Canyon Bicycles has unveiled a bespoke Grizl CF gravel bike tailored specifically for NBA superstar LeBron James, featuring 32-inch wheels to accommodate his 6’9″ frame. (canyon.com)
This custom creation was engineered in southern Germany, with Canyon’s lead gravel engineer, Wolfgang Kohl, emphasizing that it wasn’t merely a scaled-up version of existing models. He noted, “The geometry might land in the right place, but the loads don’t scale the way the dimensions do. Everything needed to get re-engineered or the bike simply wouldn’t function as a responsive system to the rider.” (canyon.com)
The 3XL frame incorporates a specialized carbon layup designed to withstand the forces exerted by James’ stature. Additionally, the bike is equipped with custom CNC-machined thru-axles featuring wider Boost spacing and a bespoke seat clamp. (canyon.com)
While the 32-inch wheel size has been a topic of discussion in the cycling community, Canyon describes this model as a “one of a kind,” even though it is “fully functional.” This approach mirrors that of other brands, such as Scott and BMC, which have developed 32-inch prototypes without plans for mass production. (canyon.com)
LeBron James, who has a longstanding passion for cycling, expressed his satisfaction with the custom bike, stating, “On most bikes I’ve ridden, I was aware of the bike, where it didn’t fit me, what I was working around. This is the first one that I didn’t have to think about. That’s what I love most about riding. It’s just you out there and everything else is gone.” (canyon.com)
This collaboration between Canyon and James underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing tailored cycling solutions for athletes of all sizes.