Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 ETAP 2020: Details // Ride Review

[@tomasiskooo]

I bought Grail CF SLX 8 the new 2022 version. The Grail exceeded all my expectations. And I actually find the handlebars a lot more comfortable. 10/10 bike for me.

[@trevorhayes5414]

I was on another thread yesterday extolling the value & rideability (!?) of the Grail AL. I have the 6.0 (Shimano GRX, hydraulic brakes & chain lock/tensioner) and this bike is so much fun to ride and is bombproof. Having ridden on the road for years, when you take this bike on a bit of dirt or gravel, you feel like a kid again on your bmx, doing jumps, slides & skids. Just a blast! And it handles good on the road too. A little heavier than my BMC, which now feels faster & nippier 😁.

[@-Rambi-]

Good review. This was my favourite commuter, I used to work for the brand and got to test a lot of bikes, this carbon Grail with electronic shifting was spot on for my rides. I will buy one later this summer I reckon.

[@markybolton]

So it has electronic shifting? How would you compare it to the Trek Domane HP or the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3?

[@jssaylor]

Giant's Revolt Gravel bike is getting a ton of praise as well.

[@RevelCris]

My revolt in matte Grey gets compliments everywhere I go. With some nice wheels it's one of the best gravel bikes. Crazy comfort as said by 2 guys in the group ride last week as well

[@Lescoureursfoudelasco]

I bought one, works great anywhere - all terrain, truly excellent. And so light.

[@MrJfergs]

How do you spend 5000$ on a bike???

[@jackanderson2773]

@@MrJfergsAbout 6 k

[@ithanil4429]

I'm a happy Grail CF owner and personally I love the looks of the bike. And unlike many reviewers I enjoy the bars too. I do not use the flexy tops very often, but I do so whenever I'm riding on bumpy surface like cobbles and there's no need to be ready to brake. Otherwise you can grip in a spot close to the hoods where there is still noticeable flex, but more control and you're close to the brakes. The best thing about the bars however are the super-stiff drops with that thumb grip. BUT there is that one issue that is rarely mentioned: There's no way to use clip-on aero-bars. Everything else is mostly a matter of taste or the need for an unusual fit.

[@PhiyackYuh]

Hows the geometry? From bike fitting point of view? How easy is it for adjustability? Please let me know.

[@ithanil4429]

@@PhiyackYuh I think if you are relatively close to average in your proportions, especially leg length to height ratio, then Canyons recommended size will work decently without changing parts. You can alter seat height and also the bar height slightly. And if you really really need a different stem length, I think you can send back the original cockpit and get one with a different length (but better contact Canyon to make sure that it will work like that). Regarding geometry I can say I like it a lot. If you use the lowest possible bar height you can achieve a decently aggressive (i.e. aero) position, although not as much on a typical aero road bike. And the Geo gives a pretty stable ride, not twitchy. But in return it is probably not the most nimble bike around tight corners.

[@timdixo]

Agree with comments...can’t beat Canyons on value...deal breaker is the lack of bar adjustability. Give me a CF frame,standard bars,Di2/etap,45mm + tyre clearance at a Canyon price and I’m all in.

[@curtbentley]

Ibis Hakka MX? JensonUSA had some good deals...

[@Lestalad1961]

Buy a Canyon if you want an elliptical BB shell. Check out Hambini’s KZbin channel for an aerospace engineer verdict. A dishonourable mention with supporting data can be found on his Orbea frame vid. Absolutely shocking

[@markxkovacic]

@@Lestalad1961 Hambini's test frame was horrible and a disgrace. However my Canyon frame's BB area is round as can be and doesn't need any fix. Hambini could find something wrong with any frame.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Canyon are happy to swap out (post purchase) integrated bars to get the right fit. They swapped mine no questions asked.

[@timdixo]

Chris Voss Check out Luescher teknik’s channel and his carbon cut ups. It appears voids,wrinkles and other anomalies are ubiquitous amongst most carbon manufacturers. Canyon have quality control process which provides some reassurance at least.

