A trail-ready MTB hardtail for less than 2000 euros, lighter than 13 kilograms with premium suspension and 500% gear range. Impossible? Not quite. Canyon has extended the model range of the Grand Canyon with so-called "SL" models, which are designed to offer just that. Trail performance at an attractive price. To achieve this, the Koblenz-based mail order company has opted for a new and lighter frame, longer forks, wide tyres and dropper posts. The only catch? The Grand Canyon is and remains a hardtail - But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
You learn to appreciate hardtails at the latest when the old fully with all its bearings creaks mercilessly. Of course, you can't just ride through a rocky field and expect neither the rear tyre to burst nor the seals to fly out. On the other hand, hardtails are absolutely carefree bikes, are a lot of fun even in winter and on flatter trails and - according to an old mountain bike mantra - they train riding technique and line choice.
Fox fork, vario support and 1x12 drivetrain from Sram - the GC AL SL 9.0
Due to the less complex technology, hardtails are also characterised by a good price/performance ratio. The Grand Canyon AL SL 9.0 With a price tag of 1699 euros, this bike already marks the upper end of the popular Canyon MTB models and offers customers a high-quality Fox 34 Performance, the in-house Vario dropper post with 150 millimetres of adjustment travel, Sram's GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain and reliable 29-inch X1900 Spline wheels from Swiss wheel specialist DT Swiss. Even the four-piston brakes (Sram Guide R), the high-quality and wide tyres (Schwalbe Nobby Nic Speedgrip 2.35) or small parts such as the saddle and grips have not been cheated on.
Trail geometry and more affordable Grand Canyon bikes
The geometry of the SL model is modern and matches the trail-orientated equipment with 120 millimetre fork and dropper seat post. At 68.5 degrees, the head angle is slack for a hardtail and the reach is rather long at 455 millimetres in L with a 60 mm stem, which should ensure sufficient safety and smoothness on the descents. Uphill, crank lengths adapted to the rider's height and a steep seat angle help. By the way: The cheapest Grand Canyon models - without the SL add-on - continue to rely on the old frame. 160 grams heavier (SL frame 1820 grams in size M), but also slightly less progressive in terms of geometry with a steep head angle and short reach. In our opinion, the SL frame is a clear step forwards.
The new SL models from the new Grand Canyon start at € 1099 for men, but the 7.0 has a slightly cheaper but still functional spec and no dropper post. The last model with a double drivetrain remains the SL 8.0 for 1299 euros. In addition to the Shimano SLX/XT mix, it also offers a dropper post and the slightly higher quality fork from Fox. Nevertheless, the needle on the scales should remain at 13 kilograms.
SL WMN - Women's models with customised geometry and components
The three "WMN" models of the Grand Canyon AL SL have been specially adapted for women. They come with particularly small sizes (XXS to M), adapted geometry and smaller wheels. This means that female riders from 145 centimetres can take a seat on the bike. Canyon only uses 29-inch wheels for the size M models and otherwise opts for 27.5-inch wheels, which are combined with particularly wide tyres for more comfort.
As with the men's model, the SL 8.0 for € 1299 and above comes with dropper posts, and the forks are specially designed for lower rider weights. The 7.0 and 9.0 are fitted with Shimano double drivetrains in favour of the climbing gears, while Canyon only uses the Sram Eagle drivetrain with a single chainring on the SL 8.0. The WMN models are expected to weigh between 11.5 and 12.2 kilograms.
All information about the new Grand Canyon AL SL mountain bikes can also be found on the Website of the manufacturer.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
