Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS
Value: £4,499 / $5,299 / €4,899Weight: 8.2kg – SmallSizes: 2XS -2XLGroupset: SRAM Power AXS 1xColours: Sand grain, Rock bliss, Steel grind
The Grail is Canyon’s gravel race gadget. It is a motorbike that gained a significant overhaul again in October 2023, an replace that noticed the motorbike go through a couple of adjustments and crucially lose the Canyon Hoverbar, a double-decker-style bar which was once polarising for plenty of riders. On the time it was once more than likely what maximum riders considered when to got here to the Grail.
The Canyon gravel motorcycles are cut up between journey and function and the V2 Grail sits within the latter class. To be had in 3 tiers of fashions, the top-level CFR motorcycles are one of the vital best possible gravel race motorcycles and feature been ridden to a minimum of two global gravel titles, Unbound Gravel wins, and a bunch of alternative giant race effects. Mathieu van der Poel raced his Grail CFR to the sector gravel name again in October remaining yr.
I’ve been checking out the middle-tier Grail CF SLX 8 AXS type this iciness, the CF SLX motorcycles use a fairly decrease grade of carbon fibre than the CFR fashions, and value a excellent chew of money much less, however nonetheless get an excessively aggressive spec.
The associated fee for my CF SLX 8 AXS check type is £4,499 / $5,299 / €4,899, a aggressive worth level for the most efficient gravel motorcycles. There also are two different fairly dearer CF SLX choices with 2x Shimano GRX Di2 and DT Swiss carbon wheels to choose between. I have had a month to check the Grail and feature logged a lot of check hours off-road and on it in the United Kingdom, the place stipulations are nonetheless in large part chilly, rainy and muddy.
Design and Aesthetics
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The scupled seat tube junction appears racey(Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
There is a mixture of matte and gloss paintwork (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
My check motorbike arrived within the ‘Rock Bliss’ paint scheme you notice within the photos. It is a gloss/matte pink/black combine that appears excellent. The gloss and matte combine creates a distinction, however the matte paint will want care if the motorbike often will get mucky or wishes cleansing. Total, with the built-in handlebar and deep-section Zipp wheels, the Grail appears racey and welcoming to trip. I used to be willing to get it arrange and get out on it.
The SLX 8 AXS comes with a reasonably large spec for the cash, the carbon fibre SLX body, which stands for ‘super light extreme’ is mechanical or digital groupset pleasant and is fitted with a Canyon completing equipment. Particularly, the built-in Canyon CP0039 handlebar which has a 16-degree flare on the drops, and a five-degree again sweep, and the SPOO72 seatpost. The handlebars additionally permit brake hoses to be run externally and course in by the use of the headset-bearing peak cap which makes issues a bit of simpler to reside with. For those who bought a motorbike and in point of fact sought after to run a distinct bar, you need to switch it out for one thing other.
Groupset-wise, the clue is within the type identify, there’s an SRAM Power AXS 1x groupset, specced with a 12-speed 10-44 cassette and 42T chainring and 160mm disc rotors entrance and rear.
Wheels are the Zipp 303 Firecrest hookless fashions with a 25mm inside width. They’re fitted with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC tyres in a 40mm dimension, even though body clearance is 42mm with a double chainset, you need to more than likely are compatible larger rubber than this relying at the tyres, even though make sure to take a look at the Zipp appropriate checklist relating to tyres.
Issues are completed off with grippy Canyon handlebar tape, a Fizik Vento Argo X3 saddle, and there’s additionally integrated downtube body garage, a door simply above the down tube bottle cages offers get entry to and the motorbike comes with a small Canyon FIX mini-tool which clips smartly into the again of the door, there may be additionally a clip to suit a minipump to the rear of the door.
Like several Canyon motorcycles, the motorbike ships with a small quantity of meeting paste and a fundamental torque wrench to help house meeting.
