Canyon Grail

The Grail is Canyon's gravel bike and it turned heads when it launched thanks to its distinctive double decker handlebar design. That unique bar, called the CP20, flexes to absorb vibration while the lower section stays rigid for confident sprinting and out of the saddle efforts. It was controversial but it works.

Canyon has since introduced a more conventional handlebar option alongside the original design, which makes the Grail accessible to riders who found the double bar too unusual. The frame itself is a proper gravel machine with clearance for up to 50mm tyres, mounting points for bikepacking, and geometry that splits the difference between stable off road handling and on road efficiency.

The Grail has found a strong following in the UK gravel scene, and used examples are increasingly common as the initial wave of gravel converts upgrade or adjust their setups. Prices are competitive, especially compared to the Specialized Diverge and Trek Checkpoint.

What it's like to ride

With the original CP20 handlebar, the Grail rides unlike any other gravel bike. The flex in the upper bar section noticeably reduces hand fatigue on rough surfaces, and the lower section gives you a solid platform for road riding. If you have not tried it, reserve judgement until you do.

With a conventional bar, the Grail rides like a well mannered gravel bike. Stable on loose surfaces, responsive enough for road use, and composed over washboard gravel tracks. The wide tyre clearance means you can run genuinely chunky rubber for proper off road riding. The geometry is slightly more aggressive than some gravel bikes, which makes it faster on tarmac but a touch less relaxed on very long off road days.

Who it's for

Gravel riders and bikepackers who want Canyon's value proposition off road. Road cyclists looking to explore bridleways and gravel tracks. Mixed terrain commuters. Adventure riders planning multi day trips. Anyone curious about gravel who wants to get a lot of bike for the money.

The second generation Grail (2022 onwards) brought a refined frame with better clearances and an updated CP20 bar. These are the ones to look for. The first generation (2018 to 2021) is still a good bike but the CP20 had some early production issues that were addressed. Make sure any first gen CP20 has been checked or replaced. A 2022 CF SL 7 is the value buy.