I got a 2014 Spectral 8.0 in large – I am 182cm and the fit is great for me. The calc put me on a medium, glad I didn’t follow that. Love the bike, great all-round, really fun to ride. Compares very well to the ones I demo’d before it arrived.

So far I have replaced the saddle, grips and added a c guide. Plan is to beef up the front end – slightly wider carbon bars and shorter stem are sat in the garage waiting for the 150mm Pike to be ordered. I actually think the Fox 32 Performance Talas isn’t too bad, just want something a bit burlier with a touch extra travel. Quite like the Conti MKs for local XC and trail centre rides but will use a High Roller/Ardent combo for rockier stuff.

IMO the 2015 spec has improved, especially the EX versions.

I took a punt on a Canyon Spectral 8.0. Whilst I was waiting for the delivery I demo’d a Nukeproof Mega TR, Orange 5 and a Yeti SB75 to have some benchmarks. The FS bike it was replacing was well over 5 years old so not a fair test to compare against. Happy to say the Canyon climbs nearly as good as the Yeti and is as fun as the Mega IMO. Think it is quicker than all 3 but that might be new bike bias as there is no science to base that on! I am 182cm/6ft and went for the large – I was hoping to put a 50mm stem on but it seems to fit like a glove so will leave the 70mm stock stem on for now. Was worried about a high front end due to the long head tube but not an issue at all for me.

Warranty questions aside, I am very happy. Good response times from Canyon UK via email IME. My friend has had a Nerve for 3 years and no issues, been a great bike for him.

Mate has the Trance and loves it but I haven’t ridden it.

Flat out or f-off.

Newbie to the forum but been cruising here a bit trying to see any early real world feedback on the Spectral.

Got an 8.0 on order. Only downside to me is the fork but not much feedback on the 2014 fox forks yet, so hope it will be better than recent offerings.

I am 182 cm (bang on 6ft) and the calc put me in a medium. Have recently changed my order though to a large as I think the TT and reach is just too short comparing to my Marley and old Kona. Will feel especially cramped after I fit a 50mm stem.

Most reviews have stated that the M is small. The clincher was seeing Fabian Barels interview on PB and he rides a Large Spectral and is a shade shorter than me. Obviously our heights and skill levels are very similar so it makes sense that our bikes should be the same size.

I have chatted to the Canyon guys too and their sizing opinion does vary! First they agreed with the calc and said a medium but then more recently changed their minds…