Earlier this week, both Canyon and NBA superstar Lebron James teased a new bike via social media. In a KingJames/Canyon Instagram post collab, the ball player writes: “@canyon always keeping my bikes looking and feeling good! They got another one on the way I can’t wait to show ya’ll.”
The video accompanying the post shows James riding what appears to be a Canyon Neuron: ONfly — a bike we’ve seen him on before. However, as the video progresses, it is clear this isn’t some new iteration of Canyon’s electrified trail bike.
The video features quick cuts and flashing lights. One quick clip has what appears to be a new gravel bike hidden in the shadows. We are only shown split-second glimpses of the latest release, as light cuts in and out.
A LeBron James Signature Bike?
Is this a signature LeBron James bike from Canyon? Well, his teasing it on his social media account is one indication that it could be. Another is the branding found on the seat tube (I believe it is on the seat tube).
Between the quick cuts and flashing lights, an interesting logo appeared for a split second. The central part of the logo is difficult to interpret, but it could be a figure (does it represent James himself?). However, there is undoubtedly a basketball incorporated.
But the dead giveaway that James is involved is the crown atop the figure’s head. This is the same crown “King James” uses in his personal logo.
The other option is a collaboration between the athlete and an existing Canyon gravel bike. That leaves two possibilities — the Grail and the Grizl. Perhaps they are making super tall offerings for riders 6’9” and above like James? Currently, both the Grail and the Grizl have frame sizes up to 2X, which, according to Canyon’s size chart, is the starting point for someone 6’8” or taller.
So, are they teasing even more options for taller riders or a new LeBron bike? Maybe a 32″ gravel bike?? My money is on the LeBron bike!
Commenter Criticism for Canyon
Of course, a move like this is always met with criticism on today’s social media channels. One commenter on the post said what I imagine some of us are thinking: “Canyon don’t have money to support actual riders but they’ll give LeBron a sig. model.”
It is assumed that this comment is pointed at Canyon suddenly dropping Tahnee Seagrave’s FMD Racing. The racing team was fortunate to sign with Orbea before the release of the new Rallon, a bike Seagrave would get a podium on.
They followed their comment with laugh/crying emojis, which, again, gave it a nice touch. While other critical comments could be found, there were also quite a few “Le-” puns. Doosies like “LeCyclist” and “LeMTB” were at the top of my list.
While people will certainly discuss and debate Canyon’s decision to give LeBron James a signature bike (if that is what they are doing), we must acknowledge the athlete’s investment in the company. And, in cycling itself.
In 2022, James’ company, LRMR Ventures, invested in the bike brand. Then, in 2024, James stepped into a more forward-facing role with Canyon with a new joint initiative. Their goal: to “inspire millions of potential cyclists across the globe to understand just how life-changing a bike can be.”
I don’t think anyone will argue with trying to get more people involved with cycling.
We’ll keep you posted on updates to Canyon’s two-wheeled lineup.
