Canyon adds steering stabilisation to its Spectral CF trail bike in new update

Internal frame storage and a steering stabilisation unit are the headline additions

10:00, Thursday 22nd February 2024

Alex Hunt

Junior Tech Writer

The new Spectral sees changes to travel, geometry and frame storage

German bicycle manufacturer Canyon has released an update to its carbon fibre trail bike the Spectral. The new bike includes Canyon’s proprietary Keep It Stable (K.I.S) steering stabiliser as well as down tube tool storage.

with 150mm of travel at the front and 140mm at the rear the new Spectral packs 10mm less travel than the outgoing model

Canyon has bucked the general trend of the mountain biking world by reducing the travel the Spectral has at its disposal by 10mm at each end. This brings the Spectral firmly into trail bike territory with a 150mm fork and 140mm of rear wheel travel. The brand says “This 'just right' setup never feels like it’s sapping too much energy on the climbs, nor is it too little, so you can still smash the descents with confidence”. It is not just the travel that has been revised with the geometry of the Spectral falling in line with the latest generation of trail bikes with a 64-degree head angle and a 76.5-degree seat angle.

Read more: Mountain Bike World Cup XC bikes ranked: cheapest to most expensive

All the wheel sizes you could want

Canyon has identified that not all riders want the same thing from the same bike. With this in mind, the new Spectral CF will be made available in 29” or a mullet configuration. Although available from new (except for in the US where the Spectral will only be available in full 29”) in whichever configuration you choose a simple flip chip on the rear chainstay allows riders to swap between 29 or 27.5 in the rear with ease.

Read more: New Moots and WTB collaboration - Is this the future wheel size for gravel bikes?

Integrated frame storage

New to the Spectral range is the inclusion of internal frame storage for a stash of tools and spares. The lid has been purposefully designed to be easy to open with cold hands and when the bike is covered in mud. Opening up the lid reveals a tool sleeve that can accommodate a multitool, CO2 inflator and tube ideal for riders who like to head out without a pack.

The new Spectral comes with internal frame storage and tool sleeve to carry essential spares and repairs

K.I.S comes to the Spectral

Canyon first debuted their Keep It Stable (K.I.S) steering damper back in 2022 on the Strive enduro bike. The damper unit uses a sprung unit to help the bars return to a straight position. Canyon says that it “actively brings your bars back to the centre as you ride, improving steering and control. It helps you hold your line through the rough stuff, stay in control at high speeds and climb more efficiently.” For riders looking to run the Spectral with traditional steering a blanking cover is provided with the bike to replace the K.I.S unit.