All-new Canyon Grail gains in-frame storage and seamless bar integration
The race-orientated offering from the German brand has some major changes including in-frame storage and the omission of the Grail's trademark hoverbar
Alex Hunt
Junior Tech Writer
Canyon has revealed its all-new gravel racing bike with an overhaul to the Grail name, plus slight changes to the design with a more traditional cockpit configuration as well as in-frame storage and greater adaptability to meet the varying needs of gravel riding.
Following in a similar vein to the newly released Endurace, Canyon has looked at making the new Grail a faster bike as a system, pairing comfort and control with aerodynamic optimisation. One of the ways that Canyon has looked to symbiotically optimise functionality and performance is with the ‘Aero load system'. This partners the in-frame storage from the Endurace with an external frame bag called the ‘LOAD FidLock QuickLoader'. This hides any kit or spares behind the head tube, resulting in a more aerodynamic profile than without the frame bag fitted.
- Read more: Kaden Groves’ Canyon Aeroad CFR
Canyon has spent some time back at the drawing board when it comes to the bike's geometry. A lot has changed in the world of gravel since the Grail originally launched back in 2018 and Canyon say that the changes "add stability while maintaining agility, and the Grail’s trademark compliance is still present with a seatpost concept adapted from the Ultimate road line-up, yet optimised for performance gravel riding".
© Canyon
The CP0039 cockpit allows for seamless integration with a range of mounts including aero bar extensions
Aesthetically the most noteworthy change to the new Grail is the cockpit. The new CP0039 ‘double drop’ handlebar adds the ability to neatly integrate aero extensions to the bar, borrowing technology from the Speedmax time trial bike. The ‘gear groove’ can also double up as a mounting point for head units or other devices, when the aero extensions are not fitted.
Canyon has made the new Grail adaptable to the individual demands of each ride, with a large range of compatible accessories that can convert a pared-down gravel race bike to an all-day epic adventure bike. This includes fork sleeves that function as additional mounting points and full-length mudguards.
© Canyon
The Grail range is built around versatility with a range of accessories to tailor the bike to the needs of each ride
Grail gets the CFR treatment
Canyon has added a new tier to the Grail range, with a range-topping CFR model. Compared to the new Grail CF SLX, the Grail CFR frameset is 118g lighter while the frame is 10% stiffer when it comes to power transfer measured at the bottom bracket and head tube. It was upon the all-new Grail CFR that Carolin Schiff rode to victory at this year's Unbound 200 gravel race. Canyon claims that the CFR platform offers the "fastest, most efficient gravel bike" the brand has made.
© Canyon
Carolin Schiff rode the CFR model to victory at this years Unbound 200 gravel race
The range
Canyon will be offering builds across a three-tiered range, starting with the Grail CF SL at the more affordable end of the price range. The Grail CF SLX occupies the middle tier of the Grail family, making space for the Grail CFR to top the range.
Grail CF SL
© Canyon
The CF SL models loses some of the top-tier features in a bid to keep costs down
Starting at €2,699, the Grail CF SL offers a competitive package for an entry-level carbon-framed gravel bike. Canyon has achieved this by omitting some spec choices that are found on the higher-spec models. The CF SL frames do not come complete with LOAD Down Tube Storage, however the LOAD Fidlock Quickloader is still compatible. Canyon also ship all CF SL models with a different CP0045 cockpit.
Grail CF SLX
© Canyon
The CF SLX range now occupies the mid tier of the range
The CF SLX range packs all the functionality mentioned above in to its form, with both the AeroLOAD down tube storage and CP0039 cockpit with gear groove for mounting lights, head units or aero extensions. Canyon offers the CF SLX in both one-by and two-by configurations. The GRX Di2-equipped Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 comes in at €4,999 and the SRAM Force and Zipp 303 Firecrest-adorned Grail CF SLX 8 AXS is €5,299.
Grail CFR
© Canyon
Canyon offers the Grail in its top spec CFR livery with this new range
The flagship models in the new Grail range are built around the lightest framesets and overall builds. Canyon offers two CFR builds as standard with one limited-edition model upon release. The Grail CFR Di2 will cost €6,999, joined by the SRAM Red AXS-equipped Grail CFR AXS that will retail for €7,999. Finally, just 70 Grail CFR LTD limited launch editions in the standout GRVL DZZL design will be available worldwide for €10,000.
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