Discover the Canyon Grail Rift: Gravel Biking Meets Suspension Innovation

Gravel biking has always been about the perfect blend of speed, comfort, and versatility, but what if you could add a new dimension to this equation? Canyon, a brand renowned for pushing the boundaries of bike technology, has just unveiled the Grail Rift — a fresh take on their already impressive Grail gravel bike, now equipped with a cutting-edge suspension fork developed in collaboration with DT Swiss. 

This isn’t just any suspension fork; it’s the Canyon x DT Swiss F1321, designed to elevate your gravel riding experience with 40mm of travel, an innovative remote lockout system, and a sleek, lightweight build. As someone who has spent countless hours on gravel trails, I was eager to test this bike and see how suspension changes the dynamics of a bike originally crafted for speed.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Grail Rift, from the technical specs and design philosophy behind the F1321 fork to the real-world performance insights I gained from riding it. 

Whether you’re a gravel purist skeptical about suspension or an adventurous rider curious about how this tech can transform your rides, this deep dive will help you understand if the Grail Rift is the right bike for you.

The Grail Rift: Canyon’s New Suspension Gravel Contender

The Grail Rift is a new addition to Canyon’s top-tier CFR line, sharing the same frame as the other Grail CFR models but with a game-changing upgrade: the Canyon x DT Swiss F1321 suspension fork. This fork brings 40mm of travel to the front end, striking a balance between absorbing trail chatter and maintaining the aggressive, fast characteristics the Grail is known for.

One of the standout features is the lockout lever, ergonomically positioned on the handlebars. This lets you instantly switch the fork from fully active suspension to rigid mode without taking your hands off the bars — a feature that’s especially handy when transitioning between smooth roads and rougher gravel sections. 

The fork also boasts internal cable routing and an air spring system, all packed into a lightweight package weighing just 1,340 grams.

Previously, Canyon’s suspension-equipped gravel bike was the Grizl, a versatile and adventure-oriented machine. The Grail Rift’s introduction is significant because the Grail’s DNA is about speed and efficiency on gravel, so adding suspension here challenges traditional thinking about what a gravel bike can be.

Design and Aesthetic: Sleek Collaboration Between Canyon and DT Swiss

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s appreciate how well the F1321 fork integrates with the Grail’s design. Canyon and DT Swiss worked closely on the industrial design to ensure the fork complements the bike’s sleek, aerodynamic frame. 

It avoids that awkward, “square-edge” look some suspension forks have when slapped onto a road or gravel bike, instead offering a visually cohesive and polished appearance that feels like a natural part of the bike.

Why Suspension on a Gravel Bike? Addressing the “Existential Gravel Crisis”

Adding suspension to a gravel bike can feel like stepping into a new world, and it raises some valid questions:

• Does suspension complicate the simple, lightweight nature of gravel bikes?
• Is the added weight — nearly a kilo from the fork alone — worth the trade-off?
• Given the inherent limitations of gravel terrain, is suspension even necessary?

These questions don’t have one-size-fits-all answers. Suspension is an option — and like any option, it’s fantastic for some riders and conditions, less so for others. The key question is: what does suspension actually do for your ride?

The Real Benefit: What Suspension Actually Does

At its core, suspension absorbs bumps. Sure, your tires already provide some “pneumatic suspension” by flexing over small obstacles, but mechanical suspension like the F1321 takes bump absorption to a new level. 

Canyon and DT Swiss conducted research measuring the force that impedes forward motion when hitting bumps. Their results showed a significant reduction in this force with suspension engaged, measured right at the hub.

This is crucial because less force slowing you down means higher speeds and better control on rough terrain. In fact, the data suggests that the speed gains you get from suspension outweigh the penalty of the extra weight on almost any terrain — except maybe steep, smooth climbs where suspension is less beneficial.

Also Read: 2025 Surron Electric Dirt Bikes: Which Model Fits Your Ride?

Lockout Lever: A Game-Changer for Control and Versatility

Lockout on suspension forks isn’t new, but the remote lever on the Canyon F1321 is a thoughtful innovation. Positioned on the drops and reachable from the hoods, it allows you to lock or unlock the suspension on the fly. 

Whether you’re sprinting, climbing, or descending, you can quickly adapt the bike’s behavior without missing a beat. This makes the Grail Rift incredibly versatile for mixed terrain rides.

Is It Complicated to Set Up and Ride?

Some might worry that adding suspension complicates the gravel bike experience. The F1321 fork features an air spring adjustable with a shock pump, allowing you to set sag (the amount the fork compresses under your weight) precisely. This tunability means you can tailor the suspension feel to your weight and riding style.

Additionally, the fork includes a damper that controls the speed of compression and rebound, helping the fork respond smoothly to varying bump sizes and speeds. This results in a fork that is active and comfortable on small bumps but stiffens up on bigger hits, preventing you from bottoming out the travel too easily.

What 40mm of Suspension Feels Like on the Trail

Despite having only 40mm of travel and a rigid rear triangle, the Grail Rift’s front suspension dramatically improves trail handling. The front wheel maintains better contact with the ground, improving traction when cornering and braking. 

This results in a more confident and controlled ride, especially on rough descents and technical sections where a rigid fork would force you to slow down.

The difference in fun factor is notable — trails that might have felt too chunky or intimidating become much more enjoyable, and you can push harder without the bike knocking you off your line. It’s a subtle but meaningful change that opens up new possibilities for gravel riding.

Geometry and Handling Differences: Suspension vs. Rigid Fork

One technical point worth noting is that the F1321 fork is longer than the rigid fork it replaces. This is necessary to accommodate the 40mm travel and larger tire clearance (up to 50mm wide tires). The longer fork slightly lifts the front of the bike, which could affect handling.

