10 Top Gravel Bikes for Less Than 2000$ – Reviewed for 2026

Last Updated on 3 January 2026 by Cycloscope

The 10 best budget gravel bikes for bikepacking
Reviews and comparison of the top cheap gravel bicycles for less than 1500/2000 USD

In this guide, we’ll review 10 of the best and most affordable gravel bikes — adventure- and bikepacking-ready — all priced under $2,000/1,500 USD. These are the real bang-for-your-buck options for riders on a budget.

And don’t worry about starting with an entry-level bike; you can always upgrade components later, from the drivetrain to high-quality gravel wheelsets.

The Best and Cheapest Gravel Bikes Under 2,000$

1. Canyon Grizl 6 RAW

Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is built for riders who see gravel as a gateway to exploration rather than a race category. Its aluminium frame is tough, stable, and designed for long hours on mixed terrain, while the carbon fork helps smooth out rough tracks and keeps the front end precise.

The geometry leans toward confidence and control, making the bike feel planted on fast gravel descents and predictable when the surface turns loose or uneven.

A Shimano GRX drivetrain provides dependable shifting and a wide gear range suited to steep climbs, long days, and loaded riding, while hydraulic disc brakes deliver consistent stopping power in all conditions.

With generous tyre clearance and multiple mounting points for bottles, bags, and racks, the Grizl 6 RAW is clearly aimed at riders who want versatility first: commuting during the week, exploring gravel roads on the weekend, and heading out for bikepacking trips without needing a second bike.

It’s not a minimalist race machine, but a practical, do-everything gravel bike designed to go far, carry gear, and handle whatever route you choose.

Canyon Grizl 6 RAW – Specifications:

Frame	Aluminium gravel frame with endurance-oriented geometry
Fork	Full carbon fork with internal routing, flat-mount disc brake standard, 12 mm thru-axle, and mounts for mudguards and cargo cages.
Derailleurs	Shimano GRX RX400 (front and rear), gravel-specific design optimized for chain stability and rough terrain.
Gears	20 – Shimano GRX RX400 46-30T crankset / Shimano 10-speed cassette (wide-range gearing suitable for steep climbs and loaded riding).
Shifters	Shimano GRX RX400 STI, 2×10-speed hydraulic compatible gravel levers.
Brakeset	Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes, flat mount, 160 mm rotors front and rear, offering strong and consistent braking in all conditions.
Handlebars	Canyon aluminium gravel handlebar, 31.8 mm clamp, flared drops for improved control off-road (width varies by frame size).
Rims	DT Swiss Gravel LN aluminium rims, tubeless-ready, 700c.
Hubs	DT Swiss sealed-bearing hubs with 12 mm thru-axles, center-lock disc interface.
Tyres	Schwalbe G-One Bite, 700 × 45c, gravel-focused tread for grip on loose and mixed surfaces.
Weight	Approx. 10.5–11 kg (size M, manufacturer claimed, without pedals).

2. Genesis Vagabond Gravel Adventure Bike

Genesis Vagabond 10 is a gravel bike that leans firmly toward adventure, comfort, and durability rather than speed or racing. Built around a steel frame and fork, it offers a smooth, forgiving ride that really shines on long days, rough gravel, forest tracks, and loaded bikepacking trips.

The geometry is stable and confidence-inspiring, prioritizing control and predictability over aggressive handling, especially when the terrain gets loose or technical.

Its wide tyres and mountain-bike-inspired setup allow it to venture far beyond classic gravel roads, making it equally happy on broken paths and light trails.

The simple 1× drivetrain keeps maintenance low and shifting intuitive, while the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.

With generous clearance, multiple mounting points, and a no-nonsense build, the Vagabond 10 is aimed at riders who want a tough, versatile bike for exploration, commuting, and multi-day trips — a true go-anywhere machine that values practicality and resilience over outright speed.

