CANYON GRAIL CF SL REVIEW | DOUBLE DECKER BARS!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- #CanyonGrail #GRAVELBIKE #review
Gravel bikes are king. Thoughts after riding the eye catching Canyon grail with its double bar for a couple of months. What a steed!
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I hope Canyon will watch this and offer to give you more of their products to test because that was probably the most legitimate review of a bike I have ever seen!! Prof is in the video 👍🏻
Ciao Lawrence, thank you so much for the review. I was really waiting for it 👌
This is all I ask for in a bike review. You’ve ticked all the right boxes. Thank you. A big thumbs up from me 👍🏽
Hey Minesh, cheers for the kind words! I loved this bike so for me it was easy 🤙🏼
That review and video was very well done. Nice job Lawrence.
Good to see a review from someone who has ridden the bike for more that a few days. I have also tried the AL version with standard bars and I really like it, if you can, grab a ride on it and compare! 👍
I have a mountain bike and switching to one just like that one with double bars. The double bar, electronic shifting and versatility of using the bike with some but mostly off-road is my kind of riding. Thanks for the review!!! Loved Vietnam views
I had a set of Scott bars that Lemond rode with. Loved it. Wish I still had them.
Glad you liked it. I just got mine 2 weeks ago and still in love with it... CF SL 8.0 in the Blue that you show towards the end of the video. Got it with double chainring though, so running out of gears on the road rarely happens, while the small inner ring still gives me all the uphill relief that I wanted... I think that if you try the double one you will find it is a keeper, specially in blue (the orange SLX is also amazing in person if you are willing to spend 😬, pics do not do it justice...)
I bought exactly that same bike last year and absolutely LOVE it!❤️👍
So much so, I bought one!! I've only ridden it 3 times so far but it is such a cool place to be looking at those bars. Also, I managed to get an outrageously priced Garmin mount which goes out front (bolts under the bar). Keep up the good work mate!
I got the Grail CF but the one with the Shimano 105 2X setup and love it. It is both my road bike and my gravel bike now. I just change the wheels for ones with road tires when I am not doing gravel. Great versatile bike. I have no regrets and totally agree with your review.
I’m tempted to have one. And yes, great video
Nice review LC. Very fair. Lets hope those folks at Canyon let you have a few more bikes to test! Nice edit as well. FC has been rubbing off on you.
Great review, very helpful thanks mate.
About a month before you guys set off to Vietnam I changed all my road bikes to gravel bikes. Like you have said, they are so versatile! And after years of being on the road, it's so nice to take those paths you would usually pass. I also find the slightly slower pace makes you appreciate your surroundings a little more. A little less statistic chasing and more enjoyment. I love it, and more people need to seriously consider a gravel bike for their next ride.
Why stop there, knock yourself out, buy a mtb, they've been off road bikes for 30 years or so!!
@@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802 gravel bikes are faster for starters...also, gravel bikes have been around just as long. Just not so much in the UK or Europe.
you sound like you own a bike shop and just want to increase sales.
@@rider7205 i wish! I'd have way better bikes lol
@@rickglancy1510 "around" just as long!? Well I'm 40 + years old, and I've never heard the word " gravel" bike before, unless you only mean people have been riding bikes on "gravel" since bikes were invented, like me for example! I'm not saying gravel bikes are rubbish bikes, I'm sure they work well! I'm just sick of hearing people talk about "wider tyres" a "new" type of suspension, gravel "geometry" gravel "gears" a more "upright " riding position , gravel "bars " its never ending! Its just actually an slightly slimmed down mtb with drop bars, nothing more really! You can buy a light weight maybe 8 kilo mtb, and I'm sure Nino Schurter would be faster on his mtb on gravel than you on your gravel bike! I've owned carbon light weight road bikes, with fast carbon wheels and narrow bars, and I just can't imagine riding such a bike on such a skitty dangerous surface! It's all manufacturers hype, a bit like Brexit, there are those who have been suckered into believing Boris, and then there are the cyclists who have been suckered in by the manufacturers fearing that if they don't have the latest trends in bikes, they won't be a "cool" cyclists! I honestly believe professionals aside, a lot of cyclists are more interested in being and looking cool, than they are in actually riding bikes! OK rant over, sorry about that!
Love it mate, I would defo say the option of 'off road paths' is what I miss about a more versatile bike haha - Top vid💥💥
I bought one in November....for that price it is the best bike I have.... Love it... ..and very exact review... I have the Shimano GRX groupset..and very happy with it
great review, thank you so much for your efforts!!
My pleasure Mark! Cheers for watching 🙌🏼
I have the Search XR with the 46/30 compact chainring. I think a 2x chainring is ideal since it gives you climbing range but still decent top end. The GX 800 series crank comes with 48/31 which is a pretty solid compromise. The new Canyon colourway is very nice- I love the blue with the tan sidewalls.
