Gravel bike sizing: Your complete gravel bike size guide

Why does gravel biking continue to be one of cycling’s most popular disciplines? There’s nothing like coming across a new gravel road or dirt trail, think to yourself “I wonder where that leads?” and then follow it, knowing the bike you’re riding can tackle anything that road can throw at it. But first, you need that bike. 

You’re reading this article, so you’ve most likely decided to heed the call of gravel and add a new Grail, Grizl, or Grizl:ONfly to your quiver of bikes. Congrats! But after you spent so many hours researching and reading online reviews, you still have one more task – choosing the right size for your new gravel bike! 

Canyon understands the challenges of buying a bike online, so we've invested heavily in creating the Perfect Positioning System (PPS) that’s guaranteed to help you find your ideal bike size. 

Riding a bike that doesn’t fit properly can quickly ruin the experience - instead of enjoying the challenge of a great gravel ride, you’ll be distracted by physical discomfort. If the bike is too large, you’ll feel overextended; too small, and you’ll be cramped with your knees getting in the way on every pedal stroke. Getting the right size is key to both comfort and performance.  

Most importantly, the wrong size bike also means your risk of injury is much higher. A bike’s size and geometry are designed so that your joints and muscles are working in perfect balance; if the sizing is off, you’re at greater risk of pulled muscles, strained ligaments, and more. 

Most brands offer limited sizing, but Canyon covers a wide range - from 3XS to 2XL. By following Canyon’s directions, you’re almost guaranteed to find a gravel bike that fits. 

Don’t get hung up on traditional S, M, and L sizing. The equivalent of a medium on one company’s bike could be a small or a large on another. Pay more attention to numbers like stack and reach, which will be a better barometer for a bike that fits you perfectly. 

A bike’s geometry ultimately determines both its size and how it handles on the road and trail. Canyon offers two gravel bikes – the Grail is the lighter, more race-oriented machine, while the Grizl is the more rugged option, designed for bikepacking and fun off-road adventure. Although they perform admirably on pavement, on gritty, rocky, or sandy trails, they’re unbeatable. 

The geometry of a gravel bike is longer and more relaxed than that of a road bike. The taller head tubes that enable a more relaxed position on gravel bikes often result in a sloping top tube that differs from the flat design commonly found on road bikes. This allows for more relaxed steering, and slightly less sharp on the road, it’s of great benefit on off-road sections.  

Gravel bikes typically ride higher than road bikes, providing extra stability and increased comfort. With an elevated bottom bracket, they have more clearance for uneven surfaces and generally have longer wheelbases for improved stability over rough terrain. 

Before ordering your new gravel bike, it’s essential to know your exact height and inseam length. These measurements are the foundation for finding the right frame size to match your riding style and terrain. Canyon bike sizing guide will walk you through how to measure accurately and choose the best fit. For even more precision, it helps to have your ideal stack and reach numbers ready too. 

The two most important numbers on any bike's geometry chart are stack and reach. Sizing between bike models and manufacturers can differ despite two bikes being the same size. 

Stack refers to the vertical height from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube, while reach is defined by the horizontal distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the head tube. A longer reach means you’re more stretched out on the bike, with your hands moved further forward. A bigger stack means a more upright riding position. On Canyon's bike size charts, you'll also find Stack+ and Reach+ which take into account the bike's spacers and supplied stem. 

For example, the Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2 in a size medium has a stack of 579 mm and a reach of 402 mm, meanwhile a medium Grail CF SLX 8 has a stack of 591 mm and a reach of 411 mm. The medium Grizl has a stack+ of 666 mm and reach+ of 461 mm versus the Grail’s 669 mm and 456 mm, respectively. 

Before you order your new Canyon, take note of the stack and reach measurements from your current bike. These figures provide a helpful reference point when comparing models. Think about the ride feel you’re aiming for, and try to find stack and reach numbers that closely match your preferences, using your existing setup as a starting baseline.

Still have questions about stack and reach? This gravel bike geometry article goes into more depth.

Not sure which of two sizes to choose? No worries! Take a close look at the geometry of both options - details like stack and reach, especially if you have measurements from your current bike, can guide your decision. Minor adjustments to your saddle, handlebars, or stem can fine-tune the fit.  

