Building a mountain bike that marries the agility and confidence of a classic trail bike with the muscle and speed of an electric bike sounds straightforward enough. But like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without swearing, it turned out to be trickier than it seemed.
The Canyon team dove deep into geometry, drive units, and carbon fibre compositions, testing and retesting, breaking prototypes, and then headed back to the drawing board.
What emerged from this process of relentless refinement and gritty determination is the Canyon E-MTB—THE SPECTRAL:ONfly.
When you hear “lightweight e-MTB,” you might think of something fragile, designed for those more concerned with grams than grit.
But the Spectral:ONfly is anything but delicate. This electric marvel is not just sleek; it’s a bruiser built to endure the most gruelling descents and gnarly trails.
Canyon has applied the same rigorous strength tests to the Spectral:ONfly as they do to their enduro race bikes.
This bike is designed for riders who don’t tiptoe around; they charge in, taking on steep, technical terrain without a second thought.
A Frame that Redefines Expectations
The core of any mountain bike is its frame, and Canyon knew they had to go above and beyond with the Spectral:ONfly.
They took their cue from the successful Spectral:ONfly trail bike, using it as a foundation but pushing the envelope further.
The result is a feather-light carbon frame weighing just 2.65 kg, contributing to a total bike weight as low as 18.1 kg for a size medium. That’s remarkably close to the weight of a non-motorised trail bike with a similar component setup.
And let’s be clear, this isn’t just a showpiece. The frame meets Category 4E strength tests, which means it’s tough enough to handle the rigours of enduro racing.
But Canyon didn’t stop there. They packed the frame with smart features like the Keep It Stable (K.I.S.) steering stabiliser, which helps maintain control when the trail gets loose or rocky.
This is the kind of engineering that allows the Spectral:ONfly to remain nimble and playful, letting riders push their limits without pushing their luck.
Geometry for Serious Shredders
To create a bike that’s as capable on a white-knuckle downhill as it is on a punishing climb, Canyon borrowed some magic from their proven Spectral:ONfly push bike.
The Spectral:ONfly features a slack 64-degree head tube angle for stability at speed, a steep 76.5-degree seat tube angle to keep you centred on climbs, and 440 mm chainstays for a balanced feel.
The combination of a low top tube and short seat mast maximises manoeuvrability, while the “mullet” wheel setup—a 29-inch front wheel paired with a 27.5-inch rear wheel—offers a blend of stability and agility that’s hard to beat.
Suspension That Takes You Higher
The Spectral’s suspension is no slouch either. It boasts 150 mm of Canyon’s Triple Phase, four-bar rear suspension, designed to smooth out small bumps, remain supportive in the mid-stroke for efficiency, and handle big hits with a bottomless feel.
When you pair that with 160 mm-travel forks, you get a bike that hunts down traction, absorbs harsh impacts like a sponge, and has no problem getting airborne when the trail calls for it.
Replaceable thread inserts reduce the risk of frame damage from over-torquing bolts, while the K.I.S. 2.0 steering stabiliser minimises wheel flop on steep climbs and reduces deflection on rocky terrain.
Small Motor, Big Power
The engine that drives this beast is the TQ HPR50 motor, which weighs a mere 1,850 grams yet delivers up to 50 Nm of torque.
Canyon selected this powerplant because it offers a remarkably natural pedalling experience, so smooth and intuitive that it feels like an extension of your own legs.
You’re not just riding an e-bike; you’re experiencing the best ride of your life, only faster. And because the motor is so compact and quiet, you’ll almost forget it’s there—until you start passing other riders on the climb.
Simplified Tech for Maximum Fun
| Features | Spectral:ONfly 8 | Spectral:ONfly 9 | Spectral:ONfly CLLCTV | Spectral:ONfly LTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Canyon Spectral:ON Fly CF M095 (150 mm) | Canyon Spectral:ON Fly CF M095 (150 mm) | Canyon Spectral:ON Fly CF M095 (150 mm) | Canyon Spectral:ON Fly CF M095 (150 mm) |
| Drive Unit | TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm) | TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm) | TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm) | TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm) |
| Battery | TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh) | TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh) | TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh) | TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh) |
| Display Unit | TQ HPR Display V01 | TQ HPR Display V01 | TQ HPR Display V01 | TQ HPR Display V01 |
| Fork | RockShox Lyrik (160 mm) | Fox 36 Performance (160 mm) | Fox 38 Performance Elite (160 mm) | Fox 36 Factory (160 mm) |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ | FOX DPS Performance | Fox Float X Performance | Fox Float X Factory |
| Transmission | Shimano Deore (10-51t) | Shimano Deore XT (10-51t) | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission (10-52T) | SRAM XX Eagle Transmission (10-52T) |
| Cranks | FSA CK-745/IS (170 mm, 34t) | FSA CK-745/IS (170 mm, 34t) | FSA CK-745/IS (170 mm, 34t) | SRAM XX (170 mm, 34t) |
| Brakes | Code R (200/200 mm) | Shimano Deore XT (203/203 mm) | SRAM Code Silver Stealth (200/200 mm) | SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth (200/200 mm) |
| Wheelset | SunRinglé Trail Expert 329/327 | DT Swiss H1900 LS | DT Swiss HX1700 LS | Reynolds Blacklabel Expert |
| Tyres | F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+ |
F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+ |
F: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 Maxxterra, EXO R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+ |
F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+ |
| Handlebar | Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL) | Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL) | Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL) | Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL) |
The TQ-HPR50 isn’t just about raw power; it’s also smartly designed to be simple and user-friendly.
The display is minimalist yet informative, showing you exactly how much battery life you have left without bombarding you with unnecessary data.
For those who love to geek out on ride stats and fitness metrics, there’s a built-in power meter and a companion app that allows for power tuning and customisation. But for the rest of us, it’s just as easy to hop on, twist the throttle, and let the bike do the heavy lifting.
Ride Further, Faster
Worried about battery life cutting your ride short? Fear not. The Spectral:ONfly’s TQ 360 Wh battery is integrated into the downtube for optimal weight distribution and stability, offering enough juice to climb up to 1,000 meters of elevation gain per charge, depending on your riding style and conditions.
For those days when you want to go even further, the Spectral:ONfly is compatible with TQ’s 160 Wh range extender, which increases your range by up to 44%. It mounts in place of the water bottle, making it easy to swap out when you need a boost.
Built to Shred, Built to Last
When it comes to components, the Spectral:ONfly doesn’t skimp. Instead of saving a few grams with flimsy parts, Canyon opts for durability.
This includes fork stanchions up to 38 mm, robust wheelsets, and powerful four-piston brake callipers with large rotors, all designed to handle the higher speeds and stresses of e-MTB riding. TheSpectral:ONfly isn’t just built to ride; it’s built to shred.
The Verdict: Canyon E-MTB—THE SPECTRAL:ONfly
If you’re after a high-performance e-MTB that’s as tough as it is light, look no further than the Canyon E-MTB—THE SPECTRAL:ONFly.
It’s the ultimate combination of innovation, power, and agility, delivering a ride that’s fast, fun, and, most importantly, unforgettable. Whether you’re smashing through technical descents or cruising up steep climbs, the Spectral:ONfly has you covered.
Canyon’s new Spectral:ONfly is available in 4 models in the UK: CF LTD / CF CLLCTV / CF 9 / CF 8.
Four models, ranging in price from £5,199 to £8,349 are now available in all markets outside of the United States. U.S. consumers will have their choice of two models (the CF8 and CF CLLCTV), beginning the first week of October.