It kind of sounds like rather than picking the wrong bike manufacturer, you picked the wrong spec'd Grizl...I have the CF SL 8 2x and absolutely love it ... The seat post clamp is designed the way that it is to accommodate the split rail seat post on other models, like the CF SL 8, which I really wanted over a dropper post & has turned out to be phenomenal & really does add to comfort. Makes sense that they would keep the frame designs all the same in case someone wanted to add that later. The press-fit bottom bracket is neither here nor there for me.. I had to replace mine after UNBOUND 2 years ago, and it was no biggie. And then your gearing issue could've of course been addressed with a 2x. I did change my bars to the Zipp xplr bars for a bit more flare and sweep, so I do think they could've put a more gravely, adventure bar on there, but that's pretty subjective.

The most revealing review of the bike I have found so far. Excellent work. Thank you

this is such a refreshingly honest review - I like that you've had the bike a year and have really put it through its paces, both in distance, terrain and also customisation. Probably like most people, I love the look of this bike (SL 8 model), but I really wanted to use a redshift shock stem to reduce the pounding on my arms and shoulders. The quirks of sizing bug me too, so not only are there additions you can't have but you're tied into Canynon compatible mudguards (fenders), pannier racks and tool bags. I'm probably not going to buy the latest version of this bike, which leaves me a bit gutted. Your precis was invaluable. Many thanks

Nice review, thanks! I thought I would share my experiences ... I saved up and got the CF SLX Di2 version 6 months ago. As a roadie, I like that the geometry is pretty aggressive, not dissimilar to my Canyon Ultimate. I also like the low weight and simplicity; no hover bar, no dropper post, no front shock. I had no issues with seat post slipping so far. 2x GRX definitely the way to go for me, 1x never appealed to me. Regarding the press-fit, indeed it's much less straightforward to do any repairs yourself, but the creaking problem is in most cases due to poor manufacturing tolerances on the BB shell itself, luckily I haven't experienced any creak so far with my Canyons. For sizing, indeed best to look at the dimensions themselves (stack, reach, ...) instead of relying on Canyons naming conventions. Other highlights for me have been the Di2 and GRX brakes (so good), DT Swiss wheels (ultra smooth) and leaf spring seatpost (very effective). I would buy again :). Cheers!

Thanks for this video. It definitely gives me a lot to think about as I search for a do-it-all gravel bike.

Nice work Dylan. I have actually been thinking about getting a gravel bike or drop bar MTB and was looking at the Grizl. Glad I watched this.

That dropper post clamp and gearing range really got me to get the AL version.

I have a grizl 6 bought 2by converted to single. I have put a lot of miles on mine I’m guessing more than most folks. The bike is about 9 months I am on my third bb and headset bearings are pretty bad. I race it and train with it I find it to be reliable as far as the frame goes and I think you can’t go wrong if you pick change to the correct gearing for your area. I really wanted to dislike the bike but it’s a beast of a bike and if you are willing to work on can really reward you. I go through parts becuase of the mileage I’m doing it is what it is.

Great video. It's good to hear your experience. I was considering a Grizl that is discounted for the holidays. You changed my mind. I've had the same seat post issue on my current bike. I have found that there are few gravel bikes that have sufficiently low gearing, especially on a 1x. Am considering a flat bar gravel bike now, even if they do draw ire from many.

I have the SL 8 2X and couldn't be happier. I put on a XTR 11-40 cassette to deal with the hills in Vermont. I changed the handlebars to carbon Easton, the seat to a 3D printed Specialized and the wheels to carbon Hunts. I did have to swap out the creaking BB with a White Industries. Happy and highly recommend Canyon.

I got the Canyon Grizl AL GRX 820 2x drive train 2 years ago. Overall I am very happy with this bike and had no issues with it at all. I did change the handlebar to a wider and more flared bar. I purchased the Canyon top tube bag and half frame bag. Their zippers failed and certainly did not last very long. I found that the gear specs with this bike was adequate for most of the riding I do but once I started going on bike packing trips this set up is totally under geared. Yes , there is enough gearing for keeping the bike rolling on the flats and downhills but with a 46/30 and a 11x36 cassette you start walking as soon as the trail goes uphill. I fixed that issue by exchanging the cassette to an 11x40. Problem solved. A 1x drive train either doesn’t have enough lower gears or enough higher gears. So if you are planning to go touring with this bike choose a 2x set up

You wondered about the strange sizes of the bike? German sizes are different to other countries. A US condom size L usually would be equivalent to Size S in Germany. Same with bikes.

