is so different! Canyon is stiff and chatters sometimes but lighter for same spec. Fmax has amazing flow tho and climbs way better than it should
It looks a great bike for the money and I actually liked this bike more as a mullet (but Canyon told me off for trying that). I've not actually tried the alloy bike though so I can't really comment more than that.
@@damacknificent151 It's a kilo heavier with more travel and sturdier tyres so it feels more of a bruiser and doesn't climb as quick. Can take more knocks on the descents though and the pricing is much better value.
Great review Guy. How does it suit this Large? I'm 188 cm/6.2 inch and not sure which size fits me. Some ppl complain about Canyon size calculator and claim that give wrong size( smaller ). Also i saw it rip on downside but how do u feel it on the way up or flat? Is a good to pedal bike on climb and flat? Thank u.
I’m also 6’2 and I just ordered the al6 version in xl. I was also stuck when it told me I’m a large but if you just say you’re 6’3 it says you fit both so idk. But considering my other bikes have all been xl and some people say canyons recommended sizing is not always right I just went with the xl. Should have it in a week or two so I’ll update you then about how it fits when I get it.
@@tubemaster1205 so update haven’t gotten a chance to ride it on trails or ride it hard yet but just from riding around on the road and getting to be comfortable on it I seem to fit fine on a xl being 6’2 6’3 ish. Will have to ride it on the trails to see how it feels still.
Just bought this 125 CF8 for $2900 from Canyon during their recent sale. That put this less than the CF7 and less than the AL6, you wana talk about a bargain!
@GuyKesTV Hello Guy! Brilliant review :) I'm 6'5" and around 105kg and I ride a Ragley Big Al (XL) on hardpack, punchy, sometimes rooty but mostly flowy trails (Smithfield, Australia). I'm torn between the Spectral 29 AL and 125 AL. As someone that loves their hardtail but wants to look after their knees and ankles a bit, would I love the 125 or am I better off getting the 29? It comes down to whether the 125 is too harsh or if the 29 is too squishy (boring). Here's a video of one of the trails I ride - ruclips.net/video/PfqPSujQzRE/видео.html
That is a sweet trail. You've no idea how much it cheers me up as a UK rider so see that you get some rain sometimes too 🤣. Coming off a hardtail and on those trails I'd definitely say 125. Still much more knee and ankle friendly than a hardtail but with the pop and play on flow trails that I think you'd miss on the longer travel bike.
@@GuyKesTV It's pretty dry here at the moment but watch the heavens open for Crankworx.. Thank you for the recommendation, I suspected the 125 would be the one for me! I'd love to see a review of the alloy version to see how it feels compared to the carbon. PS. Did you end up making a lighter 125 from your spare parts?
Hi Guy! Thanks for the review!
I have this bike (but CF7 spec) and love it. I've upgraded the wheels to e13 trsr carbon rims with i9 hydra hubs, and pirelli scorpion tires in 2.4" to drop some weight and it is an unbelievable ride. I also swapped the heavier stock ergon saddle (306g) for a lighter sqlab 611 ergowave carbon (165g). All in weight on the bike now is 27lbs.
That sounds sick Stephen, bet the lower weight really makes a difference
27lbs wow!
Another one interested in the AL version - be super keen to see what that’s like too! Great vid as always Mr K
Dying to try the alloy
@@GuyKesTV Medium and Large AL 6 are in stock, maybe give your press contact at Canyon a nudge ;)
Nice review and great riding! 👏 I decided to go with the heavier AL 6 version to suit my budget. Hoping it will have some of the magic the CF does.
Alloy is good man and, on a full suspension bike, you won't even feel it ;) I'm actually also going alloy again to be honest... Enjoy your great bike!
About to order the same
@@Carl_Donaldson Congrats! Really liking mine so far and I've been riding it on a pretty wide variety of trails. Still mostly stock, except for new bars and a saddle. It climbs well which sort of surprised me.
