🚴♂️ NBD – Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2
Well, it was either wait on DT Swiss to resolve the "stop-ride" on my Endurace CF SLX 8, buy another wheelset… or go full N+1. I think you can guess which way that went. 😄
Got this Canyon Grail CFR Di2 (Medium) on sale—likely due to the GRC hookless wheels.
I’d been torn between the new Grizl OG and the Grail, but ultimately preferred the 2x drivetrain, integrated cockpit, and already have a solid touring setup with my old Giant Revolt – so the Grail it was.
🛠️ First Mods & Setup
Swapped out the stock rubber for Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC EVOs (40mm)—been a fan of Pirelli for years (Race 4S on the Endurace, Cinturato Velos on the tourer). No regrets—they grip beautifully.
Had some reservations about hookless rims, but after doing a deep dive on tyre pressure and compatibility, I’m pretty confident in the setup. Still prefer hooked overall, but no issues so far.
🚴 First Rides
- Shakedown ride: quick 60km to dial in the fit (transitioned from the Endurace with no issues)
- Then gave it a proper 200km weekend ride through UK backroads—gravel, lanes, the lot.
First impressions:
- The ride quality is fantastic
- Descents are a dream—those flared drops really shine
- GRX Di2 feels slick and responsive
🔧 Build Highlights & Accessories
- Saddle: Fizik Antares Versus EVO
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC EVOs – 700x40mm
- Fenders: Canyon Defend Fast (Love the design, but the weight is no joke)
- Cages: Canyon Side Load Carbon
- Storage: Canyon LOAD bag & tool kit
- Tail / Rear Light: Lenzyne Strip Drive
- Front Light: Knog Blinder X 1800 (not shown, but an awesome light for all night rides)
Spare kit essentials I’d recommend:
- UDH derailleur hanger
- Spare storage lid for the down tube
Loving the setup so far—keen to hear from other Grail or GRC wheel oweners, with thoughts or recommendations.
Disclaimers
- Yes This went Through GPT to "clean it up" dont we all?
- Yes i need to weed my drive way
- Yes my neighbour needs to treat their fence
- Yes I know my tyre logos are aligned different front and rear
- Yes GCN bike vault fails all around.
by Lower_Guava473
2 Comments
Can you write something more about comparison between Endurace and Grail in terms of geometry? Canyon’s charts say they are basically the same (same effective stack, effective reach 5mm longer in Grail size S). I’m currently riding Endurace CF7 in S size and want to switch to Grail soon. I’m 177cm with 85cm inseam and surprisingly Endurace S still feels too long even though according to Canyon I’m between S and M, so I’m wondering if I should size down to XS when buying Grail.
I’ve got the same bike (different paint), love it! I put some continental 32mm tubeless on those hookless carbon rims for the road, no issues at 55psi after more than a year of riding. I bought some cheaper alloy DT wheels for gravel, riding 45mm on the front and 40mm in the back. I’ve never ridden the Endurace but with road tires this bike is nearly as quick on the road as my old Cervelo R3, just a bit heavier. I agree the bars are too wide, even on my XS, but tilting the hoods in have brought them closer together and made the bike even more comfortable.
One thing I really love about this bike: no more saddle bag!