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A gravel bike for beginners that’s affordable and good? The answer from Jens, test editor at our sister magazine TOUR, comes straight off the cuff: “Canyon Grizl 6”. At €1,499, the Grizl 6 is the most affordable bike in Canyon’s gravel range and is also one of the cheapest gravel bikes on the market overall.
Facts about the Canyon Grizl 6
- Price: 1,499 euros
- Cycling category: Gravel bike
- Frame: Aluminium with carbon fork
- Frame sizes: 3XS to XXL
- Frame shapes: Diamond
- Weight: 10.7 kg (test bike, size M, MYBIKE measurement)
- Permitted total weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Carbon fork and seat post, 50 mm tyre clearance, wide range of sizes
The features of the Grizl 6
Even so, there’s little to compromise on. The brakes and gears come from Shimano’s high-quality GRX gravel groupset. As with the more expensive Grizl models, the frame and carbon fork are already set up for bikepacking panniers. But they’ve also included eyelets for a classic luggage rack.
- Circuit: Shimano GRX 400
- Translation: 46 / 30; 11–34 teeth
- Brakes: GRX 400 (two-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Bite, 45 mm
- Fork: Canyon, Carbon
Real-world test: How the Canyon Grizl 6 gravel bike rides
The Grizl 6’s spec shows that even the entry-level model is designed to excel in sporty off-road riding. Canyon therefore fits high-grip knobbly tyres as standard. Anyone who nevertheless fancies tackling a long ride will appreciate the 2 x 10-speed drivetrain with a wide gear range and fine gear spacing. The biggest drawback of the Grizl 6 is that, at 10.7 kilos, the bike isn’t exactly light for a gravel bike. But you can hardly expect that for 1,500 euros.
Off-road sports enthusiasts in their purest form
During the test ride, you quickly forget just how heavy the Grizl 6 is. Everything about it is just right! The handlebars are set at a sporty angle, but not too low. A slight flare ensures a very comfortable riding position. When accelerating, the Canyon feels stiff, whilst the relatively short stem provides direct handling.
This means the Canyon also performs well off-road. This is where the high-grip tyres really come into their own. Even easy trails are great fun on the Grizl 6, and the crisp gear changes and effective brakes add to the experience.
That’s right: although the GRX 400 is the most affordable groupset in Shimano’s gravel range, it actually works compared with the rather vague cues but remarkably good. The only criticisms relate to minor details. The sharp-edged Selle saddle tends to chafe cycling shorts, and the stiff aluminium frame could do with a bit more give at the rear for greater comfort. Due to its design, the Canyon is only of limited suitability for everyday use and compliance with the StVZO without mudguards and lights.
MYBIKE review of the Canyon Grizl 6
Strengths
- Fun, well thought-out and well-equipped
- Relatively high off-road capability
Weaknesses
- rather heavy
- Not particularly suitable for everyday use due to its design
The MYBIKE verdict
Canyon also builds the Grizl 6, its most affordable gravel bike, as a dedicated off-road bike. The bike impresses across the board, particularly when it comes to ergonomics and handling. The brakes and gears from the affordable GRX range outshine many more expensive trekking models. This makes it a great gravel bike, not just for beginners. - Barbara Merz-Weigandt, Editor-in-Chief of MYBIKE
Alternative models: gravel bikes – fast and comfortable
Cube Nuroad C:62 One: Test winner for under 2,000 euros
The value for money offered by the newly launched Cube Nuroad C:62 is unbeatable. Even the most affordable model Cube Nuroad C:62 One For 1,999 euros, it has a carbon handlebar and a carbon frame, and weighs well under 10 kilograms. The Cube Nuroad C:62 Race is the even sportier version of our Test winners. The Nuroad Race FE with an aluminium frame once again took the Top-rated in the fully-equipped gravel bikes category.
Giant Revolt Advanced 3
With its comfortable and straightforward nature, Giants’ carbon gravel bike is one of the all-round favourites of our sister magazine, TOUR. The double chainring offers a wide gear range, and its handling is impressive even off-road. Price: a fair €2,499 >> available here.
Cervélo Aspero GRX 820
Admittedly, at 4,899 euros, the Cervélo is certainly no bargain. But in return, the Canadians offer a genuine super-bike which, despite its sporty riding position, also scores highly for the comfort provided by its super-light carbon frame. Hardly any other gravel bike weighs as little as this – it’s only around 8.5 kilograms.
Adrian Kaether
Editor