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Canyon Unveils Spectral:ON CF 9 With Powerful Avinox M2S Motor

Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Kristina

October 13, 2026: Canyon has unveiled a completely redesigned Spectral:ON CF electric mountain bike built around the Avinox M2S drive system. The first announced model, the Spectral:ON CF 9, combines a claimed 1,500W of peak motor output and 150 Nm of torque with a 700 Wh battery, a new carbon frame, and revised trail-focused geometry.

For U.S. shoppers, Canyon currently lists the bike as the Spectral:ON CF 9 AXS at $9,499 before applicable shipping and other charges, with availability marked coming soon. It is an expensive, performance-focused electric mountain bike, not a general-purpose commuter. To see how it fits the wider category, explore my electric mountain bike buying guide.

Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 electric mountain bike in Canyon launch photography
Canyon’s newly announced Spectral:ON CF 9. Photo: Canyon, via its October 13 press release.

New Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 Specifications

Feature U.S. Spectral:ON CF 9 AXS
Listed U.S. price $9,499 (checked October 13, 2026)
Motor Avinox M2S mid-drive; claimed up to 1,500W peak and 150 Nm
Battery Avinox FP700, 700 Wh
Frame Full carbon, claimed 2.9 kg frame weight
Suspension Fox 36 Factory, 160 mm front; Fox Float X Factory, 155 mm rear travel
Wheels 29-inch front / 27.5-inch rear as standard; full 29-inch compatibility via flip chip
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, 12-speed
Brakes SRAM Maven Silver four-piston; 200 mm rotors front and rear
Listed bike weight 47.85 lb, size M (manufacturer listing)
Availability Coming soon in the U.S.; selected U.S. models expected for early-2027 delivery

These are Canyon’s published specifications for the U.S. model, not measurements from an Electric Bike Explorer test. The $9,499 is Canyon’s listed bike price and excludes any additional shipping or other charges. Prices, components, and delivery details may change.

What Is New About the Spectral:ON?

Avinox M2S Brings Much Higher Claimed Peak Power

The headline upgrade is the Avinox M2S system, rated by Canyon for up to 1,500W peak output and 150 Nm of torque. Peak wattage is not the same as continuous rated motor output, and those figures do not tell us how a particular bike is legally classified for every road or trail. Actual assisted-speed configuration and rules from the relevant land manager matter.

The M2S is also a key part of the wider shift toward powerful but compact e-MTB drive systems. My earlier article on e-bikes using the DJI Avinox drive system explains the background.

New Carbon Frame and Updated Trail Geometry

Canyon says the redesigned frame weighs 2.9 kg (about 6.4 lb) and meets its Category 4e enduro-level test classification. The geometry features a 64-degree head angle and 78.5-degree seat tube angle. Canyon also revised the suspension layout and varies chainstay length by frame size to improve rider positioning and traction.

The stock bike has a mixed-wheel setup, with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear. A flip chip makes a full 29-inch configuration possible for riders who prefer it, but buyers should confirm any wheel-swap requirements with Canyon.

Battery, Range Claims, and Charging

The CF 9 uses Avinox’s 700 Wh FP700 battery. Canyon says it can deliver up to 2,000 meters of climbing per charge in Eco mode. That is a manufacturer claim, not an independently verified range result, and it is not a promise of a specific distance in miles. Climbing, speed, rider weight, temperatures, tire choice, terrain, and assist level will affect real-world use.

Canyon claims that a full charge can take less than two hours when using a 12A fast charger. The product description calls that charger optional, but the U.S. components list also names an Avinox 12A charger alongside other charger items. I could not confirm exactly which charger is included with a U.S. order. Buyers should verify the charger package with Canyon before purchasing rather than assume the advertised fast-charging time applies out of the box.

Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 shown in the manufacturer's launch photography
Additional Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 launch photograph. Credit: Canyon.

Weight: The CF 9 Is Not the 45.8-Lb LTD

There is an important distinction in the launch announcement. Canyon’s 45.8 lb (20.8 kg) figure applies to the forthcoming Spectral:ON LTD, not the CF 9 AXS being shown on the U.S. site. Canyon lists the U.S. CF 9 AXS at 47.85 lb for size M. Those are manufacturer figures, and the exact weight can vary with size and equipment.

This matters because the marketing for the broader Spectral:ON family emphasizes how light the new platform can be, but that lightest claimed build is not the same configuration as the first model advertised in the U.S.

What Early Independent Riding Reports Say

In an October 13 first-ride report, BikeRadar’s Nick Clark described lively handling, strong technical climbing ability and capable descending after riding the new bike on trails in Italy’s Aosta Valley. The same report also said the SRAM Maven brakes on his test bike required repeated bleeding.

That is valuable early context, but it is one reviewer’s experience with a particular sample, not proof that all production bikes will share the same brake issue. Electric Bike Explorer has not ridden or tested the new Spectral:ON.

When Will Canyon’s New Spectral:ON Be Available?

Canyon announced the CF 9 on October 13, 2026. The company plans to reveal three more models between November 2026 and January 2027. Canyon says preorders will begin December 4 in most regions, with deliveries beginning January 19, 2027 where that schedule applies.

For the United States, Canyon separately says selected bikes are expected to become available for delivery in early 2027. The U.S. product page currently shows the Spectral:ON CF 9 AXS as coming soon. I would not assume the January 19 date applies to every U.S. order. You can check Canyon’s U.S. listing for the Spectral:ON CF 9 AXS for updates.

The U.S. listing advertises a 30-day return window and a six-year limited warranty. Canyon’s warranty guidance specifies that the six-year coverage applies to Canyon-engineered parts, including the frame and certain Canyon-branded components. Third-party parts are not covered by that same six-year promise; component makers’ separate terms apply, and battery coverage can differ. The warranty is limited to the original owner and is not transferable. Returns must meet Canyon’s conditions, and fees can apply for signs of use or other return issues. Buyers should review the current U.S. warranty terms and return policy before ordering.

My Take

What makes this launch interesting is the combination of very high claimed peak assistance and a frame Canyon has redesigned around precise trail handling. The 700 Wh battery and relatively low listed weight suggest the goal is not to win a maximum-battery-size contest. It is to give experienced mountain bikers a powerful climbing tool that still feels responsive on descents.

But I would not treat the motor output, claimed vertical climbing range, or early riding impressions as a reason to buy without considering the tradeoffs. At $9,499, this is firmly a premium bike. Riders should consider service access, the optional fast charger, permitted trail access and the limited U.S. delivery details. For perspective on a different Canyon e-MTB platform, see my Canyon Strive:ON review.

How This Story Was Verified

This news report was researched using Canyon’s October 13 announcement and U.S. product specifications, with BikeRadar’s independent first-ride report used for additional context. Manufacturer claims and another publication’s riding experience are identified as such. This is a launch report, not a hands-on EBE review.

You can follow Electric Bike Explorer’s latest e-bike news for further product announcements and industry developments.

Sources

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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.

Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.

When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.

Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.

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