Canyon Grail CF SL 7 eTap £3,499 | 8.5kg

Every time I read about a do-it-all bike that can tackle any terrain and be ridden all year round, I can’t help but think of the line from The Lord of the Rings: “One ring to rule them all.” But can one bike really rule on all terrain? Be fast and efficient on the road while also being able to handle the rough stuff and be comfortable enough to ride all day while loaded down with bags and kit? Or is this a load of marketing nonsense and the sooner the idea is thrown into the fires of Mount Doom, the better?

Set up

The first impression with the Grail was one of sluggishness. In large