I’m trying to decide on a gravel bike below $2k that has tires at least 38cm but leaning more towards the bigger tires. I mainly ride on road but I want something versatile that will last me awhile. These components are over my head. Is there a clear winner in terms of components / value / comfort / reliability? I really like all these bikes for different reasons 🙂 The Grizl 6 for the price, specialized for the brands reputation, Scott for the looks. Aside from that, this is my first bike purchase over $700 and they have always been mountain bikes so I just want to make a good purchase. I’d say since they are all similar in price which bike would be the best buy in terms of reliability over 10 years of ownership and ease to have shops work on if something breaks.
PS – Every bike I’ve ever rode has been a large since I’m 5’11”. Canyon says I’m a Medium. Does this seem correct?
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* Canyon Grizl 6 1BY – $1600 — SRAM Apex 1×12 speed / hydraulic brakes / 700x45C tires
* [https://www.canyon.com/en-bm/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6-1by/3716.html?dwvar\_3716\_pv\_rahmenfarbe=R075\_P06&dwvar\_3716\_pv\_rahmengroesse=M](https://www.canyon.com/en-bm/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6-1by/3716.html?dwvar_3716_pv_rahmenfarbe=R075_P06&dwvar_3716_pv_rahmengroesse=M)
* Canyon Grizl 7 1BY – $1700 — GRX RX812 GS 1×11 speed / GRX RX600 hydraulic brakes / 700x45C tires
* [https://www.canyon.com/en-bm/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-7-1by/3468.html?dwvar\_3468\_pv\_rahmenfarbe=R075\_P02](https://www.canyon.com/en-bm/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-7-1by/3468.html?dwvar_3468_pv_rahmenfarbe=R075_P02)
* Scott Speedster Gravel 30 – $1800 — GRX RX400 2×10 speed / RX400 Hydraulic Disc brakes / 700x45C tires
* [https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-speedster-gravel-30-black-bike?article=290510056](https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-speedster-gravel-30-black-bike?article=290510056)
* Specialized E5 Elite – $1800 — GRX RX600 2×10 speed / GRX 810 Hydraulic disc brakes / 700x38c tires
* [https://www.specialized.com/us/en/diverge-elite-e5/p/199974?color=322134-199974](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/diverge-elite-e5/p/199974?color=322134-199974)
by FineOpportunity636
7 Comments
If you want something more road than gravel, I’d lean towards the grail over the grizl
Competitive cyclist has a 55cm ft grade elite carbon for exactly 2k right now, not sure what shipping would bring it to. Top tub 57cm, so should be on the large side of a 55.
I have the 2022 Specialized Diverge E5 Elite, and have been extremely happy with it. I’ve done week long endurance rides, gravel races, and a bunch of flowy single track. One thing I’ve noticed about the geometry is that it is quite stable on fast descends and I’ve hit some crazy speeds and felt stable. The Diverge was a big tech jump for me as well. Because of the range of riding I do, the 2x drivetrain is a must, just for the wide range of use.
As for sizing, I’m 5’9″ and am good on a 54. I test rode several frames from different bike shops to find the one that felt the best
I ordered the Elite
I just got back from my lbs. Started my day in almost the exact same position as you. Same budget, same short list, same height. I ordered the 56 with specialized pro 42 tires, tubeless. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the choices. Pick a color and ride.
Medium sizing on the canyon seems correct, they size up fairly large and long.
I’d go for either of the 2×10 bikes if you’re going to be using them on tarmac a lot!
Scott and canyon pretty solid. They’re reliable, good quality for the price, and fun to ride.
This guy’s ratings are pretty reliable. I know he talks about Scott but I don’t remember if he talks about canyon.
https://youtu.be/BFSNzCAVML4?si=JLCDYXiuvOlaRwXu
They are all great bikes, canyon will be more bang for your buck in terms of components but you won’t have the same support as getting a bike from your LBS.
I owed the Diverge you linked I I love it! Compared to a road bike it is slower and not as nimble.
The Grizl and Diverge have a more relaxed riding position compared to more performance road bikes!
I don’t know anything about the scott, but it has the “worst” components from the bikes you’ve listed.