Racing the new Canyon Grail at Big Sugar Gravel
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- The Life Time Grand Prix Big Sugar Gravel course in Bentonville, Arkansas is a rowdy, 104mi affair that notoriously eats tires. How did the new Canyon Grail with 40mm Schwalbe G-One RS tires handle it?
Thanks to Linda Guerette for the photo. You probably want to follow her on Instagram: lindaguerre...
0:00 intro
2:09 storage
4:08 overview
5:28 racing Big Sugar
10:27 things I screwed up
17:15 what I liked & didn't
20:25 coming up
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The Ride is supported in 2023 by:
Castelli clothing: www.castelli-cycling.com
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Ben, in my humble opinion you are absolutely THE BEST cycling journo out there. No bull shit, no bought opinions. Always honest, every opinion backed up by experience, TONS of racing behind your belt (with growing rate of success no less!). Seriously, all the "IS THIS THE BEST BIKE EVER THAT EVER WILL EVER..." - take note. This is how it's done. Cheers and keep on pushing!
Thank you.
Meanwhile, at Canyon HQ in Germany, several writers are preparing a 100-page technical manual on all operational aspects of the storage door. 😀
As a local in Bentonville. Love your Grail AL7 Etap! Ngl upgraded almost every component to it, but worth it! At least still have the Rival Etap derailer/Shifter, and brakes (Did change the cranks). The bike rips!
Love the post race honesty... !! Great Job on the finish, Congrats!
Great video Ben! I have always enjoyed reading your stuff with Velo. Now you have reinvented yourself! Awesome to see this! Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Scott. I appreciate the support.
This was a brilliant video Ben' really entertaining, insightful, funny, best one yet, great to see you smashing it too
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the pic after the race, congrats on the finish, hope to see you next year
Cheers. Me too.
If you get a flat, does it become the Holy Grail?
I did, and it didn’t. 🤷♂️ Still a great bike, though!
Well played dad… well played.
Holey
Congrats on your race! I just wanted to say I appreciate hearing things that didn’t go well or were hard. Makes the rest of us know we’re not alone with struggling and messing stuff up! Side note: I wanted a bigger cassette and wider tires last for big sugar too. Tough ride!
Thanks, Lucy. Heck no, you are not alone. Half of gravel seems to be figuring out how to deal with things when they get sideways. What tires did you use? And did you flat?
My favorite episode yet (and I'm a hard grader!). Killed it start to finish and congrats.s on that strong finish. That's the bike got my eyes set on so you racing it in Big Sugar was perfect timing. Heading to Carlsbad to see bike in person this week. Thxs Ben!
Cheers, Gerry. Let me know your thoughts on the fit after you check one out.
Got to Carlsbad Sat. Five hours in car RT and well worth it. Grail is quite a handsome bike. Looks better in person, sporty, sturdy, made for gravel. Bike only for display so couldn't throw a leg over it. So here's my question to you sir... putting aside added investment. Could you offer a totally shooting from the hip... thought on the Grail you rode with new wheelset 40mm depth, 417g lighter, 25mm inner rim width and another 150g less on other components. Also, I get it. Weight isn't everything. Putting this aside given this exercise "how might" these changes have affected your already impressive ride at big sugar. If too much of a pretend scenario for you to answer that's cool... but if sitting down shooting the breeze over a beer with some friends... what would you tell them? @@TheRidewithBenDelaney
@@gerryl8310 I don't understand the question. Comparing the bike as built to the bike with what setup?
No worries. All good. I got it. Taking it out for first ride tomorrow. Swapped DT Swiss out with Zip 353's. Few more adjustment yet to happen but so far... she's a looker. @@TheRidewithBenDelaney
@@gerryl8310 were you able to get a computer mount and internal storage bag?
Absolutely fabulous. 🙂
Ben, that upside-down door dilemma is hilarious! thanks for not taking yourself too serious and sharing the bone-headedness that all of us participate in! Enjoy the Ride!!
