Reviews | En Roue Libre

Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9: what the Avinox M2S motor changes, first ride impressions

Taillo — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:31:28 +0000

Canyon’s do-it-all electric mountain bike, the Spectral:ON, gets a new frame and a new motor: the Shimano EP8 makes way for the DJI Avinox M2S. A first ride on the Spectral:ON CF 9.

An all-round e-MTB, between the Strive and the Neuron

The Spectral:ON sits between the Strive, built for enduro, and the Neuron. This new version gets a new frame and, above all, a new motor. A few weeks ago, En Roue Libre presented the EP8 version, whose 85 Nm seemed sufficient. The question here: what difference do 150 Nm make on a bike that was already a favorite?

The CF 9 build and the Avinox M2S motor

The video presents the new frame, the CF 9 build and the motor, then heads out riding: technical climbs, switchbacks and more playful sections. The M2S is rated at 130 Nm and 1,300 W peak, with a Boost mode at 150 Nm and 1,500 W, paired with a 700 Wh battery.

Suspension: Fox 36 Factory fork, Fox Factory shock
Wheels: DT Swiss carbon, mullet setup (the frame also accepts a 29-inch rear wheel)
Drivetrain: SRAM XO, 160 mm cranks
Brakes: SRAM Maven
Rear triangle specific to each size
Price: €6,999

On the trail: climbing, technical sections and grip

The video covers the first laps in Trail mode, how the bike climbs, the comparison between Shimano EP8 and Avinox, a technical section with the 160 mm cranks, then grip and the bike’s playful side.

First impressions, and who it is for

This is a first ride, not a long-term test. A more complete test will follow if the opportunity arises. The video ends with a verdict, then a discussion of who the bike is for and its price.

Video in French. Duration: 20 min 44.

To stay up to date, subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter (in French).

Thule OutPace review: can a compact hitch rack replace the Epos?

Taillo — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Antoine has been using the Thule Epos for over three years — the best bike rack he has ever tested. But at around €1,000, it isn’t for everyone. Hence the question behind this review: does a cheaper rack, the €639 OutPace, mean fewer features and more hassle?

Key facts

The OutPace is a 15 kg compact rack that mounts on the tow ball and carries two bikes of up to 18 kg each. The wheel straps take tyres up to 3 inches, and a key locks the rack to the tow ball against theft.

Installation: a little slower, no harder

The first difference from the Epos: instead of a lever, you turn a knob to tighten and adjust the clamp on the tow ball. It takes slightly longer, but it isn’t a real constraint. Tilting is done by pulling a strap, an indicator shows whether the rack is secured, and the frame holders use the same strap-and-rotating-head system as the Epos.

Loading: pedals on, one bike at a time

Answering questions left under the Epos video: you can load bikes with their pedals on, and load or unload each bike independently, front or rear. The arms open on both sides, which frees up access to take out the rear bike without touching the other one. Finding the right head angle takes a bit longer than on the Epos, which offers more range of movement, but once set, the bikes are held firmly.

Its real strength: storage

The OutPace folds on both sides and can also tilt up against the car when parked. It is even more compact than the Epos. If you live in a flat with no cellar or bike room, you can carry it inside and store it in a cupboard or under a bed — or simply leave it on the car between rides. For Antoine, that’s its number one advantage.

Limits to keep in mind

Maximum load is 18 kg per bike. For an e-bike, removing the battery may not be enough: check the actual weight and the manufacturer’s compatibility conditions. Antoine also couldn’t confirm whether the straps are steel-reinforced like the Epos’s — worth checking before you buy.

The verdict

Cheaper doesn’t mean less practical — at least not as much as Antoine feared. Once you’ve used an Epos, it’s hard to go back. But if you’ve never owned one, the OutPace is a clever, light and compact rack. Slightly less convenient than its big brother? Antoine’s words: that’s nitpicking.

Video in French. Don’t miss a review — subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter.

Trek Fuel+ EX aluminium review: it’s all about the feel

Taillo — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

With e-MTBs now reaching 150 Nm of torque, do lightweight-assist models still make sense? Antoine put the question to the aluminium Trek Fuel+ EX. His answer comes down to one word: feel.

