This is Canyon’s first dedicated gravel bike and the German firm’s attempt to grab a slice of the fast-evolving adventure market.
Canyon’s engineers started with a blank sheet of paper and refused to be restrained by convention of consumer expectations; the Hover Bar is the result of that forward-thinking design approach. By isolating the top of the handlebar from the bottom, Canyon has sought to find the perfect balance of comfort and rigidity. Indeed, the floating ‘Flex Area’ on the Hover Bar is said to be seven times more compliant than the tops of Canyon’s existing H31 Ergocockpit.
The Grail is based around a carbon fibre frame, with two options: the top-end CF SLX chassis comes in at 830g, which is incredibly light for a gravel bike, while the mid-range CF frame is a little heavier at 1,040g – no porker by any stretch. The range is due to be completed later this year with the launch of an aluminium Grail, which will have a conventional cockpit.
Canyon’s aim with the Grail was to produce a bike equally at home on the road as it is on the rough stuff – a Holy Grail between speed and comfort. And they’ve nailed it.