Three New Bikes Worth Watching: Wilier Rave, Canyon Grizl Alloy, and Orbea Orca Aero

Introduction

This roundup leans heavily on gravel, with two new releases that take very different approaches and one striking aero road bike that has already sparked a design debate. The first gravel bike aims to be just as good on tarmac as it is off-road, a direction that should appeal to riders who want a single bike for several jobs. The second takes a more practical, value-focused route with an aluminum frame and a tempting suspension fork option.

The aero machine in question raises a fair question for anyone shopping for a fast road bike: are brands pushing aero design too far, and how much are you willing to trade in looks for extra speed? All three bikes are worth a closer look, whether your priority is versatility, value, or pure watts.

Wilier Rave: A Lightweight Gravel Bike Built for Two Roles

The Wilier Rave is a new carbon fiber gravel bike from the Italian brand, and it brings most of the details you would expect from a modern gravel platform. There is room for 42mm tires, which is not the widest clearance on the market but probably wide enough for many riders, and the frame accepts both 1x and 2x drivetrains. The claimed frame weight of around 915g is also notable, not far off what you might expect from an aero road race bike.

What makes the Rave interesting is the way it blurs the line between an endurance road bike and a gravel bike. The geometry is not super slack like some dedicated off-road machines; the front end is slightly slacker than a road bike, while the stack is higher and the reach is shorter, giving a relaxed fit that should work well on the road. Wilier presents the bike in two very different builds: a gravel build with chunky tires for off-road riding, and a road build with a road groupset and slick tires for pure on-tarmac use.

The idea of one bike covering two duties is a big part of gravel’s appeal, and the Rave leans into it hard. The range starts at £8,680 with a Campagnolo Ekar 1x13 groupset and tops out at £11,350 with the new Shimano 12-speed groupset. For riders who want a lightweight two-in-one machine, this is a serious investment, but the positioning is clear: a gravel bike that does not ask you to compromise on road performance.

Canyon Grizl Alloy: Practical Gravel at a Friendlier Price

Canyon’s Grizl arrived as the follow-up to the Grail, offering a more conventional gravel bike for riders put off by the Grail’s hover handlebar. The carbon version launched first, and the new alloy version keeps the same design features, including clearance for 50mm tires and the same geometry that works well both on and off the road.

What the aluminum frame adds is extra mounting points. The Grizl Alloy gets pannier mounts alongside the usual array of mounts for bags and accessories, which makes it even more versatile for touring and commuting setups. Aluminum also appeals to riders who want the reassurance of a metal frame over carbon for off-road duty, and the weight penalty is not massive. Canyon does not provide a frame weight, but a Shimano GRX 600 2x build with DT Swiss wheels comes in at a claimed 10.66kg, which is respectable for an alloy gravel bike.

Pricing starts at £1,499 in the UK with a Shimano 2x GRX groupset and tops out at £1,999 with GRX 600. The top model can be ordered with either a rigid fork or the new RockShox Rudy suspension fork, and that fork alone retails for nearly £800, which makes the complete bike look like strong value. Combined with big tire clearance, a suspension fork, and a well-designed frame, this should be a smooth and capable ride on mixed terrain.

Orbea Orca Aero: Aero Details and a Design Debate

The newly arrived Orbea Orca Aero is the second generation of the Spanish brand’s aero road bike, and it takes aerodynamic design a step further. The frame features an aero-shaped water bottle, and there is an aero compartment in the bottom of the down tube for tools, food, clothing, or anything else you want to carry. Orbea says the two features combine to reduce drag compared to a more conventional setup.

The result is a distinctive machine, and it has generated plenty of discussion. Aero road bikes are undeniably fast, faster than many traditional bikes, and the appeal of riding faster with the same effort is real. But the Orca Aero raises a fair question: are bike manufacturers pushing aero too far, and are riders willing to trade looks for speed? Some riders will love the integrated approach; others would rather brands dial the aero back a little and keep the lines cleaner.