To compensate, Canyon increased the fork offset by 4mm. This tweak helps maintain the Grail’s nimble and agile feel despite the slightly slacker head angle. The result is a bike that feels just as responsive but offers greater stability at higher speeds and on loose surfaces.

Real-World Comparison: Suspension vs. Rigid Fork Ride

After riding the Grail Rift with the F1321 suspension fork, I had the chance to swap back to a rigid Canyon Grail fork for a direct comparison. Surprisingly, the difference wasn’t as stark as I expected on smooth trails — the Grail is a great bike, suspension or not. But on rougher terrain, the benefits of suspension became clear. 

With the rigid fork, I found myself backing off speed on chunky sections and entering corners more cautiously, whereas the suspension fork allowed me to maintain momentum and confidence.

Interestingly, the suspension fork made the bike feel more playful and fun on technical descents, while the rigid fork felt more like a precision instrument suited to smooth gravel or road sections.

Is Suspension on a Gravel Bike Really Worth It?

This question depends on your riding style and goals. The Grail Rift slightly shifts the bike’s personality — it’s less of a pure speed weapon on smooth roads due to the minor aerodynamic drag and added weight of the suspension fork. However, off-road, it’s noticeably more comfortable, faster on descents, and more capable on rough terrain.

If you’re someone who rides gravel primarily on well-maintained, smooth routes or uses your Grail as a fast commuter, the added maintenance and price of suspension might not be worthwhile. The Grail Rift costs approximately €800 more than a standard Grail, which is a significant investment.

On the other hand, if your gravel rides include technical descents, chunky trails, or long days where comfort becomes critical, the Grail Rift’s suspension fork can enhance your experience significantly.

Who’s Using Suspension Gravel Bikes?

While the reigning World Gravel Champion Matthew Vanderpool rode a rigid Grail to victory, pro gravel racer Freddy Ovett uses suspension forks like the F1321. He values the comfort and reduced fatigue that suspension provides over long, punishing races — a reminder that suspension’s benefits go beyond just speed and handling.

Maintenance and Durability

The F1321 fork is built on decades of mountain bike suspension technology, making it robust and reliable. Canyon and DT Swiss recommend a minor service every 50 hours of riding and a full service every 500 hours. While this adds some maintenance responsibility, it’s manageable with proper care and well worth it for many riders seeking improved ride quality.

Summary of Key Specifications and Features

Feature	Grail Rift with F1321 Fork	Standard Grail with Rigid Fork
Fork Type	Canyon x DT Swiss F1321 Suspension Fork	Rigid Carbon Fork
Suspension Travel	40 mm	None
Weight (Fork)	1,340 g	Approx. 1,000 g (varies)
Lockout	Remote Lockout Lever on Handlebars	Not applicable
Tire Clearance	Up to 50 mm	Up to 45 mm (varies)
Fork Offset	Increased by 4 mm for handling	Standard offset
Price Difference	Approx. €800 more than standard Grail	Base price

Final Thoughts: Is the Grail Rift the Future of Gravel Biking?

After spending time on the Grail Rift, I can confidently say that suspension on a gravel bike isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a meaningful upgrade that enhances comfort, speed, and enjoyment on a wide range of terrain. The Canyon x DT Swiss F1321 fork is an impressive piece of engineering, blending mountain bike suspension technology with gravel bike needs in a sleek, lightweight package.

The Grail Rift subtly shifts the traditional gravel bike experience. It’s less of a pure speed machine on smooth roads but significantly more capable and fun off-road. For riders who love to explore rough trails, descend faster, and reduce fatigue on long rides, this bike offers a compelling option.

Of course, it’s not for everyone. Commuters or gravel riders who prioritize simplicity and low maintenance might prefer sticking with a rigid fork. The price premium is also a consideration. But for those ready to embrace the next evolution of gravel riding, the Grail Rift is a bike that delivers comfort, control, and confidence like never before.

If you’re curious about suspension on gravel, I encourage you to give it a try. The technology has matured, and Canyon’s collaboration with DT Swiss shows what’s possible when two leaders in bike tech come together. Gravel riding is evolving, and the Grail Rift is a glimpse into the future — one where speed meets suspension for the ultimate off-road adventure.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with suspension gravel bikes. Are you excited about this new direction, or do you prefer keeping it simple? Either way, the conversation about gravel suspension is just getting started, and I’m keen to see where it goes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 40mm of suspension travel enough for gravel riding?

Yes, 40mm strikes a great balance for gravel bikes. It’s enough to smooth out rough terrain and improve control without compromising pedaling efficiency or adding excessive weight.

How does the remote lockout lever improve riding?

The remote lever allows you to switch the suspension on or off instantly from the handlebars, adapting to changing terrain without stopping or taking your hands off the controls.

Does suspension make a gravel bike heavier?

Yes, the suspension fork adds roughly 340 grams compared to a typical rigid fork. However, the performance benefits on rough terrain often outweigh the weight penalty.

Is the F1321 fork difficult to maintain?

Regular servicing is recommended every 50 hours for minor maintenance and every 500 hours for a full service. While this adds some upkeep, it’s comparable to other high-end suspension forks.

Can suspension gravel bikes be used on smooth roads?

Absolutely. The lockout feature allows the fork to act rigid when needed, making the bike efficient on smooth surfaces as well.

Are suspension gravel bikes worth the extra cost?

It depends on your riding style. If you frequently encounter rough, technical terrain, the comfort and control improvements can justify the price. For smooth gravel or road-focused riders, a rigid fork might suffice.