Thanks for all of the input everyone.
I will try to skirt the steel vs. aluminum debate. My takeaway is that I'm not necessarily crazy to at least consider aluminum. I will say that I think I would already own the Canyon Grail if it were steel. I don't care about weight and I tend to be hard on my equipment... steel just seems right for me.
Originally Posted by
brawlo
How a bike is made means everything.
I'm not being facetious, but have you seen the welds on those new Grails? Gives me pause for concern. I don't want to come across as some sort of fancy boy who needs to have an immaculate bike, but that is a structural component and I don't know that even the most satisfied Canyon customer could look at the welds and not admit they are pretty sloppy. That being said, it is reassuring that you have ridden and recommend a Canyon.
In a perfect world, I would build up a custom bike, but I have plenty of other hobbies that I neglect. I really don't want another project.
So for now, the search continues. I'm very open to other suggestions.