Adventure Everything! – Canyon GRIZL CF 2025 on Review

Fancy an adventure? With the latest iteration of the GRIZL, Canyon gave their popular adventure gravel bike a full update. But Canyon wouldn’t be Canyon without a handful of clever innovations, a uniquely styled cockpit and loads of extras. We tested two very different build options and can now tell you what’s new – and which GRIZL is right for you.

Oops, they did it again! Just as the gravel world had recovered from the Hoverbar shock of the Canyon Grail, the German manufacturer is fanning the flames with a new handlebar concept. The “Full Mounty Cockpit” is set to spark fresh debate – but it’s far from the most interesting feature on this bike.

Together with Lupine and SON, Canyon put together a complete package for true bikepacking enthusiasts: dynamo hub, integrated power bank, smart lighting system and a USB-C port for charging your phone, GPS or camera – the GRIZL becomes your off-grid power station for long days out.

And there’s more. Alongside a new in-house carbon wheelset and redesigned bikepacking bags, the GRIZL has undergone a technical makeover – with increased tire clearance, revised geometry and a look that clearly says: I’m ready for your next adventure.

We’ve ridden two different versions of the new GRIZL and can tell you whether all these features hold up in real life – and who stands to benefit most.

Canyon GRIZL 2025 builds

Canyon split the new GRIZL into two main categories. First up is the standard version, featuring a traditional drop bar, typical gravel-specific drivetrains and Schwalbe G-One RX tires. In total, five models are available, with clear differences in spec and price:

The flagship model features an electronic SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1×13 drivetrain . It also comes with the new ECLIPS Power Supply System, powered by a dynamo hub for charging devices on the fly. DT Swiss supply the GRC 1400 wheelset, which has 30 mm rim depth.

This model relies on an electronic Shimano GRX Di2 1×12 drivetrain. The GR30 CF carbon wheels are built in-house by Canyon and have a 30 mm rim profile.

The entry point to the RIFT series, built around the SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 drivetrain, with a DT x Canyon suspension cockpit and DT Swiss G1800 wheels.

This version uses the mechanical Shimano GRX 820 1×12 drivetrain. The DT Swiss Gravel LN wheels are entry-level, but robust enough for everyday use.

In addition to the standard line-up, Canyon are launching a second GRIZL range under the new Escape series. The standout feature here is the proprietary “Full Mounty Cockpit”, which gives you a wide range of mounting options. It’s paired with mullet drivetrains – combining gravel-specific chainsets with wide-range MTB cassettes – and more rugged Schwalbe G-One Overland tyres designed with touring and bikepacking in mind.

The top-tier Escape build combines a SRAM Force AXS front derailleur with an XO Eagle Transmission drivetrain at the rear. It also comes with the DT x Canyon suspension cockpit and Canyon’s GR30 CF wheels with 30 mm rim depth.

This version uses a mechanical Shimano GRX 1×12 drivetrain in a mullet setup. It also includes the ECLIPS Power Supply System. Wheels are DT Swiss GR1600.

The entry-level Escape build comes with a Shimano GRX 820 1×12 mullet drivetrain and DT Swiss Gravel LN wheels.

So, Canyon now offer eight GRIZL models with different cockpit concepts, drivetrain options and features – with or without a power system, with or without a suspension fork, suitable for everything from round-the-world adventures to daily commutes.

And if you’re wondering what exactly Canyon GR30 CF 30 mm wheels are – that’s where we’re heading next.

The new Canyon GR30 CF wheelset

With the launch of the new GRIZL, Canyon are entering the wheel game for the first time. The GR30 CF is the brand’s first gravel-specific wheelset, developed especially for the GRIZL’s intended use. According to Canyon, more of their bikes will be fitted with in-house wheels in future.

Key features at a glance:

• Weight: 1,525 g per set (manufacturers claim)
• Warranty: 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, plus crash replacement programme
• Price: € 1350

The hookless rims use a carbon layup specifically tailored to gravel applications. With 27 mm internal width, they’re designed for high air volume and wide tires. Compatible tire widths range from 35 mm to 71 mm (2.8 inches). The rim construction prioritises impact resistance, while the rim bead shape aims to reduce the risk of snakebites.
But Canyon haven’t gone fully in-house – they’ve brought in proven DT Swiss technology for spokes and hubs.

The wheels use DT Swiss Aerocomp spokes, chosen for their balance of low weight, strength and aero performance. Hubs are DT Swiss 350 Spline models, known for their durability. Maintenance is designed to be as simple as possible. The widespread availability of spares and the distinctive shape of the Spline hub mean you can even replace a spoke on the go if needed.

A practical touch: Canyon print the so-called TechBox directly onto the rim – a small reference area listing tire compatibility and recommended pressures. This information is always to hand, without digging through a manual. A particularly handy feature with hookless rims, where setup and pressure are critical for safe performance.

