What's REALLY The Difference Between Gravel Bikes?

[@gcn]

Which bike would you choose? Performance or Adventure? 🤨

[@SirSweatpants]

Adventure all the way!

[@generaphaelian8893]

Giant Revolt with its rear dropout "flip chip" which allows me to run it in an aggressive race setting, or in a chilled out adventure setting, with clearance for wider tires. Best of both worlds.

[@IsleofMull2011]

Performance, as I would use it for gravel, and a bit of road riding...

[@lilbruin]

Another vote for adventure Grizl, please. I can max my adventure threshold watching paint dry, but this looks close to the perfect bike. Anything works in the city but something that gets me safely and comfortably off the highway is great.

[@dwizzle504]

Performance

[@Katie-rf5vx]

Only GCN can do a video that’s entirely an advert and it still be decent content and entertaining

[@christocan4710]

Maybe. But why does a brand need to buy that much of advertising? Are their products actually not good enough to „speak for themselves“?

[@Mas421]

@@christocan4710Canyon is well known for aggressive marketing….

[@danielakerman8241]

What do you mean? That’s been Top Gear’s whole shtick for 20 years! GCN just borrowed the formula and applied it to bikes!

[@SamuelLudden]

​@@christocan4710that's how advertising works. Most people have to be told what's out there. Not everyone browses forum posts about the minutia of every bike, and would rather have someone show them

[@niekpriest8046]

I already own a Grizl but still i loved the video

[@willallen9888]

When the new Grail came out, I had major bike envy. I have the Grizl CF SLX, but worried I would wish I had the Grail. Based on this video, the terrain I like to ride, and the adventures I wish to go on, the bike envy is gone and I'm even more happy with my Grizl! Thanks for this video.

[@zMee85]

@gcn you are on a different level with all your videos. I almost spit my tea over the table seeing si with this short. Please, I mean PLEASE!!!!! keep going with this content. You make my days and my love for riding bikes so much more. The whole gcn crew is in my heart for the tears, sweat and smiles you have on your face riding these awesome bikes!!!! Big love

[@gcn]

We love creating all our videos for you! Great to hear that you enjoy them too... Si and his short shorts aren't going anywhere 😉

[@mikedittsche]

I own a Grizl CF SLX with Ekar. I love it. I didn't go for the Grail because I wanted it to feel sufficiently different from my road bike, at the other side of the spectrum so to say. It is great for rough offroad - single trail mountain bike terrain and I feel confident even jumping with it. And on paved roads it feels surprisingly fast - something I didn't expect given the 45mm wide tires.

[@JMatic-xk9vq]

Same here - I have an Aeroad and wanted a wider spread - so I have chosen the Grizl.

[@AQUPAS]

I own a Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 (2x GRX) and the thing is a beast on all surfaces. Either way you can't go wrong with a Canyon and German engineering 👍👍

[@Ydkoll]

So how much does a Grizl and a Grail cost? I'm really in the market to buy one. It will be my first gravel bike but I've seen prices that can spook anyone!!

[@smac5479]

A factor for me was groupset compatibility, i wanted a winter road bike, a turbo bike and a gravel bike I can also bike pack and CX on... so glad I went for a Grizl ! I just swap out the wheels for my road DT swiss wheels, both 11-speed, change to road pedals and I'm sorted, think I'm beginning to like my Grizl better than my summer super bike that cost 4 times the amount even though the Grizl is entry level 😊

[@user-lo7pt4kd8l]

I've got a little over a year on my Grizl. Install 42 mill tires and I'm completely happy.

[@Bike4Coffee-Cake]

Love the video 😂. Keep the fun! Given the choice, Grail for me. 42mm is wide enough for what I do (bad roads, light gravel, light bike-packing).

[@mariuscpeter]

Both, darn it! Can't really decide which one. I like to replace my road bike therefore the Grail would make more sense but I love the leaf seat post on the Grizl. Hmmm

[@philipbrandish4330]

Also relevant is what other bikes you have. I have a Grizl and an Endurace - very nice combo. But I agree max tire clearance and whether you plan to bikepack is probably the best way to choose. I rode VT Overland this year on 45s/Grizl and I am glad I was not running 40s as I typically do on that bike!!

