US basketball player LeBron James can look forward to a gravel bike with 32-inch wheels in size 3XL, custom-built especially for him. Canyon developed the Grizl CF from scratch. Wolfgang Kohl, senior gravel engineer at Canyon, explains the challenge: “It wasn’t simply a matter of scaling up the existing frame design. That might work for the geometry, but the loads don’t simply increase in proportion to the size.” The development team in Koblenz had to tailor the entire bike system to the requirements of a rider over two metres tall.
32-inch wheels and features
LeBron James’s bike is fitted with DT Swiss XR1700 wheels with a 32-inch diameter. The Schwalbe G-ONE RX tyres make the most of the larger wheels, which roll more easily over stones, potholes and uneven surfaces. For a rider as tall as James – 206 cm – the larger wheels offer ergonomic benefits. The drivetrain consists of SRAM Red AXS XPLR with a 38T chainring and a 10–46T cassette. Mounted on the handlebars is the Canyon Gravel Cockpit CP0039 with a 16-degree flare.
Design of a gravel bike for LeBron James
The carbon frame utilises a specially reinforced lay-up designed to withstand the stresses imposed by James’s build. The seat tube length is 625 mm, and the top tube length is 642 mm. The head tube measures 194 mm. The chainstay length is 476 mm, whilst the wheelbase measures 1201 mm. The thru-axles are custom-made, CNC-machined components with Boost dimensions, adapted to the carbon frame’s manufacturing process. The seatpost clamp was also made as a one-off.
Development process and findings
Through this project, Canyon trialled new design processes aimed at shortening development times for future projects. Kohl describes the learning process: “With every part we built for him, we learnt something. By testing our bikes with the world’s fastest and strongest athletes, we gain crucial feedback on the riding experience for people who are particularly tall and powerful.” This feedback is incorporated into the development of the standard models.
LeBron James and Canyon
James’ company, LRMR Ventures, acquired a stake in Canyon in 2022. Four-time NBA champion LeBron James used his bike as a means of transport to get to training sessions and get around town even during his youth in Akron, Ohio. James took delivery of the Grizl CF in Akron alongside his secondary school teammates. The NBA star describes his experience: “With most of the bikes I’ve ridden, I’ve always felt that the bike didn’t really suit me. This is the first time I haven’t had to think about it at all.” The bike is not for sale and remains a one-off for the Canyon investor.
LeBron James: A Biography
LeBron James is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, the superstar has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, amongst others. He has won four NBA championships and has been named the league’s Most Valuable Player four times. Since 2023, James has been the highest scorer in NBA history and was the first player to surpass the 40,000-point mark. He has also won three Olympic gold medals with the US national team. As well as his exceptional athleticism, he is particularly renowned for his versatility, game awareness and long career at the very highest level.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