Genesis Day One 10 – Specs

Frame	Double-butted Mjolnir Chromoly steel frame
Fork	Chromoly gravel fork with 12 mm thru-axle and additional mounting points for luggage or mudguards, designed to absorb bumps and keep steering stable off-road.
Shifters	microSHIFT Sword 1×10 shift lever integrates shifting and brake control for clean cockpit routing and straightforward gear changes.
Brakeset	TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes with a 180 mm rotor at the front and 160 mm at the rear, offering strong, predictable stopping power in all conditions.
Handlebars	Amplitude G120 gravel-style handlebars with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter, giving a confident hand position for long rides and technical terrain.
Rims	Amplitude G120 tubeless-ready rims designed to balance strength and low weight, ready for wide tyres and rough tracks.
Hubs	12 mm thru-axle compatible hubs front and rear with 6-bolt rotor mounts for stiff, reliable wheel engagement.
Tyres	Tubeless-ready Maxxis Ikon tyres with big volume (2.35″) — 27.5″ on smaller sizes and 29″ on medium/large sizes — delivering traction and comfort over loose gravel and trail surfaces.
Weight	Manufacturer doesn’t list an exact figure

3. Specialized Diverge E5 Gravel Bike – Versatile New‑Gen Gravel Explorer

The Specialized Diverge E5 is the refreshed entry‑level gravel bike in Specialized’s 2026 lineup, designed to give riders a balanced blend of comfort, confidence, and capability on everything from paved roads to rough gravel tracks.

For 2026, the Diverge range has adopted more progressive gravel geometry, with a slacker head angle, longer reach, and a longer offset fork that together make the bike feel more stable and controlled on loose terrain without dulling its responsiveness on road surfaces.

This geometry update also maintains a low center of gravity, enhancing handling whether you’re bombing a descent or loaded up for a multi‑day adventure.

Tire clearance has been increased too, allowing up to 47 mm tires on 700c wheels or up to 2.1” on 650b, giving additional traction and comfort over rough ground.

The Diverge E5 keeps riding simple and reliable with a Shimano CUES 2×10 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes that deliver strong stopping power, while the comfortable aluminum frame and FACT carbon fork smooth out chatter and absorb trail feedback.

With plenty of rack and fender mounts built in, this bike is ready for everything from weekend explorations to long‑distance tours — and it brings much of the latest Diverge design philosophy into an accessible price point.

Specialized Diverge E5 Specs:

Frame	Specialized Diverge E5 Premium Aluminum with internal cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket, 12×142 mm rear thru‑axle, flat‑mount disc brakes, and multiple rack and bottle mounts for adventure setup.
Fork	FACT carbon gravel fork with a full carbon steerer, 12×100 mm thru‑axle and flat‑mount disc standards for improved steering precision and reduced weight.
Drivetrain	SpeciShimano CUES 2×10 shifting system with dependable performance across changing terrain.
Gears	2×10 setup with a Shimano CUES crankset and an 11‑39 T cassette, striking a good balance between climbing gears and top‑end range.
Shifters	Shimano CUES integrated shift/brake levers for straightforward, intuitive gear changes.
Brakeset	Shimano CUES hydraulic disc brakes with flat‑mount calipers for reliable stopping power in wet and dry conditions.
Handlebars	Specialized shallow‑drop alloy handlebars with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter, sculpted for comfort on long rides and varied terrain.
Rims	Axis Sport Disc alloy wheels, durable and resilient for mixed‑surface use.
Hubs	Thru‑axle hubs with flat‑mount rotors for strong, stiff wheel engagement.
Tyres	Specialized Pathfinder Wirebead Fast Gravel tyres, 700 × 40 C, offering a balance between efficiency on pavement and grip on dirt or gravel.
Weight	Approx. 10.48 kg (23 lb 1.7 oz) for a size 56cm

4. GT Grade Elite Gravel Bike

The GT Grade Elite is a versatile gravel bike built around GT’s signature Triple Triangle aluminium frame, a design that blends strength and a surprising level of compliance for its price class.

It’s a bike that’s comfortable on longer rides yet lively enough for quick weekend adventures, gravel paths, and mixed‑surface exploring.

The chassis is complemented by a full‑carbon fork that helps smooth out rough terrain and keeps overall weight down, while mechanical disc brakes give straightforward, reliable stopping power in variable weather.

Equipped with a Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain, this bike offers a comfortable range of gears for both gentle climbs and faster road sections, making it a strong all‑round choice for riders new to gravel or those who want a capable, no‑nonsense machine without spending more than you need to.

The 700 × 37 c WTB Riddler tyres strike a balanced blend of grip and rolling speed, and the bike’s flexible design accommodates rack and fender setups for touring or commuting.

In short, the Grade Elite delivers a fun, confidence‑inspiring ride on gravel rides, light adventure tours, and everyday mixed‑terrain cycling — all while staying friendly on the wallet.

