Gravel bikes under 2000 euros on test: The Canyon Grizl 7 - the almost-all-rounder

For Canyon, winning a test in TOUR has been an honour that the manufacturer has been able to plan for for years. And there is no doubt that the Grizl with aluminium frame is also one of the bikes worth recommending in this comparison test. There are several reasons why three competitors - Cube, Giant and Radon - scored slightly better than the bike from the Koblenz-based mail order company. Firstly, Canyon has now come closer to the standard market price level; the price advantage over the specialist brands is no longer as great as it was a few years ago. Conversely, the Canyon still has an above-average spec for the price limit we set, but this is no longer enough to give it a decisive edge in the battle for the test victory. Together with the robust and modern-looking, but not particularly light aluminium frame, the bike is still slightly lighter than average, but no longer unrivalled - especially when compared to the Cube with its carbon frame. The fact that the Canyon is still a good choice for many, even without winning the test, becomes apparent at second glance - or rather on the first test ride. With its sporty, but not too stretched out riding position and the good-natured, but not stoic straight-line handling, it is fun on all surfaces and should suit the tastes of many gravel bikers.

Canyon Grizl 7: Comfortable and functional

A big plus of the Grizl is the outstanding comfort that it achieves with its well-sprung carbon seatpost. It shares first place in this category with the Giant Revolt, although the latter is a little more compliant at the front. On the other hand, the Grizl's voluminous and grippy tyres help it to get through the terrain well. We have to praise the equipment details that go beyond the mere emblem on the gear group and whose value is difficult to quantify. We immediately liked the very comfortable, thick handlebars, especially in comparison to the often thin and hard aluminium bars of the competition. Components such as the saddle, the high-quality brake discs and the generously padded handlebar tape are also well chosen - many competitors save on such details, which are not the first thing prospective buyers look at. The wheelset from the renowned manufacturer DT Swiss is not much lighter than the own-brand wheels of some competitors, but experience shows that you are likely to enjoy the branded product for longer, at the latest when it comes to spare parts such as a defective spoke. There is also Canyon's huge range of sizes, which also offers suitable wheels for very small or tall people, optional perfectly fitting accessories such as mudguards and a bag set, as well as a six-year guarantee on the frame and fork.

One bike, many possibilities

The Grizl doesn't really want to commit itself to a specific purpose, but that's not a disadvantage in this case. The 2x12 GRX drivetrain from Shimano allows for all conceivable scenarios. The relatively stretched riding position speaks in favour of sporty use, although this could easily be softened with spacers or a different stem. For long adventure tours, the bike has a number of eyelets on the frame and fork for attaching luggage. With space for tyres up to 50 millimetres wide, it can be equipped for heavier terrain. An upgrade to a commuter or randonneur with mudguards and pannier rack is also conceivable, but the Grizl does not offer preparation for the lighting system.

The test bike is the top-of-the-range model among the four aluminium versions, with a ten-speed GRX starting at 1499 euros. There are also two single-speed drivetrains with SRAM Apex (1x12) and the new Shimano Cues (1x10). The Grizl CF SL with carbon frame starts at 2199 euros, but only comes with a single drivetrain. The top versions with the even lighter SLX frame are between 3599 and 4999 euros.

>> Road bike & gravel bike bargains: Top offers at the start of the season

Canyon Grizl 7: Info & test grade

• Price: 1899 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 10.6 kilos
• Frame sizes: 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,4

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 489/570/143 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 594/390 millimetres/1.52
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 648/557 millimetres/1.16
• Wheelbase/caster: 1045/77 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610/820 (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.) | Grade: 1.5
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 610 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Bite TLE 45 mm (eff.: 43 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: DT Swiss Gravel LN
• Impeller weights: 1850/2381 grams (v./h.)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 10,550 grammes | Grade: 4.7
• Driving stability: 10.6 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
• Rear comfort: 104 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
• Comfort front: 121 N/mm | Grade: 3.7
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 87 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Canyon Grizl 7

• Plus: Very comfortable, well equipped down to the last detail, eight sizes
• Minus: Relatively heavy frame set

All 13 bikes in the comparison test

• Bulls Grinder 4
• Canyon Grizl 7
• Carver Gravel 220 1by
• CUBE Nuroad C:62 One >> available here
• Focus Atlas 6.7 >> available here
• Giant Revolt 0 >> available here
• Megamo Jakar 20 >> available here
• Merida Silex 400
• Radon Regard AL 10.0
• Ridley Kanzo Adventure Alu >> available here
• Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 >> available here
• Scott Speedster Gravel 10 >> available here
• Stevens Prestige >> available here

How TOUR tests

Weight (25 per cent of the overall grade): The weighed complete wheel weight in the standardised test wheel size 56-57 centimetres counts for the evaluation. We also show the wheel weights for orientation. The grading scale is set in such a way that a grade of 1.0 is technically achievable: we award the best grade for weights under 7.5 kilograms.

Rear comfort (20 per cent): A measure of compliance under road shocks, measured in the TOUR laboratory. A suspension travel is measured when the seatpost is loaded. The measured value correlates very well with the riding impressions and the feeling of comfort. Good marks also mean decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads and off-road.

Comfort Front (10 per cent): The deformation of the handlebars under load is determined in the same way as for the rear. A good score means a lot of suspension comfort, which takes the strain off your hands on long rides. However, strong sprinters who want a lot of stiffness should look for stiff handlebars.

Front stiffness (10 per cent): Important parameter for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is determined on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not an infinitely stiff frame, but one that is sufficiently stable to ride.

Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent): Reveals how much the frame yields under hard pedalling, for example when sprinting. This measurement also takes place in the TOUR laboratory, with realistic clamping, in which the frame can deform as if it were being ridden.

circuit (5 per cent): The shifting characteristics are determined in the driving test. It is not the price or the quality impression of individual components that is assessed, but exclusively the function of the entire gearbox. The gear range, but also, for example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the mounted chain play a role.

Brakes (5 per cent): As with shifting, the test on the road also counts here, and the experience from our countless tests of brakes is also incorporated into the assessment. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but the function of the interaction between the brake body, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How durable are the brakes, how do they react in hot or wet conditions, how long are the braking distances?

tyres (5 percent): Rolling resistance and grip are evaluated - as far as known from one of our independent tyre tests or based on driving impressions. The tyre width has no influence on the rating, as this is more a question of personal preference.

Lacquer (5 per cent): The TOUR paint test simulates stone chipping and allows a statement to be made about the durability of the protective top coat. A chisel simulates stone chipping or chain impact. Starting at a height of ten centimetres, the height is increased by ten centimetres until the paint gives way or the maximum drop height of 50 centimetres is reached.

Maintenance/adjustment (5 per cent): The test assesses how easy a bike is to maintain and adjust. Marks are deducted, for example, for special tools required, particularly complex detailed solutions, manufacturer-specific components or maintenance work that can only be carried out in specialised workshops.

The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the individual scores weighted differently (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporting qualities of the bike.

We have compiled all the information about our test here.