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

I was very close to buy it only reason I didnt was couldnt test one unless I spent flights to Germany etc so adding £400 to my cost. I chose the Orbea Terra and if you are willing to wait 4 to 5 months you can design your own colour scheme with MYO. Value wise Orbea was cheaper for the 2× GRX810 setup. If you want long distance touring get the Tailfin a Bristol UK product

[@lennart8996]

you're talking grx mechanical here, right?

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

@@lennart8996 yes wasnt convinced I needed Di2 but now wish I had...

[@enijland7562]

Always highly enjoying your videos Shane

[@richardharker2775]

I'm very fussy about bar and saddle position. Integrated bars and stems won't get a start but... Your impartial review is very good. One thing most reviewers don't do is blast down a sealed or unsealed road and comment on the handling in relation to geometry.

[@Wellness-Wealth-Wisdom]

Love canyon. they really do make great bikes and my favorite bike maker. I own a trek, specialized and canyon bike. I love them all... canyon tho is still my fav.

[@nahu974]

I choose this canyon grail in 2018 with the ultegra mecanical group. You analysis about the bar is exactly what i think. not more confortable, impossible to adapt, but the thumb hook in the descent is great.

[@edlewis4603]

Great review. I have a Grail CF but with a mechanical group-set and I agree with your review. I will say I do like to ride the tops where I get some flex on flats that are rough. It does help with the vibration some, but other than that, I don't see much difference in the bars. The seat totally sucks just like you said. The only thing I replaced on the bike.

[@trevorhayes5414]

The other little plus with Canyon, is they also shipped out with the bike, a precut sheet of clear helicopter tape for your frame at bike bag attach points. Don't know if that's common among gravel bike brands or not, but it was a cool surprise. One less thing to worry about.

[@pnkpdlr]

Love mine, don't under estimate the advantage of the fender holder. Use it now as my winter commuter, and just love the solid fender mounts!

[@plefevre]

Thanks for the review Shane, I've been struggling to like the look of the Grail's top tube/stem integration and the bi-plan bars but the more I look at it the more I get used to it. One thing I would note though is that you talk a lot about being able to change out stem length, bars, bar width etc. and getting that right is important, but surely, once you're happy, you won't to change them. So if you can ride a demo or if you buy one and need a different spec of bar, Canyon will exchange them for you so I don't think that adjustability is all that much of a problem. Once you get things the way you want them, why would you want to go and change them? You mention the bars didn't really offer anything better in terms of dampening and that's worth noting, but the bars themselves, looks aside seem to be pretty good, and you get that little side benefit of the thumb position in the drops. When you look at this bike compared those others on BE, it looks like very good value.

[@aliancemd]

Specialized made an amortized headset that takes the shaking significantly better and didn’t need to go with a weird handlebar...

[@scotchgod8478]

The weird looking handle bars and even more the bend in the top tube that makes it look kind of fractured didn't please my eyes at first sight at all, but I think I'm getting used to it the more i look at it. Other than that, a great bike that sure rides fine.

[@MiegmaishMenas]

Just ordered the new Grail 7 AL in SRAM eTap

[@fhdabd9638]

Actually i think the highest end grail is very nice deal if you are interested in all parts (wheels , groupset, SLX carbon frame) ,, it is much much expensive if u have a plan to buy each separately

[@AaronGoodTimes]

Great review! I am looking forward to what you have to say about other bikes in the future. About to finally buy a new road bike after having bothered you for advice over the last couple of years so time to think about the next type of bike I suppose.

[@jarrodfife242]

I’m really considering buying this next year with the rival for $5200 aud. I have long winter rides and bike packing and gravel riding in mind.

[@jarrodfife242]

However I have a mix match of sram rival parts already from a previous sram axs bike that got wrecked in a crash. So will only need to buy a right lever, a 1 by crankset and I should be fine to convert the $3800 shimano one to axs.

[@ulydoingthings]

Try the Cervelo Aspero. Race gravel bike might be more up your alley.

[@jimpeyton1459]

I'm pulling the trigger on the Grail AL 7.0 , which has the Shimano GRX drivetrain. Thanks for the review.

