Thanks for posting this video. I agree with some of the points but there are issues to be considered. Here is my 500 mile review of the Canyon Grizl CF SL8. I’ll post this also on other videos about this bike. Positives: • The bike is responsive, essentially like a road bike. • The bike is light and climbs well even with the quite heavy wheel/45mm tire combo (DT Swiss/ Maxxis Rambler). • The tires roll well and give decent traction in gravel • The flex seat post provides some additional comfort, but there are some downsides to it (below). Negatives: • There is overlap of the front wheel and my shoes which can be disconcerting in a U-turn or in more technical trails. My shoe size is 45 and the bike has a large (L) frame. This should not happen. I have ridden and owned numerous bikes, and this is the only time this has ever occurred. Why not increase the distance between the bottom bracket and the wheel just a bit? • The geometry is essentially that of a race bike as evidenced by the specs and it feels that way. I would have preferred a slightly more raked fork (may also help with the shoe/wheel overlap) and longer trail for stability. • The spring mechanism of the seat post can be a pain. To adjust the seat angle, one has to take the seat post out, loosen a screw at the bottom of the seat post that holds the two leaves together and then slide the leaves against each other by a millimeter or two at the time, then tighten the screw, put the seat post back on the bike and try it out. Repeat this procedure until it fits. I think the flex design is overly complicated for what it achieves and can cause problems (see below). • The color looks nice at first, but a bright tone and matt finish makes every smudge and fingerprint visible. It is a bit of a pain to clean. • I have the version with two chain rings and am not a fan of the gearing. The way it is set up, at around 10 mph is the speed at which one needs to switch between chain rings to avoid crossing the chain too much and avoid rubbing. This is a speed often traveled on inclines or more technical sections. In hindsight I should have opted for the 1by. • There is a lot of lateral flex in the frame and the bottom bracket is quite narrow. Even when just pedaling hard, one notices some flex. I am 63 years old and not very strong. Not sure how the frame fares under a stronger rider. Quality issues: There were quite a few and more than I ever experienced on any bike. The new-bike joy was squashed almost instantly with quality problems. • On my first ride the rear brakes were dragging. Not really Canyon’s fault I thought, because during shipment things might get out of whack. I aligned the brakes and the dragging stopped, but they made a screeching noise to wake the dead (friends called it choking geese), which was not only aggravating but also embarrassing every time when coming to a stop. I cleaned and lightly sanded the pads, and cleaned rotors, which did not really help much. It took over 200 miles until the noise finally abated and the pads were bedded. • At about 150 miles or so, a crackling sound emerged from the frame. I feared that the frame might have a crack somewhere. It took me a while to figure out that the noise came from the seat post and saddle and projected through the frame. I re-tightened all the fasteners to exact torque specifications but to no avail. I then realized that the saddle was just loose. I could rattle it with two fingers up and down and sideways. The two hinges that hold the seat clamps in place were not of the same width, preventing the screws from getting the hinges snugly attached to the seat post. It took me a while to find some properly sized nylon washers that I could insert. That fixed that problem. • Another problem followed soon. On every downstroke of the right pedal there were some clicking noises but only when the chain was on the small chain ring and when pressing hard, like on a steep climb. Friends with whom I was riding noticed this too. It sounded like the bottom bracket. Again, it took me a while to figure out what was wrong. It turned out that noise came from the two chain rings which are attached to each other with Torx screws. Once I tightened all of them the noise went away. • Some of the internal cables rattled when riding over uneven terrain. I had to adjust the cables to correct that problem. Also, the rubber grommets that guide the cables into the frame were not placed properly in the factory. Lots of little signs of poor assembly. Summary: In the end after solving all the above problems, the bike rides well. But I am not sure I would buy it again. In hindsight I should have taken advantage of their 30 day return policy. But that period had elapsed when some of the problems occurred. Curious what the experience of other riders is.

Great review. I have had my cfsl8 2x in earl grey for 3 weeks now and have done 300km on it. Some of you might be tossing up if this is the bike for you. I wanted a bike with enough mounts and geo for 3 day bike pack adventures plus be good for just hitting up Forrest trails and a bit of single track for a few hours. It is a sensational bike. I have come off a focus mares that I have been using for gravel. For referances I also ride a Tarmac sl6 and Scott Spark. The canyons front end is stiff and tracks and brakes beautifully. Seat post works well (I wasn't sure about it) The grx 810 2x shifts great. gearing is just low enough when tackling 15+ degree gradiants with tired legs though. The standard bar is OK but I have changed it over to a Roval Terra 44cm which I love the shape of and smoother ride plus drops 100g off the standard bar. I have also changed the wheels to Roval Terra cl's. I was never keen on on a 1900g wheel set. At 1400g, these wheels drop 500g off the standard wheels and going tubless drops another 200g (supplied tubes were 360g, sealant 160g) This bike has everything that I wanted and even with upgrades comes in well under $ and better in my opinion, than other options I was looking at. And in the flesh the earl grey looks the business.