Boneheadedness is my lane. 🙃
Nearly tears of laughter at the last scene, fantastic work. 😂
😜
Love all your videos but this arguably is your best for content and interest 😊🚴🇦🇺
I have one of those preset torque keys for 10nm that I use on thru axels. That way I don’t have to adjust the tourism wrench every time, and I always get the wheel done up to the right spot so the disc won’t rub. My disc will run if the wheel isn’t tight enough.
Great vid and ride, congratulations 🏁🏁🏁🚴♀️🚴♀️
Thanks 👍
Great job on the Big W, and kudos on another fun video, Bennie D!!! #thepeopleschampion
Cheers, X. One of these days we should ride again.
This is such a gr8 content! thx!
Thanks for subscribing.
Well done Young man 💪🏻
Second with a totally unknown, un-shookout bike... Great job!!! Can't believe I hadn't subscribed yet but this one made me check. Subscribed.
Thanks for subbing.
Tire clearance is technically unchanged at 700x 42 mm, but Canyon points out that’s with fenders, so the effective maximum tire size is closer to 700×45 mm (40 mm-wide tires come stock across the board). There’s also a dedicated - and impressively, thoroughly engineered - full-length front and rear fender kit
Great work 🚴♀️✨✨
Thank you.
Love that you can laugh at yourself 😀
Hell, what else can you do sometimes? 😜
Best outtake of the week! Congrats on the Podium(z)
If it was on my game I would have found a way to insert that Far Side 'school of the gifted' kid pushing hard on the door that says PULL.
Congrats on 2nd overall. Cool lining up next to you at the start. Loving that bike, going on my short list for new bike day.
Cheers, man. Good chatting with you about your GoPro remote tips. And congrats on hitting your goal.
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Great video Ben 👏 That cover sure looks flimsy 🤣
Loved your travails with the cover. 😂. Glad to hear you ultimately won. For a moment there, I was concerned you wouldn’t.
The cover had me against the ropes, and it was looking grim, but with Big Tall Wayne, all things are possible.
Max tire clearance on the Canyon site is 46 front, 42 rear.
If there is no mud. You could ride those tires in 45 on both ends. Rear will be tight or just run 45F, 42R in mud
Saw you on the Formula 1 pre-show at Austin this week Ben! You were pushing your bike through the paddock behind Will Buxton!!
I don't go to F1 races often. But when I do, I make sure to walk awkwardly through Buxton's shot. 😉
Nice story Ben. You’ve clearly still got it with those podiums. Great to see so many enjoying what looks like a great event. …I rode an 80km gravel race recently and got smashed in the hills - 1450m of climbing sent my quads into cramp-lock at the 1000m mark and that was me done! ...I limped in for an embarrassing very low placed finish, dreaming of the two litres of pickle juice I should have consumed! :))
Hey thanks. And no shame in cramping; we've all been there. Just enjoying the day and finishing is the main thing. Last year at Big Sugar I had all the flats and decided to sit in the river for a bit. It ended up being a great day talking to a lot of people and enjoying the area. Way different than road racing.
Totally. The race day was brilliant and agreed, its the people you share the event with that make it great. The peeps I finished with became instant friends. That’s what it’s all about. …It’s just so frustrating when you think you've put in the training, then your ageing and less prepared / less trained than you thought body lets you down! :)) ...It would be great to hear some more of your stories / advice about preparation for gravel race day if that’s something you’d be willing to share… I think us mere mortals (has beens!) could do with some more sage words about both preparation for big events and how enjoying them regardless of where you place in the event is the essence of gravel events. @@TheRidewithBenDelaney
Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
Great ride Ben, I love the shape of the handlebars on this new Grail, will wait for your thorough review. DT Swiss GRC1100 wheels, is that a new model? Could only find GRC1400 on their website. How did you like them for Big Sugar? Thanks
Thanks. Those wheels could be an OE-only thing. They're a good Goldilocks configuration with wide internal and kinda aero but not super deep/jarring. Better suited for midwest/wide-open gravel than Big Sugar, but performed just fine there, too.
BD great stretchy pants action and content awesome🤙 Where did you puncture the tyre?
