These days, gravel bikes are really about maximum tire clearance while still maintaining a “roadie” feel. The first question that comes out of anyone’s mouth is “what size tires can it fit?” While clearance varies between frames and various rim/tire combinations, we all still rely on that stated max rubber width(*) provided by manufacturers. With that, the all-new Canyon Grizl answers that question clearly and succinctly: 700x50mm.
Canyon acknowledges that while we call the latest crop of bikes “gravel bikes,” there’s a spectrum of gnarliness that makes up the type of riding one might expect to tackle on one. For me, I expect a gravel bike to do everything. It has to ride like a road bike on pavement and also be able to handle moderate singletrack, when called upon. It’s a tall order, but the BMC URS, Open UPPER and 3T Exploro RaceMax all check off those boxes. Now, the new Canyon Grizl looks to do the same.
Where this one differs is it is explicitly built for one wheel size, 700c. The two smallest sizes (2XS and XS) are 650b only. So, with that the handling and performance of the Grizl is 100% optimized instead of trying to make it work with either. All builds will come with 45mm tires, but the frame will accommodate up to 50mm rubber to maximize the fun-factor. Going along with all that squish, the Grizl has fork mounts, bento mounts and additional mounting points inside and under the downtube. The icing on top is Canyon’s VCLS leaf spring seatpost that adds a hefty dose of smoothness.
The Grizl features “Gravel Geometry” with a longer wheelbase, shorter stack and reach than the Endurace. It’s paired with shorter stems and wider bars too. And, it uses a standard cockpit system that’s much more upgrade-friendly. While the Grail has been hailed as a wonderful bike, that double-decker bar does eliminate typical personalization options that discerning riders prefer.
Because Canyon knows that you’ll take the Grizl into more technical terrain, it meets their 1CX testing protocols that go beyond standard road bikes, but the Grizl CF SLX frame comes in at a paltry 950 g. Of course, it’s compatible with dropper posts, can be outfitted 1x or 2x and accommodates up to 180mm rotors. They also have a collaboration with Apidura packs for extended adventures and it features clearance for mud guards while still running 45mm tires. And, Canyon anticipates an alloy Grizl to arrive in late 2021!
Canyon Grizl Highlights:
- Available in 6 models from $2199 to $4899
- Available in 7 sizes (2XS and XS in 650b)
- CF SL and CF SLX carbon frames
- Optimized for a single wheel size
- 50mm tire clearance (45mm standard)
- Tons of mounting points
- CF SLX frame is 950 grams
- Builds feature Shimano GRX (1x and 2x)
The Grizl will be available in limited quantities starting now and inventories will be replenished as they are able. We will try to get our hands on a test bike as soon as we possibly can.
More Info: Visit Canyon.com
