Race gravel bike with smart transport solutions: Canyon Grail in the first test

Four months after the Unbound and just a few days after the UCI title fights, Canyon reveals the poorly kept secret and presents the second generation of the Canyon Grail race gravel bike. The distinctive - and controversial - double handlebar is now a thing of the past, and the Koblenz-based company is now focussing on clever transport solutions, among other things.

Hardly any other Canyon bike has given rise to more discussion in the recent past than the Ur-Grail. Opinions were divided over the double handlebars. In addition, the cockpit could hardly be customised to individual needs. Today, five years later, the Koblenz-based company is giving the Canyon Grail a comprehensive makeover and saying goodbye to the unconventional handlebar concept. The second generation Grail has been given a new handlebar/stem combination, aero optimisation and many luggage options.

Canyon Grail: goodbye double bars, hello aero cockpit

Of course, our sister magazine TOUR also tested the first generation of the Canyon Grail. The conclusion at the time was:

The Grail is one of the best gravel bikes - but not necessarily because of the double bar. - TOUR Magazine

The double link was intended to provide comfort. However, the suspension effect was only minimally noticeable in the top link position, so the benefit was limited. In addition, the design offered plenty of drag - not the best conditions for a racing gravel bike.

The new Canyon Grail comes with a handlebar/stem unit. The bar is simple this time and the handlebars have a decent amount of flare - at least 16 degrees. This is intended to combine ergonomics with aerodynamics. The shape is reminiscent of the wings of an aeroplane, which is why the control centre in Koblenz is jokingly called the "Antonov" in reference to the legendary transport plane. A computer, smartphone or even a time trial attachment can be mounted in the centre of the handlebars; the device for this is called "Gear Groove".

The Canyon Grail at a glance

• Weight: 8.0 to 9.8 kilogrammes
• Stack/Reach/STR: 591/411 millimetres/1.44
• Frame material: Carbon (CFR, CF SLX, CF SL)
• Maximum tyre clearance: 42 millimetres
• Special features: One-piece cockpit, storage compartment, luggage options
• Sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
• Prices: 2699 to 10,000 euros

10.5 watts faster

Optimised tube shapes and partially integrated cables under the handlebars should make the gravel bike around nine watts faster at 45 km/h than its predecessor. The design of the fork is based on the Canyon Ultimate. A special frame bag should save a further 1.5 watts.

Luggage transport on the Canyon Grail

The topic of luggage transport seems to be close to Canyon's heart with the new Grail. In co-operation with Fidlock, an optional frame bag has been developed. It snaps into the frame triangle with a magnetic fastener. The frame bag can hold snacks, arm warmers or a waistcoat, for example, while the puncture repair kit fits completely into the storage compartment in the down tube. This is comparatively large and can easily hold a full puncture kit: a multi-tool and mini air pump can be clipped onto the plastic lid, while the inside of the frame has space for a bag with a CO₂ pump and cartridge, spare inner tube and tyre levers. This makes a saddle bag superfluous, at least for the equipment variants with a storage compartment.

But that's not all. Canyon has developed a special sleeve for bikepacking, which can be pulled over a fork leg and fitted with a bottle cage or pannier rack. The patented "Fork Sleeves" can take a maximum load of three kilos. Notches on the inside of the fork are designed to hold the sleeves in position. Mudguards can also be fitted - more easily than before. This is because they can now be attached to the rear dropout using quick-releases and without any tools.

Lightweight CFR version of the Grail available for the first time

Canyon offers the new Grail in a total of eight build specs, with a wide range of weights. In addition to the Canyon Grail CF SL and CF SLX, the Koblenz-based company is also offering a CFR version for the first time. Like the CFR road bikes, the Grail CRF frameset is characterised by a lower weight and higher stiffness. Compared to the CF SLX, the CFR should weigh 120 grams less and be 10 per cent stiffer at the bottom bracket and steering head. Canyon specifies the weights for the individual models as follows:

• CFR models: total weights between 8.0 and 8.3 kilograms
• CF SLX variants: between 8.1 and 8.5 kilograms
• CF SL versions: between 8.7 and 9.8 kilograms.