Excellent review Lawrence
Cheers Alan 👊🏽🙃
The new 2020 blue they made I really do t like I’m so glad I got the previews models which depending on the light can look from Olive Drab to Copper. Really fantastic color
Have 2019 model for 2 years and counting, its different feeling when u ride this bike 😊
I got a cx bike for the same reason. To train on in winter and let me do other riding ✌🏼👍🏼👊🏼
A cool looking bike 👍🏻. I definitely look at them, if I didn’t already have my Diverge. I currently use it as a road bike. But plan to upgrade soon (ish) to a proper road bike and turn the diverge back to a gravel bike. 👍🏻👍🏻
I hope you do some more gravel bike adventures the new Pirelli Cintuarto gravel tyres are very good also they work very well down here in Australia
Sold my canyon cf slx 8.0 road bike for a gravel bike. Canyon grail was out of my budget so I went for a Bianchi impulso allroad. Even though I trade a carbon bike for Aluminum can't complain. The places that I can go now with this bike, the mix terrain chances etc. Is priceless.
Bike company should really look after you .....as normal great honest review 😎👍🇦🇺
When I first see them bikes Lawrence I thought they look disgusting the bars that is but it has grown on me and if I had the money I would most definitely have one and not only that I do like the colour of the new one very nice.
Love love love my CF SL. I have an xs frame so get to ride 650b wheels with WTB Horizon 47mm tyres which are perfect for the road too. A great alternate to my road bike.
So good right! Sounds like you have a good set up there.
I looked at the Grail last year as I was in the market for my first gravel bike but was instantly put off by the bars, I just couldn’t get past the looks! I ended up getting the Ribble CGR AL 105 and put some Hunt Mason X wheels on. Absolutely love this bike, it’s an extremely comfortable ride and honestly I go just as quickly on this as I do on my Summer Carbon, Ultegra Road bike. Maybe instead of having a Summer and Winter bike just get a Gravel bike with two or three (winter/Summer/Gravel) wheels and Job done 👍
Bro, how are we not talking more about the Ribbles? I also possess the CGR AL. It's better than I had hoped. Heavy to carry, light as a feather up the climbs. Sram 1x is perfect as you may know or disagree with. Bee tee dubs, the CGR SL has a much cooler blue colorway than the Canyon. Also some cool stuff from OPEN and Allied Cycle Works.
Same! I got the CGR AL in orange with 105 and put Mason X 650B wheels on mine..then I changed it to GRX not long after.
I agree that a gravel bike is a do it all bike especially if you have 2 sets of wheels. One for pavement and another for gravel. I’m leaning toward a titanium frame because of its durability and it’s virtually indestructible.
Yep I brought one, got the blue/black CF SL 8.0 with GRX Di2. Awesome looking bike, really like riding it. The GRX works really well, the gear ratios, brake feel, ergonomics is just spot on. I definately feel it is the one to get. I like the double bars the way it rides etc but don't think I prefer it over traditional bars only as it is not adjustable (only height), but at the same time I have no reason to change it. For the cost it is a really good deal.
What size you have and how tall are you ??
I have the female version of the grail (7.0 cf) and I am super happy with it! I also totally agree with you on the add ons you want to put on your handlebar, as most of those will not fit on the CF versions. It took me a while to find a good mount for my phone (which I use for shorter rides) and in the end I paid only 5 bucks for it (and its super solid). Haven't done a day-tour yet, but I suppose that the aluminium version would fit better for this purpose, especially packing the bike is easier than on the CF versions.
hi where did you find te mout, I am looking for one but can't find any
Handlebars wouldn’t put me off it at all. If I was in the market for a gravel bike I’d certainly consider it. I’ve got a Canyon road bike which is spot on, they’re exceptional value for money.
Same! I dont mind the bars. The only reason I didn't get one is tyre clearance is a little low. I wanted the option to go 650b with 47mm tyres. If they had the clearance I would own one now.
Thanks Lawrence. In Vietnam when you did some handsfree riding why did the bike shake so much? Was it the front bag causing the imbalance? I agree the bike is so different credit to Canyon for their innovative thinking. Agree with your comment in regard to tubeless.
What was your bike packing set up for this? I heard you cant get a rack on it but looks like you managed to get alot. I'm about to buy this bike was swaying between this (8.0 version) and the AL 7.0. Would be great if you got the AL and compared them. I love the look of the green AL unsure about the colour with the CF I'm swaying towards the grey it looks smart but I'm unsure ha. Vietnam looked amazing that's on my to do list but next year it's the North Coast 500 for me! I've done the Eurovelo 6 in the past and can see me doing another one too. Love bike packing!!
cool bike! i would buy it!
It seems to me the compliance is in the tops, when things get rough aren't the hoods and drops too rigid?
