Canyon goes different ways than others. And unlike in the big Gravel bike test 2023 the Grizl came here in a super chic colour and with Campagnolo drivetrain components. Despite the 13 sprockets, their gear changes are super-precise and fast, but the ergonomics of the shift levers are not well thought out, the pressure surfaces are small and difficult to hit, especially off-road. However, this is the only real shortcoming of this great, very sporty all-rounder with the lowest SR ratio.
Nevertheless, the riding position of the Canyon Grizl 8 suits many people and areas of use, the handling is a touch less agile than that of the Canyon Grizl 8. Storck. This and the weight distribution a little further on the rear wheel than on the three full sports bikes makes it easier to forgive a riding error. The Campa brakes are also easy to modulate and help gravel beginners.
As with carbon bikes, the ride comfort of the super-elegantly crafted aluminium frame is not at the same level as that of carbon bikes over long distances. Koga or primal madness, but you sit more relaxed than the sporty design would suggest. The space between the front tyre and down tube shows: The bike is long but not particularly low in the front end, good for pedalling, control and comfort. With a handlebar like the Dutch bike, the gap in the all-round rating would only be minimal. The Grizl would have room for tyres over 45 mm, making the bike super easy to control for less experienced riders and beginners.
Conclusion on the Canyon Grizl 8 1by Ekar
Apart from the original but unergonomic gear lever, this is a safe and super-affordable leap into the upper class, even for gravel novices and bikepackers. The extra kilo saves around 1000 euros.
The most important information about the gravel bike
- Price: 2499 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.1 kg
- Frameset: Weight 1785 g / max. system weight 120 kg
- Frame sizes: XXXS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Seat tube / top tube: 522 mm / 574 mm
- Stack / Reach / SR quotient: 579 mm / 402 mm / 1,44
- Wheelbase: 1045 mm
- Drive: Campagnolo Ekar groupset, 1 x 13 gears, Ekar crank 40 teeth, Campa Ekar cassette 10-44 teeth
- Brakes: Campa Ekar Ergop, hydr. disc brake, 160 / 160 mm
- Wheels / tyres: Fulcrum Rapid Red n3w, 28 round spokes / Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H, 700 x 45 mm
- Guarantee: 6 years on all canyon parts, rest 2 years
MYBIKE tip: Price/performance 6/2023
