Hi guys! I know this gets asked a ton but humor me please š
I currently only own a YT Jeffry mountain bike and itās great. I want to get into road and gravel. I live in Truckee CA USA so lots of biking options around here.
I donāt race or anything, but I enjoy cycling for fitness and fun. I donāt need the lightest bike in the world because I could lose 30 pounds myself, but I do enjoy things that work really well mechanically and I like going fast.
Iām considering the Grail CF SL 8 for 2700 USD. Also need help deciding between M and L.
Should I pay almost double for the SLX to save a pound and have integrated storage and slightly better components?
Should I pay 500 more for electronic shifting? I donāt mind adjusting my mechanical derailleur.
Should I look at the grizl for better adjustability? I wonāt be camping or anything, but is it that much slower? It doesnāt look quite as good though š
by instadamb
3 Comments
I have this bike but with 2x in the front, absolutely love it. If you ride on the road you might just want that model instead of electronic shifting.
The big upgrades on the SLX are really around the wheels and electronic shifting. I already had carbon wheels and sometimes do week long gravel trips so it didnāt make sense for me to get electronic shifting but I also do road races and having 2x and swapping to road wheels it feels as fast as a road bike.
Iām 5ā11ā with a 32 inch inseam and got the small and itās perfect.
Pay double for the slx? Its not worth it. The difference between the sl, slx is very minimal.
Electonic Shifting? You dont need it. It is really really nice to have. Shifting is insanely smooth, shimano has some awesome customization and it just feels lovely to ride. Have it on my bike and I will probably never buy a bike without it again. But it is something that is simply nice to have a not needed.
So basicly, no on all your questions. Its a nicd bike, and it suits your goals. So go get it a ride more, thats the main goal.
And when doubting the size, go for the M. Canyon seems to agree with that:
“Sizing tip:Ā the new Grail is a race bike with a longer reach for high-speed stability. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend the smaller bike for a more relaxed riding position”