Canyon Grail CF SLX 7 Di2 review: more aero, more clearance and more fun – this is Canyon's most complete gravel bike

The new Canyon Grail CF SLX 7 Di2 has been given a big aero makeover, with up-to-date tyre clearances, a clever new bar system, in-frame storage and much more.  

With a thrilling ride, sharp handling and a competitive price, the Grail CF SLX 7 is the sweet spot in the new three-tier Grail range. 

This Grail looks like Canyon’s aero road offerings, yet it feels familiar to the previous generation. Some subtle geometry tweaks and bigger tyre clearances make it a truly excellent all-rounder.

Throw in some typically Canyon engineering solutions and the new Grail is a cutting-edge gravel bike that’s ready for anything. 

I enjoyed the previous iteration of the Grail. With the focus on low weight and agile yet stable handling, it was an exciting bike to ride.

Because gravel bike tech has advanced at an almost alarming rate since big-brand gravel bikes burst onto the scene in 2014 with GT’s Grade, changes have come thick and fast. Geometry has got more off-road-focused, aerodynamics play a huge part in design and greater tyre clearance is paramount. 

The previous Grail has started to look dated over the last few years; it was a bold step to offer a limited 42mm clearance in 2023. Now, only three years later, that’s considered endurance bike clearance, with many of the latest aero gravel machines accommodating 50 to 55mm+ tyres. 

The new Grail addresses those limitations by upping clearances to 57mm/2.25in. While it loses 2x drivetrain compatibility, I don’t see that being an issue. With the latest wide-range 1x options and with chainring compatibility up to 52 teeth, even the strongest riders will be sated by what’s on offer here. 

• New Canyon Grail fits 57mm tyres with aerodynamics to match, as pro and amateur needs coincide
  

Canyon Grail CF SLX 7 Di2 ride impressions 

The Grail rides fast, especially on wide-open gravel roads, yet it handles rougher terrain well too, with the steering remaining steady and confident over lumps and bumps at speed. 

While the 9.6kg weight of my large test bike isn’t light, the total weight includes two bottle cages, a large Cyclite x Canyon frame bag (an add-on accessory), out-front mount and a storage port equipped with a clip-in C02 pump and cartridge, plus a secured multi-tool. Without those extras, the total weight dips to just over 9kg, but the extra 530g+ is representative of how it’ll be ridden. 

Up-front, Canyon has got the cockpit right. The original Grail had the divisive double-decked Hover bar, which was then replaced by a more conventional T-shaped one-piece cockpit.

The new gravel version of the adaptable Pace bar features 20mm of height and 20mm of width adjustment across all sizes. It retains the smart Gear Groove interface, where you can add aero extensions, or light or computer mounts that integrate smoothly with the bar. 

The 42cm width (extendable to 44cm) is excellent, and the shape of the ‘Control’ drop has a 17-degree flare and a compact drop. It keeps the shifters in a more vertical plain than some flared gravel bars. It makes for a more natural feel on both the drops and hoods. Smaller sizes get a 40cm bar, larger XXL bikes get a 44cm version. 

I found the older Grail felt quite firm up front, but the new bike's combination of higher-volume tyres and the new bar does a fine job of smothering jarring vibrations. 

Shifting speed and accuracy are excellent. The mix of Shimano’s RX717 Di2 rear derailleur, RX610 crankset, RX710 shifters and Deore cassette all comes from the second tier of the GRX 1x Di2 line-up. The shifting performance is as quick and smooth as the GRX RX827 setup I currently have on test, so the only differences between the two tiers are weight and a small upgrade in finishing. 

The 40-tooth chainring and 12-speed 10-51-tooth cassette give a solid range of gears for gravel. I was never found wanting for an extra gear on steep, technical climbs, and 40/10 is ample for fast gravel roads. A ride out with a road-bike riding friend had me spinning fast to keep pace at faster speeds on tarmac, however. 

The new GR50 CF wheelset is Canyon’s own design, the 50mm-deep rims have a 27mm-wide (internal) hookless profile, and it was developed with a 45mm tyre in the wind tunnel.

The build is completed by the DT Swiss pairing of Aerocomp II spokes and sturdy 350 hubs. They’ve stayed true and smooth throughout testing, and the rim profile has kept pressure in the tyres very well. The ride is flex-free without feeling overtly stiff. Overall, I’m impressed by Canyon’s debut in gravel wheels. 

The Schwalbe G-One R tyres are excellent in dry and damp conditions; the grip isn’t so pronounced as to slow you down too much on tarmac, yet it has enough bite to keep you on line on loose, dusty corners. With the Grail having such a generous 57mm tyre clearance, I’d like to have seen Canyon specify a larger tyre or offer it as an option when ordering.  

As part of the launch, Canyon supplied a set of Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.2in XC tyres to try out the Grail in a more extreme specification. I liked the bigger tyre combination for woodland singletrack trails, along with bumpy, rocky and root-strewn terrain. On steep, technical descents, the Grail is a lot of fun in this configuration. 

My test bike came equipped with Canyon’s collaboration with Cyclite. The frame bag is a made-to-measure design with a secure yet quick-releasing fit, along with a colour-coordinated finish. It looks great and performs well.

Being able to store my stuff on the bike rather than loading up jersey pockets was more than welcome. I managed to stow an electric inflator, energy bars, spare tube, and even my Hoverair mini drone (to record some bike ride footage for our YouTube channel) with space to spare. 

In the standard configuration, the combination of the great, stiff frameset and well-considered componentry comes together in a superbly capable gravel bike. Its nimble handling, yet great feeling of stability makes for a fun bike to test your skills on technical singletrack.

Meanwhile, its efficient turn of speed on wide-open gravel roads makes it a great all-rounder. The new Grail rides firmer than the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 and feels a lot like the Argon 18 Anti Matter in that respect.

Value-wise, the £3,899 / $4,999 / €3,999 price tag is typically good Canyon value. While there are very few (if any) comparable bikes sporting GRX RX717 Di2, it’s the same level as SRAM’s Rival XPLR AXS.

The Kanzo Fast 2.0 with SRAM Rival XPLR AXS and lightweight Forza Skiron carbon wheels costs £1,000 more at £4,999 / €5,499, while Argon 18’s Anti Matter XPLR AXS with DT Swiss G1800 wheels is more expensive again at £4,500 / $6,499 / €5,995. Fellow online-only brand Ribble’s aero-optimised Ultra-Grit is cheaper at £2,849 / $4,070 / €3,765 with Rival XPLR AXS and DT Swiss G1800s. 

Canyon Grail CF SLX 7 Di2 bottom line 

The Grail CF SLX is a superb gravel bike; it’s by far the best race-capable gravel bike Canyon has made. Canyon’s selection of made-to-measure accessories, particularly the Cyclite x Canyon bags and Gear Groove options are excellent, and create a cohesive, coordinated package. 

The stiff frame and fork are tempered well by great wheels and tyres. I’d like to see more options on ordering, especially when it comes to tyres for those who want to do a little more explorative riding. However, as a standard package, it's very well thought-out and very good value for money.