Canyon Spectral:ON: suspension setup & specs
The Canyon Spectral:ON is an e-MTB for trail and touring with 160 mm of fork travel and 155 mm at the rear. It is powered by Shimano EP600 or Shimano EP801. This page lists the 4 current builds with fork, shock and shock size and gives matching starting values for SAG and tyre pressure.
Calculate the setup for your Canyon Spectral:ON →
All builds
Fork, shock, shock size (eye-to-eye length × stroke) and rear travel, motor, weight and price according to the manufacturer. Wheel size: 29" x 27.5".
| Build | Fork | Shock | Shock size | Rear travel | Motor | Weight | RRP | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CF 7 | RockShox Lyrik (160 mm) | RockShox Deluxe Select | 230x60 | 155 mm | Shimano EP600 800 Wh | 24.3 kg | €3,999 | Setup → |
| CF 8 | FOX 36 Rhythm (160 mm) | FOX Float Rhythm | – | 155 mm | Shimano EP801 800 Wh | 24.4 kg | €4,499 | Setup → |
| CF 9 Di2 | FOX 38 Performance Elite (160 mm) | FOX Float X Performance Elite | 230x60 | 155 mm | Shimano EP801 800 Wh | 24.6 kg | €4,999 | Setup → |
| CFR | FOX 38 Factory (160 mm) | FOX Float X Factory | 230x60 | 155 mm | Shimano EP801 800 Wh | 23.9 kg | €5,999 | Setup → |
How it compares
With 160 mm at the fork, the Canyon Spectral:ON sits above average: across the 101 bikes in the “e-MTB for trail and touring” category in our database, the median is 150 mm. The rear offers 155 mm, 5 mm less than the front. On travel, it slots in between the Canyon Neuron:ON and the Canyon Strive:ON in the Canyon range. The frame is made of carbon.
At 23.9 kg (CFR build), the weight is close to the category median of 23.4 kg. Within the range, weight varies by 0.7 kg. Entry costs €3,999 for the CF 7 build – less than the category median of €5,500. For the CFR build, Canyon asks €5,999. Depending on the build, fork and shock come from FOX and RockShox. The fork line-up ranges from the RockShox Lyrik to the FOX 38 Factory. Drive comes from Shimano EP600 or Shimano EP801, paired with 800 Wh of battery capacity.
Setup notes for this spec
- Air fork (RockShox Lyrik): the air valve is on top of the left leg under a cap. Change pressure in small steps (about 5 psi (0.34 bar)) and cycle the fork a few times afterwards so the air chambers can equalise.
- Rebound: turn the red FOX and RockShox adjuster fully closed first and count clicks from there – that way you can note settings and restore them later.
- Shock (RockShox Deluxe Select): get on the bike in your normal riding position, step off carefully and read the O-ring. Always cycle the shock a few times after pumping.
- e-MTB: because of the extra weight, start with slightly more tyre pressure – the surcharge is already built into the table below.
Target SAG for the Canyon Spectral:ON
The table converts the recommended SAG percentages into millimetres, so you can check them with the O-ring directly on the stanchion and on the shock shaft. Adjust the air pressure until the value is right. If Canyon specifies its own target SAG for your model, that takes priority.
160 mm fork, 60.0 mm shock stroke (CF 7, CF 9 Di2, CFR)
| Riding style | Fork SAG | Shock SAG |
|---|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 27 mm | 24 % = 14.4 mm on the shock shaft |
| Trail | 20 % = 32 mm | 28 % = 16.8 mm on the shock shaft |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 35 mm | 30 % = 18.0 mm on the shock shaft |
| Bike park | 20 % = 32 mm | 27 % = 16.2 mm on the shock shaft |
160 mm fork (CF 8)
| Riding style | Fork SAG |
|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 27 mm |
| Trail | 20 % = 32 mm |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 35 mm |
| Bike park | 20 % = 32 mm |
How to measure SAG is explained in our guide SAG setup.
Tyre pressure starting values
Basis: 2.50″ tyre width, tubeless, trail casing, including the e-MTB surcharge. If you run tubes, add about 0.2 bar (2.9 psi); with an insert, about 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) less is enough. Stock tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Minion DHR II 2.5; Maxxis Assegai 2.5 / Minion DHR II 2.6.
| Ready-to-ride weight | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.48 bar (21 psi) | 1.68 bar (24 psi) |
| 70 kg | 1.60 bar (23 psi) | 1.80 bar (26 psi) |
| 80 kg | 1.72 bar (25 psi) | 1.92 bar (28 psi) |
| 90 kg | 1.84 bar (27 psi) | 2.04 bar (30 psi) |
| 100 kg | 1.96 bar (28 psi) | 2.16 bar (31 psi) |
| 110 kg | 2.08 bar (30 psi) | 2.28 bar (33 psi) |
| 120 kg | 2.20 bar (32 psi) | 2.40 bar (35 psi) |
Air pressure in the fork and shock
You will find a suitable starting pressure on the sticker on the fork stanchion (or on the shock) or in the suspension manufacturers’ setup charts. Our calculator gives you a starting value including rebound for your weight and riding style. What matters afterwards is the measured SAG from the table above.