I have the same bike as the one reviewed, and I’ve had it for a similar period of time, and put around 2,500 miles on it. I also wouldn’t buy it again, and regret going with canyon. I’m 6’1 and I bought a large (against canyons advice they put me on a medium) and compared to my other bikes it even feels slightly cramped. My grizl is on its second bottom bracket and already due for a third. the finish and paint on the frame also feels really poor compared to my specialized mtb’s, and my epic evo a full-sus that only cost 1200 more weighs around the same. I’ve owned dozens of bikes and this is one of the few I’ve never fallen in love with. Really all I can say is buy something else, their are better options even if they’re more costly. I do find solace that the bike is already near my dollar per mile ridden goal (a silly one) but hopefully I’ll be replacing it soon.

Thanks for the video. Perhaps you should have bought the 2 by model instead. The missing cable hole cover was annoying but you were sent two. If you say you have OCD then trying the bike in an actual shop or at a Canyon trial day may have saved time and effort. I hope you enjoy the gravel riding / bikepacking on what ever bike. All the best.

I thought you were talking comparative bikes when you mentioned both the Rover and the Grizl. I was surprised to find out the Rover is 7k versus 2.5k for the current Grizl. I may have to look past a couple of minor concerns.

The bottom bracket is quasi-pressfit. The Token Ninja is designed for pressfit bottom bracket shells but threads together. It's actually a pretty ingenious design that at least gets away from the PITA process of true pressfit removal and reinstallation. Any bike shop can replace the bearings with the standard tools they have on hand. That being said...mine ticks on my Grizl 6 AL. I'll pull it apart at some point and regrease it, maybe that will fix it. Regarding the stem, Redshift makes 1-1/4" ones, so as far as I'm concerned that mostly nullifies that oddity for me. However, It does mean that the Acros headset is a specialty size (is52-bearingset-a01), and has to be ordered from Europe for about $100 shipped to the US. Probably best to buy one and stash it, because that's about the only wear part on the Grizl that a bike shop definitely won't stock, and Canyon USA frustratingly doesn't even have it listed on their website.

Thanks for really informative review, especially this kind of long term review! Been really helpful to me as I'm trying to decide between Grizl AL 8 1by and Trek Checkpoint ALR 5.

6:10 My cursed synapse from lame cannondale had a serious problem and they didn't honor their warranty. Its FSA was also flexy and didn't like it, replaced it with an ultegra, but of course because bike is cursed (had many problems) crankset is prone to breaks (recalled)... hahah

Really good review. I was thinking of getting one of these but I think the Scott Addict Gravel and ROSE back road are nicer bikes. Something kinda cheap looking about the paint style on this particular Canyon grail.

I got the AL version and I’m pretty happy with it. For the price it’s a really great bike.

Love the honest review! Thanks!

Finaly a real review of a bike great work. You have forgot to mention that it is 3% lighter and 3km/h faster at 200km/h wind speed.

Bought Trek Checkpoint ARL in stead of Canyon Grizl, and iam toyally happy with that decision. That canyon had some unusual downsides. Standard parts was essential for me

I was gonna get one to be fair, but i'll think i'll stick to a Titanium or Steel gravel bike with external bottom bracket as they are built to last...!!! Let's be honest here, bikes of a decent spec are not cheap these days, thanks for the eye opening review :)

Well you just pushed me towards Revel Rover...Thank you

Well said and thanks for the review, my biggest hang up on the bike, on paper is the limited gearing. Think I ll look elsewhere or go for the 2x

Love the video! Question about sizing, do you think size small will work for me? Im 5’6” with 30in inseam. Canyon recommend xs to me but xs small are out of stock. Thanks!

I think the Grizl would be cool with a 10-51 and maybe 36t up front, GRX seems almost too roady for it and you want some serious granny gears on some of those FSR climbs.

