Canyon Grail 2027: The gravel bike, successful in racing, is being updated after just three years – essential given the previous 42 mm tire clearance for those aiming for top-level performance. With frame shapes inspired by aero road bikes, the new generation offers an advantage in the wind at race pace. The benefits of the new model can be enjoyed at attractive prices without major compromises.
Canyon has had the Grail, and thus gravel bikes, in its lineup for eight years – and a lot has happened in that time. While the first version was held back by its unusual handlebars, the second generation proved to be a resounding success right from the start: In the summer of 2023, Carolin Schiff won the Unbound 200 on the still unreleased bike, and Tiffany Cromwell triumphed in the 100-mile race with the new Canyon Grail.
Canyon Grail 2027: Up-to-date with important updates
Since then, the Koblenz-based company's carbon race bike has become indispensable in gravel racing, which of course also means that they have to remain competitive. And so, after just three years, a successor is ready to go, addressing the area where the previous Grail was a bit "old school": tire clearance. This was previously 42 mm, which was perfectly acceptable a few years ago – remember that the first official Gravel World Championship in 2022 was won on a Canyon road bike with 33 mm tires up front and 35 mm in the rear.
But the trails have become more challenging and the races faster – and those who hurtle at high speed over bumpy tracks rely on large tire volume, which prevents punctures, reduces fatigue through increased damping, and forgives riding errors. And so, let's introduce the new Canyon Grail 2027, which can be ridden with tires up to 57 mm wide.
Several measures were necessary to accommodate such wide tires. First, the chainstays were lengthened by one centimeter to 435 mm. Then, a special right chainstay was designed, made of solid carbon and extra flat, to provide enough lateral clearance for the wide tire. This means the new Grail can no longer be used with a double chainring, but given current trends in gravel riding, this isn't a major drawback. Furthermore, to maximize bottom bracket shell width, Canyon continues to use a press-fit bottom bracket, while many competitors are reverting to threaded T47 or BSA bottom brackets.
Minor adjustments to the geometry
The increased tire clearance didn't necessitate a steeper seat angle, and Canyon has largely remained true to its proven Grail geometry anyway. The wheelbase has only grown by 5 mm on the medium frame sizes; the head angle has steepened by 1° on the two smallest models and otherwise remains unchanged at 71,5 to 71,8°. However, the riding position has become more aggressive: the stack has been reduced by 15 mm, resulting in a lower handlebar position. The reach, or saddle length, remains virtually unchanged.
Canyon Grail 2027: the highlights
- Aerodynamically optimized frame set with 57 mm tire clearance
- Three quality levels: CFR (989 grams frame weight), CF SLX (1.085 grams) and CF (1.128 grams, each size M and unpainted)
- CFR and CF SLX with integrated storage compartment and adjustable cockpit
- Tire pressure app and special bag set for each frame size
- Model variants:
- CFR AXS with SRAM Red XPLR including dual-sided power meter, DT Swiss GRC 1100, 8.000 euros, 7,9 kg
- Grail CFR Di2 with Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 including single-sided 4iiii power meter, DT Swiss GRC 1100, 6.500 euros, 8,4 kg
- CF SLX 8 AXS with SRAM Force XPLR including single-sided power meter, DT Swiss GRC 1400, 5.499 euros, 8,9 kg
- CF SLX 7 Di2 with Shimano GRX RX715 Di2, Canyon GR 50 CF, 4.499 euros, 9,5 kg
- CF 7 AXS with SRAM Rival AXS, Canyon GR 50 CF, 3.499 euros, 9,1 kg
- CF 7 with Shimano GRX RX610 mech., Newmen Advanced G.34 CL Carbon, 2.499 euros, 9,2 kg
Another important aspect in gravel racing is aerodynamics, which Canyon naturally addressed in the new version. While the Grail Gen 2's design language was based on the Canyon Ultimate, the lightweight, versatile racing machine, the 2027 Grail strongly resembles the Aeroad. This is evident in the creases of the elongated head tube and the low-positioned seat stays; however, there's no seat tube that wraps tightly around the tire like on the aero road bike. Instead, the new gravel bike is equipped with a true aero seatpost, which features a covered cutout at the front for increased comfort.
Aero tests at a realistic 35 km/h
The Koblenz-based company conducted wind tunnel tests simulating a speed of 35 km/h; these tests revealed that the new Grail is marginally more aerodynamic than its competitors from Rose, Factor, and Cervélo. Compared to its predecessor, this results in a power saving of approximately 6 watts with the same tire width; even when ridden with 55mm tires, the new model is still 2 watts faster. Of course, whether this translates to noticeable performance on the trail is another matter entirely. In any case, Canyon no longer needs to shy away from the competition with its 2027 model.
As before, Canyon offers the Grail in three quality levels: the CFR with a frame weight of 989 grams, the CF SLX (1.085 grams), and the CF (1.128 grams, all size M and unpainted). The small weight difference between the two lower-end versions is due to the fact that only the CFR and SLX have an integrated storage compartment. The "Pace Bar" cockpit, which allows for height and width adjustment, is also reserved for the two top models. And, of course, Canyon combines the three frame levels with different component packages, resulting in a total of six models priced between €2.499 and €8.000, three with SRAM and three with Shimano. Even the most affordable version comes equipped with a carbon wheelset. It's noteworthy that Canyon still offers a model with mechanical shifting – many other companies have discontinued this option.
In terms of value for money, the Canyon Grail CF 7 AXS with SRAM Rival 1x13 is particularly interesting for €3.499. While you have to forgo an adjustable cockpit, you get the new GR 50 CF wheelset, which Canyon is introducing alongside the 2027 Grail. With rims measuring 17 mm internally and 38,5 mm externally, it's ideally suited for wide gravel tires, and at 1.675 grams (manufacturer's specification), it's not particularly heavy. The wheelset comes with a tire pressure app developed in collaboration with Pirelli, which allows you to select the optimal pressure based on tire width and three parameters: efficiency, traction, and comfort.
Finally, as accessories for the new Grail, pannier sets specifically adapted to the individual frame sizes are available, and mudguards can also be fitted. And so, those in Koblenz can sit back and relax for now, perhaps already working on the next step up, a 32-inch Grail…