I love this kind of bike and hope people can look past the numbers on paper and go and ride one so they stick around for a long time. I have a Norco Optic and I share your enthusiasm about the aggressive and energetic ride you get from this category.
They might not be as fast up hill as an xc or as fast down hill as an enduro but it will happily do both while putting a bigger smile on your face than either.
Norco Optic is a superb bike that doesn't get nearly enough recognition here in the UK. Just keep an eye on the main bearing. I wore out the one I had on test relatively quick.
@@GuyKesTV Word on the street is there could be plans to build the Norco brand in the UK soon so that will be awesome for you over there as they've are making great bikes lately!
I did seize my main bearings and started to wear out the frame but Norco fixed it up for me. I'm happy to take some blame for that too though as I didn't check them for 2 years 🙄
Great review! Certainly helps making a decision. Where can i find the mullet video you mention?
If anyone is looking for it, its called "RockShox Lyrik 23 Fork First Impressions And A Sketchy Canyon Mullet Hack"
Interesting video. On the market now for a short travel mtb here in Cape Town. I am currently riding a custom Commencal Meta TR 29 and I love the bike. The downside is that the bike is quite a lot if you do ride more than 50km and 1500m of elevation. I don't ride big tours often as I like to play more on my local trails but it's always nice to have a bike that can do all of it till a certain degree. I saw that the CF9 is quite light. Do you think the Spectral 125 could be a fit?
The 125 is the same weight as the Spectral 150 and has similar tires etc so you’re not really gaining in terms of efficiency for distance. I’d look at a something like the YT Izzo or Mondraker Raze if you’re after a fast and efficient trail bike. Latest Canyon Neuron could be a good shout too
@@GuyKesTV Thanks for the feedback. Seems the Scor 2030 could also be an option
Guy, how would you compare it with the Trek top fuel? it seems like spot on with all the numbers EXCEPT the 64' head angle which is super slack.
Hello, excellent review and great channel! I am on market for a shorter travel trail bike, as i live in Czech Republic (mostly rolling hills just like in UK) and most of my home trails arent super rowdy to use a full on enduro bike. Most of my trails are natural singletracks in woods with occasional techy and rooty sections and quite a bit of pedalling. The spectral caught my attention, but some reviews says that the back end is pretty harsh. Would you recommend this bike as a good one bike quiver, or should i look elsewhere? Currently on older Commencal Meta TR 27.5 130/140 (which i think is the sweet spot in terms of travel for the trails i ride), but willing to buy a 29er. Keep up the great reviews! Jan
Hey Jan, that Commencal is a classic. I still have the last one I tested! Some people rave about this Spectral, but like you say it’s pretty harsh and I wish it was a lot lighter. From your excellent description I’d say a Trek Top Fuel or YT Izzo would suit you really well. Or Scott Spark if you like lockout for climbs. Where do you ride in Czech? I have a friend who lives in Jablunkov
@@GuyKesTV Hey Guy, thanks a lot for the quick reply! My grandmother was from Jablunkov 😃 i am from Prague, but we have decent riding just outside the city and lots of trail centers in the hilly regions within a short drive. I do work part time in Madeira, which has become very popular for biking in the last years, but riding relatively short time and the trails there are usually bit too much for me 😃 Your recommendations are spot on, i've been looking at these bikes as well. Is there anything else from smaller brands that comes to your mind in that category? Been looking at Bird Aether 9 (don't know if you've ridden it) plus some of the Cotic bikes look sweet, but maybe too long for the riding here. I actually prefer smaller brands and i do like aluminium or steel frame for the enviromental reasons as well...but its hard to find something in this category now as a true allrounder for someone who wants to pedal. Cheers and keep riding!
@@jankubista3335 I need to get on an Aether but Birds I have ridden are more in the Spectral category. I built up a Cotic FlareMax as a lightweight project though (it wasn’t that light TBH, around 13kg) and it was awesome. The SID fork steepened the angles a bit too and you could go a size down so it wasn’t so long. it climbed and pedalled way better than I expected and is still one of my favourite ever bikes so check out the various ride and build videos on my channel. Cotic even offer a bike in a very similar ‘Kes’ spec and a SID blue frame 🤣
@@GuyKesTV Thanks!
