CX or Gravel Bike? Canyon Inflite vs Grail

Is the Inflite the perfect gravel bike? When would you choose a gravel bike over a CX bike?

[@TobySillence]

This is exactly the explanation I was looking for. Thanks. Inflight sounds like what I am looking for.

[@dominicdimambro657]

Really appreciate your in depth coverage of the Inflite!

[@marcushaas44]

Man...i was looking so long. thx for your explanation! That chart did it for me :D

[@peterneumann6806]

Nice Review thanks man 👍🏻

[@ktakashismith]

Thanks, I've been looking for this kind of a review comparing the two! Good to hear the feedback about the steering and handling on the Inflite. The tire clearance gain with the Grail is minimal, and honestly the Grail's proprietary stem/handlebar (and the extent to which that compromises fit options) really turns me off. If I need more than 38c in the back, I should be on my hardtail anyways...

[@RaduCrican]

Yeah, can double that! I got the Inflite some years ago and I can only ride this bike since then, amazingly comfy, nice to handle, light and great looks! I do road, easy trails, forest paths, gravel, whatever with it :) If it gets just too hard terrain I think of my MTB, otherwise CX to go ;)

[@leonardoo6150]

I like the chart, super useful

[@datAero]

Thanks for the video, I'm looking for a do it all bike for road/gravel, gonna have 2 pairs of wheels. The inflite always looked better suited for the road part compared to the grail. But I was worried about tire clearance .

[@bensnyder2057]

I might want a 2x setup for the inflite on road if there are a lot of hills where you ride. Other than that, IMO it would work.

[@datAero]

@@bensnyder2057 oh yea, i'm not a fan of 1x personally, I was planning on getting the ultegra 2x

[@rickbronson6734]

Superb review! Any impression on the Team editon (Inflite SLX 9.0)? Did you consider purchasing it at some point?

[@bensnyder2057]

I haven't looked at specs and line ups in awhile. All I can say is that I'm totally happy with this build and model. Just did a century on it last weekend.

[@XX-is7ps]

Hi Ben thank you for the detailed look at the Inflite. Similar to a couple of other posters below I don’t do cyclocross but I’m looking. at the Inflite as a road/gravel “n+1” solution to suit all my riding. I do maybe 90% road, 10% gravel (uk “gravel” so very often muddy/wet). My road rides are often 100+ miles, my gravel rides generally a lot slower/social/shorter distance. The Inflite I’m looking at has SRAM Force eTap AXS 12s with 40T front and 10-36 cassette, and Schwalbe X-One tyres in 33mm. You mention in some other comments that you’d look at crankset changes for road, and also not recommend the bike for “ultra endurance”. In terms of riding (road) centuries on it over varied terrain, would you consider the bike suitable? what components would you look to swap out if so, and where is the on-bike rider position at in terms of both comfort and aero position when in drops compared to a dedicated road endurance frame such as the Canyon Endurace? Many thanks in advance if you get a chance to respond 🙂

[@bensnyder2057]

I probably wouldn't use a 40T 10-36 setup for a dedicated road bike (if you are riding in groups and/or aiming for speed - I suspect you'd spin out on that). Most modern road setups are ~50x11 for example. At 90rpm you'd be going 45.3kph on 40x10 whereas you'd be going 51.6kph on 50x11 www.bikecalc.com/gear_speed As far as position and comfort etc on a century, I'm perfectly fine on the Inflite for that length of ride, even on mixed terrain.

[@XX-is7ps]

@@bensnyder2057 Thanks, appreciated! I'll take a look and see if a larger front ring is an option, maybe a c. 45-48T

[@max74953]

Hello Ben, I'm considering to buy an inflite as a "do it all" bike to replace my raod bike : Road, Gravel and bike packing. I plan to get the 2X drivetrain version. What do you thing about the inflite for bike pack on easy gravel and road surfaces ? Thanks for your video, very usefull

[@bensnyder2057]

It definitely isn't a bike packing bike. There are no eyelets or mounts for bike packing attachments. I don't think I've ridden it longer than ~85 miles or so, though at that range it was still fine for me in terms of comfort. It's a great cyclocross, gravel, and road bike - some folks get two sets of wheels if using as a road bike too (and the 2x would be a welcome addition if this is your only road bike too).

[@max74953]

@@bensnyder2057 definitely looking for a all rounder (60%road,30% gravel, 10% bike packing), yet I don’t mind not having rivets for bike packing, I only use saddlebag, handlebars pack or frame bag, it’s fine for me: I don’t camp, I prefer to be fast and light and then getting a shower and beers ;) Thanks ! I’ll definitely consider it

[@axelsander80]

Where in the Bay Area did you rent the Grail?

[@bensnyder2057]

Rapha has (or had) one to rent.

[@skupiony.na.bombie]

Hi Ben, What size would you recommend for me? I am 191/89 cm. Canyon website says L would be better for me, however there is some hesitation between L and XL. Could you give ma some advice on the basis of your experience? I would like to buy it as an all-around bike for riding in town/commuting (tarmac), and also forest/lake paths around the town occasionally.

[@bensnyder2057]

Hey skupiony, I’m 188 cm tall and ride the large and I’m very happy with the fit. The inflite would make a great option for an all arounder - if I had to have only one bike, this would be it. For single track you might benefit from some wider tires than the 33s that come on it. Canyon also has the grizl now which would be just as practical for your need (though, in my opinion, less exciting of an option).

[@skupiony.na.bombie]

​@@bensnyder2057 actually when I saw the Inflite, no other bike looked good anymore, so buying Grizl is not an option. I was also considering Grail, but still, Inflite looks so much better in my opinion. The only thing is what size to choose, and as my height is right on the border between L and XL, both will probably be "ok", however L might be a bit too small, and XL might be a bit too large. And here is the dillema :)

[@rowemeister83]

Thank you, Ben. I'm a serial canyon owner (road and MTB) and want to get a dedicated Gravel Bike. My first thought was that the current SF SL 8 is the best option out of all cx/grv options, due to the spec - power meter, aero cockpit and SRAM etap. The fact that the ride quality is deemed better by you has just sealed the deal - happy to go with this option (when it's back in stock in Europe - hopefully this fall).

[@bensnyder2057]

Right on! I can’t imagine that being a bad choice unless you do ultra distances. It’s still my favorite bike. I got an age group podium on a 30 mile gravel race this year (and 14th out of 500+). I’ll be doing another gravel race in the Fall. I would buy another one tomorrow if I needed to. Enjoy!

[@rowemeister83]

@@bensnyder2057 great result! I wont' be getting on any podiums myself, and I'll definitely be sticking to the sub 100m rides for gravel (I don't think there is a 100 mile gravel route in the north of England!), so that factor has helped swing my decision too. This will be my 8th Canyon bike - will look forward to comparing the ride. thanks