TL;DR – Summary
The new gravel bikes from Trek, Rose, and Canyon show how strongly the segment is evolving toward adventure and bikepacking. More suspension, greater tire clearance, integrated power supply, and specialized geometries are making gravel bikes technically more complex—and bringing them closer to mountain bikes.
The Trek CheckOUT introduces full suspension and luggage integration, the Rose Backroad focuses on energy autonomy and mechanical shifting, and Canyon combines modularity with lighting systems and comfort handlebars—or suspension forks.
This development brings many advantages for long-distance and adventure riding—but also more weight, higher prices, and the question: Is this still gravel?
Table of contents
- Trek CheckOUT SL 7 AXS – the drop-bar full-suspension
- Rose Backroad Unsupported – the self-sufficient complete package
- Canyon Grizl CF 8 ESC – the modular multitool
- Gravel Bike Trends Derived from These Models
- Countertrends: Critical Aspects of the Development
- Final Thoughts
Over the past few weeks, I’ve followed the launch of new gravel bikes with great interest: the new Rose Backroad, the new Canyon Grizl, and the Trek CheckOUT.
All three bikes have sparked much discussion—and for me, they clearly signal a shift: gravel bikes are no longer just “simple dirt racers” or “road bikes with 40mm tires.” They’ve diversified significantly (gravel race, gravel all-rounder, gravel adventure, gravel commuter, e-gravel), become high-tech products, and are increasingly evolving into drop-bar mountain bikes.
In short: they show how the segment is evolving—technically, conceptually, and with a focus on bikepacking.
And that’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at the new bikes:
Trek CheckOUT SL 7 AXS – the drop-bar full-suspension
The new Trek CheckOUT is perhaps the clearest sign that something is changing. The Americans present a gravel bike that hesitates to be a mountain bike but already brings everything needed: full suspension with 60mm front and 55mm rear travel, tire clearance of 56mm/2.2 inches, and a “gravel adventure geometry.”
The slacker head angle, longer wheelbase, and increased reach are steps toward MTB. The still steeper head angle and longer stem remain more gravel-oriented. So, it’s a good mix, though the CheckOUT still leans closer to gravel.
At first glance, one could call it a drop-bar MTB, but it would need to accept more front suspension (unclear if it fits 100 or 110mm forks). The trend is clear and will please those who’ve always seen MTB as the “superior concept.”
For bikepacking, Trek offers 18 mounting points on the frame—plenty for carrying gear. Notable are the two adjustable Wolf Tooth-style mounts on the down tube and the integrated rear rack, which sits on its own pivots to accommodate frame suspension.
Trek previously offered the Trek 1020, a bikepacking model with robust racks. The CheckOUT now includes the rack from size M/L upward, with additional mounts for bottle cages or similar.
On paper, the Trek CheckOUT is a near do-it-all machine for adventure gravel, combining speed with comfort and reducing fatigue.
However, this comes at a weight cost: the top model weighs around 11.5kg—without the rack. The system weight is 125kg, which should suffice for bikepacking, assuming an average person weight of 78kg (86kg men, 69kg women).
Price-wise, Trek follows a premium strategy: €7,000 for the top model and €230 for the matching frame bag. Innovation and niche focus come at a cost.
Rose Backroad Unsupported – the self-sufficient complete package
Rose takes a different path with the new Backroad Unsupported. This bike quickly won the hearts of gravel fans, and Rose also offers the Backroad FF for performance-oriented riders.
The classic Backroad, a sporty adventure machine, now gets a smart update. Rose focuses on independence and positions the new Backroad as a touring bike. It’s been electrified—not with a motor, but with an integrated power system for charging and lighting.
The SON 29 hub dynamo generates power stored in a Busch & Müller K-Werk battery (5,000 mAh), which can charge a power bank or smartphone. It also powers a high-quality lighting system: the bright Supernova M99 DY front light and TL3 Mini rear light.
A handlebar switch toggles between light, charging, or off. The USB-C port is elegantly integrated into the spacers.
The full adventure-ready setup includes 53mm/2.1-inch tire clearance and a Fidlock bag system (top tube and frame bag).
The frame is carbon (aluminum versions also available) and features a compartment for tools and the battery.
There are 18 mounting points—plenty for bags and racks.
Rose also emphasizes independence with mechanical shifting, using the Shimano GRX RX820 group. Personally, I find this unnecessary—electronic shifting has proven reliable and adventure-ready. But it’s likely a psychological “touring cyclist effect,” valuing repairability. This mindset stems from my own touring days—valid then, less so now.
Another point: gravel gearing often suits unloaded climbing, but with bikepacking, it gets tight. Trek addresses this with 38T front and 10–52T rear. For events suited to bikes like the Backroad or Trek, smaller front rings (34 or 36T) are better. Rose specs a 40T front and 10–51T rear—okay, but borderline for loaded off-road climbs, depending on fitness and willingness to push.
Rose lists the Backroad Unsupported at 11kg—heavier than the Trek, which offers more suspension at similar weight but no power system. System weight is 120kg, slightly less than Trek.
Canyon Grizl CF 8 ESC – the modular multitool
Canyon’s new Grizl Escape follows a similar path to Rose, but like Trek, sees the need for suspension. With 11 models, the lineup is a bit confusing. Broadly, there’s the “normal” Grizl—still a fun, sporty machine with various builds and Shimano CUES for entry-level pricing.