Down the centre or sidewall? As you said it’s also my favourite but only at Unbound did they puncture both front and rear tyres were in the centre, all the other km’s I did using them no drama 🤔 40mm as favoured but would a 45mm be better for rolling resistance etc? Thanks mate keep doing to good stuff thanks
On the side of the main tread. I filmed myself putting a Dynaplug in but the audio was terrible so I skipped it. 45 might roll a touch faster but the added weight would probably mean a slower overall package. Cheers.
Great vid Bro n race, really enjoyed it all!! Nice bike but way too pricy for homeboys like me besides, I own the Diverge (poor man’s model) with upgraded wheels and Panaracer sk 38’s on it which are fine for an old slow man like me🤪 can’t wait for your vid with Alex Howe on tires.
Diverge is a great bike. I like the FutureShock, even though it can be fussy for maintenance. Feels much more natural to me than the Redshift stem.
Howes videos coming up! I am looking forward to those, too. He’s a funny dude.
Thank you for this great inspirational video, i am new in the gravel Business coming from a road bike and just ordered my grial. It would be really great if you could tell how you were able to add the go pro mount to the canyon computer mount (for the use with a Lupine lamp). Canyon customer support has no help or ideas for me :/ Greetings from the rainy Germany.
Hey Sebastian. I used the ‘puck’ circular insert for a Wahoo mount (which has a 90-degree difference from Garmin) and longer mounting screws. I would suggest going to a bike shop where they should have a bunch of different small parts like that.
Hi Ben a fantastic performance once again!!! Can you give me your view in the racing defence between this bike and the Stigmata..appreciate
Thanks. Similar, but Stigmata is slacker with more tire clearance (50m) and more adjustment options with a normal post and bar/stem.
I want to start off by saying that I recently found your channel and I’ve been loving all your content. Thank you! I’ve been riding an aero road bike for a couple of years now and have been looking into switching to a gravel race bike. This bike caught my eye and I’d love your thoughts on it vs some others. I can only afford the CF SL8 version btw. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the giant revolt advanced 2 but worry I might be left wanting more speed. There are two Cervelo Aspero grx versions for a similar price. I can’t really afford the BMC Kaius, 3T explorer, or factor oslo. The specialized crux comp is just slightly out of budget but possible. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated!!
Thanks, Brandon. I appreciate you subscribing. 'More speed' could be defined a few ways, but I'm guessing you mean aerodynamics, given your aero-road bike preference. Aero's a thing in gravel, for sure, but not a huge thing. I mean, Keegan seems to do okay on a round-tube bike. The Revolt and the Crux are definitely not aero bikes, but plenty raceable (I won SBT 100 and got third at Unbound 100 on the Revolt), and a bit more forgiving than the Aspero and Ostro (both of which I enjoyed riding at Unbound 200 and 100, respectively).
Really, you should go for the bike that gets *you* the most excited. Feeling stoked on your bike will count for more than a tiny fraction of a CdA reduction.
Would be interesting to hear a bit about how you train and your history in racing, you seem to do good in age group/amateurs races.
Great content! Do you think you could perhaps create a video on what you do physically, nutrition and exercise to prepare for your races? I have just recently taken up gravel riding and I'm entering my first race in February (56 miles). I am just a bit older than you. Thanks for any help.
Sure, I could do that. Which race are you doing in February? Two short answers: I use Optimize from FasCat for training. To get ready for 56mi, just work your way up to that distance in between now and then, taper off in the week or two before, and then have fun.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Thanks, that sounds simple enough :-). That's what I thought and have read. I freedive so I'm pretty familiar with training, but training for endurance seems to have its differences. Freedivers kind of train. as if we were 800m runners. Definitely different from endurance racing. I will check out FasCat too. I guess I just have to get used to being in the saddle for prolonged periods of time. I've never done a group ride. I'll have to learn what the best nutrition is while I'm on the bike. I'll have to learn to ride with others to take advantage of drafting too. I'm doing the Gravel Miami race on February 18.
