EBR’s Canyon Spectral:ON CF 7 First Look Review:
So how good is the Spectral:ON CF 7? There’s no question that this is a terrific value as eMTBs go. Often, when a manufacturer tries to keep an eMTB priced below $6000, to do so they go with a smaller battery that cuts the rider’s range. Canyon, however, gave the Spectral:ON CF 7 a 720Wh battery. Frequent EBR readers may recall that our rule of thumb for acceptable range is a 1:1 ratio of motor wattage to battery watt/hours. As the Shimano EP8 motor produces 250W (nominally), the Spectral:ON CF 7 enjoys a nearly 1:3 ratio of motor power to battery capacity.
What that means is that many riders will be able to enjoy two or even three days of riding before needing to recharge.
It may seem odd to call an e-bike that goes for more than $4000 value-oriented, but it’s important to keep in mind that high-end eMTBs can run more than $15,000. The question, then, is: What does someone give up by choosing the Spectral:ON CF 7 as opposed to a more expensive eMTB, such as its big brother, the Spectral:ON CFR, which goes for more than $8000?
The Spectral:ON CF 7 shares most of the features found in more expensive trail eMTBs. It has a great motor and sizable battery, plus the travel, the 12-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors, dropper post and strong wheels shod with terrific rubber.
The difference that will be most apparent in a test ride is that this eMTB will be heavier than a more expensive model, possibly as much as 10 extra pounds. The weight will cease to be an issue if you aren’t comparing it to other eMTBs, which is to say by the second or third ride, it will simply feel like the owner’s eMTB.
The biggest difference, then, will depend on how much the Spectral:ON CF 7 is ridden. The Shimano Deore drivetrain performs remarkably well when new. What it won’t do is last the way Shimano’s Deore XT or XTR groups do. For the rider who plans to ride two or three times a week and only in fair weather, this e-bike will last for years. The rider who goes out daily—rain or shine—will begin to see deterioration in as little as 18 months. The good news? The stuff that will wear out—the tires, chain, cassette, brake pads, rear derailleur, shifter—is easily replaced.
From a value perspective, Canyon has created an eMTB that will perform like one that goes for substantially more. The Spectral:ON CF 7 is one of those e-bikes we are happy to recommend to friends and family.