There is no denying the appeal of a bike designed to save effort in real-world riding. The integrated bottle and storage compartment turn everyday carry items into part of the aerodynamic package, which is a genuinely different way of thinking about a race bike. Whether it is a step too far or exactly the right direction is likely to keep the debate going.

What to Consider Before Buying

Before choosing between these three bikes, it helps to be clear about where you will spend most of your riding time. If the plan is mostly mixed-surface riding, gravel roads, long tours, or commuting with bags, tire clearance and mounting points matter more than frame weight. If the priority is road speed and aero efficiency, a purpose-built aero road bike may be the better match.

Fit is another factor. The Wilier Rave uses an endurance-style position with a higher stack and shorter reach, which suits riders who want a relaxed fit for longer days. A more aggressive aero bike will feel different on the road, and that difference matters when you are choosing between a fast road machine and a versatile gravel bike.

It is also worth thinking about the features you will actually use. A suspension fork adds capability on rough surfaces, extra mounts make carrying gear easier, and integrated storage only helps if you usually ride with tools and clothing on board. Matching the specification to your real riding habits usually leads to a better buy.

How the Three Bikes Compare

The three bikes sit in quite different places. The Wilier Rave is a premium, lightweight carbon gravel bike that leans toward road performance while keeping genuine gravel capability, with a price to match. The Canyon Grizl Alloy is the practical pick, offering wider 50mm tire clearance, extra mounting points, and a much more accessible starting price, with the option of a quality suspension fork at the top of the range.

The Orbea Orca Aero is a different proposition entirely: a road-focused aero machine that uses integrated storage and an aero bottle to reduce drag. It represents where aero design is heading, while the two gravel bikes represent two ends of the gravel spectrum. One is a lightweight machine that can double as a road bike; the other is a tougher, more affordable all-rounder built for carrying gear and handling rough terrain.

The comparison comes down to riding style. Riders who want one fast bike for both road and gravel will likely look hardest at the Rave. Riders who want a durable, versatile gravel bike without spending a fortune should start with the Grizl Alloy. And riders chasing road speed above all else will probably be drawn to the Orca Aero, design debate included.

Price and Value Notes

There is a wide gap between the price points here. The Wilier Rave starts at £8,680, which puts it firmly in premium territory, and the fully equipped Shimano 12-speed build reaches £11,350. That is a serious budget, even for a bike that can genuinely serve as two machines.

The Canyon Grizl Alloy is far easier on the wallet, from £1,499 up to £1,999 for the top spec. The standout value point is the RockShox Rudy suspension fork option near the top of the range, since the fork alone retails for close to £800.

Pricing details for the Orbea Orca Aero are not available at this stage.

Final Buying Advice

Start with the kind of riding you will actually do. For a single bike that handles both road and gravel with a light, responsive carbon frame, the Wilier Rave is the standout choice if the budget allows. It offers two bikes in one: a relaxed endurance-style road bike with slick tires, or a capable gravel machine with chunky rubber.

For most gravel riders, especially those planning tours, commutes, or mixed-terrain adventures, the Canyon Grizl Alloy is the more compelling package. It has wider tire clearance, plenty of mounts, and a much more approachable price. The suspension fork option adds real capability without pushing the price into the stratosphere.

If pure road speed is the goal, the Orbea Orca Aero deserves serious attention. It is a fast, eye-catching machine that integrates everyday carry items into the aero design, and it is a great choice for riders who want maximum efficiency on tarmac. Just be prepared to weigh how far you want aero design to go.

Conclusion

This is a strong lineup across two very different gravel philosophies, plus an aero road bike that is guaranteed to start conversations. The Wilier Rave proves a gravel bike can be light and road-friendly; the Canyon Grizl Alloy shows how practical gravel bikes can be at a sensible price; and the Orbea Orca Aero pushes aero design into new territory with integrated storage and aero bottle shaping. Whichever direction appeals, there is a bike here worth considering, depending on how much you ride on road, how much you ride off it, and how much speed you are willing to trade for looks.