Thank you very much for this review! I just have one question, what rear rack are you using and do you recommend it? I would like to buy this bike but I’m worried about the rear rack, I plan on doing a lot of bike packing with it and if I can’t have a good rear rack it would be a problem
Thank you for coming to VietNam ♥️♥️♥️
I love my Canyon Grail CF SL for so many reasons. It's so hard to go back to a normal handlebar anymore. Best value for money for a carbon well spec'd bike so yes it's a keeper until warranty expires.
Hows the bike geometry? Is it relaxed and upright or long and low? How is the adjustability on the hover bar from bike fitting point of view? Thanks
Did you ever ride the Al, now I guess called the 7? Supposed to be available in August but that date slipped and no word on the site on when it’ll be back in stock.
That is an interesting and handy way to carry a DSLR on a bike. Can you please share the details of that harness/carry system?
My do it all bike is built on a gravel frameset and does everything I need, road on 28c and 35c for off-road, took it to South Africa in October to ride the Hot Chiller Rainmaker Rollercoaster and it was better than I was. As for weight, weight's just a question of money, how light do you want to go, (7.5kg in road trim)
So Keira Mcvitty just got a Canyon bike too and she loves hers too but hers is a full on race version ..luv both bike's btw
I'm running the Grail AL and it is awesome. Not too much heavier (9.5kg) than the CF and it is absolutely bombproof. (Shimano GRX 46-30, hydraulic disc brakes and the chain tensioner/lock to limit slapping). Love this bike and it's so easy & enjoyable to ride. Now just need to do some multi-day rides with it and really enjoy putting it through its paces here in Tuscany.
Is yours also a medium? Tia
@@BrentonCollas Yep!
Ah. Does the knobbly tires slow you on smooth roads? Is it smooth ride compared to Specialized Diverge Comp E5 with the Feature Shock ? Diverge tires have smooth middle section as well.
@@elachichai The wheels/tyres run surprisingly well and the knobbies are not that tall (not like a mtn bike on the road). I'm used to GP4000's & carbon rims on a BMC road bike which runs silky smooth, so I was mentally ready for a performance dip, and yes, they are heavier/sluggier, but if you're going to ride a bunch of hard, you could throw on some 32mm Conti 5000's or even 4 Seasons and you're good to go. It would be fun to demo a carbon disc wheelset on this alu Grail to see the performance difference! Maybe it could be a great all-round bike. I haven't tried the spesh, which looks amazing but double the price.
@@trevorhayes5414 thanks. Would you have bought the double decker handle bar CF bike? One would get stuck and not be able to swap out if they didn't like. It's not an open architecture!
How can you buy without test riding it?
Would Specialized Diverge Comp E5 with Feature Shock be better option? Though not GRX. Mild gravel conditions
Nice review Laurence. That bike served you well in Vietnam and probably the closest you'll get to a one bike for everything. As long as you're not racing.
How do you think it would ride with quality road tyres on the road only?
Late response, but I’ve seen a few videos that praise the feeling of road wheels on a gravel bike, just not this one specifically. A good set of carbon rims and some good 23-28mm road tires effectively create a road bike with a less aggressive geometry. That’s my plan anyway. I’m looking to get this silver CF SL someday as my all-rounder.
What strap are you using to hold your camera on your back while riding? Is it secure and comfortable?
Awesome Video!! One question: If I am 174 cm tall, which SIZE would you recommend?
Thanks Lawrence for this detailled review. What bike rack setup are you using in the rear?
My pleasure cheers for watching. So it’s a Tailfin Aero set up I use in the rear and Apidura used throughout the rest. 🤙🏼
That blue....👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍
Innitttttt. Wouldn’t know what to wear kit wise for that bike tho. It’s out done me
Thanks for a great review! Any thoughts on electric vs. mechanical shifting when choosing a Grail? Cheers
Certainly I mean I’d prefer Di2 but for this trip I couldn’t take the risk with further electronics to go wrong. Normally yes.
love you....from Vietnam
previous year sram force was 7.8kg, wish they still sold that
Hi, can you tell what size you have picked and please what your size too. Thank you
👍
I love the bike and I like the double bars. Did you discover the issue with the front wheel wobble while in Vietnam?
Yeah the wobble issue was only a result of the luggage making the weight uneven. No issues at all when not bikepacking.
Excellent review and helped me decide to buy. I notice you used the apidura handlebar bag. Is it just a case of finding a way for it to fit with the hover bars or were you recommended that one specifically?
Hi Chris, cheers for the kind words!
I wasn’t recommended to that one at all no, it was more just making use of what I had. Luckily it works relatively well but certainly not perfect. Not sure if there’s better out there!
