From the 16th to the 20th of September, the peloton will be taking on the Tour de Luxembourg. With Mathieu van der Poel on the start line, the race will largely be seen as one of the main avenues of preparation towards the 2026 World Championships. We preview the race ahead, looking at its stages an...

Part route report from Spains Montaas Vacas, part two-in-one review of the titanium Terra Pinion and Roure Rohloff from Nua Bikes in Barcelona, this unique piece from friends Bengt Stiller and Jona Riechmann blends travel writing, exceptional photography, and an analytical approach to pedaling. Read their thoughts on both bikes and the storied 700-kilometer track hereThe post Nua Terra Pinion and Roure Rohloff on the Montanas Vacias appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

An unreleased Canyon time trial bike with a wide stance, dual-crow fork has been leaked in a video posted on X by Eurosport Espaa and the Spanish cycling federation.The video shows riders from the Spanish national team heading out to train ahead of the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada.The bike is first shown leaning up against a wall in the team hotel, before Ivn Romeo, the 2024 under-23 time trial world champion, rides it out of the underground car park and onto the road.Although weve only got a few low-resolution images to go by, heres what we can surmise about the new bike so far.Canyon backtracks on wide forks The wide stance fork uses an asymmetric deisgn. @RFECiclismo The most notable design feature is the bikes wide stance, dual-crown fork, that's clearly inspired by the fork on Team Great Britains Hope HB.T.The fork is significantly wider than that on the current Speedmax CFR TT, but appears to narrow as it extends towards the front hub especially on the non-driveside rather than staying wide and arching in, as on the Hope bike.At the top, the fork extends beyond the lower crown, meeting the base bar, while the head tube appears to have been narrowed significantly compared to the existing model.Integrated aero extensions look to be stacked directly on top of where the fork meets the base bar, on either side of the head tube.On the Hope HB.T, the wide stance fork is designed to break the airflow over the riders legs for a net reduction in aerodynamic drag so its possible Canyon is looking for a similar effect here. The head tube appears to have been narrowed aggressively. @RFECiclismo This approach is particularly notable because Canyon previously told BikeRadar that it couldnt see the reason for wide forks, when it launched the Speedmax CFR Track in 2023.The Speedmax CFR Track has an extremely narrow fork and wide seat stays. Lukas Schuchnigg, Canyon's development lead for the Speedmax CFR Track, told Bikeradar: From [Canyons] perspective, we couldnt see the reason for the wide stance design, adopted by the likes of Hope.A narrower stance offers the same aerodynamic advantages, while also being stiffer. Dual risers help lift the aero extensions off the base bar, for a high stack position. @RFECiclismo That bike also used a mono-riser setup for aero extensions, instead of dual extensions.It seems the German brand has had a change of heart, then, or at least a change of testing methodology that has unlocked some new and previously unknown insight into this design.Colnago-inspired aero bottle The unreleased bike, right, is seen here with the current model on the left. @RFECiclismo Although there are big changes at the front of the new bike, the rear looks more or less unchanged compared to the current version.There are the same deep-section, truncated aerofoil tubes, aero seatpost and aero seat stays dropped low on the seat tube.One interesting detail, however, is the presence of a filled-in section above the bottom bracket.The current UCI technical regulations wouldnt permit the frame tubes to be that large, so we suspect this is a water bottle designed to integrate with the aerodynamic shaping of the frame.To our eye, it looks a lot like the water bottle used on Tadej Pogaars old time trial bike, the Colnago TT1.Though the Italian brand has now moved away from this design with the new TT2, Canyon clearly thinks theres still something to it.Beyond that, the bike is set up with standard Movistar time trial kit, including a set of Zipp time trial wheels, and a 1x SRAM Red AXS groupset.When will the new Canyon Speedmax be released? Ivn Romeo is training on the new bike ahead of this weekend's world championships. @RFECiclismo This particular bike appears to belong to Movistar's Ivn Romeo, a former under-23 time trial world champion.Given Romeo is training on it in Montreal, ahead of this weekends racing, and the current model is currently on sale on Canyons website (with 25 per cent off), we suspect Canyon is using the world championships as a teaser ahead of an official launch soon afterwards.You may like How to watch the 2026 UCI World Championships New Canyon Grail fits 57mm tyres with aerodynamics to match

Three days ago, Riley Sheehan was on his way back to Europe after a block of North American racing. After a fourth-place finish at the revamped Philadelphia Cycling Classic, 25th at GP Cycliste de Qubec and a 14th-place finish at GP Cycliste de Montral, the 26-year-old Coloradan left happy.The Canadian races had been his favourite races all year, he wrote on Instagram, adding: "Really had a good time ripping it around the two cities and suffering all the way to the line. Looking forward to coming back already."Well, he got his wish sooner than expected. Sheehan received a last-minute call-up after Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) withdrew with illness, USA Cycling confirmed to Cycling Weekly on Friday. "Neilson has withdrawn due to illness, so the spot goes to Riley Sheehan, the first reserve named during the selection process," USA Cycling stated. The withdrawal is yet another setback in a difficult year for Powless, who missed most of the seasons