The first impression of the Canyon Grail

Will the second generation of the Canyon Grail be as hotly debated as the first Canyon Grail? We hardly think so. After all, the new handlebar-stem unit fits harmoniously into the overall concept and impresses with its high level of comfort. We remember: The suspension of the double handlebars was only noticeable in the top link. The new cockpit flexes noticeably, especially on the lower handlebars. At the rear, a new flattened carbon support absorbs the shock. However, the spring effect is not quite at the level of the leaf spring support of the predecessor. We tested the Grail CFR Di2 with 40 millimetre wide Schwalbe G-One RS tyres. Despite the reduced suspension effect of the seatpost, the gravel bike absorbs bumps much more effectively than comparable models. As a result, the fact that it only fits tyres with a maximum width of 42 millimetres is not a problem. We would advise heavier riders in particular to bear in mind that the seatpost tended to bob in our tubeless setup with low tyre pressure (2.5 bar). Changing to a different seatpost is not possible due to the special dimensions.

The extremely long wheelbase (1057 millimetres) of this new model sets new standards in terms of smoothness. Smaller obstacles such as stones or branches hardly upset the Grail. Thanks to its comparatively low weight and excellent stiffness, the Canyon flies over gravel. On fast and tight turns, however, the bike reacts somewhat sluggishly. The riding position is more upright than the STR ratio (1.44) of the Koblenzer would suggest because the handlebars are relatively short.

Practical, albeit unusual for a race gravel bike, are the various transport options. The frame bag can be attached in a few simple steps, and the repair kit, tools and pump are easily stowed in the down tube, quickly accessible and do not rattle even on bumpy tracks. The integrated computer mount is also a smart solution. However, it is doubtful whether third-party mounts will also fit here. Accessories such as the computer mount (19.95 euros) or the frame bag (79.95 euros) are (of course) all subject to a surcharge.

Features and prices of the new Canyon Grail gravel bike

For the first time, Canyon is offering the Grail gravel bike in three quality levels and seven frame sizes. The top model is the Grail CFR LTD for 10,000 euros. The special edition, limited to 70 units, is a tribute to the successful prototypes of Gravel world champion Kaisa Niewiadoma or Unbound winner Carolin Schiff. In addition to the special paint finish, it is equipped with SRAM Red AXS and carbon wheels from DT Swiss. The other CFR versions are cheaper. The version with Shimano GRX Di2 costs 6999 euros. Equipped with SRAM Red AXS, the price is 7999 euros.

The model variants of the CF SLX models also have electronic shifting - with Shimano GRX Di2 or SRAM Force AXS. They roll on carbon wheels from DT Swiss or Zipp and are available for 4999 and 5299 euros. The three CF SL versions are cheaper, with prices ranging from 2699 to 3499 euros. Here Canyon does without the storage compartment in the down tube. In addition, a carbon cockpit without the integrated mounting solution for computer mounts etc. and aluminium wheels from DT Swiss are installed.

Canyon Grail CFR LTD

• Weight: 8.0 kilogramme
• Drive: SRAM Red AXS XPLR (1X12; 42, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1100
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar with gear groove
• Price: 10,000 euros

Canyon Grail CFR AXS

• Weight: 8.0 kilogramme
• Drive: SRAM Red AXS XPLR (1X12; 42, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1100
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar with gear groove
• Price: 7999 Euro

Canyon Grail CFR Di2

• Weight: 8.3 kilogrammes
• Drive: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x11; 48/31, 11-34 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1100
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar with gear groove
• Price: 6999 Euro

Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS

• Weight: 8.1 kilogramme
• Drive: SRAM Force AXS (1x12; 42, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: Zipp 303 Firecrest
• Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato RC (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar with gear groove
• Price: 5299 Euro

Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2

• Weight: 8.5 kilogrammes
• Drive: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x11; 48/31, 11-34 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1400
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar with gear groove
• Price: 4999 Euro

Canyon Grail CF SL 8

• Weight: 8.7 kilogrammes
• Drive: Shimano GRX 820 (1x12; 42, 10-45 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar
• Price: 2999 Euro

Canyon Grail CF SL 7 AXS

• Weight: 9.2 kilogrammes
• Drive: SRAM Rival AXS (1x12; 42, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss Gravel LN
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar
• Price: 3499 Euro

Canyon Grail CF SL 7

• Weight: 9.2 kilogrammes
• Drive: Shimano GRX 620 (2x12; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss Gravel LN
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R (40 millimetres)
• Cockpit: Double drop bar
• Price: 2699 Euro