New components and colours – Canyon Grail 2022 presented
Efficiency and handling stability on gravel and asphalt – that’s what impressed us about the Canyon Grail in the last test. To keep the bike doing so, the Germans are updating the Gravel bike for the 2022 season.You can find all the information on the updates to the carbon and aluminium models here in the official press release from the manufacturer:
“One of the most iconic bikes to land on the scene in recent vears is back – the Canyon Grail. The Grail is the German brand’s answer to the ultimate all-seasons, all-surfaces, all-conditions speed machine. Stable on the rough, fast on the smooth, the 2022 Grail blurs lines between on-road speed and off-road control better than ever thanks to fresh specs and stunning new artworks applied to tried-and-true concepts. Throw in an extended range of accessories, like full coverage fenders, lighting options and storage solutions, this one bike transitions seamlessly between being a dependable winter mile muncher and a swift summer escapist ready to take you off the beaten track. The Holy Grail? This may well be it…
The 2022 Grail portfolio is headlined by the superlight, high-flying Grail CF SLX, built around an 830 g carbon frame and complete builds tipping the scales at just over 8 kg. Beneath this, the Grail CF SL delivers a strong mid-range offering with an array of models at competitive pricepoints. Both carbon platforms feature the iconic Double Decker Bar – its unique construction enhancing ergonomics and control via defined hand positions and vibration reduction. The latest, fastest-rolling 40 mm Schwalbe G-One R rubber features exclusively on all carbon models, wrapped around DT Swiss gravel rims with their strong reputation for smooth berformance, lasting reliability, and easy tubeless setup.
The hugely popular, critically acclaimed Grail AL also returns to the fold. Electronic shifting makes its first appearance on this platform with SRAM’s new Rival XPLR eTar AXS groupset, while the Grail 7 AW (denoting all-weather) is perfect for winter warriors, with powerful Lupine front and rear lights, plus fenders, included as standard.
Coinciding with the new-look Grail, Canyon has also expanded its range of LOAD products. A new Handlebar Bag offers two litres of waterproof storage with multiple mounting options for both Double Decker and standard cockpits. What’s more, the new Frame Bag fits seamlessly in the front triangle of Grail CF models providing space for riding essentials, tucked away from the wind.”
Conclusion
With the update for the new season, the character of the Canyon Grail will not change – and that’s a good thing! Anyone looking for an efficient and smooth-running bike that feels at home between all-road and gravel roads will find what they are looking for here. In terms of components, there is still a wide choice with one or two chainrings – mechanical or electronic. We are particularly pleased with the power meter on the Grail CF SLX 9 eTap and an electronic shifting system in the entry-level price range on the Grail 7 eTap.
For more information visit canyon.com.
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Words: Photos: Canyon