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The LOAD garage door sits above the down tube bottle cage (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
That is the whole thing that is integrated, this equipment is bought seperately (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
The multi device is integrated and clips securely onto the rear of the door, word the pump holder as nicely (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
A Fidlock magnetic body garage bag may also be suited to the body’s entrance triangle, simply in the back of the top tube. Canyon claims it improves aerodynamics via 1.5 watts, however I should not have the specifics past that. A identical possibility is to be had at the Ridley Astra RS gravel race motorbike. I have been driving with an ass saver to stay the key spray off on the rear, however Canyon additionally designed the Shield fenders for the Grail, a gorgeous proposition for iciness driving at the avenue or off it. It is heartening to understand you’ll are compatible decent-length fenders if you want.
Geometry-wise, my dimension small motorbike (I am 176cm for reference) has a stack selection of 573mm and a achieve selection of 385mm. The wheelbase is 1034mm and the seat tube perspective is 73.5 levels.
The Specialised Crux is a well-liked gravel motorbike, and now we have noticed it so much at more than a few races in recent times. I rode one remaining yr to check the SRAM Crimson XPLR groupset. For some context, a dimension 54 Crux has a 13mm decrease stack than the Grail and a 6mm longer achieve. The seat tube perspective may be part a point slacker at the Grail which has a 70mm stem / 42 width bar fitted as inventory to the dimensions small motorbike.
I have been relaxed on each motorcycles, however those Canyon numbers toughen my opinion that Canyon geometry has a tendency to beautiful be user-friendly and simple to get on with. The Grail moves a stability between racey when you wish to have it, however comfy sufficient that you’ll chuck it down some descents or take on extra checking out technical terrain with self belief. You are going to after all want to do your homework if you’re making an allowance for purchasing however if you wish to do a bit of of the whole thing, you’ll be able to be nicely happy. Racers, you could want to take a look at the geometry and inventory bar/stem numbers be just right for you.
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You’ll’t regulate the bar roll with an built-in stem and bar, however I used to be pleased with the bar form (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
A 70mm stem and 42cm bar are specced with a dimension small Grail, the proprietary pc mount is not integrated with the motorbike even though (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
Stay doing this Canyon, it makes lifestyles more straightforward (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )Efficiency
I’ve been inspired with the Grail’s efficiency from the off. Because the headline of this evaluation suggests, it’s an excessively fast motorbike this is adept around the board. It moves a very good stability between convenience, velocity and flexibility.
I’ve were given caught into a variety of driving at the motorbike, from natural avenue rides, lighter, superb and dry gravel (up to you’ll to find in the United Kingdom in January) to rocky, muddy technical descents and the motorbike hasn’t ignored a beat, it’s tackled the whole thing with out breaking a sweat and likewise serving as a well timed reminder of simply how excellent gravel motorcycles at the moment are.
This can be a efficiency gravel gadget and the motorbike does certainly really feel speedy on just about all terrains. It is nimble and thrilling to trip, I have discovered it simple to modify path when doing such things as mountain climbing out of the saddle and the Grail responds right away to will increase in energy and energy. At the avenue or on faster sections, it does not really feel 1,000,000 miles clear of a avenue motorbike, (I guess it isn’t) and the faster wheels play their section on this.
The motorbike is well-specced, and I don’t see any chinks within the armour componentry smart. The inclusion of the 303 Firecrest wheels is excellent and I don’t believe the motorbike would really feel as speedy with out them, I’m happy Canyon may just spec them and now not an alloy pair.
Fixed to the wheels are a Pirelli Cinturato RC tyres and I’ve in point of fact taken to them. I’ve achieved avenue rides at the Grail on my same old one-hour check loop they usually roll nicely at the tarmac, however the facet knobs alternatively supply incredible grip and traction, particularly on muddy off-camber turns and technical sections, helping off-road cornering basically.