@@GuyKesTV hello Guy. One last question, what you think about the Norco Optic for my intentions? I can get a C3 here in my size. Looks like you loved that bike 😊
Great review
Thanks mate
Great review. Could you compare it to some other trail bikes, do you remember any bike that - purely - due to kinematics of the suspension, was better at claiming and still not that bad in descending department? I really don't think I could find anyone more honest and yet experienced to answer that.
Cheers for the kind words Michal. Can you wait a month? Just confirmed I'm doing a way test for MBR on the new Santa Cruz Tallboy, the Yeti SB-120 and the Pivot 429 Trail. That should add some interesting options and I'll obviously get videos up on here too.
@@GuyKesTV Sure! I'll try to track your reviews! I'd like to add that I do have downcountry Cannondale Scalpel SE 2 (120/120) 2022 - it is super efficient, but I am a bit worried regarding rowdier trails. It is 'almost' spot on, but I want something that is kind'a tough yet efficient. I know, I know - those may exclude each other.
Hi there, another great review, I’m new to mountain biking and wanting to buy a new bike are you best going for a e bike over a normal mountain bike ?, I’m 60 but very fit for my age, beeb a road cyclist for numerous years, now looking to go off Roading, I’m looking a specialized stump jumper, canyon, Whyte and Orange, looking for something that climbs well, and turns well, the kind of trails I’ll be on is much like you where doing in this video thanks in advance
The whole e bike or not thing is tricky. TBH I’d say you don’t sound like you need one, esp as you like climbing. If you’re not into big drops and jumps I’d say look at Specialized Epic Evo or Canyon Neuron. Spectral or Stumpy might be overkill. Whyte and Orange don’t really have anything light enough to be a keen climber. If you did go E something like Levo SL might be a great compromise. Theres a new one out soon too. If you can find a shop with demo bikes or a demo event being able to try the bikes for real will really help.
Nice ride!
Thanks Niigata
Hi Guy! Thanks for the fast response last time i super appreciate! I have been doing some homework, and have a two part question for you:
1. Would you say this 125 is more inclined to seasoned riders, due to it’s shorter travel aggressive demeanor?
2. Or can it be regarded as a “step-up” from a hardtail, in the sense of retaining the excitement with that little extra?
I really enjoyed riding 29er hardtails on Red-Trails and as you mentioned it will be great on Black-trails.. I am 41 and am an occasional trail rider..
Sorry John, failed on the response time for that one! It's definitely one for aggressive riders who want a challenge and there are certainly other bikes I'd go to first as a step up bike. What are you riding at the moment and I'll see if I can suggest some.
@@GuyKesTV no rush at all i appreciate you coming back to me! Very kind!
I got back to the trails recently and i really enjoyed riding hardtail 29er, so i was thinking a short travel aggressive bike would fit nicely, to ride mostly red and black trails and i like a little challenge… i’m 41 and usually do more road cycling, but trails are too much fun 😁..
You still think the 125 is good fit for my kind of riding.. which i would think it’s more of the weekly/monthly occasion few hours of fun on the trails
@@unalteredcapture the way you’ve described that sounds like you want a feisty little bike where you’re definitely the pilot not the passenger so yes, I reckon the 125 would definitely suit you.
@@GuyKesTV thank you so much Guy, I really appreciate your thoughts on this! And am glad i discovered your channel, awesome stuff! 💪🏼
I can't stretch to this budget wise. Do the same comments (apart from a bit of extra weight) still apply to the alloy version?