[@xAudiolith]

I LOVE the saddle that came with my grail. Interesting that you dislike it so much. For me it felt like coming home in a way :) But then again contact points are super personal. Great Video as always!

[@gplama]

I've been on flat-topped saddles for a while now. The Sitero (TT) and Power, then the Stealth Pro, not the Cadex Boost. This was definitely a more traditional saddle.

[@LarsRR]

The Fizik saddle is my ultimate enemy. Just being around it gives me numbness. 😅

[@andraslukoviczki519]

These Fiziks are the worst on the planet... If somebody tells these are comfortable (for hours, not for commute), that person still didnt sit on comfortable saddle... I'm using only Speci Powers and Sitaro on my bikes too.

[@craggerdj]

It would seem as though the setup is important for the aliante, nose down quite a lot, and have to sit back on it. Newer saddles are much more forward. Fizik setup instructions kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKTSd3eVp82BobM

[@craggerdj]

Another observation is that the large aliante is probably a good fit for a lot of people; I find the 142mm pro stealth too wide, but the 154mm aliante is great. The cross section curvature has a bigger radius than the regular size

[@jf2427]

Agree on the saddle My Endurace cf sl came with the same saddle, after one ride it was gone and replaced it with a specialized Toupe Apart from that the bike rides great

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

You should do more bike reviews like this!

[@gplama]

I’ll try. 🚲👌🏼

[@TheBrandongreen33]

Thanks Shane! Companies would be wise to get you involved in bike reviews.

[@targaW3007]

Good luck finding a grail AL, this bike was out of stock since they released it last year. I wanted to buy one, but after 10 months waiting for stock I bought a Orbea Terra.

[@Andy_ATB]

My experience as well; ordered it late March/early April......shipping in early June. However, I must have received 3-4 e-mails delaying the shipping until mid/late September. No good, I wanted it for the summer. Cancelled the order.

[@trevorhayes5414]

That's crappy & a serious distribution issue. Maybe the Aussie inventory is stuck sitting in a container at sea! Good ol' tyranny of distance. You still can't get them at all in Canada unless you drop-ship to a US address. I'm in Tuscany and ordered my Grail AL on Boxing Day and it arrived on Jan 13. So there is inventory around.

[@targaW3007]

I’m in Germany, just 350km away from the Canyon Headquarter.

[@elachichai]

Good reviews. I am for experiment and innovation but not closed architecture. The quiddity of the bike is the frame. The fact that we can't swap out the handles is a terrible nightmare unlike the seat, cassette, crank, or wheels.

[@abedfo88]

Finally someone who also doesn't like that model of Aliante. It should be perfect for me but my ass hates it. I had an old model way back when and it was the shizz but this new model yuk.

[@danielcrossley8873]

Ordered mine last week :)

[@gplama]

Same model? If you're not in AU, what was the value like?

[@danielcrossley8873]

@@gplama In UK so 3300GBP but I got it through the Green Commute Initiative so got a further 40% off.

[@gplama]

40% off! Boom!

[@danielcrossley8873]

@@gplama I will let you know what I think of it once I have fitted my Specialized Power saddle :)

[@c799651]

Been waiting for this one..

[@petercallaghan6987]

Very cool. That’s the second grail review iv watched today.

[@HectorDavide]

Thanks Shane!

[@dickmartino9933]

Standing on those bars would be impressive.

[@IanB17]

I like it. If I was in the market for a gravel bike I’d consider a Canyon but a cheaper version.

[@charlied1675]

Nice review. Look forward to a review of the AL version. Less pricey and has a more traditional look (no bend in the top tube).

[@martinstutch]

at 3:30 in, is that a HUGE spider, or just a piece of foliage? Looks like Huntsman to me.

[@derekrhu]

I guess you don't get it in Austrailia, but in the US we have a Giant Revolt equipped with SRAM Force eTap AXS. Great review of the bike though!

[@scubascott1098]

I'm interested in the AL version as well! Could make an awesome N=1 "budget" bike

[@Droffilc55]

As far as I can tell this is available by mail order rather than through a local bike shop. If this is so, then it makes it hard to take it back forwork if there are any issues.

