Expensive carbon bikes grab the headlines, but let’s face it, aluminium is still king when it comes to affordability. Which is why the new Canyon Spectral AL shares the same geometry, handling and attitude as Canyon’s more expensive carbon Spectral range.

Canyon’s new Spectral AL won’t hold you back

So let’s start with some numbers. Just like the carbon bike, the new Spectral AL is designed as a do-it-all trail bike, where the performance focus split is 40% climbing and 60% descending. And that seems like a good compromise to us, because even if you live for the thrill of the downs, no one really wants to struggle on the climbs, right?

The new Canyon Spectral AL 6 gets a Fox Float X shock

The new Spectral AL also shares the same suspension muscle as the carbon bike, where the frame delivers 140mm travel and is designed around 150mm forks. It even shares the one-piece rocker link from the Spectral CF to help improve frame stiffness and reduce side loads on the shock.

Added chainstay protection keep the Spectral running silent

And, just like the carbon Spectral, you get to choose between a full 29in setup or MX (29/27.5in) wheels at checkout. What’s more, Canyon perfectly corrects the geometry for each wheel size with wheelsize specific seat stay assemblies.

The Spectral AL comes in four sizes, and stretches right up to 525mm reach for very tall riders

There are five frame sizes to choose from, XS to XL. Where the XS size will only be available in the MX version, as the smallest riders will benefit most from the increased clearance the 27.5in rear wheel offers.

So what’s missing?

What you don’t get on the new Spectral AL is adjustable geometry. Instead it’s fixed in the low position of the carbon bike. Which is the one that 99% of riders use anyway, so we’re cool with that. That means the bike gets a slack 64º head angle and a steep 76.5º seat tube angle.

No internal frame storage on the Canyon Spectral AL

To further keep the costs in check, there’s no internal frame storage, but you do get strap-free tool mounts under the top tube. And one final cost saving measure is that Canyon has removed its K.I.S (Keep it Stable) compatibility, so you can not run the self-correcting steering system on the Spectral AL.

Clean lines on the Canyon Spectral AL make it a class act

In a nut shell then, the new Spectral AL is going to ride like the carbon bike, but it’s going to be less expensive as it’s had some of the fancy bells and and whistles removed.

The Canyon Spectral AL is ready to shred

Meet the 2025 Spectral AL range:

There are three models in the new Spectral AL range and given that this bike is all about maximising performance and minimising price, let’s start with the most affordable option.

2025 Canyon Spectral AL 5

Canyon Spectral AL 5 £2,149

No frills, just thrills. The Spectral AL 5 could be the best bang trail bike for your buck. It gets a RockShox Lyrik fork and Deluxe Select + shock, Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston brakes, and the whole package rolls on RaceFace hoops and Maxxis rubber.

2025 Canyon Spectral AL 6

Canyon Spectral AL 6 £2,799

The mid-range bike of three, gets a Fox 36 fork leading the charge and a Fox Float X shock to take the hits. There’s also a Shimano 12 speed SLX drivetrain to keep the DT Swiss wheels turning true at all times.

2025 Canyon Spectral AL

Canyon Spectral AL CLLCTV Fabio Wibmer edition £3,749

The top-end Spectral AL gets Fabio Winmer’s bolt artwork, where the CLLCTV edition specification runs flagship RockShox Ultimate level suspension, SRAM’s electronic AXS T-type shifting and Pirelli Scorpion tyres.