Canyon Grail AL launched - new more affordable gravel bike (and no Hover Bar)

Canyon has just launched its new Grail AL, an aluminium-framed gravel and adventure bike that follows in the footsteps of the radical carbon fibre Grail with its distinctive Hover Bar, since renamed the Grail Cockpit. Prices start at just £1,099 with Tiagra and hydraulic disc brakes.

- Review: Canyon Grail CF SL 8.0 SL

The Grail AL doesn’t feature the Hover Bar… sorry Grail Cockpit. Instead, it’s a more conventional setup most likely aimed at keeping the price down. But the Hov… sorry Grail Cockpit, was clearly too radical for many, leading to lots of questions about maximum tyre clearance on the aluminium Inflite I recently tested.

The launch of the Grail AL, with its regular handlebar and versatile and practical details, and not to mention the £1,099 price, mean it’s a much better choice for those looking for a do-everything road and off-road bike. It’ll be ideal for commuting, touring, Audax, gravel riding, bikepacking, just about everything and anything.

- 20 of the best 2018 gravel & adventure bikes — super-versatile bikes that are at home on lanes, potholed streets and dirt roads

The range includes five models priced from £1,099 and topping out at £1,349, with Tiagra on the entry-level model and 105 on the most expensive, and hydraulic disc brakes across the range.

There are two women’s bikes and one SRAM Rival 1x option. All bikes feature the high-quality Schwalbe G-One Bite TLE tyres in a 40mm width, just like those found on the Grail CF, so no skimping on the important details.

The frame has been constructed from double-butted 6061 aluminium and features rack and mudguard mounts, fully internal cable routing, an integrated headset and press-fit bottom bracket. There are two regular water bottle mounts and a third under the downtube and there’s ample space in the front triangle, even on the smallest XS size, for a frame pack.

Into the headset slots the same carbon fibre fork as used on the Grail CF but instead of the Grail Cockpit attached to the steerer tube, there’s a conventional handlebar and stem setup. It’s a new aluminium gravel handlebar developed by Canyon to provide a modest flared drop and comes in several widths right up to 46cm.

“The Grail AL as the little brother of the Grail CF goes its own way.  A honest and simple design with focus on high functionality. The contrast between clear edges and smooth surfaces enhance the precision of this bike. There is a special attention into details resolving into connecting gussets that support the durable character of this gravel bike,” explains Canyon.

We'll be getting one in for a closer look and review soon so stay tuned so you don't miss that, but for now, head over to www.canyon.com for a closer look.