[@Chaka1337]

I can only speak for Germany, but here you get a box specially made for the bike, where you can send back parts, that should be changed or corrected. You can even send back the whole bike like that.

[@monguzzle]

Specialized saddles are the best I've ever had. I'd be putting one on this sharpish.

[@gplama]

The Power from them agrees with my underbits. It's on one of my TCR bikes at the moment.

[@monguzzle]

@@gplama I'm on the fence about offloading my 2016 Diverge (with the cursed SCS) Pro Carbon for one of these, or keeping it and swapping out my Fuel EX 9.8 for a Lux. I'm loving Canyon's attention to detail and they're almost certainly getting my money next time around. NZ needs to see some variety!

[@scottw6598]

Great video you need todo more bike reviews

[@nedt]

Very helpful mate, thanks.

[@mouselim72]

I also do not fancy that integrated bar and I felt it looks strange and wanted a reason for it but came up empty.

[@goespear]

Thanks Shane for the review. Why did you say that attaching a kid trailer to this bike would be a challenge? They just need the rear axle to connect bike and trailer. Isn't it?

[@B.r.o.t.h.e.r.2]

The Alu version doesn’t handle the same. I rode both bikes in Koblenz and the Carbon version ride a lot better. I now ride a Open Cycle U.P. And I think that handle more like a road bike because of the shorter wheelbase.

[@bobbigrant9158]

Must Have

[@aquilesmasdmd]

You need to do a video on the changing of the favero assiomo pedals to spd conversion.

[@mlibi1980]

He did kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5Okd3yegMabpK8

[@PnlBtr]

How about the seat post, notice any added compliance from the split?

[@gplama]

It provided a little bounce/flex. The saddle took away from that experience though. The post got sand/gravel stuck in it too. That was weird.

[@ccmp23]

Shane, did you play with the positioning of the Aliante? I struggled with mine for a while, then got the tilt correct for me and it was superb... I've bought 4 of them since.

[@gplama]

A little... but the top shape was just not doing it for me. All personal preference/fit though. Good to hear it works for someone.

[@garytash]

Great review. I am on the fence as well. Have you had a chance to look at the Trek Domane SL 4? Similar price range. Wondering if it's a viable choice as a gravel bike. Thoughts?

[@gplama]

I haven't had the chance to ride one of those yet.

[@lechprotean]

You also mentioned taking a new bicycle for a service soon after a few kms. How would that work with Canyon, I assume you'd have to pay for that service at the LBS? It probably still works out in Canyon's favour, financially, but something to consider when buying...

[@gplama]

That's a good question. I didn't go through the normal consumer channels to get the bike.

[@MrTheSkiper]

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?

[@Rawsan]

I did not like the bike.. thanks a lot for the review Shane

[@justinbutler3465]

Is it "break it you buy it" policy with that deal?

[@gplama]

I didn't break anything.... much... ;)

[@justinbutler3465]

@@gplama Haha, nice!

[@ryanmichael11]

Hey Shane, I know you didn't like the seat, but Any comment on the seat post?? (looks comfortable)

[@gplama]

The spilt design.... it's a bit squishy.

[@ryanmichael11]

@@gplama 🤣👍

[@sharkymoon422]

Double stacker in case 1 breaks?!😘

[@werdna1969]

I didn’t like the saddle either, I replaced it with a Berthoud

[@Music-sy6zb]

Shane Miller - GPLama

[@juanv8123]

Thanks for the review Shane. If the bars are a problem, couldn't they be swapped by other normal aero handlebars from Canyon? Frankly the bolts part of the stem looks pretty similar to other canyon bars.

[@gplama]

Good question. I'm not sure. If anyone knows please post!

[@juanv8123]

@@gplama So I've sent an email to Canyon (Spain) and they've replied saying that other Canyon handlebars are NOT compatible with this frame. A shame really, but I still think that someone with access to the bike and the handlebars should try it, maybe we'll get surprised! By the way, any chance of getting your hands on an Elite Nero? It looks like you've got 928747291 comments about that since it got released. Thanks!

