KATHERINE’S CANYON SPECTRAL 125 CF 7 £3,417.98

Tester Kat is bonding well with her new ride shipped

Moving back to the Devon countryside, I’ve had plenty of time aboard the Spectral 125 recently, and I feel we’re really starting to gel. From the rocky trails of my new local spot, Haldon Forest Park, to sessioning in the skills park and a big XC day out on the nearby Quantock Hills, the versatility of this do-it-all trail bike has really shone through.

A 27.5km ride may not sound like much, but anyone who’s ridden in the Quantocks will know just how gruelling the gradients can be – when you’re going up, at least!

I was supremely thankful for the 52t sprocket on the SRAM GX Eagle cassette for the haul up onto the tops from our pub stop in Bicknoller, spinning my way up the grassy bridleway to sample more of the fantastic natural descents there.

I’ve yet to find the limit of the suspension, with the Spectral 125 feeling very at home on more natural, rooty and rougher trails, including Haldon’s reopened black. It handles predictably in the skills park, too, allowing me to make some decent progression on my airtime technique (and, most importantly, confidence). A trip to Old Hill Bike Park in Cornwall is due next, for some jumping progression – I’ve been inspired by the women shredding at the recent Project Evolve jam at Revolution Bike Park in Wales.

Rotating the handlebar and grips has eased a slight niggle in my wrists during extended periods of seated pedalling. If I was planning any longer or multi-day rides, I’d consider switching out the Canyon G5 bar for something with a bit more sweep. However, it’s not a problem for my everyday trail riding.

The one element of the spec that I have been struggling with is the SRAM Code RS brakes. They’re powerful stoppers, with four-pot callipers and a 200mm front rotor, and feel really ‘grabby’. I’ve often accidentally applied more braking force than intended when approaching a corner, giving a janky feel and disrupting the flow. I’m going to have a play around with different pad compounds before trying anything more drastic. I’ll let you know how I get on!