Is the Best Gravel Bike for 2025?  [ Canyon Grizl 7 RAW Review]

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Canyon Grizl 7 RAW Review

• Price:  $1,999
• Frame: Canyon Grizl AL
• Weight: 3.64 lbs

What we like about it: Versatile Riding、Comfortable Ride、Efficient Performance、Braking Confidence

What we didn’t like about it: Limited Tire Clearance、Aggressive Geometry

Rating: (4.9/5)

Should you enjoy gravel riding, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw bike is one you should give some thought for your next trip. Designed to tackle long-distance rides and challenging terrain, the Grizl 7 Raw is a top candidate for gravel bike enthusiasts in 2025 because of its durability, performance, and comfort combined with This bike guarantees great handling and speed whether you’re riding on smooth gravel paths or conquering muddy courses. We will go further into the elements that set the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw apart in this review, including performance, build quality, and terrain adaptation.

Riding Challenges

I was at the beginning of the well-known Bristol Hills Trail in upstate New York, a popular path for gravel bike aficionados, a clear fall morning. Just rising over the horizon, the light gave the trees a warm golden hue. Clipping in and mounting my Canyon Grizl 7 Raw, I could already feel the thrill building up. The bike looked ready for the struggle ahead with its strong frame and elegant, modern appearance.

From rocky, loose dirt sections to compacted gravel, the Bristol Hills Trail is renowned for its tough terrain. The Grizl’s 700c tires held the surface and delivered a consistent feel that gave me the confidence to push harder as I started my journey. The trail’s initial stretch consisted of mild uphill climbs, and as I changed gears, I could feel the snappy Shimano GRX drivetrain running flawless. The Grizl felt light under me, easily distributing power with every pedal stroke, despite the strong gradients—which averaged around 8%. The bike’s shape maintained me in a comfortable riding posture that let me keep decent control and remain aerodynamic.

Climbing

The terrain got tougher as I descended the steeper portion of the climb—loose boulders and uneven surfaces. The Fox Performance 32mm suspension fork of Canyon Grizl 7 Raw easily handled the bumps. The ascent was far more comfortable because the front fork absorbed the shocks of rocks and divots. Though I could feel the suspension working hard, I managed to keep under control as I drove across the uneven terrain. On the loose gravel as much as on any other movement, the 700c tires with Vittoria Teravail gave me amazing traction, smoothing every motion.

I stopped at the top to appreciate the amazing perspective. The Bristol Hills opened up below me, valleys strewn with vivid orange, yellow, and green foliage. It was the ideal place to sip before descending. The plunge was equally as thrilling. As I got ready to let the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw blast downhill—what it does best—I clicked into the upper gears.

Descending

I immediately observed the bike’s rapid speed acquisition. Together with the DT Swiss wheels, the aerodynamic design helped me to slice through the air with no obvious drag. The broad tires gave great traction on the gravel and dirt, therefore facilitating control as the road turned sharply downhill. There were tight hairpin turns, and the bike reacted fast to every small handlebar movement. Trusting the Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes to offer smooth and strong stopping force when needed, I leaned into each bend. The flawless braking gave me the assurance to sprint across the twisting pathways without losing control.

Faster than I had anticipated, I arrived at the hill’s base and carried on down a flatter part of the path. This section, with lengthy, wide gravel expanses, was smoother. The bike’s lightweight frame gave me the impression of gliding naturally over the terrain. As I sped along, savoring the sounds and views of the forest surrounding me, the responsive drivetrain changed seamlessly and I felt as like I was hardly exerting any effort. Even as I struck the sporadic pothole or loose gravel patch, the carbon fork performed a fantastic job of absorbing any little vibrations from the trail, guaranteeing a nice and steady ride.

My legs were still fresh as I approached the last stretch of the trail, and the bike had ran perfect. This bike proved to be the best fit for handling varied terrain whether riding the hills, negotiating tight curves on the descent, or gliding easily on the level gravel trails. Riding it not only made me feel successful but also gave me fresh respect for how flexible and strong a gravel bike can really be.

Specificized

On gravel courses, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw excels with its well-rounded performance. This bike’s lightweight carbon frame, meant to strike the ideal mix between agility and durability, is its core. The robust enough frame guarantees minimum energy waste during climbs and sprints by effectively distributing power from the pedals. On level sections, its aerodynamic design increases general efficiency by lowering drag and accelerating speed.

