Earlier this week, each Canyon and NBA celebrity Lebron James teased a brand new bike by way of social media. In a KingJames/Canyon Instagram publish collab, the ball participant writes: “@canyon at all times preserving my bikes feeling and looking good! They received one other one on the way in which I can’t wait to indicate ya’ll.”
The video accompanying the publish exhibits James driving what seems to be a Canyon Neuron: ONfly — a motorbike we’ve seen him on earlier than. Nevertheless, because the video progresses, it’s clear this isn’t some new iteration of Canyon’s electrified path bike.
The video options fast cuts and flashing lights. One fast clip has what seems to be a brand new gravel bike hidden within the shadows. We’re solely proven split-second glimpses of the most recent launch, as mild cuts out and in.
A LeBron James Signature Bike?
Is that this a signature LeBron James bike from Canyon? Properly, his teasing it on his social media account is one indication that it might be. One other is the branding discovered on the seat tube (I consider it’s on the seat tube).
Between the short cuts and flashing lights, an attention-grabbing brand appeared for a cut up second. The central a part of the brand is tough to interpret, however it might be a determine (does it characterize James himself?). Nevertheless, there’s undoubtedly a basketball included.
However the lifeless giveaway that James is concerned is the crown atop the determine’s head. This is similar crown “King James” makes use of in his private brand.
The opposite possibility is a collaboration between the athlete and an current Canyon gravel bike. That leaves two potentialities — the Grail and the Grizl. Maybe they’re making tremendous tall choices for riders 6’9” and above like James? Presently, each the Grail and the Grizl have body sizes as much as 2X, which, in keeping with Canyon’s measurement chart, is the place to begin for somebody 6’8” or taller.
So, are they teasing much more choices for taller riders or a brand new LeBron bike? Possibly a 32″ gravel bike?? My cash is on the LeBron bike!
In fact, a transfer like that is at all times met with criticism on as we speak’s social media channels. One commenter on the publish mentioned what I think about a few of us are considering: “Canyon don’t have cash to help precise riders however they’ll give LeBron a sig. mannequin.”
It’s assumed that this remark is pointed at Canyon immediately dropping Tahnee Seagrave’s FMD Racing. The racing staff was lucky to signal with Orbea earlier than the discharge of the brand new Rallon, a motorbike Seagrave would get a podium on.
They adopted their remark with snicker/crying emojis, which, once more, gave it a pleasant contact. Whereas different vital feedback might be discovered, there have been additionally fairly a couple of “Le-” puns. Doosies like “LeCyclist” and “LeMTB” had been on the high of my checklist.
Whereas folks will definitely focus on and debate Canyon’s choice to provide LeBron James a signature bike (if that’s what they’re doing), we should acknowledge the athlete’s funding within the firm. And, in biking itself.
In 2022, James’ firm, LRMR Ventures, invested within the bike model. Then, in 2024, James stepped right into a extra forward-facing function with Canyon with a brand new joint initiative. Their aim: to “encourage thousands and thousands of potential cyclists throughout the globe to know simply how life-changing a motorbike may be.”
I don’t assume anybody will argue with making an attempt to get extra folks concerned with biking.
We’ll maintain you posted on updates to Canyon’s two-wheeled lineup.
