The Canyon gravel bike battles! Which bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each. When it comes to price the Grail ranges from $2,299 to $9,549 while the Grizl ranges from $2,299 to $7,399. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?
There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. For this article, we have taken their mid-range (best bang for buck option as a main comparison, as well as their most affordable and most expensive options, along with a couple of other choices. Instead of comparing all 12 models together.)
The Canyon Grail was built to be a bike that maintains similar performance and speed to a road bike on asphalt while also offering the comfort and control, a road bike may lack, on gravel.
When comparing the Grizl and Grail (CF SL 8 Models), the Canyon Grizl is 300 grams heavier and more focused on adventure geometry which is more comfortable the longer you stay in the saddle. Offering more mounting options to carry all the necessary gear you may need for a bikepacking trip.
When it comes to tire clearance the Grail can fit up to 42 mm while the Grizl fits 50mm. Both are practically identical when it comes to gearing and brakes. Different tires with Grizl running Maxxis Rambler 45 mm and Grail on Schwalbe G-One R 40mm.
The main difference is in the bike’s geometries. With the Grail with a more aggressive stack/reach ratio (1.27 vs 1.44), the chainstay is 10 mm longer on the Grizl and Wheelbase is 8 mm longer too. Again making for a more planted feel when under a load. The trail has a slight 1 mm difference between the two and the standover height is around 18 mm lower on the Grizl. However the same BB Drop and BB Heights. This data is for both medium-sized bikes.
Also when taking a look at these bikes’ gearing we found that the Grizl has a 25.51″ climbing gear and 122.22″ largest gear. That’s a 0.91 to 4.36 gear ratio. Which isn’t very flattering for a “bikepacking bike” but fairly average for a gravel bike. While the Grail was rather similar in gearing, the 5mm leaner tires may alter the overall gearing slightly. This 122″ largest gear is decent for downhill and long flat pavement and gravel grinding!
Canyon Grail
Cover huge distances at speed and in comfort. That is the promise by Canyon with their Grail gravel bike. It is the ultimate all-rounder, offering road bike speed, all-terrain control, and grip with stable but also agile handling. The CF SLX model is designed to win races, while they also offer other more accessible models if you just want to ride fast and save some coin.
The Grail is more focused on speed and performance on gravel terrain compared to the more adventure cargo-carrying friendly Grizl. The Grail has been used in some long-distance endurance events. Featuring a spot amongst some of the fastest gravel bikes. The Grail comes in 12 different build options including women’s gravel bikes.
Canyon Grizl
The Canyon Grizl is a versatile and rugged bike designed for adventure cyclists who love to explore new terrains. Specifically marketed as a bikepacking gravel bike. This bike was created by Canyon, a German bike manufacturer known for its high-quality and innovative bikes. The Grizl is designed to be a true all-rounder, offering excellent performance on various terrains, including gravel, mountain, and road. Why is the Grizl better for bikepacking?
With its rugged design and versatile capabilities, the Canyon Grizl has quickly become a favorite among adventure cyclists. In this article, we will take a closer look at this bike, including its design and build quality, performance on various terrains, and value for money. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure cyclist or just starting out, this article will give you a comprehensive understanding of the Canyon Grizl and help you determine if it’s the right bike for you.
The Grizl comes in a plethora of build choices, including; Grizl 7 Suspension, Grizl CF SL 6, Grizl CF SLX 8 1by, Grizl CF SLX 8 eTap Suspension, Grizl CF SL 7, Grizl 7, Grizl CF SL 7 eTap, Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by, Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2, Grizl CF SL 8. And more options coming soon. With women’s gravel bike models starting from XXS size.
Geometry – Grail Vs Grizl
Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. At first impressions, I was expecting the Grail to be more of a road bike geometry. And that provided to be true with the slightly shorter chainstay and wheelbase for more responsive and snappy control. But all the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.
Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!
| Bike | Grail | Grizl |
| Stack | 536 | 579 |
| Reach | 421 | 402 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.27 | 1.44 |
| Top Tube Length | 569 | 574 |
| Seat Tube Length | 522 | 522 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.5 | 73.5 |
| Head Tube Length | 97 | 138 |
| Head Tube Angle | 72.5 | 72.2 |
| BB Drop | 75 | 75 |
| Front Center | 615 | 613 |
| Chainstay Length | 425 | 435 |
| Wheelbase | 1029 | 1037 |
| Rake | 42 | 43 |
| Trail | 66 | 67 |
| Standover Height | 834 | 816 |
The main difference between the two bikes is the stack/reach ratio, being much more aggressive on the Grail. Meaning the Grizl is better suited for a more upright riding position adding more comfort in the saddle for those long adventures. This would make the Grail more efficient and faster to ride.
Along with this the Chainstay and Wheelbase are longer on the Grizl making it feel a little more planted for loaded adventures. And making the Grail a better bike for speed and performance. You want a shorter chainstay in the rear for quick and snappy bike control.
If you plan to mostly go on adventures with gear the Grizl is a no-brainer. But if you are looking for a speedy gravel bike that will keep up with your roadie mates it’s definitely the Grail. People still use the Grail for bikepacking too. However mostly pavement bikepacking with some light gravel. You just benefit a little more with the Grizl for bikepacking thanks to its adventure-focused geometry for stability and comfort. Along with mounts on the forks and options for suspension gravel bike models.
If you plan to cart gear and use your bike for transporting cargo in the form of bikepacking bags. You might be better off with the Grizl for its longer wheelbase to avoid heel striking when compared to a shorter wheelbase on the Grail. This longer wheelbase adds better overall stability when the bike is under more of a load.
It seems if you are coming from a roadie background and are looking for a bike with larger tire clearance the Grail is your go-to. Allowing you to maintain the performance of a road bike but have the ability to ride gravel more comfortably and efficiently, compared to a road bike.
Compare Canyon Grail to other bikes
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