This new Grizl 7 ESC (Escape) from Canyon is the brand’s adventure-focused gravel bike. We were keen to test this bike designed for multi-day roaming off the beaten track.
The product of a long Grizl lineage, this version stands out with a new, distinctive cockpit design: the “Full Mounty”. This handlebar lets you vary hand positions – essential over long distances to avoid those unpleasant pins and needles from ulnar or median nerve compression. Its design also allows you to add specific accessories: clip-on extensions, bags, and even an integrated GPS mount.
Strengths:
- Manoeuvrability and stability
- Plenty of mounting points
- Geometry built for adventure
Could be better
- Handlebar with limited potential without its accessories
- PressFit bottom bracket
This gravel bike has the advantage of coming in several builds, including an Eclips version, equipped with dynamo hubs and an integrated lighting and charging system (with a USB-C port at the back of the cockpit).
Unboxing & design
Everything in the box is well thought out: the unboxing and assembly are straightforward, even for an experienced home mechanic. One box contains the documentation and essential tools, including the specific grease and a torque wrench, all accompanied by a clear, well laid-out assembly booklet.
I also received the frame bag and its magnetic Fidlock mounts. The bike, full-carbon and nicely finished, is easy to assemble: only the wheels and the stem need to be fitted. I appreciated receiving a bike perfectly set up, brakes and derailleurs included!
This Grizl brims with mounting points – an obvious asset for long-distance adventures.
I particularly like the top-tube mounts, ideal for securing a stable bag and stashing electronics: power banks, phone, etc.
One small regret: none of the handlebar-specific accessories (bag or extensions) were sent by the brand. I therefore cannot judge their effectiveness or durability. On paper, the cockpit bag does look well thought-out: waterproof and with a good carrying volume.
Components in detail
The Full Mounty handlebar
A carbon handlebar with a polarising design – you either like it or you donโt. Personally, I find the look a bit bulky and square, but I really appreciated being able to vary arm and hand positions, something a conventional bar without clip-on extensions does not allow.
You could almost call them mini clip-on extensions, without the extra weight or bulk! Canyon has always dared to try atypical handlebars, both aesthetically and functionally, and here, itโs a success.
Only downside: itโs hard to place my phone mount while making full use of the multiple positions on offer. As a long-distance rider, I instinctively fit both head unit and phone, but here you need to find a suitable mount.
The dedicated frame bag
Designed with a welded construction to guarantee waterproofing, it uses clever magnetic Fidlock mounts. Three anchor points (two under the top tube and one on the down tube) ensure excellent hold and prevent paint wear caused by strap rub. Itโs neat, practical and looks good.
After the first attempt at fitting it (one click not fully engaged…), itโs a real joy to use. It does, however, cover the small storage space integrated into the down tube, ideal for a tube, tyre lever, COโ cartridge or mini pump. The bike also comes with a mini multi-tool, not the most practical, the bits being very short, but enough to get you out of trouble.
The drivetrain
This model is equipped with a “mullet” drivetrain: Shimano GRX 820 12-speed, with a 40-tooth chainring and a Sunrace 11-51 cassette. Perfect for riding loaded without worrying about the elevation gain.
The frame adopts the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard, now very widespread, which also allows you to move to a SRAM T-Type drivetrain without a derailleur hanger.
๐ก Long-distance tip: always carry a spare UDH hanger, it costs about fifteen euros and can save a ride!
Shimano GRX braking lives up to its reputation: powerful, quiet and consistent, rain or shine.
As for the crankset, itโs a Shimano GRX 820 paired with a BB-RS500 PressFit bottom bracket. A pity: a threaded bottom bracket would be simpler to service at home, especially in gravel riding where these parts wear regularly.
Wheels and tyres
A DT Swiss Gravel LN aluminium wheelset, fitted with Schwalbe G-One Overland Performance tyres in 45 mm. The setup is effective, robust, and handling is excellent.
And the rest...
The S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost offers 20 mm of vertical compliance: surprisingly effective on rough sections!
Finally, under the down tube, there is a thick plate that protects the carbon from stone or branch impacts. You can clearly see the adventure focus of this Grizl.
First ride
From the first pedal strokes, you feel the adventure geometry: a long wheelbase, yet a lively, efficient character. Itโs enjoyable: the bike is snappy, stiff enough to maintain good efficiency and hold a line, while remaining comfortable over time. It feels more stable than many bikes Iโve ridden.
The carbon frame offers tyre clearance perfectly in line with current trends: up to 54 mm! The difference between a 40 and a 45 mm tyre is striking – long live frames that can take big volumes like this one.
And on the trail?
I tested this bike in many conditions: dry, rain, dust, mud, rocks, unstable or slippery terrain… Each time, I was pleasantly surprised by its comfort and handling. The Schwalbe Overland tyres deliver excellent rolling performance and reassuring grip.
I rode the Grizl both on long endurance outings and on faster rides with friends. Each time, the impressions were positive. It took me two rides to really get to grips with it and understand its favourite terrain.
With its adventure geometry, halfway between a gravel bike and a monster gravel, it excels on technical, broken terrain without being penalising on faster sections.
“While its cockpit is fairly high, it can go fast thanks to its great stability and the good stiffness of its frame and carbon fork.”
I also used it loaded, preparing for a 400 km race (the Vosges Express). The behaviour remains sound, even with weight: no speed wobble or particular nuisance, apart from the normal inertia on climbs. Thatโs exactly what you expect from an adventure gravel bike: being able to load up without sacrificing handling fun.
I usually ride two models: a steel bike (Rondo Ruut ST 2, light and comfortable) and a titanium one (Chiru Fukaรฏ, a monster gravel with distinctive geometry).
The Grizl 7 Escape clearly sits between the two: it combines the rollover ability and higher position of my Chiru, while keeping the liveliness and fun of my Rondo.
In short, it brings together the best of both worlds: a bike that is enjoyable in technical sections, comfortable over distance, yet playful and dynamic for fast rides with friends. I loved riding it!
Verdict: hard to be disappointed?
Canyon does not disappoint: this Grizl 7 Escape is a well-rounded machine, ready for adventure and comfortable on all terrain, even the most demanding. I had a lot of fun on the bars: comfortable, stable, reassuring.
This bike is not aimed at fans of pure speed – for that, the Grail remains the racing reference – but rather at those who want to ride without worrying about the terrain, surface or technicality of the track.