[@Acousticmarine678]

I like the new Grail, but 42mm don't cut it on the rough stuff. I've been riding the A Grizl CF8slx Di2grx for about two years now. I love the lower gearing on the GRX groupset. I replaced the stem and seat post with redshift suspension parts, this helps my 63 year old body with the rougher stuff. If you're not riding for money, I would go for a Grizl.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Can't see myself ever riding tires narrower than 40 on a gravel bike. That leaves little wiggle room

[@galenkehler]

That's the whole point (stated in the video, btw). The grail isn't for the "rough stuff".

[@cjohnson3836]

@@galenkehler for the average rider, that's not true. We don't have multiple bikes for every niche. More importantly though, the grail isn't even carrying the best tire size for the moderate stuff. Canyons riders can say what they want, and they are heavily Euro centric in their views, all being former tour riders. Independent testing is showing more and more that even on moderate terrain (basically most of US gravel thats not unbound or big sugar, the new UCI gravel course they ran this year, etc) 45-50mm is faster than 38-42mm. The reason being multiple. Aero losses are not as severe as people think, esp for the speeds of those of us not being paid to ride hours/day. Wider means more stability and thus you can carry faster speeds through both cornering and washed out terrain (I can push about 4mph faster through the sand pits normal for my location on my knobby 50mm than my narrower gravel semi slick). Innovation in tread arrangements and tire compounds have greatly minimized rolling resistance as XC technology gets integrated into gravel. There's really no reason any of us should be worried about sub 45mm tires anymore. They just don't get you enough to be worthwhile, and carry many detriments.

[@galenkehler]

@@cjohnson3836 no, there are hundreds of gravel bikes that fit larger tires. The grail just edges more toward the smoother side. Lots of people want a "Road+" bike and this fits right there, without the compromise that wider tires force the stays and chainrings out.

[@Shellewell]

And here I am riding relatively knobbly 25mms on everything 😅

[@smoothespike]

Currently ride an Endurace CF SL - Road wheels for the road and pushed the tyre clearance with 35mm Schwalbe's on the stock wheels for "light gravel". Having done a couple of Gravel rides last year, this setup is going to struggle when things get a bit muddy. Timely video, but still torn. Heart says the new Grail (although can't afford that CFR model!) and Head says Grizl as that would compliment current setup when needing to go on the rougher/muddy stuff and provides a potentially easier path to bike packing options.

[@wolta87]

I had a Grail AL 1by for almost 3 years. First stiff bike after years of full frame MTB only (aside from some commuting on a cheap bike). Best investment in a long time, I fell in love with biking all over again. Sold the MTB, sold the Grail, got a Grizl AL and am even more in love since. The Grizl is a do it all. I commute 3 times (about 25k commute) a week on it, I ride quick weekend sessions with it, I go bickpacking with Tent, Bag, Mat and bags and stuff all mounted to the bike so I don't need a backpack. Which is an absolute must if you go bikepacking for couple of days with 80-150 km days. It looks amazing, it is sturdy, nothing breaks or gets loose, it's top value for money, it's fun. I live on the edge of a city with access to the woods, so when I get home from work I just hop on in riding gear and just go for a loop. With all the riding technique and lince choice I learned from MTB it's really capable. And sooooo much fun on the road as well. Starting from red light, you crank 3 times and you are away. I've never really ridden a roadbike-like bike that much before and the way the bike handles is just so smooth. Really a great bike. And great video as well. Si has such a nice humor :)

[@MrTylerSteven]

Just bought a canyon grail CF SLX and I love it. I’m from NL so no mountains here. Hence did a 40km single track and 100km road trip on it. I love it. What is not in the video hence for me was one of the key points to buy is the optional fender set. I bought the bike for rainy day’s, mud and leaves on the road training bike. The 100km was together with a friend who I am used to ride together with, I was even not much slower as with my canyon aeroad

[@gcn]

That's a great point! Extra mudguards is always welcome 🙌 We love this bike though 😍 - What adventures have you got lined up? 🗺️

[@MrTylerSteven]

@@gcn cool, a genuine GCN reply! Still planning my 2024, hence highlights will be a 400km 3-day gravel ride and 1 week Mallorca :-)

[@jacksonbangs6603]

I would choose the Grizl because of it bag mounts and use versatility. I like to be able to do more than one type of ride with my bicycles. Awesome videos!

