Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 AXS: Test victory for the comfortable adventure gravel bike

Timo Dillenberger

· 16.06.2024

Photo: Matthias Borchers

Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 AXS

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Canyon was one of the first manufacturers to equip a gravel bike with the new Sram Apex AXS. The Canyon Grizl CF from Koblenz not only impresses with its modern shifting technology, but also with its high level of comfort and attractive price. The Grizl CF SL 6 AXS even shares the test victory with another bike in our gravel test.

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We included the Canyon Grizl CF as a latecomer in our big group test, as it's one of the more affordable gravel bikes. Nevertheless, Canyon has given it the modern Sram Apex AXS drivetrain has been added. The shifting comfort and range are unrivalled in this category, even if the difference to mechanical groupsets is not quite as great in setups without front derailleurs. The Canyon looks even more elegant without derailleur cables.

Canyon Grizl CF: lots of comfort in posture and cushioning

The Grizl from Koblenz is the more comfortable and more suitable gravel model for travelling. The more upright riding position on the top handlebar remains comfortable even over longer periods of time. As more weight rests on the saddle than on the handlebars, this imbalance does not affect comfort at all. On the contrary, the stiff front end ensures good control, especially in the under-grip position, which remains sporty. A carbon seatpost specially designed for flexibility gives the bike outstanding comfort.

Photo: Matthias BorchersShifting operations with the electronic Apex are extremely fast and precise.

A real racing feeling is created without having to change your grip on the handlebars thanks to the short shifting travel - but this is curbed by the higher weight. As a result, the Canyon Grizl loses points in the overall ranking compared to the Rose Backroad GRX RX820but still shares the test victory with it. What is striking is that the angle of the seat tube remains the same in all seven sizes, which means a sportier riding position for smaller riders.

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Our test rider confirmed that the Canyon offers a comfortable riding position for touring, similar to the Conway GRV 9.0 or Rose Backroad GRX RX820. As the fork and frame can accommodate tyres up to 50 millimetres wide, the Grizl would be our recommendation for off-road adventures.

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The riding comfort, the equipment, the travel features and last but not least the unbeatable price make the Canyon Grizl a remarkable gravel bike. A little more sportiness would make it the perfect all-rounder.