racing due to knee surgery. He returned to racing at Julys Tour of Austria, and claimed a promising win on stage three. Sheehan, meanwhile, has built a strong case for selection. The NSN rider won Mays Circuit de Wallonie, his first victory since his breakthrough at Paris-Tours in 2023. He then added another win in Augusts Czech Tour. And his recent North American results show his carrying great form into the World Championships.His initial omission from Team USAs roster did not pass quietly. In a since-deleted post on X, Sheehan questioned the selectors decision to leave out riders who had been winning races. He then told our sister site, Cyclingnews, that he was disappointed and confused as he believed he "could have been a really vital asset" to the American team.Now hell get to prove his worth after all, in joining a very strong American team in Canada. In Montral, Team USA will be led by Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek), the 2019 junior road world champion, whos coming off a very strong second half of the season. He claimed his third U.S. national road race title in June and was again awarded the Best Teammate award at the Tour de France, in which he finished in 18th place. During the block of North American racing, he finished 9th at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, fifth at the GP Cycliste de Qubec and an impressive fourth place at GP Cycliste de Montral.Team USA has a potential second leader in Brandon McNulty (UAE Emirates XRG), whos historically done well at the GP de Montral races, taking the win last year and finishing third just last week. Completing the eight-man roster are Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike), Kevin Vermaerke (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Sean Quinn (EF Education-EasyPost), Artem Shmidt (Netcompany INEOS) and Larry Warbasse (Tudor Pro Cycling).The elite mens road race takes place on Sunday, September 27, covering approximately 273 kilometres. Starting in Brossard, the route heads towards Montral before tackling 12 laps of the 13.4-kilometre Mount Royal circuit, with more than 3,700 metres of climbing across the day.

Who doesnt love a metal bike?With the release of the latest Cannondale CAAD earlier this year, I got curious about who else is doing interesting things with aluminium. Not simply a more affordable copy of a carbon bike model, but bikes designed specifically around the material.California-based BlackHeart Bicycle Company is one of those brands. They bypass carbon altogether in favour of aluminium and titanium only.These arent budget bikes either. Theyre performance-oriented metal bikes, available as framesets or custom builds, with clean aesthetics and a cool, L.A. vibe. There arent many brands leaning into aluminium these days, as the material has a reputation (not unjustified) for being stiff and harsh. But alloy bikes have long proven they can perform, and the Cannondale CAAD and Specialized Allez Sprint have long been popular in the crit scene. But what about long days in the saddle? Or rides that mix pavement with dirt?Thats where BlackHearts newest model, the Road Plus, is meant to shine. BlackHeart calls it the "evolution of the endurance road bike," pairing road-first handling with light gravel capability.I received a frameset in "Lunar Frost" silver and built it up to the nines with a SRAM Red AXS road groupset, an ENVE cockpit to match the ENVE In-Route fork, and I even splurged on a few blingy bits from Wolf Tooth. The build is completed with ENVE SES 4.5 wheels with Wolf Tooths new hubs wrapped in 38mm Schwalbe Pro One tyres.About BlackHeart(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)BlackHeart has a little of that LA cool about it. A name with a punk rock edge, clean aesthetics, and vibe-y marketing. At the same time, theres a playful streak. Bikes arent meant to be taken so seriously, and theyre certainly not meant to sit looking pretty in a garage.Founder Zach Lambert is big on that last part, especially."You can have the fastest bike in the world, but it doesn't matter if it sits in your garage."He has a lot of opinions and interest in geometry, fit and sizing, but keeps coming back to the same point: the best bike for you is the one that makes you excited to go out and ride."Get the bike, get the colour, get whatever spec that you're stoked on," he told Cycling Weekly.Personality plays a big part for BlackHeart. When the brand launched, I clearly remember it standing out for offering its titanium frames with custom-painted forks. Custom Cerakote paint remains an option for all its models, adding a little individual expression to those otherwise restrained designs. Beyond colour, you can opt to fully customise your build during the buying process, from paint and drivetrain to crank length, bottom bracket options and tyres. Colour aside, Lambert set out to "make bikes for the 90%." Riders chasing their friends, exploring back roads on the weekends and squeezing a ride into a busy day."Let's make bikes that are kind of a little more timeless in their design so that they don't look outdated in a few years," he said. "Let's make bikes that are simple so that in three or four years, when they stop making the special shaped seat post, your bikes not obsolete. Bikes that use universal standards and you can get a part for anywhere in the world. And frames that wont end up in landfill."In short, a bike you intend to ride a lot and keep for a while. Not one youll replace the moment a new model year comes out. And that brings us to the Road Plus AL. Meet the Road Plus ALThe frame is made from double-butted 6066 aluminium, with a gently sloping top tube and dropped, curved seatstays. Those stays are part of BlackHearts answer to aluminiums reputation for a punishing ride. (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)BlackHeart pitches the Road Plus AL at 70% road, 30% gravel. By comparison, BlackHearts Allroad model is made for 50% road