[@gplama]

@@juanv8123 Thanks for the follow up on this one.

[@adamlopez1624]

Hey Shane, when will you be doing the review on the hunt 40/50 wheelset?

[@gplama]

Soon.... I'm still clocking up the kms on them.

[@adamlopez1624]

Shane Miller - GPLama awesome, looking forward to your thoughts.

[@izzypop4005]

How many people have decided to buy this one after the rewiew? Press like

[@alexcavill1986]

Can you do a review of the Open and ideally the 3T exploro as well?.. pretty please

[@gplama]

If I can get one (or both), sure.

[@itsm3th3b33]

What about that fancy split seat post? Effective?

[@gplama]

Couldn't really tell to be honest. Running 35/40 PSI means the rear is going to have some squish in it anyway.

[@PhiyackYuh]

Anyone knows how the stack plus and reach plus works on their website? How would you compare them to normal road bike frame stack and reach? Hows the geometry for any grail hover bar owners? Relaxed geometry or long and low position?

[@MattiRemonen_Hki]

What about the seat post? Any comment on that?

[@mikicastan]

Matti Re I had the same seatpost on my xc bike and it was creaking as hell. Was nice and flexi but very loud

[@izzypop4005]

Im 189 cm and 92 inseam. Which size is mine? L or XL? Im in between in accordance with canyon site. Please recommend.

[@gplama]

I'm not really in a position to override/consult on this for Canyon, sorry.

[@lechprotean]

how's the seatpost? Have you noticed it working to soak up the bumps? Is it interchangeable for a a different one? (it looks like it is)

[@gplama]

It got sand in it.... It provided a little bit of movement. I'd need to try it with a saddle that wasn't trying to violate my bits.

[@maroshubka3505]

seatpost is brilliant, clearly overrides capability of those hoverbars when it comes to damping. I have tried to swap it with regular CF post and difference was significant. And yes it is interchangeable it is regular round shape 27.5 mm.

[@lechprotean]

@@maroshubka3505 Thanks for confirming. so this seatpost + a regular handlebars with redshift damper seem like an optimal solution...

[@Cynyr]

wait, kid trailer? i must have missed that news.

[@gplama]

He's six months old in a few days. :)

[@Cynyr]

@@gplama well, congratulations!

[@FinnVilladsen-g1q]

Slør i styr?

[@marknieuwejaar1075]

Ten times what my car cost. Fuel cost @ 1.55.9 litre ...Bike loses its snowing.

[@glennoc8585]

For a first world country its so annoying that we don't get the range that other countries do. I was bringing back bikes from overseas for personal use over 20 years ago. It's got better it was woeful back then.

[@bwarey52]

I have a Grail as my first and only bike....but I now have a problem. I have a triathlon later in the year and am also planning on doing my local TT series. Anyone have any clever TT bar hacks out there or am I going to have to convince the wife a time trial bike is the only solution!

[@gplama]

N+1 for sure. Speedmax!

[@bwarey52]

@@gplama. It seems the only sensible option!! 😂😂. She likes you when I have you playing on the TV so your getting the blame! Cheers

[@pgm2268]

Wow but I don’t have money

[@mikicastan]

Eagle cassette is very bad on flat gravel,not to mention tarmac. Very anoying gear steps

[@etops.flight]

Carbon bikes well over priced. AL bikes are a better option but the componentry levels aren’t so great.

[@Tchairdjian]

My personal opinion: that is one butt ugly bike no matter how you look at it. Serves no purpose and destroys all natural beautiful lines of today’s modern attractive bikes.

[@jackfrost838]

Hambini says they are shite.

[@PhiyackYuh]

If hambini says jump you jump right 🤷‍♂️🔫

[@mediumrick7667]

Yes, Canyon has my attention. But I wouldn't buy this bike. Can't get over that bar/frame design. Just plain ugly. I'll give them props for their willingness to take a chance with unusual design, but I bet it will be out of their lineup within 5 years.

[@simonassouline45]

Those Handlebars are Hideous, Trash/Shit! Burn them, makes the bike completely Ugly!