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Cheap hardtails in comparisonThe test winner is... the Canyon Grand Canyon 8

Max Fuchs

 · 07.03.2024

Canyon Grand Canyon 8 // 13.57 kg // 120 millimetres of travel // 29-inch // 1449 euros // aluminium
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Grand Canyon 8 from Canyon is a durable hardtail bike that impresses with a high-quality suspension fork and balanced geometry. The Fox 32 suspension fork offers excellent damping. Test victory for the Grand Canyon 8 trail hardtail in the BIKE test.

We chose the hardtail MTBs for this test because they are affordable and versatile. They should make mountain biking appealing to beginners, but also attract advanced riders with their uncomplicated, robust character. To find out for whom the Canyon Grand Canyon 8 is worth recommending, we put it through the BIKE test along with six other hardtails.

Canyon Grad Canyon 8 - Fact check

  • Weight: 13.57 kg without pedals
  • Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
  • Wheel size: 29-inch
  • Price: 1440 Euro
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Suspension fork: Fox 32 Float Rhythm
  • Shifting: Shimano XT/SLX 1x12
  • Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-51 / 510 %
  • Brakes: Shimano BR-MT 410 180/160 mm
  • Wheels: Alexrims MD 25 rims; Shimano hubs
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Wicked Will Speedgrip SuperRace 29 x 2.4
  • Available frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
The Fox 32 suspension fork from the Rhythm quality class responds superbly and damps noticeably better than the suspension forks of the other test bikes. Off the beaten track, this gives the Canyon a big advantage.Photo: Max FuchsThe Fox 32 suspension fork from the Rhythm quality class responds superbly and damps noticeably better than the suspension forks of the other test bikes. Off the beaten track, this gives the Canyon a big advantage.

The Grand Canyon has been an integral part of the Koblenz-based mail order company's model range for over 25 years. In its current configuration, the hardtail impresses with its very balanced character and a special feature: the suspension fork. The Fox 32 from the Rhythm quality class responds excellently and damps noticeably better than the suspension forks of the other test bikes. Off the beaten track, this gives the Canyon a big advantage.

But the geometry also hits the mark. The slightly stretched riding position is immediately appealing and makes you want to go on long tours. At the same time, you still sit upright enough for safe control off-road. Also good: The Wicked Will tyres perfectly combine traction and low rolling resistance. The Grand Canyon not only scores points on tour, but also delivers off-road. The Vario seatpost in particular pushes the limits of what is possible on technical trails. Despite the moderate geometry, the sensitive fork ensures a pleasantly smooth ride. The biggest drawback: the weak Shimano stoppers with unergonomic multi-finger brake levers.

The geometry of the Canyon Grand Canyon 8 in frame size L.
Photo: BIKE Magazin

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

The Canyon Grand Canyon 8 manages the balancing act between propulsion and off-road capability and offers the best equipment quality in the test.
Max Fuchs, BIKE test editorPhoto: Dan GriffithsMax Fuchs, BIKE test editor
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Max Fuchs

Max Fuchs

Editor

Max Fuchs hat seine ersten Mountainbike-Kilometer bereits mit drei Jahren gesammelt. Zunächst Hobby-Rennfahrer und Worldcup-Fotograf im Cross-Country-Zirkus, jetzt Testredakteur und Fotograf bei BIKE. Sein Herz schlägt für Enduros und abfahrtsstarke Trailbikes – gern auch mit Motor. Bei der Streckenwahl gilt: je steiler und technischer, desto besser.

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