Spectral:ONfly 2025

The Canyon Spectral:ONfly 2025 is a carbon lightweight eMTB that takes the Spectral 160/150 mm trail platform and grafts on TQ's near-silent HPR50 drive. Headline numbers: 50 Nm torque, 300 W peak, a 360 Wh internal battery (not removable), 18.1 kg claimed at the top trim, a 64 degree head angle and reach growing from 445 to 520 mm across the unusually deep ten-size range. Trim ladder runs from £5,199 to £8,999. Community verdict: a lovely-handling, quiet, natural-feeling bike with a real range ceiling that buyers must accept.

Drive system and range. The TQ HPR50 is the lightest full-system motor in the lightweight eMTB class, at 1.85 kg, and uses Harmonic Pin Ring drive for an exceptionally quiet, low-cadence-friendly assist feel. Peak output is 300 W and 50 Nm, which sits below the Bosch SX (55 Nm) and well under Fazua Ride 60 (60 Nm) on paper. The non-removable 360 Wh battery is the most visible compromise: it is small enough to limit real-world rides to 30 to 50 km in trail mode, and Canyon offers a 160 Wh range extender to bridge that. Riders who pedal hard report a beautifully integrated, near-silent experience; riders who want flat-out climbing assist will find the TQ leaves more to the legs.

Geometry and handling. A 64 degree head angle is properly modern for trail and matches longer-travel bikes like the Reign E+, which gives the Spectral:ONfly real composure on steep descents. Reach grows from 445 mm in size SM to 520 mm in XL. Canyon offers an interesting double sizing scheme with two M, two L and four XL options that mix wheel sizes (MX vs full 29) and reach steps, so most riders can dial fit and wheel preference precisely. The 440 mm chainstay is identical across all sizes, keeping the rear end playful but meaning XL riders may want a longer rear centre on bigger frames. Wheelbases run 1221 to 1330 mm.

Build and value. The trim ladder starts at £5,199 for the CF (RockShox Lyrik on CF 8, FOX 38 Performance Elite on CF CLLCTV) and runs up to £8,999 for the LTD. The CF CLLCTV at £7,299 with SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, FOX 38 and Float X Performance Elite is the value sweet spot in our view, and the top LTD adds boutique parts and finishes for buyers chasing the absolute build. The standout strength is geometry-and-suspension consistency across the range. The questionable note is the price ceiling: £8,999 on a 360 Wh lightweight asks a lot of buyers in 2025.

Community-verified strengths. Long-term owners report exceptional component durability, with the SRAM GX drivetrain still performing identically after 2,000 plus miles on Spectral:ONfly CF CLLCTV builds. The chassis and suspension layout draw consistent praise for natural, balanced trail feel, and the TQ motor's quietness is repeatedly highlighted alongside its smooth low-cadence feel. Owners also rate the integrated cockpit and clean cable routing as a step up over most lightweight rivals.

Caveats and known gripes. The most consistent gripe is the 360 Wh battery and its non-removable status: not great for buyers who tour, share chargers or store the bike in a flat with no power. Some Canyon owners on the older Spectral:ON full-power chassis have flagged a long-running battery replacement issue (the so-called battery gate) that has dented brand confidence around battery service in the EU, although the ONfly has not been directly implicated. Riders chasing maximum motor output should note the TQ HPR50 has lower peak power than newer Bosch SX, Fazua Ride 60 and TQ HPR60 systems. Canyon also remains a direct-sale brand, so demo and service rely on courier returns rather than a local dealer.

Verdict. The Spectral:ONfly 2025 suits the technical trail rider who wants a quiet, natural lightweight chassis with confidence-inspiring geometry, and who can live with mid-range battery capacity. Riders who need bigger range, dealer support or maximum motor torque should look at a Spectral:ON Bosch CX, a Levo SL or a Trek Fuel EXe with the new TQ HPR60. Production status: current.