Alloy is 34 lbs, I think almost same as the 150 travel, so I'd say they don't apply. Significant difference of weight when pedaling around. 34lbs kinda unacceptable for a 120 in 2022 if you want an opinion
So what’s your verdict on this and cotic flareMAX guy
Put the 2 together and what’s your pros and cons
The vibe is so different! Canyon is stiff and chatters sometimes but lighter for same spec. Fmax has amazing flow tho and climbs way better than it should
How would you compare this and the Stumpjumper? The 130/140? The stumpjumper is not as slack hey?
TBH the difference is not so much angles as frame feel. This is super tight and hench, stumpy is lighter but a lot softer in feel.
Pedalling is similar on both
@@GuyKesTV what about descending ?
@@GuyKesTV ah fair enough. Thanks mate 🤙
@@DirtyPandaMTB Spectral definitely takes it on descending. Stumpy can get a bit vague
What do you think of the AL 27.5 version?
It looks a great bike for the money and I actually liked this bike more as a mullet (but Canyon told me off for trying that). I've not actually tried the alloy bike though so I can't really comment more than that.
How would you compare against tall boy?
@@damacknificent151 It's a kilo heavier with more travel and sturdier tyres so it feels more of a bruiser and doesn't climb as quick. Can take more knocks on the descents though and the pricing is much better value.
Great review Guy.
How does it suit this Large? I'm 188 cm/6.2 inch and not sure which size fits me. Some ppl complain about Canyon size calculator and claim that give wrong size( smaller ).
Also i saw it rip on downside but how do u feel it on the way up or flat? Is a good to pedal bike on climb and flat?
Thank u.
I’m also 6’2 and I just ordered the al6 version in xl. I was also stuck when it told me I’m a large but if you just say you’re 6’3 it says you fit both so idk. But considering my other bikes have all been xl and some people say canyons recommended sizing is not always right I just went with the xl. Should have it in a week or two so I’ll update you then about how it fits when I get it.
@@nicholaskolomiets2929 thanks man.
Looking forward for your update.
@@nicholaskolomiets2929 Can't wait to hear your ride review!
@@tubemaster1205 so update haven’t gotten a chance to ride it on trails or ride it hard yet but just from riding around on the road and getting to be comfortable on it I seem to fit fine on a xl being 6’2 6’3 ish. Will have to ride it on the trails to see how it feels still.
@@nicholaskolomiets2929 awesome man.
ty for update on size .Enjoy the ride and pls let me know how it feels o trail.
Thanks again man.🙏
Would you ride a ’black trail’ with this 125?
Absolutely, it loves that kind of trail
@@GuyKesTV my mind is set than 😅 i think this review helped me a lot i appreciate!
Just bought this 125 CF8 for $2900 from Canyon during their recent sale. That put this less than the CF7 and less than the AL6, you wana talk about a bargain!
@GuyKesTV Hello Guy! Brilliant review :) I'm 6'5" and around 105kg and I ride a Ragley Big Al (XL) on hardpack, punchy, sometimes rooty but mostly flowy trails (Smithfield, Australia). I'm torn between the Spectral 29 AL and 125 AL. As someone that loves their hardtail but wants to look after their knees and ankles a bit, would I love the 125 or am I better off getting the 29? It comes down to whether the 125 is too harsh or if the 29 is too squishy (boring).
Here's a video of one of the trails I ride - ruclips.net/video/PfqPSujQzRE/видео.html
That is a sweet trail. You've no idea how much it cheers me up as a UK rider so see that you get some rain sometimes too 🤣. Coming off a hardtail and on those trails I'd definitely say 125. Still much more knee and ankle friendly than a hardtail but with the pop and play on flow trails that I think you'd miss on the longer travel bike.
@@GuyKesTV It's pretty dry here at the moment but watch the heavens open for Crankworx.. Thank you for the recommendation, I suspected the 125 would be the one for me! I'd love to see a review of the alloy version to see how it feels compared to the carbon.
PS. Did you end up making a lighter 125 from your spare parts?
Sir
better than the whyte s120??
That SC120 is still one of my favourite bikes ever. This is more like the C150