# Gravel cycling industry product developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gravel-cycling-industry-product-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-22T10:00:30.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

The gravel cycling market is experiencing growth through various technological and hardware advancements. WTB, in partnership with Stromm Cycles, introduced a new collection of high-volume gravel tires featuring patent-pending aerodynamic technology. This lineup includes the Byway RS 50, Course 52, and Macro 54 models, which are engineered to reduce drag while maintaining grip across different terrains.

In addition to tire innovations, the industry is seeing developments in bicycle frames and specialized components. Canyon has released the third generation of its Grail gravel bike, an aero-focused machine with increased tire clearance. This new iteration allows for tires up to 57 mm (2.25 inches) wide, a significant increase from the previous 42 mm limit, intended to improve shock absorption and accommodate varied terrain.

Technical updates to the Grail include a shift to an exclusively 1x drivetrain platform and a more aggressive geometry featuring a longer wheelbase and a 71.5-degree head angle. The stack height has been reduced by 1.5 cm to facilitate a more athletic riding position. Aerodynamic testing at 35 km/h indicates improved drag reduction. High-end variants, such as the CFR and CF SLX, feature an adjustable Pace Cockpit, new Control Drops, and an integrated downtube storage compartment. Top-tier models equipped with SRAM Red XPLR components are expected to weigh under eight kilograms. Furthermore, Canyon collaborated with Cyclite to release a dedicated bikepacking bag collection.

Meanwhile, Rene Herse Cycles received industry recognition, with its Poteau Mountain tire being named by Velo as the ‘best gravel tire for puncture resistance and rough terrain’ in a buyer’s guide.

## Claims

- Canyon has released the third generation of its Grail gravel racing bike. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The new carbon frame and fork allow for tire widths up to 2.25 inches (57 mm). (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The bike is now designed exclusively for 1-speed drivetrains with a single chainring. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The model features aerodynamic optimizations tested in a wind tunnel. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Canyon developed a bikepacking bag collection in collaboration with Cyclite. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The entry-level CF 7 model costs 2,500 Euro and weighs 9.2 kilograms. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The top-tier CFR AXS model weighs 8 kilograms and features SRAM Red XPLR wireless shifting. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Canyon launches third generation of Grail gravel racing bike

Canyon has released the third generation of its Grail gravel bike, featuring wider tire clearance up to 57mm, aerodynamic optimizations, and a dedicated bikepacking collection with Cyclite.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canyon-launches-third-generation-of-grail-gravel-racing-bike

### 2026-09-17: Canyon launches third-generation Grail gravel bike

Canyon has unveiled the third-generation Grail gravel bike, featuring increased tire clearance up to 57 mm, improved aerodynamics, and a dedicated 1x drivetrain for competitive racing and versatility.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gravel-cycling-industry-sees-new-tire-and-bike-developments

### 2026-09-08: WTB unveils new aerodynamic gravel tire collection

WTB has introduced a new line of aero-optimized gravel tires, including the Byway RS, Course, and Macro models, developed in collaboration with Stromm Cycles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wtb-unveils-new-aerodynamic-gravel-tire-collection

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Cite as: Gravel cycling industry product developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gravel-cycling-industry-product-developments