The Canyon GRIZL CF 7 in detail

Hang on a second – aren’t those the new Canyon GR30 CF wheels in the photos? That’s right! Canyon sent us the test bike fitted with their new wheelset so we could put those through their paces as well. However, if you go out and buy the Grizl CF 7, it’ll come with heavier DT Swiss LN aluminium wheels. The listed weight, though, was measured with the stock wheelset.

The GRIZL CF 7 is one of the more traditional builds in the new GRIZL range. No suspension fork, no power system, no experimental cockpit – just a classic gravel setup without too much fuss. Still, a few new features have made their way onto this OG version too:

One noticeable update is the new frame design, which adopts the kinked top tube from Canyon’s Inflite cyclocross bike. The kink is meant to make shouldering the bike easier – at least on the Inflite. For bikepacking, this CX carryover could actually make a lot of sense.

The new frame bag is colour-matched and shaped to fit the GRIZL perfectly. It bolts directly onto the frame using mounting points, giving it a clean look and eliminating strap wear. To ensure a precise fit, the bags are tailored to each of the seven frame sizes.

Fitted with the Shimano GRX 820 1×12 mechanical groupset. The frame is now 1x specific and compatible with SRAM’s UDH standard.

Tire clearance has been increased to 54 mm, which creates more space and allows you to combine up to 50 mm with mudguards. There’s no shortage of mounting points or storage options either: the new GRIZL supports an optional front rack, a rear rack, and plenty of places for bags, bottles and cargo cages. As seen on the latest Grail, the downtube also houses a small compartment for tools or spares.

The Canyon GRIZL CF 8 ESCAPE ECLIPS in detail

Just how many tech features can a gravel bike have? If you ask Canyon: all of them. The GRIZL CF 8 ESCAPE ECLIPS introduces two key additions: the modular Full Mounty Cockpit and the fully integrated ECLIPS power supply system.

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Canyon claim that the new cockpit offers a particularly flexible setup for bikepacking. You get a range of ergonomic hand positions, room for aero extensions, and a mounting surface for larger cargo cages with 128 mm bolt spacing. A purpose-built bar bag for the cockpit opening, called the “LOAD Cockpit Bag,” is also available and fits seamlessly into the design.

The ECLIPS power supply system

With the Eternal Charge & Lighting Integrated Power System, or ECLIPS, Canyon want to offer a power and lighting solution that doesn’t rely on external electricity sources.

The system is fully integrated into the frame and cockpit. It combines a SON 29 S dynamo hub with a 3,500 mAh Lupine SmartCore buffer battery, a Lupine Nano SL front light and a C14 rear light. Charging is taken care of by a dynamo hub, which, according to Canyon, delivers about 12% battery capacity per hour at 20 km/h. Thanks to the integrated battery, power and lighting remain available even when stationary. The lights are designed not to flicker, and they remain steady even at low speeds – a key advantage over many traditional dynamo setups.

The system includes a USB-C port to charge external devices, and the battery itself can also be recharged externally via USB-C – for example, using a power bank. ECLIPS is controlled via the Canyon app, which also shows firmware updates and battery status.

The geometry of the 2025 Canyon GRIZL

Canyon also updated the GRIZL’s geometry for 2025. The aim was to offer a more relaxed pedalling position and improved stability – particularly for long tours and loaded bikepacking setups.

Size	2XS	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL
Reach	369 mm	380 mm	388 mm	404 mm	420 mm	429 mm	448 mm
Stack	550 mm	559 mm	578 mm	596 mm	619 mm	638 mm	660 mm
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
Seat Tube	432 mm	462 mm	492 mm	522 mm	552 mm	582 mm	612 mm
Head Angle	68.75°	69.5°	70.5°	71°	71°	71°	71°
Seat Angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Horizontal Top Tube	532 mm	545 mm	559 mm	581 mm	603 mm	618 mm	643 mm
Head Tube	120 mm	126 mm	141 mm	158 mm	183 mm	203 mm	226 mm
Wheelbase	1047 mm	1054 mm	1059 mm	1076 mm	1100 mm	1115 mm	1142 mm

Specifically, the head angle has been slackened to 71 degrees. Combined with a fork rake of 56 mm and a longer wheelbase, the result is more composed steering and predictable handling. Stack has been increased too, enabling a more upright position and reducing pressure on the upper body.

Whether the new geometry also boosts fun on the bike depends on your personal preferences and how you ride. But the direction is clear: the new GRIZL puts a stronger focus on comfort and stability.

The 2025 Canyon GRIZL on test

Canyon set out to make the new GRIZL even more stable and composed. That’s impressive, considering the previous GRIZL already offered intuitive handling and plenty of confidence on rough ground.

