So, after most of a decade commuting in Vancouver on a road bike, I asked myself, what am I doing? The brakes (rim, remember them?) suck, and it dawned on me the bike feels sketchy af heading down hills in our frequent rain or in any traffic.
I’d bought a Neuron CF this summer and have been enjoying it immensely, so my first thought was a Pathlite. But that seemed a bit tame. So I thought what about a gravel bike? Commute September to May in Vancouver and in the summer, when we’re fortunate enough to be in Whistler, explore the trails there.
What’s your take on these three options? One commonality is they all have 12 speed GRX (2x for the last option).
1. [Grizl](https://www.canyon.com/en-ca/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-8-1by/3467.html?dwvar_3467_pv_rahmenfarbe=R075_P04) 8 1by. $2,750 Canadian, has rack mounts, and probably best for as a commuter in that it can take dings and isn’t precious.
2. [Grizl](https://www.canyon.com/en-ca/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/cf-sl/grizl-cf-sl-8-1by/3785.html?dwvar_3785_pv_rahmenfarbe=R095_P07) CF SL 1by. $4K Canadian. In addition to the carbon frame, this does get the VCLS 2.0 seatpost. Will need a pricier rack like the Tailfin due to the lack of rack mounts (though honestly might get that anyway it’s so nicely engineered).
3. [Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/revolt-advanced-0-2024) Revolt Advanced 0. $5K Canadian. Big upgrade is this gets carbon wheels too.
I’m 193cms tall. One thing I noticed is the huge difference in Canyon and Giant’s take on sizing. The Grizls have a reach of 427mm in XL. The Giant has a reach of 407, which is a bit smaller than a L Grizl and a medium Grail if I were looking at that. One thing leaning me towards Canyon is I’ve found the sizing of the XL Neuron spot on.
So, thoughts on the options?
by Recent_Carob3106