At first glance, the Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7 offers everything the price-conscious biker's heart desires: an aluminium frame with modern geometry from a renowned manufacturer and a thoroughly functional equipment package. But MTB hardtails don't have it easy on the market in times of full suspension hype and the gravel bike boom. An attractive price alone is no longer enough to inspire discerning cyclists. We wanted to find out how much mountain bike there really is in a hardtail for under 1300 euros and asked the Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7 for a test. The bike enters the race with advance praise, as its predecessor already took the crown in a BIKE comparison test of affordable hardtails.
Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7 Hardtail in detail
- Range of use: Hardtail, Tour to Trail
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Available sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
- Weight: 13.2 kg (BIKE measurement, without pedals, size L)
- Maximum system weight: 120 kg
- Price: 1299 Euro
- Available from: Shipper
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Mounts for rear mudguard and pannier rack, three bottle cage mounts, tool and top tube mount
Robust and yet lightweight
Inexpensive mountain bikes are all well and good, but unfortunately in this price category, a high weight often puts a damper on riding enjoyment. Canyon is aware of this and went to great lengths to save valuable grams when developing the aluminium frame. For the bare frame of the Canyon Grand Canyon in size M, the Koblenz-based manufacturer specifies 1989 grams - which promises a very promising hardtail base. Nevertheless, Canyon approves the bike for light trail use in accordance with ASTM category three and, with a maximum permitted system weight of 120 kilos, ensures that the mounting options for mudguard, rear rack, top tube bag and three water bottles can actually be used. Exciting for all those looking to save money: complete bikes start at just € 749 with the Canyon Grand Canyon. Now that's an announcement!
Equipment
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Recon Gold RL
- Gear system: Shimano SLX / Deore, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio: 30; 10-51; 510%
- Brakes: Shimano M401, 180 / 180 mm
- Wheels: Alex Rims DP 25
- Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Addix Speedgrip SuperGround, 29 x 2.25"
- Dropper post / stroke: Canyon SP0081 / 170 mm
How to ride the Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7
The product managers at Canyon are well aware that the target group for an affordable aluminium hardtail is not looking for complex technical gimmicks. What they want is a bike for all occasions, a versatile concept that can be used for both off-road and everyday purposes. As part of the new development, the Grand Canyon has therefore been given a longer fork and more freedom for wide studded tyres as well as various mounting points for accessories. Tools and a spare inner tube can be bolted under the top tube and there is space for a bag on top. Of course, the frame is also approved for trailers.
Contrary to popular belief, many threaded holes do not necessarily make a mountain bike chassis lighter. Clever use of materials is required to achieve the necessary stability. Canyon has managed to build its affordable trail hardtail comparatively light and thus awakens the desire to travel. In direct comparison with the sometimes very chubby bikes of the competition, the affordable Canyon almost looks like a sporty racer. The fast turning wheels, fast rolling tyres and a slightly longer, flatter riding position make it a joy to ride. With the Grand Canyon, the tour can be longer, because the propulsion is strong. Thanks to the steep seat angle and good pressure on the front, even steep climbs are no problem. The seating comfort is mid-range.
People-Pleaser
With a short seat tube, a long but not extreme reach and compact chainstays, the Canyon Hardtail fulfils many of the geometry requirements of trail bikers. The dropper post gets the saddle out of the way on downhills and the rider stands securely on the bike. A short stem ensures direct steering behaviour, but cannot conceal the fact that the front is lower than on the Rose. Less experienced riders may find it more difficult to take the weight off the front wheel and play with the bike at low speeds on the overall longer Grand Canyon.
However, when things get fast, the conspicuously slack head angle of the Canyon hardtail makes for a smooth ride. Meanwhile, the Rockshox Recon suspension fork on the Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7 does a convincing job - at least compared to its price class. It is sensitive, but is also generous with its travel, especially in the mid-travel range, and reaches its limits early on rough trails. The Schwalbe tyres have sufficient grip on most surfaces. Unfortunately, the tyres are unseasonably narrow, wasting potential.
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight13.20 kg (size L, without pedals)
- Impeller weight5136 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs)
- Impeller inertia: 3511 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
- Seating comfort: 7.5 mm
- Frame stiffness front / rear6.4 / 20.5 N/mm
- Service friendliness8 (out of 15 possible points)
Valuation
| Category: Trail hardtails | Weighting | Grade |
| Uphill riding behaviour | 12% | 2,0 |
| Play instinct | 15% | 3,8 |
| Downhill riding behaviour | 13% | 2,5 |
| Downhill chassis | 15% | 3,3 |
| Driving behaviour grade | 55% | 2,9 |
| Weight | 6% | 2,8 |
| Inertia impellers | 4% | 2,5 |
| Seating comfort | 10% | 2,0 |
| Note Laboratory | 20% | 2,3 |
| Equipment quality | 5% | 3,3 |
| Usability / added value | 5% | 3,3 |
| Transport volume bottle cage | 5% | 0,5 |
| Saddle retractability | 5% | 2,0 |
| Quality / Processing | 5% | 3,3 |
| Note Equipment | 25% | 2,5 |
| Overall grade | 100% | 2,7 |
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5 (analogue to the school grading system).
Rating spider diagram: Uphill, play instinct, downhill refers to the riding behaviour: The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: refers to the quality of the components fitted.
Conclusion
Beginners looking for a versatile hardtail will do almost everything right with the Grand Canyon. The bike is sensibly equipped and remains reasonably light. If you don't want to be overwhelmed by the long and slack geometry, you can tackle tours and trails alike with the Canyon. You can't expect more in this price range. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- comparatively light
- Modern, versatile geometry
- Functional equipment
Contra
- narrow tyres
- Less playful driving behaviour
Jan Timmermann
Editor