Another nice review David - pre-chipped effect means you don't have to worry about your paintwork. It looks like a fantastic bike even though it's not quite as fast as the Holy Grail.

Just recently got my order in for the 2x GRX 810 groupset set to arrive in Early August 2022, I had canceled my CF SL 7 because I really wanted that little more extra gearing up front and I am excited to see how this new flexible seat post performs. Thanks for the in depth review David!

These bikes look amazing. I didn't know what gravel biking was until a few weeks ago but ripping through those trails was exactly what I was looking for.

Great review - Impressed with your a top-to-bottom, deep clean of your bike!

Great review and pretty detailed as well. I got my Grizl CF SL 7 two weeks ago. I love it so much. It performs well on my local gravel & mtb trails.

I got the Grizl CF SL around 3 months ago. I was planning to use it for commuting and dong some gravel adventure, until after 3 weeks of use I had a minor crash with another bicycle and the frame broke. I contacted Canyon and asked about the Crash Replacement Program. Basically, Canyon offered me a new frame (fork not included) for US$ 1,600 + Tax - not exactly a bargain. For now, I will store the bike while I decide what to do with it. If you are planning to do some adventure riding or to commute, consider getting an aluminum frame, as it will be more reliable. My suggestion, get a bike from a reputable brand from a local bike store.

This bike launched the week I’d already bought my Grail 😂 hate the paint design but it’s awesome

Very nice review. You tested the Giant Revolt Advanced 0, too. How would you compare both?

Great review David!

Nice review. I thought about ordering the CF SL8 2x as soon as it is available again but Canyon just increased the price of this model by 200 Euros. Perhaps the Giant Revolt is a better option after all. For 600 Euros more you get a similar specced bike with Carbon wheels.

Thanks for the great video! I want to get a bike like this. Thanks for letting me know that the Grizl is still fast enough to race my buddies and fast enough to enter a race (CAT 5 at best) basically have fun in a race or event. Might do an overnight too.

I'm looking forward to the Addict Gravel review. Can you get your hand on Addict Gravel 20, please?

Great review. How does it compare to your Fairlight? I have the same Fairlight Secan frame and curious how they compare.

Great review, all your reviews seem totally unbiased, a rare thing ! I’d be really interested in your opinion on the cube 62 , I’ve a unrestricted 01 and a ruut cf1 but the cheaper cube just rides better and feels just right , maybe it just fits me a little better so because I’m more comfortable on it I like it more ?

Definitely the N=1 bike of the Canyon brand

For sure a beautiful and a capable bike. But since gravel bikes normaly do not have suspension I prefer those models wich are more comfortable too. At the back end we see the Grizl is comfy enough, but I would not like to have a bike too harsh on my hands off road. Great review as always, greetings from Brazil!

David. Trying to decide between this or waiting for the new Revolt Advanced frameset. Which would you say was the most versatile for combining bikepacking, gravel and road?

Really a. nice and useful review for someone like me, who is thinking of buying a new gravel bike. Thanks a lot for sharing :)

How is it on the road for overall quiver killer, youre section mentioned just adding slicks? Want to have a 2 bike quiver of full suspension then all else, a lot of my rides (70% ish) of this bike would be looking at sh***y city roads where I often enjoy rough sections through parks/grass/etc - mounts make this very appealing like a lot of steel offerings (Ritchey Outback) - definitely on my list over the warbird Currently Im using an REI ADV 1.1 for reference - so there's a lot of performance gains anyway probably (I would go for the 2x option without the split seatpost)

Be nice if Canyon, and everyone else, could sort out their stock!!! Been reclicking the 'notify me' button for like way too long...

Great review. I’m curious, what size bike were you riding? How tall are you? How would you rate the sizing charts on the Canyon website? Canyon recommends a size small for me. But the cranks for that size are 170mm. I’m used to 172.5mm which would be size medium. 🤔

How does this compare to the giant Revolt Advanced pro 1? I was thinking of getting the Revolt for a road bike, figured it would be more comfortable for the bad roads I ride on. would it be overkill?

PERFECT!!

Thanks for this review. At the moment I cannot choose between the Grail and the Grizle as they both have a drawback for me. The non standard stem of the Grail is a deal breaker as you cannot easily adapt the fitting of the bike. As I ride 80% road, the 45 cm tyres of the Grizl seems overkilled. What should I do? As the geometry of both bikes is similar, should I buy the Grizl with another pair of tyres (the 38 cm wide tyres from the Giant Revolt seemed rolling on the road)? Does it work? Thanks a lot for your insight! Cheers

thank you!!

Would it be ok for small jumps? Just like 3 foot gaps or similar. Or would it crack or something

Hi David, what is your height and what size Grizl did you test ride? Thanks. I'm between sizes and trying to see if I should order a M or L. I'm 6'1" with a 34in inseam.

