New Canyon Grail Fits 57mm Tyres with Matched Aerodynamics as Pro and Amateur Needs Converge

Canyon Unveils Third-Generation Grail Gravel Race Bike with 57mm Tyre Clearance

Canyon has launched the third generation of its Grail gravel race bike, significantly expanding tyre clearance from 42mm to 57mm to accommodate tyres up to 2.25 inches. The new model features reworked aerodynamics optimised for typical gravel racing speeds of 35km/h and is available in three carbon frame grades: CFR, CF SLX, and CF. The flagship CFR AXS build carries a claimed weight of 7.9kg and a price of £7,600 / $8,999 / €8,000.

Pro and Amateur Requirements Align

The new Grail’s aero profile is tuned for 35km/h ride speeds. Canyon highlights the evolving demands of elite gravel racing by comparing Ted King’s 2018 Unbound 200 winning time of 10 hours 44 minutes on a Cannondale SuperX cyclocross bike with 38mm tyres to Mads Würtz Schmidt’s 2026 victory in 9 hours 14 minutes aboard a Specialized Crux 5 fitted with 50mm tyres, despite muddy conditions. Canyon asserts that the performance gap between professional and amateur needs is smaller in gravel than on the road.

Development of the new Grail was heavily influenced by professional gravel racer Rosa Klöser, who made clearance above 50mm a prerequisite for joining Canyon’s roster. This requirement drove a 1x-only drivetrain design and a solid driveside chainstay to achieve the necessary clearance—a first for Canyon. The frame employs a PF86 bottom bracket standard, chosen for its contribution to tyre clearance and stiffness, with Canyon noting minimal issues with the standard on previous models. The brand also argues that bonding BSA threads into carbon frames is not a universal solution for bottom bracket reliability.

Race-Pace Aerodynamics

Tyre clearance increases to 57mm front and rear. Canyon states that the Grail’s aerodynamics have been tuned specifically for a gravel race pace of 35km/h, using a pedalling mannequin to simulate riding across yaw angles up to +/- 20 degrees. Wind tunnel testing in the GST facility compared the new Grail against the Factor Ostro Gravel, Cervélo Aspero-5, and Rose Backroad FF, all equipped with identical 50mm-deep wheels and 45mm tyres. The Grail emerged as the fastest. Against the second-generation Grail with 40mm tyres, the new bike is up to 5 watts faster, and it retains an advantage even when fitted with 55mm tyres.

All three carbon grades return: CFR, CF SLX, and CF. Claimed raw frame weights for a size M are 989g (CFR), 1,095g (CF SLX), and 1,128g (CF). Canyon acknowledges these are heavier than the previous generation but maintains the added tyre clearance and aero profiles deliver faster real-world performance. Every specification ships with 45mm Schwalbe G-One tyres as a baseline, with room to go wider. The CFR and CF SLX frames include in-frame storage, while the CF SLX and CF models are compatible with Canyon’s Defend mudguards.

New Pace Cockpit Variant: Control Drops

Geometry changes are minor, with the wheelbase extended by 10mm to accommodate wider tyres while preserving handling dynamics. Mid-sized frames retain a 71.5-degree head tube angle and 69mm trail, which Canyon says allows sponsored athletes to push harder through technical sections when paired with larger tyres. Stack is lowered by 15mm, reach remains unchanged, and shorter stems are fitted. No suspension fork option is offered, as Canyon deems it unnecessary with the increased tyre volume.

The CFR and CF SLX frames feature Canyon’s Pace variable-width, adjustable-height cockpit with a new drop shape called Control Drops. These offer 17 degrees of flare and widths of 370mm, 395mm, and 420mm at the drops. Control Drops join the existing Classic, Race, and Compact drop shapes compatible with the Pace system, each altering effective reach by 10mm. The Gear Groove channel remains for mounting bar extensions, lights, or a computer.

Canyon has also adapted its VCLS Aero seatpost—previously seen on the Endurace CFR—for the new Grail, claiming a 25% increase in compliance over a rigid post. The Race cockpit from the Endurace CFR is also cross-compatible for riders seeking a more aggressive setup.

New Lightweight Packs from Cyclite

To keep the race-ready weight low, Canyon partnered with Cyclite to develop low-weight luggage. The new Midloader frame bag weighs approximately 100g, a 200g reduction over the previous generation’s 300g bag. The design prioritises zero aerodynamic penalty and rapid attachment via a push-to-release mechanism, replacing the former Fidlock system, enabling quick swaps at feed stations. Internal organisers are included. Bag sizes are matched to each frame size, and a coordinating top tube bag is available for additional capacity.

New Carbon Gravel Wheels: Canyon GR 50 CF

Canyon introduces the GR 50 CF carbon gravel wheelset to complement the new bike. The pair claims a weight of 1,675g and features a 27mm internal / 38.5mm external width hookless rim. They run on DT Swiss 350 hubs with Aerocomp II spokes and ship with an HG11 freehub installed, plus an XDR freehub and valves in the box; Micro Spline compatibility is also supported. The wheels come standard on the CF 7 AXS and CF SLX 7 Di2 builds and are available aftermarket for €999. Canyon offers a 10% discount on the new wheels to owners of Canyon gravel bikes with alloy wheels purchased within the last three years.

New Tyre Pressure Calculator App

Recognising that lower tyre pressures amplify the effect of pressure variations, Canyon has collaborated with Pirelli to create a customisable pressure calculator. The tool aims to help riders achieve the optimal 20% tyre sag—difficult to gauge by feel alone—and avoid the common pitfall of over-inflation, thereby maximising bike performance.

New Canyon Grail Specifications and Pricing

The Grail will be offered in seven sizes (2XS to 2XL), fitting riders from 158cm to 204cm. Six build specifications are available, detailed below. Buyers in EMEA regions can use the MyCanyon platform to select from four additional colourways and customise wheels (including Zipp 303 XPLR SW and Scope Artech 4G options), cockpit model and dimensions, saddle, crank length, and chainring size (including aero variants). Canyon plans to expand MyCanyon customisation to other geographies in the future.

Grail CFR AXS

Grail CFR Di2

Grail CF SLX 8 AXS

Grail CF SLX 7 Di2

Grail CF 7 AXS

Grail CF 7