With the new version, that character has been refined even further. The slacker head angle, longer wheelbase and wide tires all contribute to a clear increase in stability – especially at higher speeds and when fully loaded. On fast descents, the GRIZL feels calm and composed, and even on loose gravel it maintains a high level of control.
But this extra stability comes at the cost of agility. If you love tight corners, playful handling and post-work rides with a lively feel, you may miss the more direct steering of earlier models. The handling now clearly caters to bikepacking and adventure riding. That doesn’t mean the GRIZL isn’t fun anymore. Quite the opposite – on high-speed descents over rough ground, this adventure buddy loves to let loose.

The tires perfectly suit the concept. The Schwalbe G-One RX in 45 mm offer plenty of traction on rough trails and come into their own in wet or muddy conditions. The G-One Overland – also in 45 mm – roll more quietly and efficiently on tarmac, and can hold their own against the RX tires in most situations, apart from really muddy trail descents.

None of the GRIZL builds are race bikes – the relaxed geometry makes that clear. For ambitious riders chasing maximum speed, the Canyon Grail remains the sportier option within Canyon’s gravel line-up. Still, the GRIZL offers a solid response when you push the pedals. The frame is stiff and channels power efficiently to the rear wheel. In size L, the GRIZL CF 7 weighs 10.17 kg. The ESCAPE version, with carbon wheels, integrated lighting and power, around 300 grams less – a respectable figure that doesn’t feel heavy on tour and comes in below the average from our recent adventure gravel group test.

Thanks to the wide gear range, the bike remains rideable even on steep climbs with luggage. On flat sections, it rolls easily and holds pace well in its comfortable riding position. The GRIZL offers a pleasantly upright position that never feels stretched or overly aggressive. That’s ideal for long days in the saddle and a clear win for anyone planning extended tours. The combination of wide tyres and the flexing VCLS carbon seatpost adds extra damping and comfort on rough ground.

The ECLIPS lighting system works reliably, provides enough brightness for night rides and charges your smartphone or GPS at the same time. The app control is handy, and battery status is easy to check. The dynamo creates barely noticeable drag – even at low speeds or when stopped, the lights stay on, which traditional systems without a buffer battery often can’t manage.

The Full Mounty Cockpit will divide opinions. Without accessories it looks a little odd, but once fitted with extensions or luggage, it makes sense. If you don’t use these features in everyday riding, it adds little beyond an extra hand position and a mounting point for a small bag.

The frame bag is tailored to each frame size and bolts directly to the frame without straps – which ensures a very tidy appearance. The gap between the seat tube and the bag makes it easier to lift the bike – fair enough. But the gap at the front spoils the otherwise clean look.

Canyon say that it helps with cable routing, but we’d have hoped for a neater solution from a bag specifically designed for the frame. The mesh pockets on the outside are probably intended for snacks, but the tension is so low that we’d worry about losing an energy bar on bumpy descents.

The integrated storage compartment in the downtube has enough space for a full puncture kit – always there when you need it, and it frees up your saddlebag.

Canyon are clearly pushing the GRIZL further down the adventure path. The new model is even more targeted at long-distance travellers, bikepacking fans and anyone keen to spend several days off the grid.

With eight model variants, different cockpit concepts, optional power supply, loads of mounting points and well-thought-out features, the new GRIZL covers a huge range of uses. Whether you’re commuting through the woods, riding round the world with full gear, or cruising with aero extensions – the GRIZL gives you all the options. And that’s its biggest strength.

Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Canyon GRIZL?

From off-road commuters to long-distance adventurers, the 2025 GRIZL covers a wide spectrum. With eight build variants, multiple cockpit options and the ECLIPS power supply system, it’s more versatile than ever. It’s no longer just for bikepacking enthusiasts doing overnighters – it’s for touring riders covering big miles off the beaten track and anyone looking for a capable everyday bike with off-road chops.

The updated geometry, with its increased stability and relaxed, upright riding position, should particularly appeal to those who value comfort and confidence more than razor-sharp handling. Even with luggage, the intuitive handling delivers loads of control.

If you’re after speed, sharpness and agility though, the GRIZL probably isn’t the bike for you. It shines in situations where versatility, durability and practicality matter – whether you’re commuting to work, heading out on a weekend trip, or tackling your next big tour.

Conclusions

Canyon continue to push the GRIZL further into the adventure gravel niche. It’s not just the wide range of build options and cleverly integrated features that make the new GRIZL a true long-distance companion. The updated geometry, thoughtful mounting points and composed, stable ride all reinforce its focus on self-supported touring and long days in the saddle. If you’re looking for a versatile, robust gravel bike that prioritises comfort, control and flexibility, the GRIZL could be your perfect adventure buddy.

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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Fock, Jan Richter