Still another important aspect of the bike is its suspension system. Having a Fox Performance 32mm suspension fork, the Grizl 7 Raw offers a smooth ride—especially on rougher ground. Greater control and comfort come from the suspension absorbing shocks from rocks, bumps, and uneven surfaces. On lengthy rides, this function is especially helpful since it lessens the effect of difficult terrain, so reducing weariness. Excellent grip guaranteed by the Vittoria Teravail tires combined with the suspension fork guarantees stability of the bike even on loose gravel or slick terrain.

On the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw, Shimano GRX drivetrain makes gear shifting simple and exact. From steep climbs to rapid descends, the 11-speed gears let riders readily change to match different grades. The bike responds fast on hill portions with seamless gear changes that guarantee the ride stays effective even when the terrain becomes difficult. Riders who require exact control over both steep climbs and fast parts will find the smooth shifting of the drivetrain perfect.

Excellent stopping strength from the Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes makes the bike perfect for both rapid stops on erratic terrain and steep descents. Whether the weather is dry, rainy, or muddy, the braking system offers constant performance. The bike gets the ideal mix of speed and stability from the DT Swiss wheels combined with 28mm tires.

Film

Many Versions

Emerging in the previous several years, gravel bikes are a kind of bicycle falling between a mountain bike and a road bike. The gear ratio will be more compacted than on classic road bikes. Its structure is also quite much oriented on stress absorption since it is mostly for gravel roads. Generally speaking, gravel road bikes will weigh more than regular road cycles.

Furthermore among the greatest is this Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1 by dirt road bike. It features a gravel-specific shock fork with 30mm of travel sufficient to absorb trail shocks and provide a more pleasant ride.

The carbon frame gives the body light and strength sufficient for It rides far distances thanks to coupled Schwalbe G-One Bite 45 mm professional gravel tires.

Learn More： Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]

benefits

• Perfect for gravel riding, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw provides adaptability over a range of terrain including gravel, mud, and paved roads.
• The lightweight carbon frame and Fox 32 suspension fork guarantee that riders absorb shocks and vibrations efficiently, therefore enabling a smooth and comfortable ride over uneven ground.
• Whether on steep climbs or quick descents, the Shimano GRX drivetrain provides effective and smooth shifting even on demanding terrain.
• The Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes give dependable stopping power in all conditions, so making the bike appropriate for many types of weather.

Consents

• Though the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw can fit tires up to 40mm, some riders might choose a bike with greater tire clearance for more aggressive gravel or mixed-terrain riding.
• The shape of the frame is designed for performance, thus for riders looking for a more laid-back, leisurely ride it may seem a touch harsh.

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FAQ

Are long-distance dirt rides suited for the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw?

Indeed, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw is intended for performance and comfort over extended distances. Fox suspension fork, lightweight carbon frame, and smooth Shimano GRX gear give the stability and comfort required for long rides over challenging terrain.

Can the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw negotiate tough gravel routes and steep climbs?

Exactly. While its Fox suspension fork absorbs shocks on bumpy gravel paths, therefore providing a comfortable and stable ride, even on the most difficult terrain, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw’s Shimano GRX drivetrain guarantees smooth shifting over steep climbs.

Under what varying weather situations are the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw’s brakes dependable?

Whether you ride in dry, wet, or muddy surroundings, the Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes guarantee dependable braking performance by offering outstanding stopping force.

