150 Nm and a 2.9 kg frame: the Canyon Spectral CF 9 e-MTB raises the bar

If you've ever had to choose between an e-MTB with loads of push and one that's easy to throw around on technical trails, this new bike is for you. The Canyon Spectral CF 9 arrives with an Avinox M2S motor delivering 150 Nm and 1,500 W, a 700 Wh battery and a carbon frame of just 2.9 kg, according to Todo Mountain Bike. Until recently, that combination seemed impossible.

What Canyon's new e-MTB brings

Only a few details are known so far, but they say a lot about where the bike is heading:

• Avinox M2S motor with 150 Nm of torque and 1,500 W.
• 700 Wh battery.
• 2.9 kg carbon frame.
• New geometry compared with the previous version.

What stands out is the balance. E-MTBs with such big motor figures used to come with sturdy, heavy frames. Here the frame stays at a weight that fits the idea of a nimble bike far better than that of an enduro tank.

What 150 Nm and 1,500 W mean when you ride

Torque is what you feel when you pull away on a loose rocky ramp or come out of a tight uphill corner. With 150 Nm, the assistance kicks in hard, and that means riding up where you used to have to get off and push.

The 1,500 W of power is about what the motor can deliver when you ask for everything. In practice, more motor isn't always better: it also calls for some sense with the assistance mode, because the harder you push, the sooner you drain the battery. The 700 Wh gives you some margin, but your real range will depend on the elevation, the terrain, your weight and the mode you use.

A tip if an e-MTB like this tempts you: try the low modes first. A powerful motor used wisely lets you ride for longer and enjoy the descent more, which is where the new geometry and the light frame should really show.

And if you're after a second-hand e-MTB?

Every time a new generation comes out, the used market moves. Lots of people who get a new bike put their old one up for sale, and that's where interesting deals appear in second-hand e-bikes.

If you're going for a used e-MTB, check above all:

• The battery: ask for its history or a health reading if the system allows it.
• The motor: strange noises, play or cuts in the assistance are signs to ask more questions.
• The carbon frame: look for knocks, cracks or marks on the lower areas, which take the most punishment on the trail.
• Suspension and drivetrain: on an e-MTB they work harder than on a bike without a motor.

And don't get hung up on the motor figures alone. For many mountain routes, a bike with less torque but well looked after will give you just as many good times. If you'd rather have a bike without assistance, take a look at the second-hand mountain bikes too.

A sign of where e-MTBs are going

The Spectral CF 9 points to a clear trend: ever stronger motors in bikes that don't give up on handling. For you, that means more choice and, over time, earlier models at good prices on the used market.

If you're thinking of moving up to a more modern e-MTB, the first step could be finding a new home for the one you have: post your listing for free on bicis.net and let the next rider enjoy your favourite trails.