and 50% gravel yet has a slightly narrower tyre cleance: 700 x 40 (or 650v x 50) vs the Road Plus' 700 x 42. Looking at the geometry, the two bikes are closer than those road-to-gravel percentages might suggest. In size 46, the Road Plus has a shorter top tube and a longer head tube, yet stack and reach are almost identical. Its slightly slacker head angle might suggest slower steering, but the extra fork offset largely counteracts that. With the same chainstay length and just 4mm between their wheelbases, they are more similar than not. Where the Road Pluss more road-focused identity comes through is in its aero shaping, full cable integration and commitment to 700c wheels and electronic-only drivetrains.The frame is made from double-butted 6066 aluminium, with a gently sloping top tube and dropped, curved seatstays. Those stays are part of BlackHearts answer to aluminiums reputation for a punishing ride. The kammtail downtube and fully integrated cable routing bring a little aero ambition to the mix.Lamberts preference for common standards is seen in the threaded T47 bottom bracket, a round 31.6mm seatpost and a UDH derailleur hanger. There are also fender mounts, which I, as a Pacific Northwesterner, appreciate. The AL comes in eight sizes, from 46cm to 62cm. Stock colours are Lunar Frost, Frozen Berry and Dark Magic, with custom paint available in the U.S.Build options & pricingFender mounts! (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)The Road Plus AL frameset starts at $1,699 / 1.502 and includes the ENVE In-Route fork, seatpost and headset. Complete builds start at $3,549 / 3.138 for SRAM Rival AXS XPLR and run up to $7,449 / 6585 for Red AXS XPLR, with Hunt carbon wheels in the listed builds.The rideNo cables in sight (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)Theres something about a good aluminium bike that makes me want to get out of the saddle and stomp on the pedals for no particularly good reason. The Road Plus is no different. Put some effort into the pedals and it responds with an immediacy that makes it difficult to leave a perfectly sensible steady pace alone.One of the first outings on this bike was a Thursday night group ride that, according to my ride file, was 67% paved and 33% unpaved. Pretty close to the brief, then. It was a social pace on the pavement, but the legs and those 38mm slicks got tested on the gravel. The unpaved section includes some narrow singletrack and even a tiny rock garden. I had to be on my toes, but I was grinning from ear to ear. This was pushing the Road Plus beyond its intended use, but it handled it just fine. I even came away with the W in the sprint finish to the designated dive bar. Sometimes, bikes in the endurance or all-road category prioritise stability and comfort to the point that the ride feels a little dull. The Road Plus keeps things interesting. Its no crit machine, but it has the liveliness that I look for. Its capacity for long days and dirt detours hasnt dulled that road-bike feel.The weight is respectable, too. With all its fancy parts attached, my build came out to 18.2lb (8.26kg) ready to ride. That includes bottle cages, a computer mount, sealant and even Wahoo Speedplay pedals. Pretty good for an aluminium bike with 38mm tyres. Granted, the SRAM Red AXS drivetrain and ENVE components help, but the frame clearly isnt holding this build back.It looks the part, too. The silver frame, tucked-away cables, deep wheels and little flashes of colour make for a real head-turner.Tyre clearance for up to 42mm (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)Comfort was perhaps the biggest question for me, given aluminiums reputation for harshness. I was worried my back would have something to say about 70-plus miles with 30 miles of gravel thrown in. But, with high volume tyres and a good set of wheels, the anticipated punishment never really arrived. Those high-volume tyres deserve some credit. How much comes from the frame, fork or wheels is harder to untangle, but the complete package works very well. Theres enough comfort for a long day and enough feedback and response to keep that day interesting.Its also a versatile bike. Gravel bros might scoff at the 42mm tyre limit, and roadies will want something more single-minded about speed. Fair enough. But for my mix of riding, the Road Plus AL ticks the boxes.Ive long been a proponent of the modern allroad category. These are the bikes I think more of us should be riding. Race bikes are fun, no doubt, but their priorities dont match the riding we actually do. I want a bike that keeps me comfortable over cracked city streets and chipsealed farm roads, lets me push the pace without forcing myself into an uncomfortable position, and leaves room for a dirt-road detour when the route looks too good to pass up.There are even fender mounts there should you want to use the bike as a super commuter or winter road bike (note: the clearance drops down to 35mm with fenders). For my mix of gravel, rough city pavement, farm roads and the occasional questionable route choices, the Road Plus AL is an underbikers delight. It can hang on the group ride, carry me comfortably across mixed-terrain adventures and doesnt ask to be babied. Value and verdictThere's just something about a metal bike (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)The BlackHeart Road Plus AL has few direct competitors. The ones that come to mind are all alloy copies of carbon siblings, often built with entry-level components and aimed at a budget-conscious consumer or beginner. BlackHeart gives it rather more attention than that.Of the bikes Ive ridden in recent years, the Specialized Crux DSW is perhaps the closest comparison in terms of versatility, the case it makes for a quality aluminium frame and price. The Crux DSW frameset retails at $1,799. Its primarily a gravel bike, but it has very good N-1 potential. Road, gravel, cyclocross, commuting - it does it all, and it does it