I’m looking for some opinions on which Canyon I should go with and what is worth the money. I’m considering the [Grizl CF SL 6](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/cf-sl/grizl-cf-sl-6/3243.html) on sale at $1699, the [Grizl AL 7](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-7/3715.html) at $1999, and the [Grizl CF SL 7](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/cf-sl/grizl-cf-sl-7/3470.html) at $2399. The CF SL 6 has mostly GRX RX400 (Tiagra equivalent from what I can tell) level components while the AL 7 and CF SL 7 have more GRX RX800 (Ultegra) level components. Budget isn’t necessarily a constraint, but I would like to be conscious of the value I’m getting for the money.
I’m not super experienced, but have been riding my [Marin Four Corners](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2016-four-corners) I got in a store closing sale several years back. It has been great starting out, but since my wife got her Endurace CF 7 last year (she’s thrilled) I’ve been having trouble keeping up. I will likely keep the Marin for family rides, taking our kid to the park, etc. But as I get more into riding, I wouldn’t mind a bit of an upgrade for longer rides and gravel.
I guess my main questions have to do with frame material and component quality. At $1699 for the CF SL 6, do the benefits of carbon outweigh the component differences compared to the AL 7? And if the components are worth the upgrade regardless, is the $400 upgrade for the CF SL 7 worth it over the AL 7?
Any insights on how the feel would be different coming from the ~29lb steel frame Marin with Sora components would be appreciated as well.
by tigerbravo