I think I missed the same right turn after a blistering paved downhill last 10 miles or so. Was just happy not to be climbing. Excellent vid. Congratulations on a great race.
The one before the climb to the Coke oasis, yeah? Ooph!
Great vid. Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new grail. Can I ask what size you ride, and your height? Congrats on result!
Thanks. I'm 6ft/183cm and that's a Medium.
Thank you for the response!
Interesting about the slacker Argonaut gravel bike not fitting travel cases.
Just a particular SciCon road case where you bolt both front and rear axles in place.
What cages are those? My top tube would appreciate not getting hit when I grab a bottle lol
Those are Canyon side-load cages. You can also get those from Bontrager, Specialized, Lezyne, etc.
I believe they could not put bigger tire clearance because of the geometry, they wanted to keep it that way.
Thank you for the Great vid! What size of the Grail did you choose and how tall are you? The Geometrie is a bit weird on that one. Thanks for sharing!
6ft/183cm and Medium. ✌️
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney i am 187cm. The L has a massive reach but i fear that the Stack is to small on a Medium one as I have my saddle on 80,4 cm and i am not the Most flexible 😅
@@sitaha3299 did you end up getting the Grail? I'm the same height and wondering the same thing.
Congrats on the results Ben. I was there racing on my Gen 1 Grail with Di2 and a slower overall pace. :) was such a nice weather day for racing in Bentonville.
Musta been the bike. 😃 It was a beautiful day, eh? Being from NM & CO, the amount of deciduous trees was a treat in the fall.
Question about the stock Fizik Terra Argo saddle. As an Antares guy, I've ridden both the X3 and X5 and found them comfortable but that they inevitably start making a super annoying clicking sound after X amount of miles into a ride. I'm guessing its dust ingress into the channels that house the rails, which are tough to clean and impossible to access. Anyway, I've not been able to find any similar complaints online and was just wondering what your take is? The noise is driving me nuts (started up midway through The Rad gravel race and was visibly annoying others in my group) and I'm considering going with my road saddle of choice (Antares 00) despite it's stiffness. Thanks for the in depth race recap and awesome content!
I use gorilla clue for that creak/click
Where do you apply it?
That is annoying! Personally I haven't had that with these Argos, perhaps because I'm always swapping bikes. Potter's Gorilla Glue suggestion is interesting.
@@justinjewell1043 I just put it in the back holes where the rails are inserted.
@@veganpotterthevegan Awesome thanks! So you must have experienced this as well, yeah? Feel like my creak/click is coming more from the nose of the saddle. So you just squirt a bunch around the rails to plug it from anything getting in? Kind of a lame solution but I guess it's a solution haha.
I'm curious... how many places do you sacrifice by recording content during the race? Obviously your on the podium but just wondering.
Hi just wondering are you running tubeless if so what product as I have just purchased the same bike
Yep, always tubeless for gravel! I use Silca sealant: alnk.to/ge5KLEV
They are a supporter of mine this year, so you can save 10% with code 'theride'
For plugs, I really like the Dynaplug Racer. It's pricey, but it is super easy and quick to use. amzn.to/3JHbZPp
Rabid for the team machine R review 💪
Hopefully early next week. The Red Bull Advanced Technologies technical director was out with Covid when we visited Austin, so I'm sitting on my footage until I can get an interview with him.
Still trying to decipher Grail sizing. What size is this and what's your bb-saddle height? Thanks Ben
Medium, 76.
thanks for the quick reply. I'm a 74.5 so it's in the ballpark.@@TheRidewithBenDelaney
Does it come setup tubeless from the factory?
Yes. At least that has always been my experience with multiple Canyon test bikes out of the box.
I'm curious why you were originally leaning towards the Argonaut when in previous videos it doesnt' seem like you're convinced by it's geometry. If you wanted a bigger tire why the Argonaut and not the Enve Mog?
I'm not 100% sold on the geometry for all rides, all of the time. The more mountain bikey a course is, though, the more that slack front end shines. I wanted/want to keep trying it in different situations. Challenge my own preconceptions, you know?