well. The Road Plus AL is similar in that regard but has the edge on the Crux DSW when it comes to road riding. It feels livelier and snappier. And, with its tucked-away cables and aero shaping, it looks the part, too. If your riding will be more gravel than road, then the Crux DSWs 47cm tyre clearance will be more appealing. Still, for light gravel and mixed terrain jaunts, the 42mm tyre clearance suits me fine.The price wont suit anyone who expects aluminium to mean cheap, but at $1,699 for the frameset, including the ENVE In-Route fork (a $625 value), seatpost and headset, its an appealing starting point for a quality bike you plan to make your own.Theres also something to be said for riding a bike that isnt already under half the group. Liking the look of your bike counts for something, and BlackHearts paint and build options give you plenty of scope to make it uniquely yours.Ive long been of the opinion that a good aluminium frame with a quality build can rival a carbon frame with a lesser build. Save your pennies on the frameset and spend them on nice parts instead. The Road Plus AL makes a very good case for that approach, even if I got a little carried away with the rest of the shopping list.

Before Remco Evenepoel's three time trial World Championships in a row, there was another commanding force in the discipline when it came to the rainbow jersey - Netcompany INEOS. From 2020 to 2022, the British team took home the World Championships time trial title as Filippo Ganna won in 2020 and...

For the next week, 2027 September, the Canadian city of Montral will be hosting the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. Ive just been to visit, scoping out Qubecs biggest city before the best cyclists on the planet (well, those that arent injured) arrive in town and turn everything on its head.So, whether youre visiting to watch the worlds, or spectating from afar, here are a dozen things you should know about Montral. 1. This isnt the first time the UCI Road World Championships has been staged in Montral the city also hosted the Worlds back in 1974, which was an extra significant event because it was the first time the prestigious championships had been held outside of Europe. That year Eddy Merckx took the rainbow jersey, completing a Triple Crown (having already won the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France that year.2. The name of the city derives from the volcanic hill that towers over it, Mount Royal, around the flanks of which the 2026 World Championships course wends. When the worlds isnt happening here, these same roads and various gravel tracks that spin off them are popular with local riders. The first European to climb to the summit, led by local First Nation people, was Jacques Cartier du Couvreur on 2 October 1535, and it was he who called the peak Mont-Royal, from which the city of Montral took its name.3. Montral was officially founded on 17 May 1642, making the city considerably older than the country of Canada, which only came into being on 1 July 1867. 4. The streetscape of Montral is covered in incredible art and giant murals, including until very recently one depicting Hugo Houle, the second Canadian and first Quebecer to win a stage of the Tour de France, dedicating his 2022 victory to his brother, Pierrik, who was killed in 2012 by a hit-and-run driver. But, on the very eve of the Worlds coming to Quebec, the painting of Houle has controversially been replaced by one of fellow Canadian cyclist Michael Woods (who is from Ontario) celebrating his 2024 Vuelta a Espaa stage win. The mural is on the side of a building owned by Sylvan Adams, the Israeli-Canadian owner of the Israel-Premier Tech team both men rode for.5. The best bar food in Montral is a dish called poutine, which is basically chips in gravy with spring onions and cheese curds its not the prettiest meal in the world, but its delicious, goes well with the equally wonderful local IPAs and is brilliant for carb-loading if youre going cycling (although we doubt Wout van Aert or Demi Vollering will be scoffing too much of it the night before their big rides). 6. Also, bagels. Montral is famous for its world-class bagels, especially Fairmount Bagels, baked in wood-fired ovens in the funky suburb of Le Plateau, beneath Mont-Royal. These are the best post-ride feast imaginable. 7. Protected Copenhagen-style bike lanes spider all around the streets of Montral, theres an excellent shared-bike system called BIXI and we found drivers to be disarmingly polite compared to most other cities perhaps because of this campaign about road-crossing awareness that ran a few years ago.A post shared by Smart Sources (@smart.sources)A photo posted by 8. Like Manhattan, Montral is an island. The city is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the magnificent St Lawrence River, which later opens up into the Gulf of St Lawrence. 9. You can spot black squirrels in Montral and the city is also home to racoons and chipmunks, which can be seen around Mont Royal, in Parc Jean-Drapeau and various other green spaces. 10. Over 30km of subterranean tunnels burrow beneath the surface of Montral, so you can navigate the city in comfort even in mid-winter, when temperatures can plummet to -20C. Sadly, cycling is not allowed in these underground passageways. 11. One of the most popular places for visiting cyclists to explore is le Notre-Dame, a small island in the St Lawrence River reached via a bridge from Montral, where you can ride around the track of the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, which is named after Gilles Villeneuve, a Canadian racing legend who was killed during the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. 12. Montral is sometimes known as the City of Saints, because of its many Catholic churches and cathedrals. But intriguingly its also known as the City of Sin, because people flocked here for boozy weekends during the Prohibition era in the United States.

