Canyon's BEST Gravel Bike | NEW Canyon Grail Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- Jack Luke has been testing the third-tier Grail CFR Di2. It’s not exactly a storming bargain at £6,699 (US pricing TBC), but compared with similarly-priced bikes from its competitors, the build actually packs a punch.
This latest version of the Grail sees the demise of the infamous Hoverbar. Instead replaced by what Canyon is calling the Double Drop bar. This is a conventional one-piece bar/stem with some clever shaping that’s designed to improve comfort and compliance off-road.
Jack makes some bold claims when it comes to the performance of the Grail and believes it to be the best gravel bike they have ever made.
What do you think of the new Grail? Are you sad to see the Hoverbar go? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇
- Canyon Grail CFR Di2 review: www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bik...
- Canyon Grail news story: www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-c...
#canyongrail #hoverbar #gravelbike
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:01 The Hoverbar Is Dead
02:30 Geometry
05:46 The New Double Drop Bar
08:21 Gear Groove
09:55 Mudguards and Mounts Galore
11:23 Internal Frame Storage
13:03 Tyres And Tyre Clearance
14:31 New D-shaped Seat Post
15:29 Choose This Option Instead
Image Credits:
Ross Land / Staff
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Did Canyon get it right with the new Grail? We want to know what YOU think 👇
Curious how tall Jack is, looks like the Large is a good fit?
Jack is one of the best presenters around. More content from Jack please!
Stop, I'll blush 😍
Yet another defect of this integrated cockpit is that you cannot even modify the bar angle. It prevents you from having your preferred bar angle, e.g., at the drops.
The integrated mud guards and frame bag have my attention. I normally don't care about either, but both look very well thought-out and I'd rock 'em!
I have one of the now 'Vintage' Grail's with the hover bar and I think it works really well and combined with the split seat post it makes going fast on gravel quite comfy. I have use the Grail for road use and just put the wheels in from my Aeroad makes its really comfy bike for a full day climbing in the mountains especially with the low gearing of the GRX groupset.
Same here, best bike I have owned so far
I just bought a Grail CFR LTD partly because of this excellent review (and David Arthur, Ben Delaney and GCN). And I'm definitely not disappointed, I LOVE riding that bike😀
Glad to see you back, Cheers!
Great video in showcasing everything I'd want to know in a clear and balanced way. Thanks! 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
This is just a bike. The old one will forever be a grail.
I personally would not like to see them discontinue it. The market had not got the time to understand its benefits. For long distance adventure it is great to be able to change to multiple hand positions and added mounting areas for accessories.
@@snfangerfortaketnomo6386 I'd actually add a third bar😂.
No more hover for handlebar comfort as the grizel is now being made for that purpose and grail is the gravel race bike. When the grail came out grizel was not even being made for some years. Then overlap past couple years. So this change was coming. It was piece of art that made the grail standout.
The Schwalbe G-One RS 40mm tubeless tires are my favorite. I do use them with the Vittoria Airliner inserts. Roll well on pavement, but handle chunky gravel fine.
I was really impressed by them. They feel great on the road and have no squirmy awkward transition as you lean into corners. I've used the Vittoria Airliner inserts on another bike and also really liked them. A combo of the liners and tyres would be the perfect go-fast combination for me. Jack
I am very pleased with my classic Grail with Sram red takes me to places where I want to go and also to places I never thought I could and I love the bar , also love the review can’t go wrong with Bikeradar
Thanks for the kind comment! Jack
Seems like a lovely bike, I wouldn't mind one for bikepacking. Do Canyon not do an aluminium version with pannier rack mounts?
Shame they excluded internal storage and (even more confusing) gear groove on the basic models. If they had to do it ... why have a different integrated cockpit, why not just a regular stem and bar combo.
I was really happy until I saw that the SL models don't have these features.
BTW ... the gear groove mount for the computer and front light looks awesome.
