Originally Posted by
Wildwood
Lordy, lordy... I have been through a significant number of C&V bikes searching for grail. As far as my opinion goes = once you have the basic frame geometry nailed and some nice tubesets identified, the accoutrements that suit you at the 3 touch points, mostly determine a grail ride.
And the tires must be expensive.
And as your riding preferences change and/or expand, so does grail.
Or maybe grail is something more than you see or feel in the ride.
An ex-pro's bike would be cool grail. Like one of Eddy's......? And fits the need for grail to be unobtainable. But we dream, grail holds Hope. 
edit: also own custom carbon fiber + custom lugged steel (2004) + oversized ti. Because there is old grail and new grail. And if there is future grail, maybe a lightweight, high-end, aluminum e-gravel bike.
good tires are always the best, most guaranteed way to get a better ride and handling. took me many years before I understood this
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