A big part of my bike choice comes down to what I have in for test. The MOG is not one of them right now, but that would have been a great one for Big Sugar. Thanks for asking!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanks for the answer! You make good points.
Please can we have Big Wayne on the show? The guys a Legend and love to hear his story!
Twist his arm Ben, go on…. Gently!
Well Done, you are soon to crowned the internal second! We need a win! Or you just sand bagging for 24’? 🤔
Your wish I my command! Seriously though, I'll be seeing him again here in a couple of weeks.
As for my seemingly perpetual bridesmaid status... maybe I should get some shirts made...
Great video! What size is the bike?
Thanks. Medium. I am 6ft/183 and usually ride 56s.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanks, I am 179 and have a size M Grizl, which I love. I am now looking into a more race-oriented size S Grail, which would be proportionally similar to your setup! Congrats on the great content, very interesting and entertaining!
@@bogdanc2309 Hi. Have you ordered a bike? I am 180 and site recommends M size. But isn't the bike too long for size M? Top tube length is enormous, 586 mm. If you compare S size Grail to M size Grizl, you will notice that their geometry is very similar, except for seat tube length. I'm starting to think about size S with a 90-400 or 100-400 cockpit.
Would you say the bike is faster of slower than the old Grail. Sounds like on pavement that may be the case due to the geo......?
Depends on how you define faster, right? Just based on physics modeling with power in and the resistance variables of weight, aero, and friction out, it's gotta be faster than the old one. If we're talking how fast it *feels*, then yeah, on pavement the handling feels slower, but on rough stuff feels more stable. So Canyon I'm sure would argue that the handling contributes to going faster off road if the rider feels more confident.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Thanks Ben.
Congrats, Ben! Great result and an awesome channel overall! I am new to gravel cycling, and I am in two minds. For someone living (and cycling) in the Emporia, KS area (I’m sure you know the roads down there), would you recommend the Grail or Grizl CF SL8 2by? I am leaning toward the Grizl- bigger tires, seems more ready for the “ unexpected” but would appreciate an expert opinion.
Thank you, and welcome to the funny farm that is gravel! You're in the heartland there in Emporia. Grizl is a better option for the unexpected and/or a wider range of roads and trails. As you said, bigger tires - or at least the option to experiment with a wider range of tires.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thank you, sir! You are a living proof that one can ride fast on gravel. Having not ridden any gravel bikes, yet, I’m a little concerned about how much speed I can possibly reach (I’ve been doing amateur-ish road cycling all my life and I’m averaging about 17 mph on my Canyon Roadlite CF 8- absolutely loving it, except that living in Emporia, gravel cycling finds you. Hope I can get up to comparable speeds if/when I get a Grizl (potholes and rock chips and all notwithstanding…🙄). You’ve got a new subscriber now!
I bought the new grail but the handlebars are SO wide
They limited to 42 because of the grizzl.
My rides would run perfect with 35, happy about this bit of trail in geo if suddenly road is dead or defect.
And I realy do enjoy your input from your vids. Stay tuned!
Happy I have a Grizl. The only thing I like more on this bike is the downtube storage...IF they fix the door😂
@@veganpotterthevegan I’d like to follow up on this if I may: For someone new to gravel cycling and living (literally) in the Dirty Kanza area, would you recommend the Grail or Grizl CF SL8 2by? I am leaning toward the Grizl- bigger tires, seems more ready for the “ unexpected” but would appreciate an expert opinion.
@akmola1 Totally!!! I've never ridden there but I'd go with the Grizl for long term survival IF you're the type to ride in the mud. You can run a 40-45mm tire and still have mud clearance. With the Grail, you'll be better served running a 35(or even a 33mm cross tire) so you don't eat your frame away in the mud. And while Canyon says they specifically design the Grizl for 700c tires, it still gives you the versatility to run a 650 with big rubber. My ex GF will throw 2.5" 650s in her Grizl and ride single track with it. I live in Utah and have some pretty gnarly gravel/road climbs(look up the Wasatch All-Road) and run a 38t up front with a 9-46 e*thirteen cassette. I think I'm going to throw on a 44t chainring, fenders and a 10-36 cassette and it'll be my bad weather bike for the winter. I'll just ride my 45mm Schwalbe G Ones I gravel rode all summer and replace them in the spring. Kinda nice having a slower tire when it's ultra cold to decrease windchill, especially if I'm descending one of our big canyon climbs.