@bikeradar Thanks for the good video, very interesting and a lot of useful information. What do you think to put some DT Swiss ERC1400 when I want to do only road? It will do almost the job of an ultimate? I search a bike that will replace my Aeroad CFR, which on I can use for Gravel and Road bike. Thank you in advance for your answer.
Thanks for the helpful video. I was curious have you tested the bike with road wheels. I was considering this bike potentially as a hybrid for both road and gravel, as it fits a decent pricing and has so much more regards to parts compared to Pinarello Grevil F that I was looking at especially price difference wise.
Looks and sounds like a good range of new bikes from Canyon. Big issues (2 other people in the room just watched the video and all said same thing) is having to come with standard bar length/width then having to get new if do not like the sizing. Canyon are missing a big game changer here...if you could spec what you wanted prior to buying it would make it much more appealing....The bars, the crankset length, seat,wheels should all be an optional changer when specing the build. That is probably the only issue and niggly thing with us stopping pressing the buy now button. I have not bought a standard set bike for many years due to this, much prefer the frameset and build what you want option.
Tire clearance is technically at 700x 42 mm, but Canyon points out that's with fenders, so the effective maximum tire size is closer to 700×45 mm (40 mm-wide tires come stock across the board)
Is there a mounting solution for computers on the SL handlebar? Any change in the shape other than the missing "gear groove"?
Would be great, if you would tell me, which exact kind of spacers you used for the cockpit in the video.
Thanks in advance
Thank you for the review. I've been waiting for this bike to drop since outbound. I really wanted it to wow me and it has in certain instances but... heavier than I'd hoped mostly due to the wheel set (that I could see) which means I'd end up buying a new wheel set. Can you draw any similarities/differences to the specialized S Works Crux? My next bike will realistically be my one and done and have been saving for this splurge. Compliance/comfort compared to Crux? Use will be for long days in the saddle in California and maybe hitting the BWR San Diego. Any thoughts and advice much appreciated. Thank you!
Sorry for the delayed reply. They're quite different bikes - the Crux is more versatile with wider tyre clearance and simple standards (eg, a round seatpost and two-piece cockpit). The Grail really is a dedicated go-fast bike, with the added adaptability of the additional accessories. I'd really consider what kind of riding you want to do and make your decision based on that. You can read my reviews of both bikes here:
- www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/canyon-grail-cfr-di2-review/
- www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/specialized-s-works-crux-review/
The old Grail was the real Grail. It grew on everyone that gave it a chance
The hoverbar did work well and the old grail is still one of the best gravelbike I did ride. For the new they should fire the guy who thought the colours could be the same as the old “holly” grail.
I am not a fan of this bike, but I really like some features, the integrated mud guards (I had a hard time choosing them for my bike and customising them after to be able to actually mount them), that specific frame bag, the removable cargo mounts (no need to have holes all over the bike) and of course the in-frame storage. Every bike should have that!!!
What about mudguard compability for the cheaper option?
2:28 - If I had to choose, the hoverbar or a flared one, I would pick the former without a doubt.
The flared drop bars do actually look like the penultimate afterthought taken (in the last moment!) from a junkyard crusher... ;)
I just wanted to ask how to combine a carbon bar with an aero one and voilà: 8:28! Nice!
PS
Will Canyon release the Kasia Niewiadoma signature Grail?
Im happy with my howerbar! So convenient ….
so it's lighter, stiffer and more compliant?
And more nimble too? 😂
@bikeradar Does CF SL version has bike computer mounting points underneath the cockpit? Like on Endurace?
Yes. I asked Canyon about this as the info was absent from the press pack and it said: "these cockpits come with the standard double screw interface beneath the stem known from other Canyon cockpits"
@@bikeradar Awesome, thanks for replying ;)
I agree on the integrated cockpit; I've got relatively short legs and a longer torso, and as a result I prefer a smaller frame for the lower stack combined with a longer stem. Having to buy a very expensive 70-420 integrated cockpit to then have to switch it out completely just sucks and puts me off buying a new canyon bike.
