Which would you use for bikepacking?

First: yes the grizl exists, but I have already two bikes and we are talking about 1-2 BP trips. Don’t need a third bike.

I have Canyon Grail CF SL 7 1. Gen vs the Ultimate CF SL 7.

Pro‘s for the Ultimate:
Faster
Aero rims so even more faster?
Traditional cockpit so able to put on a handlebar bag
Probably 1 kg less weight

Con:
Road tires so have to stick to road. There are quite a few bike paths with gravel (on popular bikepacking routes) so wouldn’t be able to drive there
Aero rims are more affected to Crosswinds. It’s fine but with all the bags I think it will be worse. Sure on my overnighter I can pick a date with good weather and not so strong wind but still something to consider.
More aggressive position. The ultimate is 2 months old and the longest distance was 115 km so should be fine but maybe with the added weight?

Grail pro:
It’s a gravel bike with wider tires so more flexible and can use it on gravel lol
Not as aggressive seat position so better ?

Con:
Hoverbar. I kinda like it and hate it. For the optic I prefer a traditional cockpit as it’s cleaner but I also like the unique look and the flex on gravel. The problem for bikepacking would be to install a handlebar bag. Sure on a 1 night Trip I would probably not need one but if it’s longer it’s a bit hard.
More weight
Slower even tho I added Pathfinder pro tires (not in the picture) which are faster but there is still a gap in speed.

I probably have to pick the Grail as it’s way more flexible with the tires. Max clearance on the ultimate is 32 mm and I don’t think that would cut it on gravel (even tho some added 35 mm)

by xxSeahawks