Canyon Grail CF 8 1by vs Marin Headlands 2
Both are gravel bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Marin Headlands 2 comes out ahead (67% against 63%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Canyon Grail CF 8 1by is £100 cheaper — £2,799 against £2,899.
- Weight
- The Canyon Grail CF 8 1by is 1.3kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Marin Headlands 2 sits you more upright (1.53 stack-to-reach against 1.44). The Canyon Grail CF 8 1by is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Marin Headlands 2 takes 45mm tyres against 42mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Mudguards
- Only the Marin Headlands 2 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Grail CF 8 1by | Headlands 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,799 | £2,899 |
| Weight | 8.9 kg | 10.2 kg |
| Frame | carbon | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano GRX RX820 1x12 mechanical | Shimano GRX RX820 1x12 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.44 | 1.53 |
| Tyre clearance | 42 mm | 45 mm |
| Lowest gear | 24 in | 22 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | Yes |
| Comfort | 63 | 79 |
| Speed | 46 | 20 |
| Climbing | 68 | 55 |
| Value | 21 | 8 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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