The disbanded Hess Cycling Team has written one more unsettling chapter in its story one year after the team's closure amidst financial problems. Former head of performance at the British team, Ladislav Demko, was handed a 10-year ban fromUCI Ethics Commission following cumulated complaints regardi...

Back on the podium? The new Canyon Grail 2027 marks a radical visual departure from its predecessor, with more tire clearance, more comfort and just as many features, alongside a much sharper focus on aerodynamics. Weve ridden the Grail CF SLX for more than 1,000 kilometres, from racing the German Gravel Championships to bikepacking across Sweden. But can the Grail impress away from the racecourse too?Canyon Grail CF SLX | 8.83 kg in size S | 4,999.00 | Manufacturer websiteAs gravel racing has shifted towards wider tires and rougher terrain, the previous model Grail was beginning to seem out of date. One of our editors actually owned one, and felt they were at an increasing disadvantage compared with the competition. It was time for an update. With the third generation Grail, Canyon have moved their gravel all-rounder in-line with their road range, with sportier geometry and a stronger focus on aerodynamics. Combined with significantly bigger tire clearance and a completely revised storage concept, we were keen to see whether the update would be enough to lead the Grail back to the front of the pack.Previous generations of Grail have really made waves with bold, polarising ideas. The first generation introduced the distinctive double-decker handlebar, while its successor added dedicated aero bags with magnetic mounts. By contrast, the third generation feels like a complete reset, purpose-built around what modern gravel race bikes need to deliver. Wide tires, sporty geometry and a strong aero focus? Those are hardly unique selling points these days, with plenty of rivals heading in the same direction. So it came as little surprise that the new Grail had already appeared beneath the pros at The Traka 2026, long before Canyon officially unveiled it. In that sense, the Grail CF SLX 2026 feels very much in tune with the times. But does it still retain its character as a sporty all-rounder, or has it simply become an Aeroad with chunkier tires? The Highlights of the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 2027 Highs New ergonomic Control Drops Adjustable cockpit options Mounting points for mudguards Lows Fairly high weight Very small chainring for racing Key facts Carbon frame VCLS Aero seatpost for added comfort Compatible with new Cyclite frame bags Significantly increased tire clearance of up to 57 mm Compatible only with 1x drivetrains, up to a 52 t chainring Available in seven frame sizes from XS to 2XL Shorter crank lengths across the entire platform For years, Canyons Grail has been one of the most versatile gravel bikes around. The third generation sharpens Canyons vision of an all-terrain racer, with more tire clearance, geometry that moves closer to their Aeroad aero road bike, and a revised cockpit and storage concept. We pushed the Grail CF SLX to its limits over eight weeks, covering around 1,000 kilometres in a wide range of conditions. From Canyons press camp in Koblenz to the German Gravel Championships at the Nrburgring, and on to a 700 kilometre bikepacking trip through Sweden, one question kept coming up: has the Grail become an uncompromising aero gravel weapon, or can it still convince as a sporty all-rounder? Before we get to the ride impressions, though, its worth taking a closer look at what has actually changed beneath the new paintwork.Whats New on the Canyon Grail CF SLX 2027?Put the new Grail next to the 2026 Endurace CFR and the family resemblance is quite obvious: the distinctive cut-out around the seat tube and rear triangle strongly echoes both the race bike developed specifically for cobbled roads, and the new Endurace CF SLX. Up front, the Grail continues to draw heavily from Canyons aero toolbox: the deep-profile fork with its broad stance clearly takes cues from the Aeroad and Endurace. The crucial difference, however, lies between the tires, fork and rear triangle, where there is now considerably more space. Canyon originally wanted to retain compatibility with 2x drivetrains, which would have limited tire clearance to 50 mm. But thats no longer enough for modern gravel riding, so the R&D team changed course, dropped front derailleur compatibility altogether, and increased tire clearance to a generous 57 mm, or 2.25 inches. A chain catcher is not included as standard, but one can be fitted below the rear bottle cage.Plenty of room at the rear: a generous 57 mm of tire clearance leaves space for chunky rubber and deep mud.Committed to 1x: ditching the front derailleur is what makes the huge tire clearance possible.This is Canyons response to a trend that has become impossible to ignore in gravel racing. The races are getting faster, while our understanding of what actually makes a tire fast has changed too. Wider tires were long seen as comfortable and grippy, but also sluggish. In practice, though, they can roll just as fast as narrower tires on rough surfaces, and sometimes even faster