The new Grail became famous almost overnight - more famous than Canyon might have liked. After all, the Koblenz-based company had not even officially unveiled the second generation of the race model when Carolin Schiff sensationally won the title at the Unbound, the unofficial Gravel World Championships. Four months later and shortly after the title fights under the umbrella of the UCI, Canyon revealed the poorly kept secret. With a complete bike weight of 8150 grams, the Grail CFR Di2 was the lightest gravel bike in the test period from January to December 2023.
Cockpit à la "Antonov"
The most striking change to the new Canyon is the front. The mail order company and manufacturer says goodbye to the unconventional double handlebar and instead uses an aero cockpit, which is jokingly referred to in Koblenz as the "Antonov" because of its wing shape, named after the legendary transport aircraft. The new handlebar/stem combination is impressive: the cockpit flexes noticeably on the lower handlebar. Together with the high-quality tyres, mounted tubeless on the test bike, the front suspension is better than the measured fork comfort suggests.
At the rear, a flattened carbon fibre support does not quite match the level of the leaf spring support of the predecessor. Overall, however, the bike smooths out bumps much better than comparable models. However, in a tubeless set-up with low tyre pressure (2.5 bar), the dropper post tends to bob, which heavy riders in particular should bear in mind. Due to its special dimensions, it cannot be replaced with just any model.
In general, the dividing line between the Grail and the Grizl suitable for adventures relatively blurred. Like the road racers from Koblenz, the Grail is based for the first time on a light, stiff and aero-optimised CFR frame. However, the extreme wheelbase and high centre of gravity make the Canyon a little sluggish in fast cornering. The mounting options for luggage or mudguards are unusual in the race category - but very practical: among other things, a Fidlock bag can be clipped into the frame triangle and there is space for a puncture repair kit in the down tube. The mounting of a computer, mobile phone or time trial attachment in a small recess on the handlebars is also a smart solution.
Canyon Grail CFR Di2 at a glance
- TOUR grade: 1,5
- Price: 6999 Euro
- Weight: 8.2 kilogrammes
Weights & geometry
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight: 1070/418/75 grammes
- Frame sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL (test size greased)
- Seat/top/head tube: 506/585/164 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 612/401 millimetres/1.53
- Wheelbase/caster: 1055/66 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX Di2 (2x11; 48/31, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano GRX (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights): DT Swiss GRC 1100/Schwalbe G-One RS 40 mm (front/rear: 1488/1927 g)
Measured values & individual scores
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.2 kilogrammes | Grade: 2.0
- Steering head stiffness: 111 Nm/° | Note: 1.0
- Lateral stiffness fork: 51 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
- Bottom bracket stiffness: 61 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
- Seatpost spring stiffness: 97 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Spring rate fork: 83 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
Best of Test 2023: The best road bikes of the year by individual category
Julian Schultz
Editor
