Hardtail Comeback

Canyon Grand Canyon Review

The Canyon Grand Canyon has been put on a diet. In the 1700 € price range, it is a lightweight at 12.7 kilograms. With its 120 mm of travel, dropper post, and a new geometry, the bike is more versatile than ever. We have thoroughly tested the bike by pushing it hard on the trails.

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The world of mountain biking seems to be increasingly focused on one thing: descent. Enduro bikes dominate the feeds, e-bikes are conquering the trails. And those who once had an interest in classic hardtails for their simple technology often find themselves in the camp of gravel bikers today.

In recent years, many bikers who used to opt for hardtails have turned to gravel bikes. Light, sporty, versatile – that is the promise. But that’s only half the truth. Because on the trails, gravel bikes quickly reach their limits: the curved handlebars make control difficult, the narrow tires limit the range of use, and without a suspension fork, roots become a real challenge.

The Canyon Grand Canyon steps in to fill this gap – and shows that a modern hardtail can do more than its reputation suggests. For tours, bikepacking, alpine crossings, or just the after-work trail, this bike is more than just a solid choice.

Canyon Grand Canyon Review — The Canyon Grand Canyon was completely redesigned in 2023. With a lighter frame and many options, it is more versatile than ever and especially more versatile than many competitors.

Canyon Grand Canyon Gear — With ample mounting options for water bottles, tools, and bags, it also aims to appeal to adventurers.

Canyon Grand Canyon experience — Thanks to its lightweight, the hardtail has a sporty character.

Weight optimization across the board

With 12.7 kg (without pedals but with tubes), the Grand Canyon AL is significantly lighter than many comparable trail hardtails. It is almost 1 kilo lighter than its predecessor. The weight is unique in the under 2000 € price range, given the 120 mm travel and the installed dropper post. Canyon achieves this through two targeted measures:

Lightweight frame: The revamped aluminum frame weighs in at just under 1900 grams – a top value in the price range under 2000 €. For comparison: The old frame weighed 2200 grams.
Smart Wheel Setup:: Instead of relying on wide 30-mm rims and thick 2.4-inch tires, Canyon equips 25-mm rims with 2.25-inch tires. This saves around 400 grams of rotational weight, noticeable when accelerating, especially uphill.

Canyon Grand Canyon Predecessor — The predecessor of the current Grand Canyon was almost 1 kg heavier at the same price.

Frame weight — Litevilles H3 frame costs about as much as a complete bike from Canyon and is only a few grams lighter.

Tour-friendly equipment

Canyon has made the frame not only lighter but also more versatile, emphasizing this with many features and options that are not typically available in this form:

Three bottle cage positions
Bosses for top tube bags
Tool mount on the downtube
Rack mount compatible
Mounting point for kickstand
Compatible bikepacking accessories available at Canyon

These features make the Grand Canyon a true multi-tool – from commuting to bikepacking adventures.

Mounting options — The "Arschrakete" has become a symbol for adventure-hungry bikers. Canyon offers this and a frame triangle bag optionally in the webshop.

Kickstand mounting points — A kickstand can be mounted for everyday use under the brake.

Top tube mounting points — A tool pouch can be mounted on the top tube, providing permanent access even while riding.

Tool mount bolt-on points — A tool can be mounted on the underside of the top tube.

Rack mounting points — The rear triangle of the frame also features mounting points for a rack.

Practical Techniques

The build is thoughtfully chosen and strikes the perfect balance between performance and maintenance ease. This is especially relevant for a bike purchased online.

Even though Canyon is slightly adjusting its strategy with the introduction of a flagship store in Munich, in the long run, you’ll likely have to do some of the maintenance yourself if the bike starts to act up. It’s reassuring that Canyon has opted for maintenance-friendly features on the frame and components.

Threaded BSA bottom bracket
Large access ports at the bottom bracket for easy maintenance
Shimano 4-piston brakes with solid power
Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain

BSA bottom bracket — The BSA bottom bracket can be replaced at home with affordable tools.

Train exit — The entry point for the internally routed cables is mechanic-friendly large.

Shimano SLX brake — The Shimano brake with 4 pistons is a benchmark in terms of maintenance ease and stopping power.

Shimano XT drivetrain — The 1x12 drivetrain is now the state-of-the-art technology, which is installed on bikes beyond the 5000 € mark.

What is the purpose of a dropper post?

The dropper post is a real game changer on the trail. It allows you to avoid the awkward position far behind a high saddle when descending. Simply press the lever on the handlebars just before the descent, and the saddle, which can be a nuisance on singletrack, drops down. We also have a comprehensive article on this here.

Once you’ve tried a dropper post, you won’t want to ride without one. Canyon already equips their size M bikes with a 170 mm travel dropper post, which is quite generous. Many other manufacturers only offer 125 mm of travel.

More travel also means a longer build, and to accommodate this within the frame, Canyon has moved the bottle cage mounts outward. This shows that no detail was overlooked.