[@chortleboy]

I have a 2024 Grizl 1 by with suspension coming tomorrow…can’t wait

[@denisaraujo86]

I have a Canyon CF SL 7 with Hover Bar, it’s actually a very fast bike to be gravel bike and very quick response, I like it and I also use it as a second road bike with thinner tires, overall is a great bike, the only thing that I’d complain is why having that high performance the cables aren’t integrated 😔

[@ThomasNing]

to make it easier to service if you have a cable snap while you're out on adventure right?

[@JimStepsride]

Thanks for the visual, I cannot ever unsee you in jorts!

[@scottbussom6155]

I have the Grizl SLX Di2..I spent lots of time deciding what to get and got the bike a month ago and am so glad I chose it! I think the Tire Clearance should really be as much as possible. This way you can and up the tires if you want and use two wheel sets with options to span smooth road and roudy off roading. The Grail Tire clearance restriction seems like too much of a sacrifice. The Grizl keeps option open better than Grail. Good review as always Si!

[@fabianstephan3368]

I generally agree, but sweetspot for me would be 45 clearance. With larger clearance road tyres look not so nice :D

[@dortadamas]

Punto para la Grail@@fabianstephan3368

[@pascalhibon7928]

I bought a gravel bike just after lockdown. My initial thought was to buy a more adventurous bike (Ridley Kanzo Adventure). However, the very long lead times (1,5 years!) has pushed me to buy the bike I now own: a Ridley Kanzo Fast. This is a performance gravel bike. In the end I don't regret this; the Kanzo is a nervious bike just like my mountain bike is. On the more technical tracks I prefer a mountain bike though.

[@cruachan1191]

Logically I'd probably say adventure and choose the Grizl, but I love the modularity of the Grail. Little touches like the fork sleeves, the mudguards, the integrated storage and the handlebar mounts for either the aero bars or a head unit mean it's pretty close (IMO) to the ultimate all-rounder.

[@cjohnson3836]

I would expect a future grizl update to carry a lot of that stuff

[@squngy0]

My thoughts exactly!

[@JollyGiant0]

Buy the old Grail (Hover bar version) and get performance and comfort with split seat post and double bars that work well.

[@tiger2too18]

Grail with a second set of 32 mm tyres for road / touring . Both are good looking. Grail with clip on bike frame storage is sml and light.

[@TyTy22_]

So glad you guys made this video as it’s something I’m seriously debating at the moment. The 2XL Grail is what Canyon’s website is recommending for me, but its reach and wheel base are huge compared to my 2XL Grizl. An XL Grail is almost the exact same geometry as a 2XL Grizl, so I’m wondering if that would be the correct size for me. But when I tried running an 80mm stem on my Grizl, I would have an issue with feeling like I’m dumping my bike every time I would slightly shift the handlebars. Also, paused the video just to give a thumbs-up for jorts Si

[@smup2I]

Top tube length is ~30mm longer on the grail, for that the stem is 20mm shorter and the head tube angle is ~1° slacker. So it all balances out and I would go with the same size.

[@TyTy22_]

@@smup2Ireally appreciate the comment, thank you

[@Alioopsist]

Csn I ask how tall are you and your leg inseam, thanks

[@roomwworkshop]

I would like to choose Grail because I will do some gravel races and also I could change the narrow tyres for on-road. Thanks GCN to make this video for more understanding of these two bikes.

[@kannibalkev]

Thanks for another informative commentary Si. I just pulled the trigger on the Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 AXS Trail, my first gravel bike and my first Canyon! It seems to me the Grizl is the perfect Adventure bike with tons of Performance capable features that lie somewhere between my Colnago C64 with Campy Super Record EPS and my Eriksen FS MTB with SRAM XX. I'm looking forward to putting it through the paces. Cheers! 😎

[@jaimerojas1969]

I am on the market to upgrade my gravel bike. Currently running a Cannondale CAAD X (Cyclocross bike). I own a Canyon Ultimate and have been looking closely at a Grizl, but this new Grail has really peaked my interest!

