Canyon Grizl CF8 w/Rift on test: What ace does this gravel bike have up its sleeve?
Jan Timmermann
· 15.09.2025
The Canyon Grizl comes with the optional DT Swiss F132 One Rift suspension fork with 40 millimetres of travel. A gravel bike with a suspension fork is no longer a rarity, but the Canyon Grizl CF8 w/Rift comes with some unique features. The carbon bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company is packed with clever features right down to the saddle. We were therefore very curious to see how the Canyon Grizl would fare in a direct comparison against nine other gravel bikes and whether its unique gravel suspension fork could ultimately be the decisive selling point.
The Canyon Grizl CF8 w/Rift in detail
- Price3499 Euro
- Field of applicationGravelbike
- Wheel size: 700C/28"
- Tyre width (installed / maximum): 45 / 53 mm
- Weight complete bike10.6 kg (size XL)
- Maximum permissible system weight: 120 kg
- Guarantee: 6 years
- Special featuresFrame storage compartment, carbon fibre seatpost, prepared for Fidlock bag system, suspension fork with luggage mounts
The Canyon Grizl in the video presentation
Equipment
Canyon offers the Grizl with carbon frame in eight equipment variants and seven different frame sizes (2XS / XS / SM / MD / LG / XL / 2XL). Between 2399 and 7999 euros must be invested for the carbon gravel bike. Models with an aluminium frame start from just 1499 euros. Special equipment lines also come with full Monty handlebars and lights. Our test bike bears the model name Canyon Grizl CF8 w/Rift, costs 3499 euros and is characterised by the following equipment:
- Suspension forkDT Swiss F132 One Rift
- CircuitSram Rival XPLR AXS, 1 x 13
- CassetteSram Rival XPLR 10-46T
- Crank / chainring sizeSram Rival XPLR / 40T
- Brakes / disc sizeSram Rival XPLR / 160/160 mm
- ImpellersDT Swiss G1800
- TyresSchwalbe G-One RX TLR 45 mm
- Cockpit / length / width (upper/lower link)Canyon / 70 mm / 460/540 mm
Data from the test lab
Together, TOUR and BIKE go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports the impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight10.61 kg (size XL, without pedals)
- Impeller weight4229 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs, thru axles)
- Impeller acceleration3019 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
How the Canyon Grizl gravel bike rides in practice
We've already mentioned it: this gravel bike from Canyon has something that no other bike has. The head tube contains the DT Swiss F132 One Rift with 40 millimetres of travel. The softener was developed in close collaboration with Canyon and is initially only available in the Koblenz-based mail order company's complete bikes. Special USP: There is a remote lever on the left-hand side of the handlebar to lock out the fork. No other gravel fork currently has this. Also unique: The suspension fork has mounts to which luggage can be bolted. The modules can also be removed for a clean look.
Canyon has put a lot of thought into everyday use during development and offers a special Fidlock bag system for the brand new Grizl, which can be clipped onto the bike in just a few seconds - practical if you want to go for a quick ride with your mates on a Sunday and have to commute to work on a Monday with a change of clothes. Pannier racks and mudguards can also be fitted. The maximum system weight is 120 kilos. A huge bag fits into the frame triangle for bikepacking trips. On top, there is a frame storage compartment with a mini-tool integrated into the lid and a holder for a CO2 cartridge. However, the opening is too small for our taste. With so much detail, it's also surprising that Canyon obviously designed the chainstay protector too short. Especially in the heavier gears, the drivetrain bangs loudly against the carbon fibre on big hits. Meanwhile, a thick down tube protector protects against stones being thrown up.
The attractive price/equipment ratio is typical of direct sales. The box contains heavy but tried and tested aluminium wheels from DT-Swiss and a Sram Rival XPLR quality wireless drivetrain. That's all most gravel bikers really need. Or do they? In contrast to the other bikes with suspension forks, the product managers did not opt for a large mountain bike cassette. In the foothills of the Alps, we missed a lighter mountain gear. Apart from the long seat tube and head tube, the geometry table does not go to any great extremes and provides an upright riding position that invites you to go on long tours without time pressure.
A two-piece carbon seatpost is designed to provide comfort. Our lab measurements show: Flex actually comes mainly from the seatpost, the frame itself only yields a little. In this test setup, the overall comfort is okay and could be improved with even wider tyres in a tubeless setup. However, if you want to ride a different seatpost or even a dropper post, you will feel the high stiffness of the frame. Although the Grizl CF8 w/Rift has a suspension fork, Canyon doesn't fit a dropper post. If you want to retrofit one, you should choose an expensive wireless model that can be controlled via the shifters. There is no room for an additional lever next to the fork remote on the left side of the handlebar.
In combination with the long chainstays, the stiff Grizl is very stable. Thanks to its pronounced riding stability, the bike can hardly be rattled by anything. The feeling of safety is at a high level. Also because the soft Schwalbe tyres spoil you with grip on forest paths and trails and the DT fork does a damn good job. It filters small bumps out of the ground with great sensitivity and glides smoothly over rough gravel. Body fatigue is slowed down and traction is high even off the beaten track. No other gravel suspension fork on the market does this so well at the moment. A twitch of the finger is enough to completely stop the bobbing when pedalling. The hand does not have to leave the handlebars. A superior product and a real ace up the sleeve of the Canyon Grizl!
So that the Canyon Grizl doesn't lose its manoeuvrability despite its smooth ride, Canyon has chosen a short stem and a bottom bracket that tends to be high. When changing direction, this calculation works. Thanks to direct steering, the bike always does what the rider wants it to do. When standing, however, the chassis tilts into the pedals due to the substantial stack with a large lever and sprints take some getting used to. Apart from the much wider tyred bikes from Salsa and Scott, the Grizl has the stiffest wheels. The bike is definitely not a talented sprinter.
Conclusion
The Canyon Grizl is an extremely versatile gravel bike. The DT Swiss suspension fork fits perfectly into the smooth-running concept and outperforms the fork competition from Rockshox. The price for the high-performance off-road equipment and the many detailed solutions is a decent weight. Leisurely tours suit the Grizl CF8 w/Rift better than sporty sprints. - Jan Timmermann, test editor
Pro
- Relaxed sitting position
- Good running smoothness
- Clever solutions for luggage
- Superior suspension fork with handlebar remote
Contra
- Heavy impeller and total weight
- Proprietary comfort concept
- Chainstay protector too short
Jan Timmermann
Editor
