The XXS frame has a 516mm top tube length, and it comes with a 415mm chainstay, compared to the 430mm on the sizes from S upwards. All of these were tangible, positive features of the Grail. At 164cm (5ft4in) the XXS frame was pretty perfect for me, and because of the size-specific geometry, it felt like 'my size' in a way that a 700c wheel gravel bike seldom does. In practice, the size-specific componentry means less toe overlap, slacker geometry angles and a bike with better overall handling. Canyon is one of the only major bike brands that offers its smallest bike frames with smaller wheels, and the Grail is one example of this. Much of that feeling is down to this bike's geometry. Even though I was perhaps slowed down slightly by the weight of the bike, it was on the first descent that I forgot about the frame material and weight altogether. Downhills and singletracks quickly became much more fun when I was riding this bike, as I felt more comfortable and planted on the Grail’s small frame than on many much lighter and more expensive counterparts.Ģ022 Canyon Grail AL 7 eTap Rival-wheeljpg, by Suvi loponen I admit that on the first rides, when the terrain started to incline upwards, I noticed I was not riding a carbon-framed race bike anymore. Needless to say, it’s been through some serious riding and even though this would not perhaps be a bike that someone wanting to dip into gravel races thinks of first, the more I rode it the more it made me believe it should be.

The Grail has been with me for over four months, as it was originally my ‘team’ bike when I was riding with Team ORCC but I have continued to ride it after the season - because I’ve liked it so much. I think Canyon has really nailed performance and value with the Grail AL 7 eTap.

2022 Raiders Gravel 1 suvi loponen, by Roo FowlerĪlthough I, like many cyclists, appreciate a lightweight, nippy carbon bike, I appreciate a well-performing and affordable aluminium bike like the Grail even more.

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