I took the risk and built up a completely custom bike based on a chinese frameset and wheelset. I would've also considered a western brand bike, but I don't like them making such expensive choices for me. Having full control over frame size and cockpit dimensions definitely is a big plus for the chinese bike brands in my books.
Same here, I did the same with a TT bike frame and put drop bars on it, to get the long reach and low stack that works perfectly for me without a crazy long stem
If you dont mind asking . What is the size of the bike and your height . Thanks in advance
I like that is has mudguard mounts and a normal round steerer instead of the weird ones that Canyon fits to its road range. But why did they go with a d shaped seatpost and pressfit bb. I would like to be able to change out my seatpost with aftermarket options and have a bike that is easier to service.
... press fit* BB?* Other than that, completely agreed.
Technically it doesn't have mudguard mounts - you must mount mudguards via quick-release skewers that slide inside the thru-axle (admittedly a pretty neat solution). A standard round steerer also warmed my heart!
The Canyon GEAR GROOVE Aero Extension is 680g and a staggering £466.95. Decathalon Long-Distance Triathlon Handlebar Extensions are £39.99 @ 490g. Canyon should be disgusted with their pricing. No doubt they will be stiffer but this is one of the prime reasons why I went back to driving my car.
£6600!!!!!! Seriously, when did these sorts of prices become the norm?
When people started paying for “race bikes.”
@dryburn - what do mean? We’ve always had race bikes.
I just had hardware removed that has allowed me to get the ROM needed to complete a pedal stroke. Been off the bike for 20 years since selling my Colnago Titanio CT1 and Santa Cruz MTB. Didnt allow myself to look at bikes all those years. Now I have back in the hunt for bikes and I am shocked at how much they cost and how some things have evolved. A whole new vocabulary even.
Any thoughts on the saddle?
Hi Bikeradar, I went and bought the SLX version of this bike with Di2 last week, partially because of your glowing review. From my limited testing so far it seems a great bike for mixed pavement and light gravel use. HOWEVER I’m unhappy about the accessories situation. The heavily featured frame bag, in frame storage and computer mount are all optional features. Who doesn’t use a bike computer these days? Heck, it doesn’t even come with tubeless valve stems. Of course you may say I could just fork out the money and buy the accessories (despite this bring a$5000 bike). Except I can’t. All these items are unavailable. The computer mount has an estimated availability of February 2024. A regular Garmin mount doesn’t fit. Now what? Back to zip ties and a saddle bag?
How is sizing working for you please?
I’m 177 cm and bought a size medium. I do have the older Grail and an Aeroad in the same size so I figured that would work. A small size may also be fine but I’d probably need a longer stem than the standard one. But of course you can’t buy the CP 0047 from Canyon yet
@@matthiasc.hoffmann2911you are right no accessories on the Canyon USA site! You like the medium? It’s got a super long TT of 586
Can a Rockshox be added like the Grizl?
Not bad bike. Hopefully there will be more colours. I love pink grizl colour
The bike is more interesting in real life than it appears here with a nice glittery finish. But I broadly agree - black bikes are boring! www.bikeradar.com/features/enough-with-the-black-bikes-already/
I like the overall design, but I wish that bike companies weren’t so OBSESSED with making race bikes and instead focused a bit more on utility. How many people are *actually* racing? They did add a bit of utility with the integrated fenders, but choices like removing the more compliant seatpost for a stiffer one that racers prefer feels like an optimization for racers that is likely a drawback for most riders.
All fair points. I suppose Canyon would say the Grizl is a better bike if you want something more versatile and compliant in this case. I also think there's a space for dedicated go-fast gravel bikes, just as there's room for the Rivendells of this world - strokes for folks/horses for courses.
You sound like a candidate for the Grizl which has the utility you're looking for. The Grail has always been catered towards racers
How is it “as a road bike” with 28-32 mm road tires? Any word on 12-speed GRX Di2?
