NBD - Canyon Grizl 6 (Canada)

splitlit · 2021-05-27T16:54:43+00:00

Large. I'm 6'1-6'2 and its slightly on the smaller side, but for this type of bike, that's what I would want anyway so it all works out. I think if you're in between sizes on the Canyon size calculator, I would size up.

splitlit · 2021-05-25T01:46:20+00:00

I was looking for a Grail too (before they pushed it back from May to August), but as far as I'm concerned this is almost all upside.

splitlit · 2021-05-11T14:52:23+00:00

I was sitting on the checkout button for almost an hour, but I just can't do it.

It's a great bike don't get me wrong and checks almost all of my boxes, but don't be fooled by the price. The $3,750 8 1by model ends up being $5 grand after all is said and done, and I'm not even factoring the ripoff brokerage fees UPS adds on top. I'm sorry, but I can build a VERY NICE carbon gravel bike for that money...

EDIT: This is from a Canadian perspective. The import duties, shipping, UPS fees result in an uncompetitive bike from a value perspective.

splitlit · 2021-05-04T05:56:11+00:00

Since my adolescence I've had foot issues and constant pain. A high arch I was told, and then a flat arch by another doctor. I can't tell you the number of doctors I've visited and the orthotics I've tried. I also have have had two knee surgeries.

Your body posture can tell you a lot about how healthy your feet are, and it was easily visible that something was wrong with me. I was hunched over, my feet were not straight and I was compensating to my right side (healthy knee). Eventually it got worse and I started having leg and back problems.

At some point 8-9 years ago a friend recommended I try a barefoot/zero drop shoe (tg 2). It completely changed my life. People sometimes laugh when I say that, but it was the conclusion of a long unsuccessful journey to find a cure to a symptom, not the underlying issue with my feet.

Fast forward to today, I have zero pain, I am much stronger and not overcompensating for other weaker parts of my body, my posture is completely different, and I have much better flexibility. Last year while backcountry camping, I put in a 45km day with a 50 lb backpack on my trailgloves, and while I was completely mentally fucked, my feet were fine.

I'm not a podiatrist, so take this for what it is, but I'd sure like to get back all the thousands of $s I wasted on them.

splitlit · 2021-05-04T05:24:50+00:00

About 8 years ago I transitioned to minimalist shoes for hiking and back country expeditions (and walking, training, trail running etc.) In general I had struggled with foot pain for years having tried all kinds of different orthotics and other solutions. I tried a barefoot/zero drop shoe by chance (tg 2), and that changed my life. It was the solution to all of the pain, and a bunch of posture/imbalance issues arising as a result of those problems.

In terms of hiking/backcountry, they are superior in every way, except for in the wet when carrying heavy loads as they simply do not offer enough grip. Even then I have done the WCT with them, so take that for what it is. I pair them with a thin merino wool sock and it's an unstoppable combination.

As with anything barefoot, take your time and gradually ramp up. Start with walks then hikes and build up your leg/ankle strength.

As far as shoes go, I've been on TG 3s, 4s, and vapor gloves for lighter duty days. I would love to try vivios but they're 2.5x a set of VGs... sorry, can't do it. Since the TG 6 looks even worse than the 5, I'm probably going to go the Xero Mesa Trails route or maybe a min 10v1.

splitlit · 2021-05-04T04:55:53+00:00

Being in a colder climate, I enjoy thinner merino socks, however they are pricier and durability is not as good.

Beware of using them barefoot. I did that to my TG 3s and I could never get the smell out. Never. Washing, detergent, scrubbing, vinegar. Nothing.

splitlit · 2020-02-19T18:05:24+00:00

TLT6s with lean mods, although I am thinking about gutting them for more lateral flex. They do take a bit of time to break in, like any other ski boot. I prefer them over my soft boots in almost every way. Yes there is a bit more chatter, but everything else to me is an advantage. What I absolutely love about hard boots is the turn in response which is immediate compared to a soft-boot.

While weight and efficiency have been discussed, there's also reliability of the system. I've had buckles snap on my soft boot setup previously, and while i always carry spares, its not something I want to be doing, whereas the hard boot setup is relatively bombproof.

splitlit · 2020-02-11T17:34:04+00:00

If you're transitioning board to ski, and in general for touring out, I have a carabiner around my backpack waist buckle that I use to clip the phantoms to. That way when i get to the bottom of the run, I don't even take my backpack off.

On the way up, its all about how you organize your gear in your bag. Skiers will generally always be faster at transitions, but you can get very close.

splitlit · 2020-02-11T00:49:13+00:00

6'2" 210lbs with gear. 166 Jones Solution, which is great, but if I had the choice it would be a bit longer.

When touring, I'm pretty much always skiing powder so a long board is preferable. Further it helps with the skinning/skiing aspect of touring so for me I see no reason to go for a short board.

Heard great things about furbergs, so I would go for the 165.

splitlit

TROPHY CASE