Excelent review, thanks a lot . Really helped me with bike (non)purchase decision :)

I have a 1x avanti gran durance pro and upgraded the cassette to an 11-46 and never looked back. That extra bit of range needed, imo the standard 11-42 shimano are specing isn’t enough

Thanks for the video! I'm seriously considering buying a Grizl!

nice video. Thanks for the honesty!

I measured out a Small....it has a been a REALLY long time since I was told to get a small size anything.

Thank you. I am researching gravel bikes to purchase one for my own Christmas present Is Rebal Rove what you referred to?

Thanks so much for this review. I was thinking about this bike hard.

Does the Grizl have any way to attach a rear rack for panniers rather than those floppy and sometimes (from what I’ve heard) hard to unpack seat tube packs? Do too know of any good links on the Revel Rover? Thanks for the video!

Great Video! Thank you for it! at 10:13 - you are wishing buying another cassette or "2by model"? what do you mean here? I am about to buy a bike, but I will be pulling an extra 20kg stroller so the extra low gear is a must have. Thank you for the response!

Firstly, great video production! I'm surprised that you said you wouldn't buy the Canyon Grizl again, it sounds like you have it a hammering and it stood up well. On the gearing, since your OCD is triggered on the front chainring - can you upgrade to a 2x to give you the additional gearing for steeper climbs?

Thanks for your sharing, Sir. I'm also planning a cycling trip in beautiful Iceland in the upcoming 2024. Do you see any problems while cycling in Iceland? Maybe any advice? Thanks a lot!

What is your saddle height (bb to top saddle) in the video? I'm right in between XS and S for sizing and am not sure what size to go for.

Hey Dylan, I have a grizl al 6 (1500 bucks) the one with the grx 400, 2x10. I used mine like you used yours. I came up with this conclusion : It's a great bike especially for Randoneur tours/ bike packing. I bout a wolftooth and a 11-42 cassette, so now my lowest gear is 30 in the front an 42 in the back. This gives my a lot of range for steeper climbers I did in the alps. The stem problem is a real one , but canyon offers now with the new grail various options on other stem lengths, befor you just had to buy the 140 bucks megaforce from syntech. With this changes it's really a great one to do it all bike . I don't have any problems with aluminium , I prefers it over carbon tbh. For 1500 it's the best you can get

in the road.. is it fast/responsive?

Your insights on the Grizl were thought-provoking. I'm curious to know if having the right cranks from the start would have significantly altered your overall assessment. Additionally, you mentioned a preference for a threaded bottom bracket over a press-fit one; did you encounter any specific issues with the press-fit during your extensive testing?

I'm 178 cm tall (5'10). Is small a good choice for me? According to sizing table I'm in the middle territory between S and M.

you had to ask for replacement of a bent crankset I highly doubt that they would have refused to change it

Thank you

how about tow overlap for size M? From what I was reading there is a major issue with tow overlap

What's your thoughts on the Canyon Grail Generation 2 that was just released?

The Grizl is to relaxed?`It has the same geometry as there Ultimate racebike ...

Is the Frame made in China?

Unfortunately canyon has a lot of issues in the aftersale department. Support seems to be terrible and I have heard a lot of horror stories about their bikes braking. Their trusted shop reviews speak for themselves even if it is a lot more likely that people with bad experience give it a review. I have the same bad experience for the big stores with countless bikes because they lack the service. It's just a shame if you have a warranty issue and the bike is gone for 2 months or your next service appointment will be in 9 weeks. I rather buy something in a smaller shop that's known for good service. Canyon bikes are great on paper and they look amazing but their aggressive marketing can't cover up the points above.

BikePacking NEEDS 2x .. 1x is only for weekenders and racers only ! You should have told Canyon to stick the FSA cranks "where the sun don't shine" as they have NEVER made a worthwhile product of any description. You can easily straighten the chainring with an adjustable wrench - plenty of YT vids on doing that, it's the same as for discs. Why don't you have the Canyon split seatpost, it's light comfortable as it privides "suspension" to your saddle, as BikePacker you'd find that a big plus. In all, I don;t think you have enough experience to make videos, you maybe need to watch some more and learn from them.

The Canyon 6 year warranty is a joke. Don't buy a Canyon bike based on the 6 year warranty. It won't be honored.

Never use "environmentally friendly" when buying something new.