Canyon Grand Canyon AL 7 review

Full review

Canyon sells directly to riders, which is how the Grand Canyon AL 7 packs a 12-speed Shimano drivetrain, a 120 mm RockShox Judy Gold fork and 2-piston hydraulic brakes with 180 mm rotors into a hardtail priced like the entry-level models from big brands. Canyon lists it at 12.8 kg in size M, which is a kilogram or more lighter than the Cube and Trek here, and you notice that on climbs.

The tyres are fast-rolling Schwalbe Rocket Rons at 2.25 in, which suits mixed terrain and cross-country style rides rather than very muddy or rocky trails. The bar is a wide 760 mm and the frame carries eight mounting points, so it can carry bottles, bags or a rack. Pedals are not included.

There is no dropper seatpost, which the Giant and Trek bikes include; you would need to add one yourself. Canyon's Irish page listed the bike as coming soon at the time of checking, so stock may be limited, and buying direct means no test ride or local set-up unless you build it yourself or pay a shop.

If you want a quick, light trail hardtail and are comfortable with online ordering, it is the performance pick of the hardtails.