I don't have a grail brand, although I do have a fondness for certain makes due to their styling and geometry. I realized early on that proper bike fit was very important for my enjoyment of cycling, so I have focused on brands and models with geometries that fit me. That has also steered me away from brands and models that are poor fits -- which include most Treks and Surlys in my case.

My first really nice road bike was a Celeste green Bianchi Nuovo Record, so I've always had a fondness for Celeste Bianchis, although I currently do not own one. I owned several Eddy Merckx bikes over the years because they fit me well, but sold them when my cycling evolved from fast group rides to commuting and touring.

My current stable of five bikes have one common characteristic -- they all fit me well and ride comfortably. Most of my cycling these days consists of commuting, touring and riding on greenways, so most of my bikes can handle wider tires, fenders and racks. I still own one Italian racing bike, a De Bernardi that is ridden the least but has a lot of sentimental value. My favorite bike, a Waterford sport tourer, does it all, rides and handles beautifully and fits me perfect. It might qualify as a grail, but I actually stumbled across it and bought it used -- mainly because the price was right and the fit was perfect for me. I can't imagine a better bike for my purposes, and would keep it if I had to reduce my stable to one bike.