@@veganpotterthevegan thanks for the insights! You’re confirming what my gut feeling has been. Plus if we are talking about 33s tires for the Grail, I already have a Canyon Roadlite CF8 with 30s on it so there’d be no need to duplicate the bike (I’m absolutely loving my Roadlite, by the way, and averaging higher speeds on it than on my Co-Op ARD road bike. The only issue is, there hardly any paved roads that would be safe to ride on down here in Kansas, so I am ready to venture in the world of gravel. When in Rome, do as the Romans do I guess.
@@akmola1
Many Thnx for your notes.
Compared with such gravel roads in Kansas or Utah the roads here in Germany feel like hiking trails for me my area.
And I have 'fear' about Mudd Noo :) at 'road'. grail AL6
Have fun with regards!
Ben, did you ever to the bar swap?
Not yet. I am waiting for Canyon to come back to me with availability and pricing. Right now they have not told me either for bars, bags and the aero bar.
❤ Vecchios Bottles
Eagle eye. 👌
Jim Potter smiling 😃@@TheRidewithBenDelaney
what size is it the bike?
Medium.
"hit the bell"
Looks like front could probably fit a 45mm wide tire?
As Canyon advertises 42mm wide tires including fenders, 45mm without fenders might be feasible?
But agree, the 42mm clearance is also the major downside from my point of view.
Maybe on the front, but the rear is constricted by the stays on the sides.
Hi Ben. Great channel and info!! I like the Panaracer Gravel King tyres and the SS model which i ride mostly, come in 43 mm..have you by any chance tried to fit them on the rear? Thanks!
Dude. I was trying to catch my breath for you during your intro…
Ben "I'm gonna go over to the podium" Delaney...
And who should I see but Mr Jeremy Dunn. In a tie, no less.
That flappy front corner on a bag advertised for aerodynamic gains is driving me crazy😂 I know it has no effect with the number plate but it's still a questionable design
It's a little heavier than a top tube bag, but has more capacity and doesn't hit my knees, which pretty much all top tube bags do. I dig it.
@TheRidewithBenDelaney my legs definitely hit my bag if I'm standing. Thinking about going to a hard box like I use for training on my P5. My knees don't hit that but it's smaller.
*I do love the idea of this bag and the size. The front of that flap just bugs me
Would you buy Canyon Grail for yourself? (I am considering but wanted to see what you would say )
Ok, but why does it even go that far in, the wrong way around?
Ben, don't blame yourself for the door mishap. This is typical for users to do but in fact they should be blaming the designer or engineer for the door not fitting, oriented wrong or not! The fact that it kind of fits, when upside down, is very misleading. It should have been designed better, "keyed' so that its super intuitive how it fits visually and mechanically.
It’s nice to see you can have fun with yourself. 😃🚵♀️
At first I thought this was a good bike but now I'm not so sure. Axel getting loose and the storage cover appears to be broken?
No, no - both of those are 100% on me. I neglected to tighten the axle properly and I had the cover upside down! 🙃 Keep watching.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney omg hahahaha
Cool. So, if I buy the new Grail, I’ll finally start winning races. 😐
I don't know about that, but I can say that keeping your wheels firmly attached is a good best practice.
Grail should at least accommodate 45s and mud clearance...
Grizl is your answer there.
clutch off such a novice haha ;)
If there is a way to screw it up, I will find it. Once, I glued a ‘cross tubular on in the wrong direction.
This bike is to long for gravel bike. Almost XC long front center.
Hard to climb and no traction on front wheel in corners..
Sounds like you need an assistant :)
Or three.
Tempted to say something about the definition of insanity…but…naah!
Maybe *this* time!
😆@@TheRidewithBenDelaney