[@s1ngularityxd64]

can't wait for my grail di2 slx to arrive 😍

[@gcn]

Enjoy! It's a great bike 🙌 We would love to see it up on the bike vault! 👉 GCN.app/eu

[@mpkback]

Tough choice. For me, really, the only difference between the two is the tyre clearance. If anything the Grail is more practical than the Grizl: Yes, the Grizl comes out of the factory with more mount points, but the Grail has fittable genuine Canyon mounts available, and it also has the snazzy frame bag and in frame storage. When you take that into account, plus the fact you can more easily fit higher road gearing, the Grail seems the more all-round one bike choice. Maybe next year the Grizl will get updated with the in-frame storage and snazzy bag.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

When my road bike has been down, I've ridden my Grizl on the road and it's great. The only thing I wouldn't wanna do on it is a criterium but I wouldn't do that on a Grail either.

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

A more versatile gravel bike with larger tire clearance just makes way more sense. Sure it looks a little silly with a second set of skinny road wheels, but the racing bike like the grail is literally a road bike with slightly larger tire clearance. The Grail has strong Cyclocross 2012 energy

[@squngy0]

On the other hand, whats so bad about a road bike with slightly larger tire clearance?

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

@@squngy0 nothing in particular. Just a lot of very similar bikes

[@Bicycle_Pam]

That was great. Really helpful. We bike a lot and I have a Salsa but am looking for front suspension and lighter weight. I was convinced about the Grizl…. But canyon did not have my size. 🙁. Keep the shorts.

[@pedalnesto]

I just picked up the new Grail CFR and it’s incredible. Comfortable and very fast. Bike came with top spec 40mm tires. I threw a set of Vittoria Air Liner Gravel inserts and the ride is even better. It just carves its way through chunky gravel corners which inspires confidence. 42mm limited clearance is not an issue for me as I’m not looking to convert this bike into my 80s mountain bike 😂 Canyon nailed it with the new Grail. Now all they need to do is address supply chain issues with all of the accessories. Overall, happy with my decision. This bike rips!!

[@mashmallowsnowy3328]

hehe so among three options (Grail1/Grail2/Grizl)，you love Grail2 most🤔I am also looking forward to getting one. But is it good for bikepacking? This is why i need a gravel bike, just for trip😂

[@pedalnesto]

@@mashmallowsnowy3328 think the Grizl is better for bikepacking. If you’re looking for a race oriented gravel bike, I think Canyon nailed it with the new Grail. Although I’m not happy with their accessory situation and customer service, the new Grail absolutely rips. Bike gets better each time I ride it.

[@Mickwhyer]

I recall reading more than a few pros were racing on MTB Tires at Big Sugar

[@markruscoe6228]

I live in Big Sugar-land, and while the gravel is the gnarliest/sharpest I've experienced in the U.S., solid 42mms are enough. Have been running 42mm Pathfinder Pros for last couple of years and they've been pretty bomb-proof.

[@Willinator]

would have been cool to see the grizl with the suspension fork but still a great video

[@neil78]

In the next iteration of the Grizl they should add the frame storage and front bag mount. Then with it’s larger tire clearance and ability to run a 2x would be the perfect all arounder.

[@fabianstephan3368]

I guess therefor they will not do it to prevent customers from stopping to buy further Bikes :D I own a grizl CF sl at the Moment an wish for these exact modifications! Poppy colours would also be cool. I like mine in grey but blue is my fav colour so please bring the deep polar of the ultimate to the grizl :D

[@Vixen1525]

​@@fabianstephan3368I mean you can get it paint by a professional. :)

[@NerfTubeNation]

I use a tail fin on my older Grail CF to add bags.

[@misopasko2614]

I just bought the Grizl CF SL 8 Trail with suspension during BF sale, that put me off 600 Euros, great deal. Hopefully I'll like the bike, this will be my first very own bike

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I wish my Grizl had the downtube storage. The storage is the only thing on the Grail that I'd want in my Grizl

[@thebrunoserge]

I just ordered a Grail (SRAM 1x) but I’m now very apprehensive because I didn’t know about the higher stiffness and less tire clearance. Canyon seems to have a decent return policy so I’ll try it out and if something bothers me about it… I may return it. I didn’t see a grizl with Zipp wheels and 1x SRAM so the grail caught my eye just for the fast wheels and groupset 😅 why is it so hard to decide on a bike

[@Natugonesolo5010]

My gravel bike is a Canyon. But it’s not a grail or a grizl. It’s an inflite!!! It’s a Cyclocross bike, but it’s perfect for my Kindle of gravel. It’s fast, funny on twisty trails around the woods, in the mud and also on some xc technical rocky descent. It’s harder to dominate compared ti a gravel; rigid and nervous. But when you learn to ride it, she gives you more than a gravel. That’s my point of view.