The bike

An Alpha Aluminium frame with 145 mm of rear travel, extendable to 160 mm via a flip chip. Fox 36 Float Performance up front and Float X Performance at the rear, 29-inch wheels front and back, Bontrager wheels and tyres, SRAM DB8 brakes and a mechanical SRAM drivetrain. Assistance comes from the TQ HPR60 motor (60 Nm) paired with a 580 Wh internal battery. All for 21 kg and €5,599. For comparison, the Avinox-powered Pivot Shuttle weighs the same but costs closer to €9,999.

On the trail: a real bike, not an e-bike

It’s probably not built for huge mountain days or extreme gradients, even though it climbs everything. What struck Antoine is that the whole bike is light, not just the motor and battery: it feels like riding a real bike rather than an e-bike. And it quickly proves playful — you soon find yourself sending jumps and more committed lines. The test bike was a size M, a little small for Antoine, which is worth bearing in mind regarding its agility.

A motor you forget about

The TQ’s big strength is its silence and total absence of vibration. After this bike, other motors almost feel intrusive. You simply forget the motor is there. Another plus: above 25 km/h or on climbs, you can keep pushing without any drag or abrupt cut-off. As for the drivetrain and brakes, the mechanical SRAM setup does the job, simple and precise.

Who is it for?

Riders who want a feel close to an analogue mountain bike and don’t need big elevation days: around Paris, with 70 to 100-metre climbs, it finds its audience. Trek also offers an optional Range Extender. Its real limit isn’t climbing but group riding: if your friends are on full-power bikes, they’ll go further and faster, and you’ll keep them waiting. Riding solo or with a similarly equipped group, though, it’s in its element. Even Antoine’s partner, who borrowed it, loved how smooth it is.

The verdict: very, very good — but not for everyone.

Thanks to Léonard, met on the trail, for filming. Video in French. Don’t miss a review — subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter.

Trek Domane+ SL review: the e-road bike that makes road riding fun

Taillo — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Antoine was convinced e-road bikes were pointless. Then he rode the Trek Domane+ SL. A motor you forget about, 11.5 kg on the scale, a full carbon build… and two verdicts: one straight after the ride, one after a few weeks of hindsight.

Key specs

TQ HPR40 motor (200% pedal assist, 660 g lighter than the previous-generation HPR60, reduced Q-factor), 360 Wh battery (580 Wh on Project One models), 35 mm tyres with 40 mm clearance, Supernova lighting. The SL version tested is carbon throughout (wheels, bar, seatpost, crankset) with SRAM Force. Price: €5,999 to €8,999 depending on the build.

A review with a caveat

The test took place in the US, where assistance goes up to 32 km/h versus 25 km/h in France — and that changes everything. On climbs, Antoine was blown away, and the TQ feel makes you forget the motor. But what’s left of the experience once capped at 25 km/h? A few weeks later, the verdict is more nuanced.

Thanks to Trek for making this test possible. Don’t miss a review — subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter.

New Trek Domane Gen 5 review: simpler and more efficient?

Taillo — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The new Trek Domane Gen 5 is here. A full presentation and a ride test on the roads of Wisconsin, a stone’s throw from Trek’s Waterloo headquarters, on both the Domane SL and the Domane SLR.

What’s new

Specs, pricing and changes from the previous generation: 35 mm tyres, cockpit flex, a 305 g weight saving on the SLR, wind tunnel data… A complete look at an endurance bike built to go long and far.

On the road

Antoine rides both versions on roads and gravel paths before giving his verdict.

Video in French. Don’t miss a review — subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter.

50 products tested to ride warm and dry in 2026

Taillo — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:00:44 +0000

Video in French.

In this video, I share 50 products tested in real-world conditions to ride warm and dry in 2026, with a selection of the best pieces from Canyon, Bluegrass, Rudy Project, Leatt, AF Protect, Five, Alpinestars, Gorewear, Ale Cycling, Q36.5, EKOI, Fizik, Fox, Crankbrothers, Lezyne, Zéfal and Sendhit.