With the right setup, your new Canyon gravel bike will feel perfectly tailored to you.

Canyon offers one of the most extensive gravel bike size ranges on the market, spanning from 3XS to 2XL. That means you’ve got a wide selection to choose from, making it easier to find the ideal fit for your body and riding style. 

Finding the perfect size Canyon bike might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s pretty easy. Follow these simple steps: 

• Measure your height and inner-leg length – be sure to double check it! – and use the button reading “What’s my size? Find out in 3 steps” on the product page. You may be tempted to skip this part thinking you already know these measurements, but take it from someone who recently learned he was nearly an inch shorter than he thought he was, you could be wrong! 
• Check the Stack+ and Reach+ to make sure you’ll be comfortable.
• Consider adjustments you can make to your bike to hone the fit. This includes moving your saddle, adjusting the seatpost height, or perhaps opting for longer or shorter crank arms. 
• Check in with a professional bike fitter for their opinion. 
• Have a friend around your height who already owns a Canyon? Ask to take it for a test ride? 
• Order your gravel bike and ride!

Canyon’s Perfect Positioning System (PPS) is built on years of in-depth research and real-world rider data. Thanks to this advanced tool, over 98% of customers who entered accurate measurements were matched with the ideal bike size. We’re continually updating the sizing tool with new data from our showrooms and internal systems to make it even more precise. 

So, how does it work? Every bike sold contributes to a bell curve of sizing data, helping us refine our size recommendations. Measurements from our showrooms ensure accuracy, while external sources allow us to account for regional and cultural differences in body proportions. 

If the calculator doesn’t provide a result, it’s likely due to incorrect measurements. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and ask someone to assist you if possible. If you still have trouble, our support team is available via live chat to help you find your fit. 

Once you've entered your measurements, you can save them to your Canyon account. That way, your recommended size will automatically appear on every product page, making your future bike shopping even easier. 

At this stage of choosing the right bike size, it’s also important to factor in your individual physiology. Consider your flexibility and any past injuries that might affect your riding position or comfort. 

The Grail is Canyon’s bike designed for gravel racing. Its tire clearance isn’t as wide as the Grizl, but the Grail was created to be faster, with aerodynamic tube shapes cutting through the wind on those wide-open gravel courses. It also handles more agilely when trying to avoid obstacles and other riders in race situations. 

Designed for bikepacking and adventure riding, the Grizl is built like a tank, with multiple mounting points where you can attach bags holding your tent, sleeping bag, and other bikepacking gear. The Grizl excels on the most difficult roads and trails. 

Curious which gravel bike suits you best? Check out our blog article comparing the Canyon Grail and Grizl to find the right fit for your adventures.

We no longer produce women’s-specific gravel bikes, but that’s because our current range is designed to suit all riders, regardless of gender. With a broad selection of frame sizes - including smaller options - and adjustable components, our gravel bikes can be tailored to fit a wide variety of body types.  

Instead of separating bikes by gender, we focus on smart design and fit-first geometry to ensure comfort, control, and performance for everyone. 

There are plenty of ways to fine-tune your bike for better comfort. The key areas to focus on are your main contact points with the bike. Simply adjusting or replacing your saddle can make a noticeable difference right away. You might also consider switching to a different stem to alter reach or adding spacers to increase handlebar height. 

Even small tweaks can significantly impact how your bike feels, so take it step by step. You’ll find a range of contact point components in our online shop if you’re looking to upgrade. 

For more detailed information on each of the Canyon gravel models, check out our bike comparison tool. Just hit the link to the tool at the bottom of the page, and you can choose up to three models to analyze geometry, components, and more. Pay close attention to the stack and reach numbers in the geometry chart. Compare them to your current bike to help determine if you should go up or down in height. 

Looking for more details? Check out our gravel bike buying guide and explore top tips for choosing the right gravel bike for your needs.  

If you’re still stuck, Canyon can help you across the finish line. Check our events pages and social media channels for information about test rides in your area. Consider visiting one of Canyon’s demo centers - like the one in Carlsbad, California - or test ride locations across Europe to try them out for yourself. 

Luckily, if you feel like you’d be happier on a different model after a few rides, you can easily exchange your purchase, thanks to Canyon’s generous 30-day return policy.