[@Natugonesolo5010]

Sorry for my english, I’m Italian😂

[@traktorz16]

Grail would suit me best I feel ! I'd perhaps look to getting a larger chainring to allowa higher top end speed on tarmac as this would be the most likely mix of riding I'll be doing. Many thanks for a really informative post tho 👍🏼

[@SvenfromKiel]

Thx! I am before buying one of these two and also struggling. From the pricepoint and flexibility I prefer the Grizl CF 6 AXS because I also like electronic shifting. The only con is: the Grizl is almost 1kg more than the Grail but thats all...I am also not a lightweight. :-)

[@owenanstey436]

Could you mention toe overlap when testing bikes? I recently went over the handlebars after fitting a larger tyre to the front wheel. It had not been an issue with the 33 mm CX tyre previously fitted.

[@skipfantry5059]

I do realize there is little difference between the two Canyons you used here, but it would be nice in discussion of gravel bikes that some time is devoted to head tube angle. I run a Diverge Evo that is more slack than both of these, and off-road this is hugely important to my experience. I wouldn't mind if mine were actually a bit MORE slack, but prefer the degree or two I have over the Canyons - I did try them both and strongly prefer the former.

[@cjohnson3836]

True, my Stormchaser has a 70 deg HTA. I don't see myself ever going steeper on a gravel bike. I think this is the sweep spot, to be honest.

[@ErwinPfuhler]

My Grail AL does a pretty good job on the mixed terrain I use it (tarmac and forrest roads).

[@sootymilly15]

Had my Grizl 7 suspension for a year now, absolutely love it.😁

[@balar2411]

I'm looking to buy a grizl 7 suspension 1by - how are you liking it? And, how big of a difference is it if I get the non suspension version? Just the grizl 7 1by

[@MortenProm]

Got a 2021 Grizl CF SLX8 with XPLR fork and seatpost that has been serving me so well, that a Grizl CF SL7 was ordered last month and is now doing it's duty as a commuter :)

[@peterwatson9047]

2:49 good to see some Woollarding!

[@stevetordoff]

Being in Vancouver, I hesitate to get a gravel bike because even the light trails seem too much for bikes like the Grizl. That said, it is always on the list because I enjoy the road to the trails, not much one for taking the truck to my favourite mountain sort of mountain biker. As I'm actively considering different bikes, I feel I would have pulled the trigger by now if I found that perfect companion.

[@markmulcahy2668]

Loving the fact the jean shorts accentuate the lack of Si’s quad development! Presume they were Hank or Manon’s! 😂

[@pokie0622]

This video was well done and informative.

[@daveyboy79]

At 2:50 you've got your new still image to be blurred out at the start of the "cycling shorts" segment on the GCN Show.

[@dewittlunsford2527]

My current gravel bike is a Salsa Cutthroat, so I would definitely be going with the Grizl.

[@stevekelly6544]

I love the new Grail, I like to do a lot of mixed rides so I’d probably go for that, if I had to pick one….

[@holminone]

Grail for me. General observation- these are all essentially early 90s fully rigid mountain bikes relaunched as gravel bike (w 29”). If I want more beef, I can easily take my short travel full suspension 29er that locks out.

[@tiagosantos6273]

The video that i wanted 😊 Thank you GCN

[@ilovepie002]

I lost it with the jean shorts 😂

[@gcn]

Jean shorts are back! 😎

[@staypufft80]

no@@gcn

[@philipplorenz9485]

Grizl with 40mm tires and a aftermarket aerobar for fast gravelrides with the option to swap out tires and bar when I want to munch miles on a bikepacking trip. The all it can do bike :-) except road rides due to the 1by gravel specific gearing

[@DCCSound]

Stack to reach ratio may be the same between these two bikes, though the Grizl's stack is lower. Sending the front wheel out the front reduces mechanical trail but extends the wheelbase for more stability at speed.

