Test: The Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 offers a successful mix of sporty riding characteristics, good comfort and smooth handling. With the Shimano GRX Di2 and the Hover-Bar construction you are prepared for any touring profile.
Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2: The facts
Frame material: Carbon
Wheel size(s): 700 tsp
Maximum tire clearance: 42 mm
Axle dimensions (v/h): 12 × 100/142 × 12
Mudguard Eyelets: Ja
Luggage carrier eyelets (v/h): No
bottle holder: down tube up, seat tube
Other: Special Topeak bag set available
Weight wheels v/h/total (with tires and brake discs): 1.630g / 1.765g / 3.395g
Weight complete bike without pedals (size M): 8,85kg
Price: € 3.399
Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 – Sporty touring bike with a lot of comfort
Logically, where the name Canyon Grail is mentioned, the term "Hover-Bar" must also be mentioned in the same sentence. Two years ago, Canyon caused quite a stir with this innovative double-decker cockpit. From a technical point of view, the approach, which is quite plausible, polarized people particularly strongly due to its daring appearance. Because of the construction, a second link was attached above the actual upper link, which should flex particularly strongly due to its floating attachment and should therefore provide significantly more comfort. But this also has a noticeable effect on the geometry of the bike, because the grip area is not only higher, but also slightly set back, which is noticeable in terms of seating position.
An innovative cockpit alone would be nothing without the right frame. In the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2, this consists of the slightly heavier and therefore cheaper carbon layup compared to the SLX Premium version. Apart from the weight difference (according to Canyon, it's about 200g per frame), the frames hardly differ and are visually indistinguishable from us. In addition to the usual features such as thru-axles, internally routed cables and lines, we also find mounting eyelets for mudguards. In order to make the Canyon Grail attractive for touring cyclists, a bag set specially tailored to the frame was developed together with Topeak to enable the next bikepacking adventure.
The tire clearance of up to 42mm should be sufficient for most tours. In addition, the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 gets simple and functional protection on the chainstay to prevent damage and scratches from a beating chain.
The geometry of the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 cannot quite be compared to that of other gravel bikes due to the hover bar construction. Reach and stack values cannot be measured identically, which is why Canyon speaks of Reach+ and Stack+. It quickly becomes clear that this bike with a long wheelbase and a fairly slack steering angle remains smooth-running even on bumpy ground and should therefore ensure a safe riding experience. In addition, the cockpit construction ensures a very upright position in the upper link and a pleasantly sporty position in the lower link.
Geometry Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0
2XS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 432 | 462 | 492 | 522 | 552 | 582 | 612 |
chainstay (in mm) | 415 | 415 | 425 | 425 | 425 | 425 | 425 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 988 | 990 | 1020 | 1029 | 1040 | 1063 | 1073 |
Steering angle (in °) | 70.25 | 71.25 | 71 | 72.5 | 72.5 | 72.75 | 72.75 |
Seat angle (in °) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
Reach+ (in mm) | 401 | 422 | 439 | 458 | 475 | 494 | 513 |
Stack+ (in mm) | 594 | 615 | 638 | 660 | 687 | 700 | 728 |
stem length | 60 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 90 | 90 | 105 |
crank length | 165 | 165 | 170 | 172.5 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
Impeller size | 650b | 650b | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2
As the name suggests, the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 comes with one of Shimano's electronic groupsets. Of course, the gravel-specific GRX Di2 was chosen for the Grail, which should convince with new STIs and ideal gravel suitability.
Thanks to a special ergonomic design, the handles should now lie even better in the hand and offer the best grip even on bumpy ground. In addition, the levers are shaped differently, so that you can brake better even in hectic situations. With a double crank, the GRX group offers a first-class range with pleasant jumps between the individual gears. Of course, everything can be operated easily and precisely thanks to Di2.
Gravel-specific models are also used for the wheels. With the "G-Line", the wheel manufacturer DT Swiss has developed special wheels for gravel use. Our model is the DT Swiss G1800 Spline db, which impresses with its robust construction, low weight and durability. With a rim height of 25mm and an internal width of 24mm, they are the perfect companions for long tours. In combination with the Schwalbe G-One Pro with a width of 40mm, you should not only be well prepared for most adventures, but also be at the forefront in terms of rolling resistance.
Since we've already covered the innovative cockpit in such detail, we can't ignore the seating area either. The split seat post ensures a comfortable feeling on the saddle and absorbs many a hit.
frame | Canyon Grail CF SL Disc |
suspension fork | Canyon FK0070 disc |
Wheels | DT Swiss G1800 Spline db |
Tubes | Schwalbe G-One Bite 40mm |
derailleur | Shimano GRX Di2 RX815 |
Gear levers | Shimano GRX Di2 RX815 |
Crank | Shimano RX810 |
Front derailleur | Shimano GRX Di2 |
Brake | Shimano GRX Disc |
Seat post | Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 CF |
Saddle | Fizik Aliante R5 |
Stem | Canyon CP07 Gravel Cockpit CF |
Links | Canyon CP07 Gravel Cockpit CF |
Let's Gravel: The Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2
The Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 is first class at first glance. Of course, the hover bar is not for everyone, it polarizes. Nevertheless, everything is right here: design, workmanship and shape are well coordinated and offer a very coherent look.
If you still can't get used to the look, the performance should convince you at the latest. Because the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 knows how to impress in all areas with an impressive overall performance.
The main focus is on riding comfort, as you might have guessed from the hover bar and the flexing seat post. This is first-class and leaves nothing to be desired, even on extremely rough ground. Thanks to the successful cockpit construction in connection with the frame, seat post, wheels and tires, you are in the best position here and know how to deal with rough terrain. Light bumps and bumps in particular are hardly passed on to the driver, which is almost reminiscent of hovering. Added to this is the very balanced geometry of the Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2. Due to the combination of cockpit and frame geometry, the seating position is much more upright and tourier than you might think. Unless you switch to the lower links, because here you almost suddenly have a seating position that is almost suitable for racing.
But the Canyon Grail CF SL is not only convincing in terms of comfort and seating position, because the carbon frame also has a certain sportiness, since it does not, as is so often the case, achieve comfort through lack of rigidity. Thanks to its low weight and attractive wheelset, the Grail also manages to accelerate solidly and convert acceleration into propulsion. The long wheelbase, on the other hand, ensures that the Canyon rides a little more smoothly and less nervously than real gravel racers. In return, it offers us a good deal of safety on bumpy terrain and at higher speeds. In our opinion, a successful mixture of smooth touring behavior and a sporty touch.
The Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 Di2 Tourer is rounded off, as the name suggests, with Shimano's new GRX Di2 group, which, as a specific gravel group, ensures the best shifting performance. The STIs in particular are first-class and feel comfortable in the hand even after several hours of touring, all with the best grip.
However, there are smaller deductions for the only limited accessory compatibility, especially for a tourer: As mentioned, mudguards can be attached if desired, but things are looking bad for luggage racks. However, the fact that Canyon offers a special bag set together with Topeak is a salvation for those who want to take longer tours under their tires on the Grail. If this bag system didn't exist, we would shake our heads at the bike.
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