GT Grade Elite Specs:

Frame	Triple Triangle aluminium frame with floating seat stays, 12×142 mm rear thru‑axle, flat‑mount disc brake standard, tapered head tube, and multiple bosses for bottles and accessories.
Fork	Full carbon fork with tapered carbon steerer and 12×100 mm thru‑axle, designed to reduce weight and improve front‑end stiffness.
Drivetrain	Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing with front and rear Claris derailleurs for reliable shifting across a wide range of terrain.
Gears	2×8 speed setup with an FSA Tempo Adventure crankset (48/32 T) and a wide‑range 11‑34 T cassette — offering easy climbing gears and versatile road performance.
Shifters	Shimano Claris integrated shift/brake levers for simple, intuitive gear changes.
Brakeset	Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors front and rear — straightforward, solid braking performance when conditions get rough.
Handlebar	GT DropTune RS alloy handlebars with gravel‑friendly flare, providing a stable hand position on technical terrain.
Stem & Headset	GT 3D Forged SL alloy stem with FSA sealed‑bearing headset for smooth steering.
Rims	WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0, 28‑hole tubeless‑ready rims that balance durability with responsiveness.
Hubs	Formula hubset with thru‑axles and 6‑bolt disc interfaces for reliable wheel engagement.
Tyres	WTB Riddler 700×37 c tyres — well‑rounded tread that works on dirt, gravel, and even light pavement.
Saddle & Seatpost	GT Pavement saddle and alloy seatpost — simple but comfortable for longer days in the saddle.

6. Polygon Bend R6 – Adventure‑Ready All‑Terrain Gravel Bike

The Polygon Bend R6 is built to be a do‑everything gravel bike that feels at home on forest tracks, back‑country roads, and long mixed‑surface journeys.

It combines a rugged yet lightweight aluminium frame with a full carbon fork to keep front‑end precision high and weight down — giving you confidence on rough ground and responsiveness on smoother pavement.

The bike’s geometry leans toward stable handling and comfort, so it doesn’t throw you off when the trail gets unpredictable, yet it still pedals efficiently when you’re pushing pace on flat stretches.

A 1×12 SRAM Apex drivetrain delivers a broad range of gears that’s easy to use on climbs, descents, and everything between, while hydraulic disc brakes give strong, reliable stopping power in all conditions.

Wide tubeless‑ready tyres offer grip and comfort over loose surfaces, and plenty of mounts let you add bottles, racks or fenders for touring or bikepacking.

The Bend R6 is a versatile choice for riders who want a capable, long‑distance gravel machine without compromising the everyday usability of a high‑end all‑road bike.

Polygon Bend R6 Specs

Frame	Polygon ALX advanced aluminium gravel frame with 12×142 mm rear thru‑axle
Fork	Full carbon rigid fork with 12×100 mm thru‑axle and flat‑mount disc brake standard for sharp steering and reduced weight.
Drivetrain	SRAM Apex 1×12 drivetrain offers a wide gear spread with simple, intuitive 1x shifting — ideal for varied terrain and fast transitions.
Gears	12‑speed setup with a 38T crank and 10‑44T cassette broad enough for climbing and road cruising alike.
Rear Derailleurs	Shimano 105 RD-R7000-DGS, 11-Speed
Shifters	SRAM Apex 1 hydraulic shift/brake levers — integrated for clean cockpit feel and smooth gear changes.
Brakeset	SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes with flat‑mount calipers provide strong, consistent stopping power in wet or dry conditions.
Handlebars	Alloy drop bars with a gravel‑friendly flare and 31.8 mm clamp diameter — comfortable for long rides and technical terrain.
Stem & Headset	Alloy stem with standard headset bearings for responsive, reliable steering.
Rims	Aluminium double‑wall tubeless‑ready wheels with a ~25 mm inner rim width suited for gravel tyres.
Hubs	Novatec sealed‑bearing hubs with thru‑axle compatibility and center‑lock disc mounting.
Tyres	Maxxis Rambler EXO TR 700×45 c tyres — offering a balance of rolling efficiency and traction on loose surfaces.
Saddle & Seatpost	Comfort‑oriented saddle with alloy seatpost designed to smooth bumps and support long rides.
Weight	10.5 kg to ~11.5 kg range (23.2–25.3 lb)

6. PRIORITY APOLLO GRAVEL

The Priority Apollo is a distinctive take on the gravel bike — combining the ability to handle mixed terrain with a drivetrain that practically eliminates regular maintenance.