I really love this bike, the problem is finding one to buy 😫

This Vs the trek checkpoint SL5. Mostly for fun, def some gravel races but not competitively. Probably some bike packing eventually. WHICH ONE YOU TAKING?

Could you please measure the frame triangle, because I would like to check if my bags fit and can't find any information online. Thanks!

Good stuff thanks.

David, which would you choice the Canyon Grizl CF SL or the Giant Revolt Advanced 0?

9:15 fit some fat slick tyres for winter commuting. David, can you recommend any such tyres?

How is the bike? Looking at buying the red one

Good review what is your opion on Scott Gravel Speedster 20

Hi, all - have just taken delivery of a Grizl and have not long finished building it. Lovely looking machine (in Earl Grey for me). However, I was VERY surprised to find on my test ride that I suffer from toe overlap due to the bike geometry - the first bike I have ever owned with this issue. I had not seen this raised in any forums or reviews and, whilst overlap is common on track and race bikes, it seems strange on this bike given the need to be able to steer around switchbacks, avoid rocks etc - whilst having to maintain pedal rotations for momentum / to avoid falling off due to terrain. Has anybody else had the same experience? Is it actually quite common for Gravel bikes? Note that I am 1,86 tall (with size 46 feet!) and chose the large after much checking of frame sizes. The next frame size up would prob be too big as I think my measurements were about in the middle of the acceptable range for a Grizl sized L. Not changed tyres etc. from stock as it’s just landed with me. Any helpful comments on your experiences greatly appreciated.

How is this against the Secan? :)

Great review, looking forward to get my soon! Quick question right sifter moves gears up and left sifter moves gears down? Thanks

Thx for the video. Do you have a bike stand or was it just a stick? Because I am looking for a bike stand for my grizl al.

May I ask what your inseam (as Canyon asks for it?) On the fence on sizing and we are the same height. THanks!

How tall are you David? Trying to compare the Medium to the Large frame.

spoke to the guys at Redshift and there will be 1.25 inch stem on the way

Good evening, I would like you to give me an opinion on the size I should order my Grizl , I am 178 cm tall and 83cm between legs, I am undecided between size S and M

I see this is a Medium frame. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the canyon sizing system and what your height and inseam measurements are. Cheers

Mate, what about the front suspension model? I’ve got a fused spine - would it be an advantage? I still can’t choose between grail and Grizl - I love fast but no yet on gravel - going to ride France and Tasmania - thoughts on which model?

Regarding the frontend stiffness, do you have any experience with the Lauf Smoothie handlebar?

Dave can you let me know what bar bag you are using please? Thanks simon

Hi David, what’s your height and what size did you use?

Hi All, what about to make the Paris - Roubiax in this kind of bike?

Hi Arthur, I did not decide yet between a Grizl CFL7 and a Giant Revolt Advance 2. What is your opinion?

David, I was interested in the Grail and the Grizl. I have opted for the Grizl with extra mounting points for storage for bikepacking. Could you recommend a second set of wheels and tyres for more road / touring riding that are narrower, a bit faster etc?

How does the Giant revolt compare to the grizl?

Any news of a Grizl:ON on the Canyon roadmap?

Great review, what is the size of this one?

Im looking for a one bike do it all but on their website, 9.81kg for the CF SL 6? Isnt it heavy? Its more heavier than the Grail AL 6 at 9.50kg.

Does Canyon not sell the splash guards anymore?

How does this bike compare to th Wi.DE?

but its not suitable for really long distances, right? I mean with that racing bike ergonomy youll be killed when you drive 1000+km

*A bit challenging to clean.*

With the 2x you get more gear range as opposite to the 1x?

I wonder if u fall 20 times wot will happen with the frame? I would trust a Ritchey more…

I don’t get why these things have drop bars. They look ridiculous on trails and if you hook a branch you are going endo.

Paint job looks awful to me. It doesnt have artistic pattern just a bizarre random dark shapes. Germans might be good engineers but for aestetic erm....

Gravel riders love tacky paint jobs. Good call Canyon.

grizl sounds like a dated snoop dogg joke

Too bad they only offer it in these hideous colors.

No matter what they do canyon bikes looks nasty and just not good.

Hideously ugly and grotesque chainstays. God awful paint job. Fork design that lacks any design whatsoever (hey lets just flare the top for bigger tires). Idiotic seatpost that will accumulate dirt and be impossible to clean. No suspension element of any kind (i.e. FutureShock or BMC’s decoupling rear). A bike for 2018. Giant Revolt any day of the week. Diverge leads the gravel class by far. Even BMC is a solid gravel option. And the new Scott Addict looks great. At least the above are great looking bikes, this thing is just typical German ugliness. Especially that paint job, just hideous. But great review from David as always.

Ugliest paint scheme ever!