2022 Canyon Grail updates emphasise practicality and sweet, sweet fades

The Canyon Grail gravel bike range sees some modest updates for 2022, with updated specs across the board, some sweet new paint jobs and a new SRAM Rival eTap AXS build for the Grail Al.

The geometry remains the same for both the alloy and carbon bikes and Canyon has stuck steadfastly with its iconic double-decker Hoverbar handlebar on the carbon range.

Winter-ready spec, or 'All-Weather'?

All aboard the new Canyon Grail for 2022. — While winter riding accessories have been available for the Grail for a while, this is the first introduction of guards and lights as standard. - Canyon / Clement Hodgkinson

It's quite rare that we find gravel bikes specced for true 'British gravel conditions' (i.e. wet and muddy as hell half the year), so the option of the alloy Grail Al 7 model kitted out with bespoke mudguards (or fenders) and bike lights fresh out of the box is a pretty exciting one.

This AW, or All-Weather, model costs an extra £150 and features a 1x GRX 600 drivetrain rather than the Al 7's 2x.

The Grail-specific mudguards usually retail at £61.95 at the Canyon store. The lights are from German brand Lupine, with the SL Nano AF 3.5 Ah up-front (retailing at €295) and the C14 at the back.

Electronic shifting arrives

Canyon Grail 7 eTap Sand — For the first time, electronic shifting is trickled down to the alloy range. - Canyon / Clement Hodgkinson

For the first time in Grail history, you can now enjoy electronic shifting with the alloy Grail Al 7 model, thanks to the more wallet-friendly SRAM Rival eTap build.

The modest price of £2,149 / €2,249 / $2,349 / AU$3,449 should put the joys of electronic shifting within grasp of many more dirt-loving riders.

New racing gravel tyres from Schwalbe

Scwalbe G-One R gravel racing tyres on Canyon Grail — Schwalbe's new G-One R gravel racing tyres are specced for the carbon fibre CF SLX and CF SL models. - Canyon / Clement Hodgkinson

While the aluminium alloy Grail line switches from Schwalbe G-One Bite 40mm to Continental Terra Trail tyres in the same width, all other models are now shod with Schwalbe's all-new gravel racing tyre, the Schwalbe G-One R.

Sweet fades at the top end

Canyon Grail CF SLX Sand Fade — Burnt caramel? Turning autumn leaves? - Canyon / Clement Hodgkinson

There's a real earthy theme going on with the Sand and Forest colourways throughout the range.

Opt for the top-tier CF SLX models and you can choose between either the sandy-bronzed fade or hues of peppermint blended with the darker green front end.

Accessorise with new LOAD bags

Canyon LOAD Handlebar Pack on Canyon Grail. — The Canyon LOAD Handlebar Pack fits with both handlebar types and boasts an integrated computer mount. - Canyon / Clement Hodgkinson

Two complementary new bike bags are on offer from Canyon, the two-litre capacity LOAD Handlebar Bag with an integrated GPS mount, and the LOAD Frame Pack.

Both offer extra space for snacks, tools and extra layers, and are compatible with both the standard and Canyon Double Decker cockpits.