Video chapters and links

00:00 Intro
00:22 What’s in the video
01:02 The Canyon Deflectr helmet
www.canyon.com/fr-fr/vetements/casques-velo/canyon-off-road/canyon-deflectr-helmet/9102440.html
04:09 The Bluegrass Jetro helmet
www.met-helmets.com/en/shop/gravity/bluegrass-helmets/bluegrass-trail-helmets/jetro/
05:46 Rudy Project Spinshield Air glasses
www.rudyproject.com/products/spinshield-pro-sp9875020000
07:00 The Leatt Velocity 5.0 MTB IRIZ goggle
int.leatt.com/collections/mtb-goggles/products/goggle-velocity-5-0-mtb-iriz?variant=44409841025058
08:56 AF Protect water-repellent film
www.instagram.com/afprotect/
11:11 Warm Evo WP glove
five-gloves.com/en/catalog/bike/fall-winter/fall-winter_extreme-cold/warm-evo-wp/
11:52 The Five Traverse WB glove
five-gloves.com/en/catalog/bike/fall-winter/fall-winter_cold-weather-long/traverse-wb/
12:39 The Five Neo Bike glove
five-gloves.com/en/catalog/bike/fall-winter/fall-winter_cold-weather-short/neo-bike/
13:02 The Five Cyclone Infinium Stretch glove
five-gloves.com/en/catalog/bike/fall-winter/fall-winter_cold-weather-long/cyclone-infinium-strech/
13:52 The Alpinestars A Dura Rain glove
eu.alpinestars.com/products/a-dura-rain-gloves
14:32 The Alpinestars A Dura Thermal glove
eu.alpinestars.com/products/a-dura-thermal-gloves
14:53 The Gorewear Fernflow jacket
www.gorewear.com/fr-fr/fernflow-veste-thermique-homme-101198?variant=18723
16:35 The Alpinestars A Dura Elite Waterproof jacket
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-elite-waterproof-jacket-red-fluo?_pos=5&_fid=88f5a0557&_ss=c
17:35 Alpinestars A Dura Thermal gilet
A-Dura Thermal Vest
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-thermal-vest?_pos=15&_fid=88f5a0557&_ss=c
18:21 The Ale Cycling Riparo jacket
alecycling.com/en/products/water-repellent-jacket-man-riparo-23-078?variant=46160370761952
20:02 Q36.5 Adventure jacket
www.q36-5.com/fr-fr/shop/adventure-veste-hiver-nautica-blue/
21:07 Alpinestars A Dura Thermal trousers
eu.alpinestars.com/products/a-dura-thermal-pant
22:04 Alpinestars A Dura Waterproof trousers
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-waterproof-pant
22:40 Gorewear Lupra Gore-Tex EPE trousers
www.gorewear.com/fr-fr/lupra-gore-tex-pantalon-homme-101106?variant=16911
23:40 Alpinestars A Dura Dry Wool jersey
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-dri-wool-jersey-long-sleeve-dark-gray?_pos=24&_fid=392ca76ea&_ss=c
24:25 Alpinestars A Dura Thermal jersey
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-thermal-jersey?_pos=37&_fid=392ca76ea&_ss=c
25:02 Bib Long MTB ThermaFlow 4.0
int.leatt.com/collections/mtb-riding-apparel/products/bib-long-mtb-thermaflow-4-0
26:01 Mono Suit MTB HydraDri 5.0
int.leatt.com/collections/mtb-riding-apparel/products/mono-suit-mtb-hydradri-5-0
30:28 EKOI Racing MTB RM TRAIL one-piece suit
www.ekoi.fr/fr/combinaison-mtb/14336-combinaison-integrale-ekoi-racing-mtb-rm-trail.html
31:12 Fizik Nanuq GTX shoe
www.fizik.com/en-eu/products/shoes-terra-nanuq-gtx-black_grey-tex2agr1v1070
32:36 HydraDri ProClip 8.0 Boa shoes
int.leatt.com/collections/mtb-shoes/products/shoes-hydradri-proclip-8-0-boa
34:25 Fox Union Boa All Weather shoes
foxracing.fr/product/chaussures-pour-pedales-automatiques-fox-union-boa-all-weather/37610.html
36:20 Fox Union Canvas shoes
foxracing.fr/product/chaussures-mi-hautes-fox-union-canvas/36890.html#yotpo-reviews-main-widget
37:21 Fox Union Boa shoes
foxracing.fr/product/chaussures-fox-union-boa-pour-pedales-automatiques%C2%A0/33342.html?dwvar_33342_color=330&cgid=mens-mtb-gear-shoes
38:40 Crank Brothers Mallet Trail Clip shoes
www.crankbrothers.com/products/mallet-trail-boa-black-gold
39:47 Alpinestars Waterproof socks
fr.alpinestars.com/en/products/a-dura-waterproof-socks-dark-titanium
40:29 MEGA DRIVE 2400+ FRONT light
ride.lezyne.com/products/mega-drive-2400-plus-led-front-bike-light
41:21 FUSION DRIVE 500+ FRONT light
ride.lezyne.com/products/fusion-drive-500-plus
41:57 KTV DRIVE PRO+ REAR light
ride.lezyne.com/collections/led-rear-bike-lights/products/ktv-drive-pro-plus-rear
43:00 Zéfal Deflector mudguard
44:38 Zéfal Deflector rear mudguard
44:57 Zéfal bottles
www.zefal.com/en/26-bottles?page=2
45:57 Zéfal Pulse S2 bottle cage
www.zefal.com/fr/porte-bidons/724-690-pulse-s2.html#/80-modele-droite
46:40 Crank Brothers bottle cage
47:28 Mallet Enduro pedals
www.crankbrothers.com/products/mallet-e
48:17 Sendhit hand guards