provided you run the right pressures. Rather than bouncing over every bump, they conform better to the terrain, reduce vibrations, and offer noticeably more grip and comfort at the same time.That can make a real difference in long, punishing gravel races. At the same time, rims are getting wider too, giving high-volume tires a more favourable shape, and helping to offset at least some of their aerodynamic disadvantage. But all of this only works if the pressure is spot on, because the wider the tire, the more dramatically even half a bar of difference can affect the handling. To take the guesswork out of finding what Canyon describe as the ideal sweet spot, with 20% tire deformation, Canyon have now integrated a new tire pressure calculator into their app, in cooperation with Pirelli. It comes pre-configured with the bikes original setup data.Aeroad DNA on gravel: the deep-profile, wide-set fork takes its cues directly from Canyons aero road bikes.The Canyon Grail CF SLX 2027 in DetailThe reading on our workshop scales is a little less encouraging. Our Grail CF SLX 8 AXS in size S weighs 8.69 kg with the stock tires, rising to 8.83 kg with our wider test tires. Thats a fairly hefty figure for a race bike, and its likely to take some of the edge off its climbing performance.The Midloader and Top Tube Bags, developed together with Cyclite, sit flush against the frame for a clean aerodynamic profile. The Midloader can also be removed in seconds via a quick-release system.The distinctive kink behind the front wheel is designed to guide airflow cleanly past the frame and water bottles, helping you save valuable energy on fast sections.Within the new Grail platform, Canyon differentiate the models more clearly than ever. The CF serves as the entry point from 2,499, combining a more affordable carbon layup with mudguard mounts and a carbon cockpit, but doing without the LOAD in-frame storage compartment. In return, it is the only version that remains compatible with the previous generations Cargo Sleeves on the fork. A cheaper aluminium model is not currently planned.The CF SLX, priced from 3,999, is the most versatile package in the range. It gets a higher-grade carbon layup, the PACE cockpit system, in-frame storage and mudguard mounts. That puts it squarely in the sweet spot for ambitious racers and gravel enthusiasts who dont want to keep adding a new bike to the garage for every type of ride. The integrated LOAD storage compartment in the down tube should fit most of your essentials, but if thats not enough, Canyon are now working with bikepacking specialists CYCLITE. The jointly developed Midloader sits flush within the front triangle for a clean aerodynamic profile, and can be fitted or removed in seconds via a clever quick-release system at the rear. The setup is complemented by a small Top Tube Bag that slots neatly onto the mounts directly behind the stem.The 6,500 CFR model takes an even more uncompromising approach to performance and uses Canyons lightest carbon layup. It retains the in-frame storage compartment, but does without mudguard mounts. That means the CF SLX is more than just the middle option between the CF and CFR. In fact, it is the most versatile Grail in the new range and, for many riders, probably the most compelling choice.The Spec of the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS 2026Our test bike, the Grail CF SLX 8 AXS, pairs a SRAM Force AXS XPLR groupset including power meter, with DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheels and 45 mm Schwalbe G-One RS tires. For racing, Canyon also supplied us with a set of 57 mm Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires, which had already impressed us in our big 2026 gravel tire group test with their high efficiency, dependable grip and good compliance, though they gave away some ground when it came to puncture protection.The 57 mm Schwalbe Thunder Burt rolls surprisingly fast and smooths out chunky roots, but sharp-edged rocks demand a little more caution if you want to avoid punctures.No shortage of clearance around the bottom bracket: even with 2.25 tires, theres still enough room at the chainstay to stop sticky mud from clogging up the frame straight away.The small 40 tooth chainring fitted as standard suits the Grails versatile remit, and proved genuinely useful on the steep ramps around Koblenz, where gradients reached up to 20%. For fast racing on flatter courses, though, it feels like a rather conservative choice. Youre not locked into it, however: the MyCanyon configurator offers chainrings from 40 to 48 teeth, while the frame itself can accommodate aero chainrings with up to 52 teeth.With the 50 mm deep DT Swiss GRC 1400 carbon wheels, Canyon go all-in on aerodynamics for the CF SLX 8. In fact, these wheels even served as the benchmark in the wind tunnel for Canyons brand-new GR 50 CF wheelset. While DT Swiss use a narrower rim profile, Canyons own design is purpose-built around modern, wide gravel tires. With a 27 mm internal rim width, the GR 50 CF is designed for tires from 35 to 60 mm wide, providing better support when cornering, and helping prevent the tire from folding over at low pressures. According to Canyon, the 