The new Canyon Grail

A lot has happened in the gravel scene since the launch of the first Grail in 2018. The market has literally exploded, and with it the amount of gravel accessories, gravel fans, and races.
Specifically, to address the diversity in the performance-oriented sector, always the home of the Grail, Canyon is attempting with the fundamental revision of its gravel racer. Because every race has its individual character (key topics being tire choice, aero extensions, support character), and you need an enormously flexible platform that can adapt to the different requirements for the respective tracks and conditions if you want to be at the forefront.

These criteria were consequently also the basis for the development of the new Grail, made clear not least by the introduction of the weight-optimized CFR frame, which complements the existing CF SL and SLX platforms.
Even before the official launch, Canyon's goal of placing the Grail at the top of the podiums at the most prestigious gravel races in the world was impressively achieved. For example, Katarzyna Niewiadoma just won this year's Gravel World Championship in Italy on the new spearhead of the lineup; or in June, Carolin Schiffs won the Unbound 200.
For those who want to emulate the fast ladies: The bike is now available in seven sizes (2XS-2XL) and eight model variants from 2,699 to 7,999 Euros (or 10,000,- for a special paint job limited to 70 pieces).

The original Grail already featured a relatively long wheelbase for high stability on rough terrain. With the successor, Canyon is now adding a bit more.
In favor of an even more pronounced smoothness of ride while maintaining high maneuverability, the steering angle was flattened by one degree to 71.5° (S-L) and the wheelbase was extended by 10 mm. The trail aims to be as close as possible to 69 mm across all sizes.

As a result, the handling of the new Grail is intended to impress with neutral and balanced steering that feels secure and consistent even in fast corners – not least because, according to Canyon, the tipping point of the predecessor has been "eliminated".
The more even distribution of the rider's weight between the front and rear wheels should also allow for more stable rolling on loose ground.

Geometry

To ensure the versatility mentioned at the beginning, Canyon not only resorts to tricks at the cockpit.
For example, the patented Load Fork Sleeves allow for additional mounting points for bottle holders or luggage racks on the fork, without having to accept the permanent weight disadvantage - keyword additional frame material - of conventional solutions. The Fork Sleeves fit into a recess on the inside of the fork and allow a load of up to 3 kg per side.
Standard mounting points on the top tube and on the underside of the down tube round off the Grail's equipment possibilities.

The Defend Fast Fenders are supposed to be mounted and removed in seconds. And still offer full protection against moisture and mud, without affecting the maximum tire clearance.
Speaking of which: This is "only" 42 mm (although the Grail is standardly equipped with 40 mm tires) because Canyon wanted to leave space for double chainrings with up to 52/36 teeth in the interest of the desired high speed on occasion.

To also raise the bar a bit higher with the Grail, the second generation was supplemented by a performance model at CFR level. This means: most powerful carbon fibers, most advanced manufacturing processes, consequently less material usage with higher frame stiffness and durability.
Compared to the new CF SLX frame, the functionally identical CFR counterpart weighs 118 g less according to the manufacturer, has a 10% higher stiffness at the bottom bracket and head tube, and features a 4.5% stiffer fork.

This flagship equipped with DT Swiss GRC 1100 carbon wheels is delivered in two configuration options, with the Di2 version weighing in at 8.3 kg for €6,999 (Shimano GRX double), and the AXS version (Sram Red XPLR single) with Quarq power meter crank coming in at 8.04 kg for €7,999.
In addition to the two standard colors "Hale Bopp" and "Mars Attack", the Grail CFR AXS will also be offered in a limited edition of 70 units in "GRVL DZZL" – see also photo no. 16; one may add the necessary vowels for pronunciation – for a smooth 10,000 euros.

One quality class below, with the Grail CF SLX, you also have the choice between Japan or America, in this case GRX Di2 double chainring or Sram Force AXS single chainring. Another difference concerns the wheelset: The SLX 8 Di2 comes with DT Swiss GRC 1400 and (like the CFR models) Schwalbe G-One RS tires – weighing 8.5 kg and costing €4,999. The SLX AXS, on the other hand, rolls on Zipp 303 Firecrest with Pirelli Cinturato RC tires, resulting in a total of 8.14 kg and €5,299.
Color options include either “Metal Grind” or “Sand Grain”.

And the beginners, who, as already mentioned, have to do without Gear Groove on the handlebars and storage compartment in the downtube, can choose for the Grail CF SL rolling on Schwalbe G-One R tires from “Stone Grind” or “Quicksand” as well as equipment package 7 (Shimano GRX 620, DT Swiss Gravel LN; 9.2 kg), 7 AXS (Sram Rival AXS XPLR; 9.8 kg) or 8 (Shimano GRX 820, DT Swiss G1800; 8.7 kg) for €2,699, €3,499, or €2,999 respectively.