Dropper post — Seems inconspicuous, but makes a big difference: the dropper post.

Bottle cage bosses — The bottle cage mounts are brazed onto the outside of the seat tube. This allows the seatpost to be fully inserted into the tube.

Dropper post — With the low saddle, mobility on the bike increases, and so does the fun of riding.

Modern geometry - seating position with many options

With a head angle of 66°, a reach of 470 mm (size L), and a low bottom bracket (65 mm drop), the Grand Canyon is not only suitable for touring but also inspires confidence on the trails. Except for size XS (27.5-inch wheels), it rolls on 29-inch wheels, further enhancing comfort and off-road capability.

Thanks to the short 45 mm stem, the rider’s position on the Grand Canyon isn’t overly aggressive. But for those who want it, there’s the option. The short head tube allows for a lower handlebar setup. However, anyone who really wants a sporty position should also invest in a longer stem. For around €20, all options are open.

Speaking of sportiness: The fork cannot be locked from the handlebar. Anyone who wants to lock it for a sprint or a long stretch of asphalt must reach for the fork itself. No big deal, we think, because a handlebar lockout also means an additional cable and one more potentially faulty component on the bike. On a bike not inherently designed for competition, we actually prefer the solution without remote control.

Seating position Canyon Grand Canyon — The riding position is upright despite the long main frame.

45 mm stem — The short 45 mm stem allows for a comfortable seating position in the saddle. Sporty riders will mount a longer one.

Stem mounting option — Clever: A bike computer mount can be attached in the small square.

120 mm fork — Up front, there are 120 mm of travel available. This provides a bit more cushion than the minimalist 100 mm bikes.

Lockout — The fork can be locked with just one grip on the fork stanchion. There is no handlebar lockout.

Ride feel and handling on the trail

The factory-equipped 45 mm stubby stem makes the handling super responsive. This means the bike translates every movement of the handlebars directly into a change of direction on the trail. With its 120 mm of travel (normal is 100 mm) from the dropper post and the exceptionally strong brakes, the bike provides a secure riding experience in any terrain.

The fact that the tires are somewhat narrower and not super aggressive in tread is hardly noticeable, even on challenging trails. As long as conditions are dry, the 2.25-inch Schwalbe Rocket Ron offers plenty of grip. Canyon deserves praise for the decision to go with lighter tires because it makes the bike more versatile.

With a 510% gear range on the drivetrain (current standard even in the high-end segment) and lightweight wheels and tires, long tours or even Alpine crossings are possible at any time. The slight trade-offs in grip make the bike incredibly versatile. The Grand Canyon is even more broadly equipped than the recently tested and significantly more expensive Canyon Exceed Carbon Hardtail.

Canyon Grand Canyon Review — When riding off-road, the fun begins.

Tire Tread Pattern — The tread pattern of the Rocket Ron tires is not ample, but sufficient.

25 mm rim — With 25 mm, the rim is narrower than usual. This makes it lighter and boosts acceleration.

Pros & Cons: The case for – and against – the Grand Canyon

Pro

Very good overall weight for the price range
Numerous mounting options for touring and everyday use
Thoughtful specs focused on versatility
The fork and dropper post ensure excellent handling on the trail
Easy maintenance due to simple technology

Contra

Tire choice slightly compromises grip on rough trails
The short 45 mm stem doesn't suit everyone.
No clearly defined lockout detent on the fork

Mountain bike hardtail under 2,000 € — Under €2000, the Canyon Grand Canyon is one of the most versatile bikes on the market.

Gravel bike or hardtail? The direct comparison

Many touring riders face the decision: Gravel bike or lightweight hardtail? The Grand Canyon holds its own here – also against the Canyon Grizl AL 6, which is 100 € cheaper but 2 kg lighter.

Advantages of Gravel Bike: Faster on asphalt and fine gravel
Advantages of Hardtail: More versatile, better brakes, more comfortable on trails, wider range (510% vs. 400%)

In short: Unless you’re avoiding trails entirely, the Grand Canyon is the much more versatile bike.

Gravel bike vs. Hardtail — Even on easy trails, this bike is more fun than a gravel bike.

Conclusion: A true insider tip for trail enthusiasts

The Canyon Grand Canyon is more than just an affordable hardtail. It’s a statement for versatility, without compromising on modern geometry, good components, or clever features. Canyon has built a bike here that excites tour riders — and also impresses in light trail use.

Finding a bike under €2000 with this setup, under 13 kg total weight and so many possibilities is rare these days. So if you’re looking for a lightweight, tour-ready MTB with all-rounder potential, you should definitely consider the Grand Canyon.

About the author

Ludwig Döhl

... has spent more than 100,000 kilometers in the saddle of over 1000 different mountain bikes. The essence of many hours on the trail: Mountain bikes are awesome when they match your personal preferences! With this realization, he founded bike-test.com to assist cyclists in finding their very own dream bike.