Test: With the Canyon Grail AL, the direct seller from Koblenz presented a cheap aluminum version of the versatile gravel bike just a short time after the Grail CF was launched. How does the top version for 1.699 euros fare in the highly competitive entry-level segment?
Canyon Grail AL 7.0: The facts
Frame material: Aluminium
Wheel size(s): 700c (650b in XXS and XS)
Maximum tire clearance: 40 mm
Axle dimensions (v/h): 12 × 100/142 × 12
Mudguard Eyelets: Ja
Luggage carrier eyelets (v/h): No
bottle holder: Down tube up, down tube down, seat tube
Weight wheels v/h/total (with tires and brake discs): 1.590g / 1.775g / 3.365g
Weight complete bike without pedals (size M): 9,45kg
Price: € 1.699
When mentioning the Canyon Grail, gravel fans probably think directly of the controversial hover bar construction with which the Koblenz-based company made headlines when their gravel bike was first presented. Not quite a year later, Canyon also launched an aluminum version of the Grail, which, unlike the carbon counterpart, does not have the polarizing cockpit.
The aluminum frame, which looks quite inconspicuous at first glance, can convince with its inner values: Canyon specifies a frame weight of 1.480g for size M, which is hardly possible in this price range (the cheapest variant Grail AL 6.0 costs 1.399 euros). should be beat. On top of that there are features such as thru-axles at the front and rear and completely internally routed cables and lines. The tire clearance is still (officially) a good 40mm, but according to our judgement, 42mm tires should also not be a problem - of course depending on the rim and manufacturer. The Grail AL is only available with 28″ wheels – apart from the frame sizes XS and XXS, which have their own frame and therefore smaller 650b wheels.
The mounting options aren't quite as good: there are mudguard eyelets on both the frame and the fork, and the frame triangle also offers space for three bottle cages, but we looked in vain for eyelets for luggage racks. This is a pity, especially since these have probably been eliminated with the 2020 model - the predecessor still had such mounting points on the seat stays. After all, the bag set for the Grail CF developed together with Topeak fits the AL version just as well and should therefore be the first option for those who don't want to be deterred from their next bikepacking adventure by the missing eyelets.
The geometry of the Alu-Grail is similar to the carbon version: not too sporty and with a clear focus on smooth running. The rather long chainstays or the long wheelbase speak in favor of the latter. However, the fact that agility does not suffer too much is due to the fairly steep steering angle, which should prevent sluggish steering behavior in particular.
Geometry Canyon Grail AL
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 432 | 462 | 492 | 522 | 552 | 582 | 612 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 516 | 531 | 555 | 577 | 591 | 616 | 631 |
head tube (in mm) | 117 | 133 | 124 | 143 | 169 | 190 | 209 |
chainstay (in mm) | 415 | 415 | 430 | 430 | 430 | 430 | 430 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 984 | 990 | 1024 | 1035 | 1047 | 1070 | 1085 |
Steering angle (in °) | 70 | 71 | 70.8 | 72.3 | 72.5 | 72.8 | 72.8 |
Seat angle (in °) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
Reach (mm) | 364 | 373 | 390 | 405 | 412 | 431 | 440 |
Stacks (in mm) | 514 | 533 | 556 | 579 | 605 | 626 | 644 |
Of course, in certain price ranges, manufacturers are always forced to make compromises. The lower the price, the greater the compromise – usually. In the case of the Canyon Grail AL 1.699, which costs 7.0 euros, the Koblenz-based company seems to have found a very good balance - this is shown by the weight alone, which at less than 9,5 kg is extremely low for a beginner's bike. The aforementioned, light aluminum frame, the carbon fork and, last but not least, the solid, well-balanced equipment all play a part in this. Canyon has managed not to have to make too many cuts in the critical areas.
Unsurprisingly, Shimano's GRX group was chosen for the gears. Canyon opted for the variant with two chainrings - a good choice in our opinion, as the range is noticeably larger and the gear steps with the 48/31 chainrings and the 11-34 cassette are very harmonious. It's a shame that the STIs "only" have the cheaper 600 versions installed, since the 800s are noticeably better ergonomically. On the other hand: in this price range it is completely acceptable, also because there are no noticeable functional differences. The brakes of the 600 series, on the other hand, are top and don't have to hide from high-end stoppers.
