Lowdown: Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX
First a quick caveat. The bike tested for this review (a 2016 model) is not exactly the same as the 2017 iteration that will be available in the U.S. later this summer. But while some of the component spec has changed, frame material, geometry, pricing, and overall ride character remain the same. Indeed, the Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX is the German direct-to-consumer seller's highly capable 27.5 carbon fiber trail bike with 150mm front and 140mm rear four-bar Horst-link suspension.
The two key spec changes are the welcomed jump from SRAM 11-speed to 12-speed Eagle, and the switch from Cane Creek's highly tunable (but potentially overly complex) DBInline shock to the more user friendly RockShox Monarch RT3. Other changes of note include DT Swiss wheels and Maxxis tires instead of the Mavic-Mavic combo Mtbr tested. You also now get a Renthal bar and stem instead of Canyon house brand cockpit components.
Scroll down to read the full Mtbr review, which starts with a comparison of last year's spec versus the 2017 model. As you'll quickly discover, there's a lot of bang for buck in this $4300 package.