The Grand Canyon 8 from the German direct mail order company from Koblenz is an old acquaintance in our Comparative test of seven mountain bike hardtails around 1500 euros. With 120 millimetres of suspension travel, puncture-proof tyres and a telescopic seatpost, Canyon's 2021 MTB hardtail also focuses on good downhill performance.
In contrast to many other manufacturers (see Price increases in 2021), the Koblenz-based direct mail order company has not yet raised its prices. The Fox 34 with 124 millimetres of travel is unrivalled in this test field: No suspension fork responds so well and at the same time absorbs the energy of incoming impacts better. The 2.35 inch wide Schwalbe tyres with high puncture protection and the telescopic dropper post with 150 millimetres of travel fit in just as well with the trail hardtail as the geometry with a slack head angle and low bottom bracket.
The Grand Canyon masters fast trail sections with absolute confidence. In winding terrain, however, it sometimes requires courageous physical effort to steer through bends.
The rather weak two-piston brakes from Shimano with long brake levers could decelerate a little more powerfully. Heavy tyres and the second heaviest frame in the test (2209 grams) push the total weight including pedals over the 14-kilo mark. This requires a good level of fitness for long rides.
With 120 millimetres of suspension travel, puncture-proof tyres and a telescopic seat post, the Grand Canyon 8 offers a good package for trail-hungry bikers. The price is right, but the total weight of 13.8 kilos is a little too high.
All results of the comparative test
Which manufacturer offers the best spec for the money in 2021? Which bike shines on downhill singletrack descents and which bike is the most efficient and sporty for longer tours? We tested the seven mountain bike hardtails in direct comparison on varied off-road test laps.
In addition, each candidate has undergone an elaborate laboratory procedure. In the BIKE laboratory, we disassemble each test bike into its individual parts and test the frame, wheels and forks in particular according to standardised procedures. The elaborate measurements enable a differentiated assessment. The Comparison test of seven MTB hardtails from 1300 euros with all the results, data and details in BIKE 5/21. Keen for more? Order now your BIKE issue, printed or digital, individually or as a low-cost subscription.
You can download the complete test with all riding impressions and laboratory values from BIKE 5/2021 as a PDF below the article.
The test costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