I'll admit I never tested the bike with road tyres but, other than marginally dropping the bottom bracket height, I think it would ride fine. I'd personally recommend going for a 32mm tyre, or wider, as it would have less impact on handling. Jack
To bad they didn’t spec the bike to at least be able to put 45 or 50 tires on it. That killed it for me
beautiful bike
This or the Specialized diverge sport carbon? 😬
What height and inseam do you have for that L?
It surely ticks a lot boxes for me. Anything thats not a Cannondale Topstone is a win 😂. Its a gravel race bike on which you can also go tour on it. I think tire clearance might be a put off for a lot people, speciallly here in the UK that gravel roads are quite challening, its like a rollercoster 🎢. Im on the market for a gravel bike at the moment. I cant stand my Cannondale Topstone anymore. I may consider the grail but I also love the Specialized Crux, so lets see 👀
What kind of riding do you intend to do on the bike? The Crux misses out on the mounts and storage seen on the Grail but, in other ways, is more versatile with wide tyre clearance. Both are good, just different. Jack
Well I just been on the Canyon Webb site and surprise, surprise!! its all sold out on my size and budget. CF SLX Shimano Di2. I actually had it in my basket and got a notification it was sold out. I guess theres a lot people tryinf to purchase this bike right now. 🤑
@@adossantos69751 Yikes! Hope you get the bike you're after either way. Jack
Aye bruh can’t be dissing the Sopwith Camel now
I see lots of hate for the bike here - I love it, including the small convenience touches. The only thing I don’t like is the price - ~2K more than the equivalent road bikes
Love the bike but couldn’t disagree with you more on the 42mm clearance being ok for racing, should’ve dropped the chain stays and cleared AT LEAST 45mm or preferably closer to 50mm. Or at the least have large 650b clearance. The only real reason to limit the clearance is to not make the grizl obsolete. Massive oversite on an otherwise stellar bike
A fair comment! Perhaps it's just a reflection of where I ride (or my bird-like light-of-foot riding style 💁♀💅), but I personally feel 42mm is sufficient for my riding, even when smashing along on rough terrain.
@@bikeradar I agree that 42 is plenty to ride anything a gravel bike can but for racing it isn’t the fastest and wider tires have proven to be faster less fatiguing and more puncture resistant. Many gravel racers now look at tire clearance as a main factor in deciding what bike to get and a bike that can’t fit the tire immediately goes out the window. It just seems like an oversight to come out with such a modern and innovative bike but then cut off a whole section of the market by keeping the tire clearance at the standard it was 3-4 years ago. I know they have the grizl but people only race that because they couldn’t fit the tire they wanted in the otherwise faster grail. I guess it grinds my gears more because they made such a good bike and then messed it up with minimal tire clearance.
I'm probably stuck in my ways as far as handlebars goes, but I would never take a bike with a hover bar. To me it looks like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. For drop bars I like my 44 CM wide bars shallow drop, beard gravel or racing a crit, those big wide bars are comfortable and fit me 🙂.
1:09 Taking 'Bike Porn' to extremities: Handlebars mating in broad daylight!
So the tire clearance is limited to 42mm because of the requirement to support cranks with road chain rings. Ok, nice maybe this bike can be a road and race gravel bike. But NONE of the specs come with a road crank to support road chain rings.
"Canyon's BEST Gravel Bike"...of course it is...till the next one lol.
Finally some proper geo. The XL Grail actually has the same reach as my road bike, so they're definitely iterating towards some decent numbers 👌
Wasn’t this a cyclocross bike for 1st gen?
Jack is the best!
Stop, I'll blush 😮💨 Thanks for the comment!
Ride 200km on gravel and poor tarmac on this and older Grail. You will then start loving hover bar and split seat post from previous Grail. Did author do that? If you are so much into racing use Ultimate like MVDP and enjoy speed and suffering.