En Roue Libre on the web:

Support En Roue Libre’s work on Tipeee: tipeee.com/enrouelibre
Subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter here: bit.ly/newsletterEnRoueLibre
Follow En Roue Libre on Instagram: instagram.com/enrouelibremedia/
Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taillo/
Visit enrouelibre.cc

And to give your communication a boost, call on LINE by booking a call with me directly at agenceline.fr

ANOD Hybrid review

Taillo — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:00:34 +0000

Video in French.

In this video, I try out the ANOD Hybrid system.
The Anod system is based on supercapacitor batteries that contain a small amount of lithium.

The idea is that these batteries last 10 times longer than standard lithium-ion batteries and carry no risk of thermal runaway.

These batteries offer lower energy density, but they make up for it with better motor efficiency and energy recovery under braking.

Here are the specs of the model shown:
Battery capacity: 216 Wh
Claimed range: 35 to 100 km
Torque: 60 Nm
Maximum power: 1,000 W (250 W nominal)

Find FRandroid’s review here
https://www.frandroid.com/survoltes/velo-electrique/2867103_on-a-teste-lanod-hybrid-2-et-ses-supercondensateurs-le-velo-electrique-qui-a-la-recharge-la-plus-rapide-du-monde

ANOD’s website
https://www.anod.com/

En Roue Libre on the web:

And to give your communication a boost, call on LINE by booking a call with me directly at agenceline.fr

New Giant Anthem X Advanced SL

Taillo — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:29 +0000

Join me for this final part of my trip to Taiwan with Giant.

In this video, I test the brand-new Giant Anthem X Advanced SL.

En Roue Libre on the web:

And to give your communication a boost, call on LINE by booking a call with me directly at agenceline.fr

New Giant Anthem Advanced SL

Taillo — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:00:02 +0000

Join me for this second part of my trip to Taiwan with Giant.

In this video, I take a first ride on the brand-new Giant Anthem Advanced SL.

En Roue Libre on the web:

And to give your communication a boost, call on LINE by booking a call with me directly at agenceline.fr

Rockrider Feel 900S

Taillo — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:00:52 +0000

Video in French.

The bike is finally built.
I was able to go and test it on the trails of Serre-Chevalier.

Thanks to Greg for showing me the spot.

–
Thanks to the project partners
Décathlon : Decathlon.com
Fast Suspension : https://www.fast-suspension.com/en/
Paint Alketz Paintworks : https://www.alketz.com/
Beringer brakes : https://www.ride-beringer.com/fr/
Hxr Components : https://www.hxrcomponents.com/
Wheelox hubs : https://wheelox.fr/
Mavic rims : https://www.mavic.com/fr-fr/p/xm-1030-disc-29-jv1164?variant=1614
Mach 1 spokes and nipples : https://mach1.fr/products/pro
Vaillant pedals : https://vaillant-bike.com/p/pedale-plate-vaillant/
Hutchinson tyres : https://cycling.hutchinson.com/tyres/mountain-bike/griffus-2-4/
Hope dropper post remote

–
Video chapters
00:00 teaser
00:51 Intro
01:40 Presenting the build
01:41 The frame
01:55 The suspension
03:16 The wheels
03:33 The tyres
03:49 The brakes
03:54 The cockpit
04:16 Saddle/dropper post
04:28 Crankset
04:54 Nova Ride jockey wheels
16:57 The brakes
32:28 The Fox Speedframe RS
32:48 The Oakley Sphaera
33:28 The Fox Flexair gloves
33:49 The FOX Enduro PRO knee pads
40:54 Test conclusion

En Roue Libre on the web:

And to give your communication a boost, call on LINE by booking a call with me directly at agenceline.fr