Spec

Component	Specification
Frame	Canyon Grizl AL
Material	Aluminium (AL)
Geometry	Gravel Pro geometry, extended wheelbase for off-road stability
Axle Dimension	12×142 mm
Tyre Clearance	50 mm
Weight	3.64 lbs
Fork	Canyon FK0087 CF Disc
Material	Carbon (CF)
Axle Dimension	12×100 mm
Fork Steer Tube Diameter	1 1/4″
Tyre Clearance	54 mm
Weight	1.10 lbs
Drivetrain
Rear Derailleur	Shimano GRX RX820
Weight	0.60 lbs
Front Derailleur	Shimano GRX RX820
Weight	0.21 lbs
Cassette	Shimano CS-HG710 11-36 12s
Number of Sprockets	12
Range	11-36
Crank	Shimano GRX RX610
Number of Chainrings	2
Bottom Bracket	Token Ninja Lite BB4124
Bottom Bracket Standard	PF 86.5
Weight	0.19 lbs
Chain	Shimano CN-M6100
Brakes
Shift/Brake Lever	Shimano GRX RX610
Number of Pistons	2
Weight	1.09 lbs
Brake Rotor	Shimano Bremsscheibe
Wheels
Wheel (Front)	DT Swiss Gravel LN
Axle Dimension	12×100 mm
Rotor Mount	Center Lock
Rim Height	25 mm
Inner Width	24 mm
Rim Material	Aluminium
Weight	2.09 lbs
Wheel (Rear)	DT Swiss Gravel LN
Axle Dimension	12×142 mm
Rotor Mount	Center Lock
Free Hub	Shimano
Weight	2.42 lbs
Tyre	Schwalbe G-One Bite Performance, 45mm
Width	45 mm
Thru Axle (Front)	Canyon GP0197-01
Axle Dimension	12×100 mm
Thru Axle (Rear)	Canyon GP0235-01
Axle Dimension	12×142 mm
Cockpit
Stem	Canyon ST0035
Material	Aluminium
Fork Steer Tube Diameter	1 1/4″
Clamping Diameter	31.8 mm
Handlebar	Canyon HB0064 Ergo
Material	Aluminium
Clamping Diameter	31.8 mm
Width	440 mm
Handlebar Tape	Canyon Ergospeed Gel
Color	Black
Seat	Selle Italia Model X
Width	145 mm
Gender	Unisex
Max. Rider Weight	100 kg
Weight	0.68 lbs
Seatpost	Canyon SP0057 VCLS
Material	Carbon (CF)
Setback	-10 mm
Clamp Diameter	27.2 mm
Weight	0.58 lbs
Seat Clamp	Canyon Clamp SL
Accessories
Pedals	None included
Manuals and Accessories	Canyon Organza Bag
Manuals and Accessories	Canyon Quickstart Guide

Table of Comparison

Bicycle	Price	Kits	Gear	Power Meters	Wheels	Frame
Santa Cruz Stigmata CC Rival AXS	$4,899	SRAM Rival AXS	2×12 Electro	/	DT Swiss HX 1501 650B	Carbon (CC)
Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon	$3,400	Shimano Ultegra Di2	2×12 Electro	/	Roval Terra CLX 42	Carbon (FACT 11r)
Trek Checkpoint SL 6	$3,799	Shimano GRX 800	2×11 Mechanical	/	Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37	Carbon (OCLV)

Canyon Grizl 7 RAW VS Santa Cruz Stigmata CC Rival AXS

Top-notch gravel bike The Santa Cruz Stigmata CC Rival AXS is perfect for riders seeking a bike that excels on both gravel and dirt roads. Its light-weight, rigid carbon frame provides responsive handling and effective power transfer. Perfect shifting even under load thanks to the SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed groupset lets the rider easily negotiate rapid sprints or steep hills. Perfect for tough gravel routes, the DT Swiss wheels matched with Maxxis Rambler 40mm tires offer outstanding traction and grip. Although the Stigmata’s geometry is aggressive enough for performance, it also provides comfort for long rides, thus it is a wonderful choice for riders that wish a high-performance dirt bike with a flexible design.

Canyon Grizl 7 RAW VS Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon

The Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon shines in offering equal level of comfort and performance. It is perfect for handling uneven and tough gravel routes since it has Future Shock 2.0, a distinctive suspension system that offers 20mm of movement in the head tube, therefore reducing rider fatigue. Even on the steeper climbs or during fast sprints, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting provides consistent and smooth gear changes. The Diverge is a quick yet comfortable gravel bike ideal for cyclists who value long-distance riding since the Roval Terra CLX wheels are lightweight and built for great aerodynamics.

Canyon Grizl 7 RAW VS Trek Checkpoint SL 6

Designed for adaptability and robustness, the gravel bike Trek Checkpoint SL 6 While the Shimano GRX 11-speed transmission offers dependable shifting even on the most demanding courses, its OCLV Carbon frame offers a superb mix of weight and rigidity. Particularly helpful in rainy and difficult weather, the hydraulic disc brakes offer exceptional stopping force. Riders who wish to easily tackle mixed-terrain pathways as well as gravel roads will find the Checkpoint SL 6 ideal with great tire clearance. For endurance-oriented cyclists who need a bike that can traverse huge distances and a range of situations, its Aeolus Pro 37 carbon wheels improve aerodynamics and climbing performance, therefore enhancing their option.

Result

More than just a gravel bike, the Canyon Grizl 7 Raw is a flexible friend for adventurers in riding. This bike is designed to tackle everything from rough gravel roads to smoother rides with its strong build, sophisticated features, and smooth performance across all terrains. The Grizl 7 Raw is an amazing option that blends creativity with utility regardless of your level of experience as a gravel racer or someone wishing to discover new courses. The Canyon Grizl 7 Raw can be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance dirt bike that can keep up with your most bold excursions.