Then there are the Escape variants, positioning the Grizl as a versatile adventure bike for road, trail, and bikepacking.
One version features the ECLIPS system: hub dynamo, battery, USB-C power, and lights. Similar to Rose’s setup, but Canyon uses a “BlackBox” to manage power and a Lupine battery (3,600 mAh), integrated into the frame compartment. Lights include Lupine Nano SL and C14. USB-C is also in the spacers below the stem.
For adventure readiness, Canyon equips the Grizl with a Full Mounty handlebar offering multiple grip positions and mounting options for navigation and accessories, plus a dedicated bag. Tire clearance is 54mm/2.1 inches, and it uses Shimano GRX RD-RX822 with 40T front and 10–51T rear.
Geometry is optimized for long tours: slacker head angle, longer chainstays—trending toward all-round MTB geometry. It remains a gravel bike, but the RIFT version includes a 40mm suspension fork.
Carlotta Schumacher rode the RIFT at this year’s Hellenic Mountain Race. Unfortunately, ECLIPS and RIFT aren’t combined—Grizl ESC would be a more complete adventure gravel bike if they were.
Weight is around 10kg. System weight is about 120kg.
Gravel Bike Trends Derived from These Models
Full Suspension / More Suspension / More Travel
Trek CheckOUT and parts of Canyon Grizl show that drop-bar full-suspension gravel bikes are viable, enhancing comfort on rough terrain. The MTB–gravel boundary is becoming more fluid, especially for mixed-surface touring and bikepacking.
Greater Tire Clearance, More Robust Tires
This trend has been emerging: new bikes clearly support wider tires and frames/forks to match. Options for 50–56mm tires improve traction and comfort. Wider rims (e.g., 30mm internal width) are also appearing. I use such rims on my drop-bar MTB—apparently now in fashion…
Tires themselves are becoming tougher: wider casings, sidewalls, tubeless as standard in higher-end builds. Canyon and Rose use Schwalbe G-One Overland in 45 and 50mm widths. Trek uses Bontrager Betasso RSL GX in 55mm/2 inches.
Geometry: Longer Reach, Slacker Steering, Longer Wheelbase
Frame geometry adapts to increased comfort and long-distance suitability: slacker head angles, more stack, longer chainstays. This results in a less aggressive riding position and better control off-road, especially with luggage.
Integration & Equipment Systems
Canyon and Rose highlight this: electric systems, integrated lighting and power (e.g., ECLIPS at Canyon) are becoming more relevant—and I find them useful. Even if they contradict early bikepacking ideals of independence, electronic shifting is becoming more common.
Comfort & Long-Distance Orientation
To make long rides more comfortable and less fatiguing, manufacturers are adding systems to gravel bikes: suspension seatposts, technologies like Trek’s IsoSpeed or Specialized’s Future Shock, and ergonomic geometry tweaks.
Bikepacking gear—mounting points, luggage compatibility, bags, lighting—is increasingly considered and integrated.
More Segmentation & Specialization
As mentioned earlier: gravel bikes have matured and are no longer “one bike for everything.” They’ve diversified into race, adventure/bikepacking, commuting, e-gravel, etc.
Manufacturers offer variants with distinct geometry and equipment so users can choose precisely. Whether this pays off is unclear—but variety isn’t bad, and I see this as a market phase that will likely consolidate.
Countertrends: Critical Aspects of the Development
More Weight & Complexity
Every added feature—suspension, power systems, luggage integration—increases weight and technical complexity. This can hinder maintenance and repair, and threatens the original simplicity of gravel bikes.
Rising Prices & Declining Accessibility
Innovation costs money. Models like Trek CheckOUT show that adventure gravel is entering the premium segment. Brands like Trek and Specialized pursue high-price strategies. Gravel bikes are becoming less accessible for beginners and broader audiences. Even though I’m willing to pay more for bikes and parts, some gravel prices now exceed my custom titanium builds.
Compatibility Issues & Lack of Standards
Varying tire widths, headsets, suspensions, and power systems complicate upgrades and spare parts. The diversity is exciting but brings fragmentation and inconsistent standards.
Sustainability & Material Usage
Carbon, electronics, and high-end components are resource-intensive and environmentally taxing. The industry must focus more on recycling, fair production, and social responsibility—as current challenges at Giant show.
Loss of Identity: Is This Still Gravel?
The original gravel idea—light, agile, between road and dirt—is fading. If gravel bikes become drop-bar SUVs or nearly full-suspension trail MTBs, the question arises: where does gravel end and something else begin?
Final Thoughts
The new gravel bikes from Trek, Rose, and Canyon impressively show how the segment is evolving—technically, functionally, and conceptually. For bikepackers like me, many innovations are useful and welcome. At the same time, the boundary to MTB is blurring, prices are rising, and complexity is increasing.
For gravel purists, these developments challenge the original idea of the gravel bike: light, agile, minimal.
Is this still gravel? Everyone must decide for themselves. For me: gravel is no longer just gravel—it’s a reflection of the diversity and needs of our scene. And that’s a good thing.
How do you see it—and how do you think gravel will evolve?