Lawrence Carpenter thanks Lawrence 👍🏻 looking forward to your next trip, cheers
Great review. lovely looking bike, What caused the bar wobble you had in Vietnam? Was it the the loaded up rack causing it?
Cheers buddy! Yeah absolutely it was the bike luggage causing that, would never wobble in that fashion without being under load
@@bbikerlawrence My Tripster does the same when loaded up, thats why i was wondering.
I have the Grail CF SL 8.0 Etap
In terms of performance, looks and price, the Canyon Grail is a great option. I wonder about the issue with the handlebar bag sagging down onto the front tyre. Nothing more frustrating having to stop every hr or so when you're bikepacking to adjust bags. At a height of 170cm, would a size small suit?
Canyon do have a specific bag for this
👍👍👍
Hi Lawrence, how tall are you and what size did you go for?
Thanks
Good review. Is that the Tailfin rear rack? How did you find it?
Yes it’s tailfin rack! I love it- really great bit of kit.
I dunno ...thoughts centre around ww1 Biplanes and Gillette’s razor wars, will Giant bring out a triple decker?......like the blue colour though.....do we have gravel paths in the Uk?
Am I stuck in the past?
Loads around. I spent years riding past all my local trails and gravel and fire roads not knowing they are there. Plenty of good gravel to ride around if you know where to go :)
Great review thank you. Could I get yours or any Grail owners view on sizing please. Canyon recommend a Medium for me which they say should suit a rider up to 184cm, I’m 182cm and have never ever bought a medium size bike, always large 56/57cm . Any advice or opinions most welcome
I’m 182 cm exactly and I always ride a 55/56cm so on this occasion a Medium fitted me perfectly. It does however depend on how long your legs vs your torso is... so it’s not as black and white unfortunately
Lawrence Carpenter thanks for your reply Lawrence, much appreciated & I suppose it’s not a huge risk when Canyon will take it back if the size is wrong
did you find out why the handlebars shake? seems alittle dangerous.
It was to do with my unbalanced bike luggage strapped to the bike and not the bike itself 🙈
Do the rear wheel hub make too much noise in this Canyon Grail CF SL 7.0 of 2020? I know some people love this noise, but for me, it's the other way around.
hey! Im sorry i cannot remember how much noise the freewheel makes
Nice vid Lawrence! Found you thru Francis cade, and i've subbed. Wish my content could be this cool 😀
Cheers buddy. Appreciate the kind words. 🤙🏼
Cheers buddy. Appreciate the kind words. 🤙🏼
sram do a 10T cassette/ XD that would make the gear range good
I do like the bike
Loved that bike. So good
This bike was really easy to assemble th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
Hi Lawrence, I want to go on a tour of New Zealand on my Grail bike and I saw that you had a luggage carrier on your Canyon. Where can you buy doe? I live in the Netherlands myself. Kia Ora Derek
Hi Derek, Did you find a pannier rack for this bike? I am also looking for one too!
Hi both. The system I used on the rear was an Aero ‘Tailfin’ luggage system. Hope that helps!
@@bbikerlawrence I find this
www.amazon.nl/Woho-X-touring-Anti-Sway-Size/dp/B07F3YQGXL?pd_rd_w=PQc6J&pf_rd_p=7969ccbb-b6ff-4f60-9742-314d5bb687f8&pf_rd_r=0H2XEJ5YKWC3P0F8EGSA&pd_rd_r=609e649e-1a6d-4784-bc40-1127b4d45219&pd_rd_wg=bRz9N&pd_rd_i=B07F3YQGXL&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_i
@@stefanw6016 www.amazon.nl/Woho-X-touring-Anti-Sway-Size/dp/B07F3YQGXL?pd_rd_w=PQc6J&pf_rd_p=7969ccbb-b6ff-4f60-9742-314d5bb687f8&pf_rd_r=0H2XEJ5YKWC3P0F8EGSA&pd_rd_r=609e649e-1a6d-4784-bc40-1127b4d45219&pd_rd_wg=bRz9N&pd_rd_i=B07F3YQGXL&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_1_i
@@derekvanderniet
Thanks both.
This is the link: www.tailfin.de/product/gepackablage/x-series-gepacktrager/
How is to climb long gravel uphills 6+ km and 6 to 10% with gravel bike. How would you compare climbing hills like this with gravel or with xc hardtail?
If I had 1x 40T 10-42T.
first!
why use road pedals with a mtb?
I used SPD pedals for when I was using that bike with the exception of the first coupe of rides on it where I used my speedplays cause I hadn’t bought them yet.
Hambini anyone?
in every video that i watch about this hoverbar, everybody shows handpositions that you can have on any regular dropbar - AND the top bar flexes.... im sorry but i dont want my handlebar to flex? if i wanted "suspension" id get a fully mtb. so yeah i dont see any added value and it just looks absolutely hideous so thats a no from me.