[@frienduro24]

The Grail is max 42 in the rear only with the canyon mud guards. You can fit in a slightly bigger tire. Per Canyon website the Grail can handle a 46 up front

[@sci-fyguy7767]

Bringin’ back the JORTS! 🔥

[@paulmcilvenny]

Great review Si. Funnily enough those two I am looking at, along with others like Mason and Dolan. Just such choice. 🤣. 👍👍

[@johnlieto8906]

Jeans shorts!!! my family wound disown me if I wore those :0. Great video as always Sy!

[@gcn]

No offence... Your family have no sense of style 😂

[@WayneOgborne]

Grizl for me. Sounds like a great all rounder with the comfort I’m looking for.

[@MarkLRandall]

I would pick the Grail, as it checks all the boxes for something stable, that can serve dual purpose as a road bike. I like the frame storage, integrated cables, and the optional aerobars for comfort. For me, 42mm tire clearance is enough.

[@adamwatson4625]

I laughed out loud with Si's fashion statement!

[@festerofest4374]

Those Jean shorts….. you guys are hilarious!

[@elefantrising]

I put some Carbon wheels on my grizl made it a one by set up and Im still slow but hell of a lot of fun.

[@gcn]

Speed doesn't always mean fun! 🙌 Great to hear you are loving the Grizl

[@FelisSilvestrisBE]

Grizzle. With the shocks, even if that means foregoing the mounting points. And if it was available, it would have been mine last year. The comfort, the wider tire clearance, sturdyness and options to like the bike adventuring dream... Alas, I had to settle for the Cube NuRoad Race FE, which is more commuter oriented ( which is nice! ) but also less comfortable and feels like it has a shorter stack ( autchy back ). It's my first 'propper' bike and I wish I researched geometry more.

[@jhoff80]

Do those leafspring seatposts really make much of a difference with comfort? My commuter hybrid bike has a suspension seat post that uses elastomers and I'm not quite sure I even notice a difference.

[@James-J-J-J]

Grizl seems most apt for going off out for an adventure in the woods. Kinda want one now.

[@furmston.creative.studio]

Wondering if the Grail could take 650b wheels. I have a Topstone and swapped the wheels for Hunt 650b with 47mm tyres - performs really well as it's a mixture of grael and woodlands I cycle through.

[@alanwaddington7694]

bought the Grizl recently and love it

[@sebastienkobenan6870]

I have a Grizl and ride 40 mm tires on it all the year. Thinking to switch to the new Grail SLX model and use it for gravel and road. The 42mm tire clearance is not a problem for me. And slick road tires on the Grizl looks too weird because of the big clearance.

[@cups5135]

I was already leaning Grizl….now I’m all in.

[@andy2253]

You GCN guys are all in to road bikes. Go to Bentonville Arkansas and ride mountain bikes. You will enjoy it.

[@andrewdeanenglish901]

Is there much difference between a gravel bike and/ or an adventure bike compared to a hybrid bike? Surely with the right components a hybrid bike would basically be a gravel bike with flat bars. Maybe more control with flat bars may balance out a more low slung position on a gravel bike. Just a thought.

[@jduarte1506]

Good video to start in gravel, which bike would be ideal

[@dsmithmcse]

I'm not a racer nor am I young and fast. When I bought my gravel bike, which happens to be a Canyon, I went with the Grizl and I also went with the aluminum frame. Again, I'm not a racer, and to be honest I also not a gram counter. I do have to say that I 100% love my Grizl. It has rigid forks, but I've added a Redshift Shockstop stem @90mm and totally love the added vibration dampening. However, the Grizl is not as comfortable as my DIY bamboo gravel bike I built using the Bamboo Bicycle Club DIY kit. My bamboo bike totally eats up all road/gravel vibrations which in-turn leads to a more comfortable and less tiring ride. Would love to see GCN do an episode on the Bamboo Bicycle Club DIY kit and then put it through it's paces.

[@martinhotan8946]

good show - very 80s in that custom cut denim ... almost Paul Smith style

[@gasolinewine801]

Oh My God, the cut-off shorts just killed me!!

[@mortenjespersen7594]

I'm considering the Grail as am allrounder bike including commuting. Is that a good idea?