1,675 g carbon wheelset, built around DT Swiss 350 hubs, delivers almost identical aerodynamic performance and crosswind stability in the wind tunnel as the more expensive benchmark wheels. The new wheelset features on several models in the Grail range, including the CF SLX 7 Di2 and CF 7 AXS, and will be available to purchase separately for 999.The build is rounded off by the VCLS Aero seatpost, which we already know from the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026. According to Canyon, it requires around 25% less force to achieve the same amount of deflection, making for a smoother ride.The Geometry of the Canyon Grail CF SLX 2027For the third generation, Canyon have made the Grail even sportier without sacrificing its characteristic composure. Compared with its predecessor, the effective stack is 15 mm lower and the reach 3 mm shorter, while the chainstays have grown by 10 mm to 435 mm. The result is a lower, more compact riding position, combined with greater stability and composure. Canyon themselves describe it as a racier geometry.Canyon Grail CF SLX 2026 5,499SpecificationsSeatpost Canyon SP0093 VCLS Aero D-ShapedBrakes SRAM FORCE AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1 x 13Chainring 40 TStem Canyon CP0048 PACE Bar w/ Control Drops 80 mmHandlebar Canyon CP0048 PACE Bar w/ Control Drops 370 mmWheelset DT SWISS GRC1400 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Schwalbe Thunder Burt 700 x 57cCranks SRAM Force Dub 165 mmCassette SRAM Force XPLR 10-46 TTechnical DataSize XXS XS S M L XL XXLWeight 8.83 kgSpecific FeaturesRevised in-frame storage in the down tubeRoom for tires up to 57mmSeatpost with comfort featureShort cranksIn size M, the Grail has a stack of 575 mm, a reach of 411 mm and a wheelbase of 1,062 mm, along with a 75 mm bottom bracket drop. That positions the rider low in the bike, while the longer chainstays and extended wheelbase add composure at high speeds. At the same time, the relatively short reach keeps the handling direct and controlled. As with the Endurace platform, Canyon now fit the new Grail with shorter cranks as standard. Size S comes with 165 mm cranks, allowing you to adopt a lower, more aerodynamic position while maintaining a more open hip angle.The revised cockpit follows the same philosophy: Canyon retain the predecessors short 80 mm stem and pair it with their new Control Drops, which feature 17 % flare and 120 mm of drop. Through MyCanyon, you can also choose from different drop-bar options, and stem lengths ranging from 70 to 140 mm. On paper, that points to a compact, sportier riding position, without sacrificing long-distance comfort or control at high speed. But does that hold true out on the trail?Size2XSXSSMLXL2XLTop Tube528 mm544 mm559 mm581 mm604 mm618 mm643 mmSeat Tube432 mm462 mm492 mm522 mm552 mm582 mm612 mmHead Tube98 mm103 mm120 mm138 mm162 mm182 mm205 mmHead Angle68.570.071.571.5071.571.871.8Seat Angle73.573.573.573.573.573.573.5Chainstay435 mm435 mm435 mm435 mm435 mm435 mm435 mmBB Drop75 mm75 mm75 mm75 mm75 mm75 mm75 mmWheelbase1,034 mm1,037 mm1,039 mm1,062 mm1,085 mm1,097 mm1,123 mmReach372 mm385 mm394 mm411 mm427 mm435 mm454 mmStack525 mm537 mm558 mm575 mm598 mm618 mm640 mmThe Fastest All-rounder? The Canyon Grail CF SLX 2026 on TestAt first glance, the Grail CF SLX looks more aggressive and sporty than its predecessor. The low, aero-optimised front end and distinctive cut-out around the rear triangle leave little doubt about that. But if the racier geometry has you expecting a Grail that feels like a Canyon Aeroad on knobbly tires, you might be surprised. The lower front end and shorter reach do make the bike feel more direct, with a little more weight over the front, but the handling remains pleasantly balanced. Despite the long chainstays, the Grail never feels sluggish its surprisingly agile. It is not especially playful, though. On the climbs, including the steep ramps out of the Rhine valley around Koblenz, the Grail feels direct, if not the most responsive. Point it downhill, however, and it feels remarkably stable despite the short stem: the front end is particularly convincing through fast corners, holding its line reliably, requiring very few corrections, and inspiring plenty of confidence even on loose surfaces.This is where the new Control Drops really come into their own: combined with the short stem and reduced effective reach, they create a riding position that feels right from the outset, and inspires plenty of confidence. The VCLS Aero seatpost helps too, adding a reliable dose of comfort. Under acceleration, the Grail feels solid rather than especially punchy largely due to the relatively heavy DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheelset, and slightly heavier tires.When you stamp on the pedals, the bike remains precise, but it lacks the explosive feel of truly lightweight race bikes. You notice the higher overall system weight most when riding out of the saddle, while the frame itself stays plenty stiff, transferring your power cleanly onto the gravel.Plan A: Dont CrashAt the German Gravel Championships during Rad am Ring, the 57 mm Thunder Burt tires, run at 1.1 bar, were an absolute game changer