A carbon gravel bike for 2,499 euros: A review of the Canyon Grizl CF 7 – how close to perfection is it?

The Canyon Grizl is the adventure bikepacking gravel bike in the Koblenz-based brand’s range, and within the Grizl family, the CF 7 stands out as the practical choice, featuring a carbon frame and functional spec.

Although the price tag says just 2,499 euros, the Grizl CF7 comes with all the benefits of the platform. These include numerous luggage options and plenty of space for wide gravel tyres. Even so, at just under ten kilos, the weight is still within reasonable limits. So is this a bike for anyone simply looking for a good gravel bike at a fair price? We put the Canyon Grizl CF 7 through its paces.

Canyon Grizl CF 7 in detail

• Intended use: Gravel
• Tyre width ex-works: 45 mm
• Maximum tyre clearance: 54 mm
• Frame material: carbon
• Fork material: carbon
• Weight: 9.8 kg
• Maximum permissible system weight: 120 kg
• Price: 2,499 euros
• Special features: Down tube storage compartment including mini tool, option for Fidlock frame bag, top tube mounts, three bottle cages, luggage mounts on the fork, mount for a luggage rack and mudguards

Facilities

• Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 820 / SLX (1 x 12), 40; 10–45
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 820
• Seatpost: Canyon VCLS 2.0 CF
• Wheels: DT Swiss Gravel LN
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RX Performance 45 mm

pack animal

The carbon frame of the Canyon gravel bike looks a bit like Swiss cheese. It’s full of holes. Hidden inside the down tube is a storage compartment with a mount for a mini-tool and space for a windbreaker, for example. The opening is rather small.

A third bottle cage can be fitted beneath the down tube, and a bag can be securely bolted to the top tube. The frame is also designed to accommodate magnetic mounts using the Fidlock system, allowing it to hold a custom-fit frame bag. The fork features mounts for Anything Cages and other accessories.

For everyday use, the frame of the Canyon Grizl CF 7 is also designed to accommodate mudguards and a luggage rack. We’ve already had the chance to test the Grizl on a bikepacking trip and can say that the gravel bike’s smooth ride is ideal for long tours with luggage – but more on that in a moment.

​The fact that priorities other than pure performance figures were at the forefront during the bike’s development becomes apparent in the lab test. The Grizl CF 7 does not actually offer a significantly lower weight. Weighing in at just under ten kilograms, the test bike actually tips the scales at more than any other carbon Grizl in size M that has been tested by our editorial team since the range was launched in 2021. Even when compared more broadly, the frame fails to impress in terms of comfort. At least the integrated seatpost is already one of the most comfortable solutions in its class.

In all other areas, the bike demonstrates the quality we’ve come to expect from Canyon, with no significant weaknesses. However, there are some surprising cost-cutting measures in the spec. The simpler GRX crankset increases the overall weight, whilst the cheaper brake discs mean the Shimano braking system doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. In terms of price, the Grizl CF 7 is competitively positioned compared to its rivals. The model could be upgraded, for example, with a lighter wheelset.

This is what the Canyon Grizl gravel bike is like to ride

​Even from the very first test ride, it’s clear which direction Canyon is taking with the Grizl. The comfort-oriented geometry, combined with a short stem, ensures an upright riding position. The handlebars sit noticeably high. Riders who prefer a sportier position should therefore either plan to fit a different stem straight away or look for a different model.

The very wide handlebars also take a bit of getting used to, particularly for those switching from a road bike. The 44-centimetre width at the brake levers – as measured on the size M test bike – should still be acceptable to many. The handlebar ends, which taper to 50 centimetres, are a matter of personal taste, however. Due to the upright riding position, we also found ourselves gripping the lower part of the handlebars more often, which made the enormous width particularly noticeable.

The handling has clearly been designed for maximum directional stability. A flatter steering angle and a longer wheelbase give the Grizl exceptionally stable straight-line stability. Obstacles and potholes are rolled over with confidence, rather than the bike encouraging playful evasive manoeuvres. On light terrain, the handling therefore feels somewhat sedate and less agile. The Grizl really shows its true colours on challenging off-road descents. There, it offers an exceptionally smooth ride and remains remarkably stable even on difficult sections.

Even on steep and technically demanding climbs with plenty of obstacles, the bike benefits from its superb geometry, as it is not prone to losing balance. Our tip: The Grizl accommodates tyres up to 29 x 2.1 inches in width. In our tests, the wide tyres further enhance the strengths of the Canyon gravel bike, turning it into an absolute monster truck – brilliant for challenging terrain!

Conclusion

The Canyon Grizl is the SUV of gravel bikes – especially when fitted with wide tyres. The CF 7 model impresses with a meticulously crafted carbon frame and a reasonable price. Its smooth ride and handling stand out in particular. This gravel bike offers a solid foundation for a wide range of bikepacking adventures, but is a world away from an agile sports car. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

• exceptionally smooth running
• wide range of applications
• a wide range of accessories

Cons

• no lightweight
• sluggish handling