The One-Bike Quiver? Reviewing the New Canyon Grizl and its ECLIPS System
A deep dive into the new 2025 Canyon Grizl. Our review covers the innovative "Full Mounty" handlebar, integrated ECLIPS dynamo system, and new adventure-ready features.
In the ever-evolving world of cycling, the search for the "one bike" that can truly do it all is a familiar quest. We want a machine that’s fast on pavement, capable on chunky gravel, and ready for multi-day adventures at a moment's notice. With the launch of its completely redesigned Grizl, German brand Canyon has thrown down the gauntlet, proposing a versatile "All-Terrain Bike" (ATB) platform that aims to be the definitive answer for the modern adventure cyclist.
This isn't just an update; it's a fundamental reimagining of what a gravel bike can be. By embracing modularity and packing in some truly innovative technology, the new Grizl platform, particularly in its "Escape" configuration, is built for those who see the map as a suggestion, not a set of rules.
The Cockpit That Demands a Double-Take: Meet the Full Mounty
It's impossible to talk about the new Grizl without starting with its most striking feature: the wonderfully named "Full Mounty" handlebar. This is no ordinary drop bar. Its unique, almost pentagonal shape is a classic Canyon move—unconventional, yet deeply functional.
At first glance, it’s wild. But spend a moment considering its purpose, and the genius of the design becomes clear. The integrated top loop isn't just for looks; it's a masterclass in utility for the long-haul rider:
- Multiple Hand Positions: The upper loop, complete with textured rubber grips, provides an entirely new place to rest your hands and forearms, offering crucial relief and fighting fatigue on epic rides.
- Integrated Cargo Space: The design perfectly accommodates Canyon’s own LOAD Cockpit Bag, which nestles inside the loop and includes a mount for your bike computer, keeping your essentials accessible and your data visible.
- Future-Proof Compatibility: Thinking of adding aero extensions for ultra-distance events? The Full Mounty is specifically configured to accept them, with a dedicated accessory on the way from Canyon.
- Versatile Mounting: Even with the loop, the bar maintains standard round profiles, ensuring you can still easily mount lights, computers, or a traditional handlebar bag underneath.
Powering the Adventure: The Game-Changing ECLIPS System
Perhaps even more revolutionary than the handlebar is the optional ECLIPS (Endless Charge & Lighting Integrated Power System). This fully integrated dynamo setup is a bikepacker's dream, elegantly solving the perpetual problem of keeping lights and devices charged off-grid.
Developed with proven components from industry leaders SON (dynamo hub) and Lupine (lights), the system is brilliantly seamless. A SON 29 S dynamo hub in the front wheel generates power as you ride, sending it to a 3500mAh Lupine SmartCore battery hidden within the downtube's new internal storage compartment.
This powers a potent 1000-lumen Lupine Nano SL headlight and a C14 taillight. More importantly, it provides continuous power to a USB-C port at the stem, allowing you to charge your phone or GPS on the move. Canyon has even engineered slick integrated contacts at the fork dropouts, making front-wheel removal completely hassle-free. The system is smart, too; it can be managed via a connected Canyon smartphone app and provides flicker-free light even at slow speeds, thanks to the backup battery.
A Foundation Built for the Backcountry
Beyond the headline innovations, the Grizl's carbon frame has been thoughtfully updated to handle the rigors of serious adventure.
Most notably, tire clearance has been boosted to a massive 54mm (or 2.1-inch MTB tires), giving riders incredible versatility to tackle any terrain. The frame now features a downtube "glovebox" for internal storage, a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) for easier repairs, and a full suite of mounts for racks, fenders, and cargo cages. The geometry has also been tweaked for more stability when fully loaded, ensuring confident handling on steep, technical descents.
The Takeaway
The new Canyon Grizl isn't just a bike; it's a highly adaptable ecosystem. By splitting the lineup into the more traditional "OG" models and the adventure-focused "Escape" models, Canyon allows riders to choose their path.
For the dedicated bikepacker and long-distance adventurer, the Grizl CF Escape models, especially with the ECLIPS system, represent a quantum leap forward. The combination of the hyper-functional Full Mounty cockpit and a self-sufficient power source removes major barriers to heading further into the wild. With prices for the new carbon models starting around $2,800 and the Grizl CF 7 Escape coming in at $3,399, Canyon continues to offer compelling value in a feature-packed platform. This might just be the most capable and forward-thinking adventure bike on the market today.