[@gcn]

Sounds like a great idea! One bike to do it all 🙌

[@HullioGQ]

After spending a few months reacquainting myself with traditional manual bicycles-by which I mean non-electric bikes-I’ve come to realize that the categories we use for bikes are often just a reflection of current trends. Take gravel bikes, for instance. Not too long ago, these were simply known as touring bikes, designed for a mix of on-road and off-road adventures. It’s interesting how the cycling industry rebrands these concepts to fit what’s popular at the moment. Back in the '80s, I had a BMX, which was the epitome of cool at the time. But if you look at the evolution of bikes, it seems that BMX-style designs laid the groundwork for what eventually became today’s mountain bikes. Now, with mountain bikes losing market share, I can't help but wonder if we’ll see another rebranding. Will they start calling them something else to reignite interest and keep the market alive? It seems like the cycling industry is always finding new ways to reinvent and repackage bikes to keep up with changing tastes and trends.

[@mickp3000]

Of the two, I'd opt for the Grizl as comfort is more important than speed for me. Looking beyond the two bikes featured here... what are the pros & cons of different frame materials... is titanium really a 'bike for life'?

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Got my Titanium bike for life in 2006. After 200k miles, it's on lifetime trainer duty now and my daily driver is a 4th Gen Domane. Unless you have very specific fit demands or are building a touring bike with specific mount locations, I can't fathom buying a ti bike in 2023 for anything but nostalgia. They're just too expensive and only better at dealing with impact to rationalize ti over carbon now. That wasn't really true when I got my bike though

[@OnkelHucke]

I am glad the jeans shorts are back. Midriff, I am not so shure about. I prefer the flanell shirt. 🥸

[@mechadrake]

Probably grizl, as my use case is not of speed but excersise and being able to carry stuff. This is how I got Cube Nuroad FE version, which looks more like touring bike than gravel. It also looks like tgat wit the rear bags on it :) also fits weeks shopping, tried that several times :D Almost got al grizl, but they did not have the one I wanted and then price got increased which caused overbudget :)

[@packfan1946]

As a road bike rider for many years, it's easy to pick the performance of the Grail!!!

[@addiecusack1530]

I’m liking the grizl ? You did say that you could change the cranksets on that bike as well if you wanted bigger gears for road ? So if that’s true I prefer the look and colour choices 👍

[@sylvainbale8230]

Interesting vidéo ! What is the size of the grail in this video ? How tall are you ? Sounds that the reach is greater than usual on canyon grail.

[@nielsdewaal1]

I chose the Grizl at the time, performance differences are not huge and I like the capabillity of doing it all. So I also do bikepacking and still beating other gravellers during the normal weekly rides ;)

[@dortadamas]

With a Grail can do bikepaking too

[@AjaxAS]

For me after finding the pricing info between Pinarello Grevil and Canyon Grail, it was a shocker honestly, as I plan on running mix for road and gravel, so need to sets of wheels, Grail just fills in every need for me, So will end up going for that.

[@Asaya911]

Thank you 😊

[@heyjules8]

Adventure - although I'd love to see the integrated cockpit of the new Grail on it...

[@gcn]

🤤

[@ancientfifer]

Oh Lord, when are the GCN branded denim cutoff gravel shorts hitting the shelves!! Must have!

[@bricemaieralt]

I'm not doing short gravel races, if racing at all. Grizl with comfy 45MM tires for me.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I really can't see why our Grizls couldn't do a 1 mile gravel race if it existed😂 I'd only by the Grail if I wanted a gravel bike I'd be racing cross with

[@pphaneuf]

What bottle cages are those? Nice looking side loaders!

[@stuartm3684]

Si/Daisy Duke. Somethings can never be unseen

[@GodfreyGuitar]

I’ll never unsee those jean shorts.

[@MT-fh9qy]

Another great review. Thanks! So I bought thre Endurace during Covid (Grail out of stock) and put gravel tyres on it. Like it but gearing wasn’t what I needed. Just got the Grizl youve reviewed and LOVE it. Taking it everywhere - from serious gravel, two track and pretty technical (for me at least) single track. Perfect bike for me. Love the Di2 as well. Would recommend to anyone looking for that “one perfect bike”.