frame | Canyon Grail AL Disc |
suspension fork | Canyon FK0070CF |
Wheels | DT Swiss C 1850 Spline db |
Tubes | Schwalbe G-One Bite 40mm |
derailleur | Shimano GRX |
Gear levers | Shimano GRX RX600 |
Crank | Shimano GRX 48/31 |
Front derailleur | Shimano GRX |
Brake | Shimano GRX RX600 |
Seat post | Canyon VCLS CF |
Saddle | Saddle Italia X3 |
Stem | Canyon V13 |
Links | Canyon HB 0050 Ergobar AL |
Certainly a highlight of the Grail AL 7.0 are the built-in wheels from DT Swiss. The "C 1850 Spline db" are produced exclusively for Canyon and should largely correspond to the freely available C1800. The rims are a generous 22mm wide in both cases, which means that even thicker tires should easily find a secure grip. Of course, they are also tubeless-ready. At 3.365g, the entire wheel system is also pretty light, despite the wide 40mm tires.
The Canyon lettering dominates the other add-on parts: the in-house cockpit is visually unobtrusive, but is ergonomic and of a high quality. The Ergobar handlebar does not have an extreme flare, which suits the bike well. Also worth mentioning is the in-house carbon post, which is said to have particularly good vibration damping thanks to its carbon layup.
More tests, products and background information about the Velomotion Gravel Month:
- Storck Grix Platinum Ultegra Di2 gravel bike in test: Race tourer for gravel and off-road
- GT Grade Carbon Pro in the gravel bike test: Comfortable triangle for lots of driving fun?!
- Orbea Terra M30-D in the gravel bike test: Lively bike for training and gravel tours
- NS Bikes Rag+ 2 in the gravel bike test: Convincing aluminum all-rounder
- Rondo Ruut CF 2 in the gravel bike test: Fast gravel bike with a striking look
Let's Gravel: Canyon Grail AL 7.0
The Canyon Grail AL 7.0 made us curious at first sight. Because the high-quality processed aluminum frame comes with consistently successful equipment and a great, balanced geometry, which is primarily aimed at sporty gravel fans and everyone who wants to become one. Nevertheless, this is not too extreme to make it as easy and pleasant as possible for beginners and beginners to start gravel sports.
If we're talking about sportiness, the first word to say about the Canyon Grail AL 7.0 is acceleration. Because thanks to its good rigidity and its appealing weight of just 9,45 kilos, the Canyon pulls off really well when accelerating and quickly picks up speed. The handling of the Grail AL is also impressive with its agility and direct handling. This offers a nice advantage, especially on technical passages, but the bike rarely seems unsteady and can also score with a certain smoothness.
Even if the riding comfort is not at the top of the list, the Canyon Grail AL 7.0 is still very comfortable on the road and you can also take rougher routes with you. Here the bike with its attachments is also convincing in terms of ergonomics and always gives a good and pleasant impression.
The mechanical Shimano GRX offers the best performance in this entry-level range and ensures precise shifting and durability. The high-quality DT Swiss wheels including the Schwalbe tires round off a first-class overall package for sporty drivers and beginners with their good driving and rolling properties.
Other gravel bike highlights in the test:
Steven's Prestige 2020 on test: Crosser in gravel fur
Test: The Stevens Prestige remains true to itself in 2020 - once a thoroughbred crosser, the bike is now also called Gravel on the manufacturer's website. Our test shows that the bike should still feel more comfortable on CX trails than on endless gravel roads. Stevens Prestige 2020: The facts Frame material: Aluminum Wheel size(s): 700cc […]
Canyon Grail AL 7.0 gravel bike on test: Convincing overall package for sporty drivers
Test: With the Canyon Grail AL, the direct seller from Koblenz presented a cheap aluminum version of the versatile gravel bike just a short time after the Grail CF was launched. How does the top version for 1.699 euros fare in the highly competitive entry-level segment? Canyon Grail AL 7.0: The facts Frame material: Aluminum Wheel size(s): 700c (650b in XXS and XS) Maximum tire clearance: […]
BMC URS One gravel bike on test: Expensive gravel bike in a class of its own
Test: With an incredibly versatile frame, a great look and high-quality equipment, the BMC Urs One does almost everything right as a gravel bike - but that comes at a price. BMC URS One: The facts Frame material: Carbon Wheel size(s): 700c Maximum tire clearance: 45mm Axle size (v/r): 12×100 / 142×12 Fender mounts: Yes Rack mounts (v/r): No / Yes Bottle holder: Down tube at the top , down tube […]
Cornelius says
Thank you very much for the test.. I would also be interested to know whether the frame size suggested by the guys also fitted in the test....
Thank you
Wi. says
Unfortunately, as of today, it will not be available until October and the price has since been raised to €1.799.