I’ve in point of fact felt them dig in and grip in puts and they’ve given me self belief. For the United Kingdom, particularly iciness in the United Kingdom the place a large number of gravel sections are regularly coated in leaves and dirt, they’re a super all-around possibility for doing the whole thing and a sensible choice via Canyon personally. They gave me way more grip off-road than the Vittoria Terreno Dry fashions I used to be driving this time remaining yr at the Eddy Merckx Strasbourg. If this was once my very own motorbike, for driving at house, I feel I’d run them year-round.
What’s in all probability price taking into consideration is that, via present requirements, a 42c max tyre clearance is a little bit thin. Our personal lab checking out has proved that wider gravel tyres are sooner, a minimum of in the case of rolling resistance, and supply extra convenience and grip. I did not in point of fact to find it restricting, however with the best way the business is heading, with gravel racers now ceaselessly working tyres over 2″ huge, it will grasp you again someday.
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The Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels give a contribution to the Grail’s velocity (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
The Cinturato RC tyres roll nicely at the avenue, however the aspects knobs upload a tonne of grip off it (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
The 40mm tyres are succesful all rounders (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
A instance of the facet knobs profile. You’ll additionally are compatible a fender to the Grail which is what those two bolts are for (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
I’ve tackled plenty of rough, rocky and rutted descents on the Grail, there’s plenty of feedback on rougher terrain through the one-piece carbon handlebar, and if you prioritise comfort from your off-road and gravel riding and bikes this is the point where an alternate option or more comfortable setup might be more attractive long term.
I’m coming at things from a road perspective mainly and can live with a good bit of feedback and chatter on rougher stuff, it’s just part of off-road riding for me. I don’t consider this a harsh bike, and it hasn’t beaten me up. I’m just trying to help if you are considering making a purchase and are possibly looking at the Grail and or Grizl which can be purchased with a suspension fork and separate stem and bar combo which would dampen the front-end chatter.
Talking of rough descents, the Canyon Sideloader bottle cages work well and grip bottles tightly if you’re shopping for cages. I’ve used them to ride the Paris Roubaix Challenge and had no issues with bottles rattling free, they also provide good security for gravel riding.
Performance from the Force AXS groupset has been strong and dependable and the 160mm discs have provided me with ample stopping power. The 42 tooth chainring has worked well for me, but if you’re doing lots of longer, steep climbs you may wish for a smaller front ring, something that’s easy to swap out. I found myself grinding a bit on longer, steep gravel climbs.
There have been no problems with the bike during my testing. Everything is easy to adjust and most bolts are clearly marked with a torque rating. I set and torqued the bike’s headset assembly out of the box but the Grail’s headset fork expander isn’t the biggest or burliest on the market and my headset did develop some play during testing, it’s easy to adjust out but I would check this area regularly if it were my own bike.
Maintenance and servicing
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It took me mins get thus far, headset get entry to is excellent and you’ll simply blank and regrease each headset bearings (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
The Zipp freehub frame pulls off with out equipment, spot the moisture at the bearing inside race, repairs is essential in case your doing plenty of muddy driving and washing (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
Brake hoses are coated with foam sheathing, this may be the case the place the hoses run subsequent to the fork steerer, it will have to stay hose rattles quiet(Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski )
As an ex-mechanic, I’m well placed to give you an idea of potential servicing costs, things to look out for and stay on top of and any other little foibles a bike may have.
First off, replacement drivetrain parts for the Grail shouldn’t be too expensive if you look after it. The Sram Force XPLR cassette is the priciest drivetrain component so stay on top of chain wear and cleaning, like any bike.
Most of my rides on the Grail have involved me hosing the mud off it after, and at times I haven’t held back. Gravel bikes are subject to more dust and mud compared to other bikes, making the ease of servicing more relevant.
In the wheel department, you can pull off the wheel’s hub end caps by hand and at the least dry and clean any moisture and mud present to protect the bearings. The freehub body also pulls off by hand without tools if you want to go further to clean and lubricate the freehub pawls and dry off any moisture, spot the water droplets in my picture after washing.