I have ridden both bikes extensively, and used the VCLS on other bikes too. As I said in the video, the VCLS seatpost is more comfortable, but I didn't find the D-shaped post to be overly harsh or uncomfortable. It isn't as active on small bumps but it flexes amply on bigger hits. The old Grail is probably more comfortable over all, but that doesn't mean the new one is uncomfortable. Hope that helps! Jack
Thanks! I have older Grail so my view is biased of course :) However, let me share something more general and it'd be great to see comments to that. I am from MTB world and bought gravel bike to ride on both poor and good roads so that I don't need to carefully dsign my ride each time which I'd have to do with pure road bike. Now I can say after a while that GRAVEL BIKE IS A ROAD BIKE and should be classified so. Even for some forest roads with bigger holes and sand I'd rather be on light hardtail MTB which would give me more freedeom and fun and even more speed sometimes. I really wish companies stopped doing comercial movies with gravel bikes flowing on single tracks with roots and even little rocks. Maybe some people do this and it is great but it is not true that this bike is good also for that. The same with races, some routes are more suitable for light full than gravel but market dictates the message so they are advertised as gravel races. Thanks again for the answer!
Still love the hover bar and the unique frame design of the original grail. The bar is by far best I have ridden so far. It's super comfortable, has superior handling and is ugly as f*ck :D At the very least at every group ride more than one other cyclist will start a conversation with you. But actually I'm surprised, that canyon did not ditch the hover bar sooner.
Dear Santa, please put this in your bag for me. Amen.
Seeing Jack on a normal bike is always unsettling
Nice bike but I’ll stick with my aspero mechanical
Internal storage only on CFR and not on CF SL ... Canyon really take us for some idiots ..
i hated canyon lately because of their marketing tactics with frames and how i was waiting for lux half year only to be told that they have been sold and in one week they released new luxes for 1000 more for same shit :D but this grail is so good omg ... i hated it because for my size they had 27,5 wheels and no possibility to screw mount anything on frame but they really improved everything on old grail to make it finally usable product ... really good job with this, i will try to find someone to sell my kidney to and order
No. Its too heavy for carbon frame, pretty expensive and I am not fan of integrated space in frame. When the mud and stuff gets there its hard to clean and making noises.
Another infomercial from BikeRadar
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tyre clearance is 50mm according to Canyon... 🤔
42mm listed on their site for the new Grail. Do not confuse this with the Grizl.
One thing about Jack is he never succumbs to the usual "dental exam" face on the thumbnail. 👍
You haven't seen the outtakes 😇😱
@@bikeradar In context, outtakes would be . . . extractions? 🤭🤭🤭
That was a veeeery long commercial
Wrong - BikeRadar's reviews are 100% independent and are not for sale, no exceptions. You can learn more about how BikeRadar makes money here: www.bikeradar.com/news/how-does-bikeradar-make-money/
@@bikeradar i was just kidding. Like your channel en content en love to watch it. Keep up the good work
yeah only the best because its the newest lol, new always better, and you better pay for it
Too bad Canyon is going the way of all ! Almost 7k!!! Big No!
Seems like the old one but less comfortable and with worse looks for more money.
Holy damn this bike couldn’t look more bland if it tried to.
Canyon road bikes all look the same, even compared to my 2014 Ultimate.
What kind of vanilla person do you have to be to choose a bike like this
Finally looks like a bike again. Simple, clean lines, maybe even a bit boring. But boring is still better than vomit-inducing ugly like that hideous double-decker bar or split seatpost. Just needs two chainrings. Single chainrings make no sense if you still want to pedal along on a long downhill or go at a decent speed on a flat road.
Canyon aesthetics are some of dullest in bike industry. Even giant has stepped up in that department.
Gravel is marketing junk.
Yet you click on the gravel bike review
sigh
@@Avioto its not what you click on, it's what you buy
@@Avioto you must click on to make a comment, duh!
that's a road bike.
hoverbar was ugly as f.... No matter any benefits, the eye wants to be pleased as well.