anyone else with the difficult choice of these 2 , thinking the strive is too much bike for uk hills etc , any spectral owners with reviews ? thx

I just went with a spectral. At 140mm it’s enough travel for most of my riding. If I feel the need, I can increase the Pike travel to 150mm too which is how the Spectral EX models come.

Joe Barnes rides his Spectral quite a bit.
http://www.mbr.co.uk/videos/bikes-and-equipment/pro-bike-check-joe-barnes-canyon-spectral-cf
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/ews-bike-check-joe-barnes-canyon-spectral-2015.html
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/joe-barnes-spectral-stokage-video-2014.html

Pro Bike Check: Joe Barnes’ Canyon Spectral AL

The Strive is a very capable bike in both DH and XC modes but the shape shifter thing adds weight and complication. Spectral will be simpler and lighter.

spectral owner. great bike, shit customer service

Given the apparent reliability of the shape-shifter, it’s one I’d avoid until it seems sorted. Canyon aren’t really the sort of company you want to be relying on for quick warranty support

Same Dilemma- initially went for tjhe Spectral 7ex, 3 months of being dicked around by Canyon, now gone for a Strive, more than I need for local trails but will spend a fair bit of time riding in the Alps & Provence (& wales ) . The shapeshifter swung it actually as it gives the bike a bit more versatility. Even if its overkill its also about which box would you rather open

Spectral EX looks a great middle ground, best spec of the Spectrals IMO

I had a Spectral (well still do in bits) nice bike, but the local rain/mud round here eats the bearings at an alarming rate, to the point it just wasn’t practical to ride. Went for a new Orange Five instead and haven’t looked back.

If the frame bearings last a few months or so, I’m guessing the Shapeshifter on the Strive wouldn’t last long at all.

Strive owner here. Just for the record, ive had zero issues with the shapeshifter. I did have to send the Cane Creek shock back to Canyon and they fixed that (via TFtuned) in 2 weeks.

2015 Strive CF 9.0sl here, love the bike and the shape shifter is great but I would get a 2016 spectral if I was in the market now