for us: despite their relatively shallow tread, they delivered huge reserves of grip and confidence on the sometimes sketchily loose gravel sections and rough, root-strewn trails, while still rolling impressively quickly. Its a combination we wont want to give up any time soon.The next test of the Grails versatility came on a 700 kilometre bikepacking trip through Sweden. We were particularly impressed by the numerous mounting points, the in-frame storage as an extra place to stash gear, and the geometry, which remained comfortable even after hours in the saddle. Fully loaded, gravel bikes tend to feel a bit like tanks anyway, so theres only so much you can learn about the handling from riding with luggage. One thing was clear, though: the Grail took every challenge of the trip in its stride, from headwind-heavy stretches along the Oslofjord to tight, steep descents.Nearly 700 kilometres of bikepacking through Sweden and Norway: fully loaded, the Grail loses some of its race-bike snap, but it remains composed and surprisingly comfortable for long days in the saddle.Even on a fast road ride with 35 mm Continental 5000 S TR tires, the Grail felt surprisingly familiar more like an Aeroad than a stodgy, planted gravel bike. On fast, open sections, it carries speed efficiently and feels much closer to a road race bike than a traditional adventure gravel bike. This is where the low front end, aerodynamic optimisation and 50 mm-deep wheels really play to their strengths.Ready set attack!When it comes to fun, the Grail is at its best when high speeds, rough surfaces and long, sweeping corners come together. One minor downside is the finish: the matt black paint on our test bike shows dirt almost instantly, and it can be a real pain to clean. If you spend a lot of time off-road, you might find yourself wishing for a glossy, single-colour alternative. Tuning tip: Fit a lighter wheelset to bring down the overall weight, and give the bike a bit more punch under acceleration.Who is the Canyon Grail CF SLX 2027 For?The Grail CF SLX is aimed at ambitious gravel racers looking for a fast bike that can handle a wide range of conditions. It feels most at home on long, fast and increasingly rough gravel courses, where the generous tire clearance, stable handling and impressive long-distance comfort really come into their own. At the same time, it remains versatile enough for bikepacking trips and fast after-work road rides.The right bike for:Gravel racers and all-roundersWhether youre hammering along fast gravel or tackling rough, rooty trails, the generous 57 mm tire clearance and well-balanced geometry combine aero speed with plenty of off-road capability.Ultra-endurance riders and bikepackersThe down tube storage compartment, neatly integrated aero bags and high level of long-distance comfort make it an excellent choice for endless days in the saddle.Not the right bike for:Weight weenies and sprintersIf youre after an ultra-light, razor-sharp race gravel bike for explosive accelerations, the relatively high system weight and slightly sluggish stock wheels will hold you back.2x traditionalistsCanyon have dropped front derailleur compatibility altogether to make room for the high-volume tires. If you want the finer road-oriented gearing of a double chainring setup, youre out of luck here.It is less well suited to riders who prioritise maximum responsiveness and the lowest possible weight above all else.At 4,999, the Grail CF SLX 8 AXS offers a very strong overall package with Force XPLR groupset, a power meter, carbon wheels and the PACE cockpit. If price is less of a concern, however, and you can do without mudguard mounts and some of the extra everyday versatility, the Grail CFR is the better fit for riders focused on lower weight and outright race performance.Helmet Sweet Protection Tucker 3 | Glasses Oakley META Vanguard | Jersey Q36.5 Dottore Grid Skin Shorts Q36.5 Dottore Climate | Shoes Canyon Tempr CFR Offroad | Socks Gobik ICONConclusion on the Canyon Grail CF SLX 2026The new Canyon Grail CF SLX isnt an uncompromising gravel race bike. Instead, it might be the more compelling answer to the demands of modern racing: fast, predictable and hugely versatile. Its 57 mm tire clearance, stable handling and impressive long-distance comfort make it an ideal companion for rough courses. The weight and wheelset do take some of the edge off its sporting character, though. Add in clever details, plenty of everyday usability and strong value for money, and the Grail CF SLX 2027 emerges as a thoroughly modern all-rounder for racing, everyday riding and adventure.TopsPlenty of room for very wide tires thanks to up to 57 mm of clearanceExcellent balance between stability and agilityOutstanding ergonomics of the new Control DropsVCLS Aero seatpost reliably filters out vibrationsRevised LOAD Down Tube Storage and lightweight CYCLITE bagsFlopsSlightly high weightHeavy wheels dull the bike's acceleration.The matt finish looks cool but shows dirt very quicklysadly no frameset availableMore information at canyon.comDer Beitrag New Canyon Grail CF SLX 2027 Review: Is There Space on the Podium for Big Tires? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.