Canyon Grizl CF 7 review: A little chubby bike with a thirst for adventure

Adventure rather than speed: the Grizl finds its niche

Even the Canyon Grizl’s predecessor was virtually faultless. It was the ‘off-roader’ of the gravel bike world: comfortable, practical, suitable for touring and blessed with plenty of tyre clearance. With this new edition, Canyon is now drawing a clear line: The Grizl is clearly designed for adventure, whilst the Grail model is geared towards speed. We tested the entry-level model, the Grizl CF 7. Those looking for more can also configure the Grizl with a luggage rack, dynamo lights or a suspension fork. The range of options in the customisable configuration is extensive.

Steering centre: wide, wider, Canyon

The cockpit is positioned higher than on the previous model; the stem is short and the riding position is relaxed and upright. Added to this is a handlebar that takes up a lot of space, measuring 44 centimetres at the grips and 50 centimetres at the ends. For road cyclists, the ‘Superbügel’ handlebars may seem rather unfamiliar, but there’s a method to the wide front end. Canyon prioritises maximum control: a flat steering angle and a long wheelbase. We measured 1,078 millimetres – longer than any of the other bikes in the test. With its length, the Grizl prefers to plough over obstacles rather than elegantly swerve round them. On easy terrain, it therefore feels a bit bulky and not very playful. As soon as the trail gets rougher, the picture changes. On fast descents, the Grizl sits firmly and confidently on the trail. Roots, stones and blocked sections barely faze it. The bike remains good-natured and isn’t easily thrown off balance. With luggage on board, this composure is likely to be particularly welcome.

The Grizl doesn’t set out to be a show-off. It just wants to get you there. It’s no easy feat, though. Weighing in at ten kilograms, the Canyon is the heaviest bike in the test line-up and also runs on the heaviest wheels – which comes at the expense of agility. The basic GRX crankset adds extra weight, whilst the budget brake discs don’t allow the Shimano brakes to perform to their full potential. Comfort is provided by the split seatpost with a leaf spring design. Otherwise, Canyon delivers a solid package.

The Grizl proves particularly handy when it comes to carrying luggage. A new storage compartment in the down tube, along with an extensive range of accessories including mudguards, bags and luggage racks, make the bike a versatile travel companion. However, the modular system is not entirely without limitations: two-speed drivetrains are a thing of the past, and there is no front derailleur mount. Furthermore, the suspension fork and dynamo lighting system cannot be combined as desired.

Towards the horizon

Our impression: The Grizl is neither a lightweight nor a cornering specialist. However, it rides with confidence, safety and ease. It feels like a gravel bike wearing hiking boots: not all dressed up, not skittish, but ready for the path that gets rougher just round the next bend. The frame is available even for very short and very tall riders – excellent! If you want to combine long distances, luggage and rough terrain, this makes for a compelling travel companion.

Conclusion by Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor

I’d highly recommend the Grizl CF 7 to anyone looking to buy a gravel bike. It’s a superb all-rounder and a sturdy companion for adventures – though at ten kilos, it is rather heavy. Personally, I found the wide handlebars a bit too bulky.