Canyon positioned itself early on in the gravel boom in 2018 with a bike that literally burnt itself into the retinas of more than just attentive market observers. The eye-catching design of the Grail CF with its striking double-decker handlebars, which are intended to provide more suspension comfort on the upper handlebars, is still polarising today. From today's perspective, the fact that this gravel bike does not appeal to the masses can even be seen as a success for Canyon. After all, it made the brand the talk of the town. But the bike did not fall short of expectations in terms of sales either - at least according to the Koblenz-based company. So it seems that there are enough cyclists who like the special design. The fact that the Grizl is now another Canyon addition to the gravel segment therefore requires at least some explanation. Part of this explanation may lie in the design of the Grail CF - the handlebars are not everyone's cup of tea, are hardly adjustable and are a very expensive replacement part if the worst comes to the worst - as well as in the conception of the model range. There is also a Grail with conventional handlebars, but with an aluminium frame and much simpler equipment, it plays at least two leagues lower than the carbon Grail. So there was a recognisable gap for prospective customers looking for a lightweight, high-quality and uncomplicated gravel bike and not wanting to reach for Canyon's emphatically race-like carbon crosser Inflite. And so it appears: the new Grizl.
Ready for big bikepacking adventures
The Grizl CF SL 8 presents itself as a comparatively simple and robust bike that should also appeal to the tastes of less extroverted cyclists. At first glance, it looks almost sober: with a common and pleasing design language without much frippery, plus a classic clamped aluminium handlebar and a round seat post. The only striking feature is the 45 millimetre wide tyres, which make the bike even more capable off-road than the Grail CF, which can take a maximum of 42 millimetre wide tyres. The Grizl also emphasises its suitability for bikepacking much more consistently than Canyon's previous Graveller. There are eyelets for a third bottle cage under the down tube as well as for a top tube bag or for luggage on the fork. The bag specialist Apidura produces a special bikepacking set for the Grizl, although this is not enough for multi-day tours. Of course, other and larger bags can also be attached to the bike - the fork bars alone can carry three kilograms of luggage on each side. Mudguards are also provided and even fit around the standard 45 mm tyres.
Confident on rough gravel
We were excited about our lab tests and, above all, the Grizl's ride tests. On the TOUR test benches, it quickly became clear that the Grizl is at least in the comparison test of our Gravel Special (TOUR 5/2021) would have equalled the test winner: with an overall score of 1.7, it would have shared first place with the similarly priced Cube Nuroad SL in the version shown. The Canyon weighs a good 600 grams more, which is mainly due to the heavier wheels with wider tyres. However, it scores with impressive comfort - partly due to the wider tyres and partly due to the tried and tested Canyon leaf spring seatpost, which is also fitted to the Grizl.
Conservative look - innovative technical design
In the saddle, the bike immediately appeals with its suspension, which is similar to the chassis and noticeably takes the edge off quick bumps. The high-quality Schwalbe tubeless tyres roll well and provide plenty of grip on gravel. The tyre pressure can be lowered considerably, so that even mud and root passages feel safe. What's more: in the Grizl, tyres up to 50 millimetres wide are possible on the standard 28-inch wheels, which means that the range of use can be extended even further towards off-road terrain. Greater tyre clearance is currently only offered by gravel bikes with a single drivetrain without a front derailleur or which can be converted to the smaller 650B wheel size. These tricks are not necessary with the Grizl. Smaller wheels are only provided for the two smallest frame sizes in order to offer small people sensible proportions.
However, anyone expecting the Grizl to have a comfortable long-distance geometry suitable for beginners will be disappointed. The riding position is similarly sporty as on the Grail and lies between Canyon's Ultimate competition road bike and the Endurace marathon model. The steering behaviour is also by no means sluggish, but allows for a sporty pace. In this respect, the bike fits well into the Canyon portfolio and may be exactly what some fans have been missing: a simple, sporty and versatile gravel bike that also allows adventures in more demanding terrain. The top versions with a lighter SLX frame will cost €4,599 and €4,499 respectively with SRAM Force eTap or Campagnolo's Ekar drivetrain. The Grizl CF SL starts at €1,999 with simple GRX equipment. Those looking for an even more affordable entry-level bike will have to wait a little longer: an aluminium version has already been announced.
The Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 in detail
Price: 2,799 euros
Weight: 9.2 kilogrammes
Frame sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
EQUIPMENT
Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 810 (48/31, 11-34 t.)
Gear system: Shimano GRX 810
Brakes: Shimano GRX 810 (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss G 1800 Spline/Schwalbe G-One Bite 45 mm tyres
You can download the full test with detailed grades and measured values for weight, stiffness and features below for €0.99.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!
Downloads:
download
Jens Klötzer
Editor