You can access the headset assembly and bearings easily enough and the semi-integrated cable setup helps this, at the least, you will be able to dry, clean and regrease headset bearings easily or if you’re taking it to a shop, the mechanics won’t have a hard time doing the job.
This bike also comes with a rubber grommet on the rear of the bottom bracket shell which would allow for mechanical gear cable routing, make sure this stays put. I left it off for a ride or two and a lot of mud entered through this hole, covering the chainset axle. You can order it as a spare along with all other spare parts from Canyon, however.
I would also suggest being mindful of the mixed gloss and matte paint on the frame, be as gentle as you can when cleaning the matte parts especially if they need some extra cleaning. Scrubbing away at matte paint will turn it shiny over time and it won’t look as good. Let soap and water do a lot of the work for you and dry with a microfibre cloth and or matte-specific detailer.
Value
Overall, this bike represents a good value buy, as is often the case with Canyon bikes. There isn’t a concession anywhere in the specs; it’s pretty rock solid. You could also use the Zipp wheels on a road bike, and they would be at home there with the right tyres, should you wish.
It’s cheaper by a good few hundred euros than the Eddy Merckx Strasbourg carbon model I reviewed around a year ago. Although you can mix and match specs with the Ridley custom configurator.
As mentioned the Specialized Crux is another popular gravel race bike, the Expert model comes in at $4,999 and gets an SRAM Rival groupset to the Grail’s higher spec Force but does have Roval Terra carbon wheels. Giant has a similarly specced bike in the Revolt Advanced Pro that comes in at $5,500 but again it has a Rival groupset to the Grail’s Force.
At checkout, there is scope to order plenty of extra accessories for the bike like fenders, and frame bags, and there’s a storage bundle you can order with a 10% discount. The only accessory the bike comes with the bike is the FIX multi-tool in the storage compartment door. I’m willing to bet most riders will have some spares to carry already in a saddle bag or jersey pockets so it’s not the end of the world.
That’s ok by me, plenty of bikes don’t come with a load of included accessories. What I’m not so keen on is the failure to include the Canyon Gear Groove handlebar computer mount which is $40. It’s the only computer mount that will fit the integrated bar neatly. Short of mounting your computer with rubber O rings there isn’t much other choice for a clean system, so it would be a lot better if Canyon included this proprietary mount with the bike.
The Grail appears beautiful practical with its aero bar and deep part wheels (Symbol credit score: Tom Wieckowski)Verdict
I really like the Canyon Grail. It’s a fast bike, and if you’re looking at one for gravel racing or performance riding, it’s going to fit the bill. There’s even a bit more to be squeezed out of it: You could fit quicker tyres, a 1x aero chainring, etc.
It’s also been excellent everywhere else for me. It’s stable and adept in technical terrain, confidence-inspiring, and just downright fun. Short of actual mountain biking, I could do everything on it, turn up at the occasional race, or even road ride with road tyres fitted. I also like the fact it’s easy enough to live with and maintain, an important point for an off-road bike.
Canyon says ‘Fast the place you wish to have it, rugged the place you wish to have it’ and I totally believe that tagline for the motorbike. It is put a smile on my face on every occasion I have ridden it.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyDesign and aesthetics A excellent having a look body, with 3 other paint choices, appears speedy and competitive, no loopy design options to reason you a headache, inventory stem and bar widths would possibly go away some in need of. Tyre clearance might be wider even though via fashionable requirements. 7/10Build A powerful spec, speedy wheels and succesful tyres upload velocity and dealing with each off and on avenue, SRAM Power does not in point of fact omit a beat8/10Performance Nice, speedy and amusing to trip, adept on technical and tougher terrain, some comments thru th carbon bar, but it surely does not beat you up9/10Weight Simply over 8kg, aggressive for a gravel motorbike, it isn’t going to bother any person 8/10Value A cast spec and not using a actual vulnerable issues, 8/10Overall score Row 5 – Mobile 1 40/50
