What is it?
Gravel riding has exploded in recent years and as more riders take it up, the more it diversifies. Some might want to load up their gravel bikes with enough kit for a whole weekend adventure, while others simply want to smash across a variety of terrain as quickly as possible.
Different needs means different gravel bikes and German-brand Canyon has two lines of gravel bikes - there's the adventure orientated Grizl range and the more performance focused Grail line-up. Canyon then offers bikes with a further variation on this theme, including the flagship Grail CFR range that you'll see the pros riding.
Sitting just below that is the CF SLX range, which includes the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS that we're testing here - a carbon-framed gravel bike for those looking for a high-performance machine that's fast both on and off road.
Priced at £4,499, it's not the most affordable option out there, but when you look at the components its decked out in, then it looks like good value. As the name hints at, it utilises SRAM kit, though there's also the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 if you prefer Shimano (and it's currently priced the same). This means you get SRAM's gravel-specific Force XPLR AXS groupset. With wireless shifting, this 1x, 12-speed configuration comes with a 10-44 cassette that should be more than up to the job for a variety of terrain when partnered with a 42 tooth chainring. If you prefer a 2x set-up, then you'll probably prefer the Di2 version.
What's it like?
Canyon is an online retailer only, so you'll need to measure yourself to make sure you pick the right size for you and the website has a comprehensive guide on how to do this. There are some test events where you can try Canyon bikes, but in most cases you'll have to make sure you get the measurements right. Order your bike and it'll then get dispatched to your chosen address. It comes in a box and there will be some assembly required - again, there's plenty of helpful guidance on the website, but Canyon also offers a 'Collect and Ride' option where the bike can be sent to your local bike shop for them to build up for an additional £149.
Our bike arrived fully assembled and looking the business in its Rock Bliss colourway (two other shades are available), while it also sported some extras as well, including a top tube bag (£28.95) and Gear Groove computer mount (£33.95). This might be an essential accessory for most potential buyers as chances are you're going to have a Garmin or Wahoo (or similar) head unit you're going to want to use on your Grail CF SLX. Normally you can used the supplied mount that comes with the computer, but because the Grail CF SLX uses a new integrated aero handlebar, its design makes it impossible to mount a cycling computer neatly other than with the Canyon-specific mount. It seems a bit stingy not bundling this in when you factor in the cost of the bike.
That niggle aside and the handle bars do look good - there's a 16-degree flare on the drops, while the brake hoses have been concealed nicely. Running externally underneath the bar, they route into the frame via the top cap and enhances the bike's clean, aero design.
What about the frame itself? Aero has been a big consideration for Canyon with the Grail - this is a race-focused gravel bike after all, so the design of the frame has been influenced by tube shape's from the brand's World Tour Ultimate road bike, though as you'd expect the geometry is more relaxed. And you should find a frame size to suit, with sizing from 2XS to 2XL.
It may be a gravel bike, but if you're expecting to find loads of mounting points for your bike packing trip, then you'll be disappointed. With speed its main priority, there are lots of clean and sculptured surfaces, though there are a couple of mounting points on the top tube for a bag, and some storage has been integrated into the down tube. Canyon bundles in a mini tool, but if you want to stash an inner tube, levers and inflator, you'll need the optional Canyon Load Tool Pack (£18.95), while there's space for a pump as well