Instead of a traditional chain and derailleur setup, it uses a Gates carbon belt and a Shimano Alfine 11‑speed internal gear hub, which delivers a broad gear range without exposed chains, derailleurs, or greasy components to clean after muddy rides.

That means more time riding and less time fixing or tuning. The frame is built from butted 6061‑T6 aluminium for a strong yet lively ride feel, while the full carbon fork keeps weight down and helps smooth out surface chatter.

Mechanical‑actuated hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful, predictable stopping from fast paved roads to gravel fire roads, giving confidence in all conditions.

Tire clearance is sized for tubeless‑ready 700×40 mm tyres (and the frame is 650b compatible), so you can run grippy rubber for rough ground or faster tyres for smoother surfaces.

With its comfortable drop bar setup and gear range that’s right at home on climbs and flats alike, the Apollo is ideal for riders who want a capable all‑terrain bike without the usual drivetrain fuss — whether that’s gravel adventures, daily commuting, or mixed‑surface touring.

Priority Apollo Specs

Frame	Custom butted Ultralight 6061‑T6 aluminium with internal routing, 12×142 mm rear thru‑axle, flat‑mount disc brake mounts, and provisions for bottles and accessories.
Fork	Full carbon tapered fork with 12×100 mm thru‑axle and flat‑mount disc standard for precise steering.
Drivetrain	Shimano Alfine 11‑speed internal gear hub paired with a Gates Carbon Drive belt — low maintenance and wide gear range (≈409 %).
Gears	11 internal hub speeds controlled by bar‑end integrated shifter with intuitive gear selection.
Shifters	Integrated brake/shifter lever on the right hand for a simple cockpit feel.
Brakeset	174HUDSON cable‑actuated semi‑hydraulic disc brakes with strong stopping power in wet or dry conditions.
Handlebars	420 mm drop bars with a moderate flare and 90 mm reach — giving both speed and leverage on varied terrain.
Stem & Headset	Alloy stem (90–100 mm depending on size) and integrated sealed‑bearing headset for smooth steering feel.
Rims & Hubs	WTB i23 ST tubeless‑ready rims with sealed‑bearing hubs and thru‑axles for stable, confident wheel engagement.
Tyres	Tubeless‑ready 700×40 mm tyres (Goodyear Connector Ultimate on the current build) — balanced for grip and rolling efficiency.
Saddle & Seatpost	WTB Volt saddle and carbon fibre seatpost designed for comfort on longer rides.
Weight	Approx. 24 lb (~10.9 kg) for the aluminium model
Sizes	S, M, L, XL — covering riders from approximately 5’2″ to 6’4″ (inseam fit varies by size).

7. Cannondale Topstone 3

Cannondale’s Topstone range is a highly versatile selection of bicycles that sit firmly in the gravel category.

Their svelte lines make an impression of elegance seasoned with a pinch of adventure and are clearly meant to convey tremendously enjoyable riding in all kinds of road and weather conditions.

Designed to be the ultimate combination of road racing and cyclocross bicycles, Topstone bikes can be used equally well as gravel racers, mixed-surface tourers, and all-season commuters.

At any time, with only a few adjustments, you can set up your rig for a camping bike trip, or join a group of roadie friends for an urban cycle.

The big tire clearance allows plenty of room for tires up to 42mm wide, providing sufficient grip and adventurous capability on rough terrain.

Although the front fork does not support any eyelets for cages on either side, it is a beautiful piece of carbon fiber, with a longer-than-usual rake (55mm) for stability and hidden full-fender mounts. It’s a lightweight, high-performance fork – rare on a bike at this price range.

With several frame mounts for convenient water bottle positioning around big frame bags, plus mounts for top tube storage, the Topstone 3 is ready to go for multi-day trips.

Read our Cannondale Topstone Sora Full Review

Cannondale Topstone 3 Specs

Frame	Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru-axle
Fork	Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru axle
Front Derailleur	Shimano Sora GS
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Sora GS
Number of Gears	18
Shifters	Shimano Sora disc, 2×9
Bottom Bracket	Cartridge, square taper
Cassette	Sunrace, 11-34, 9-speed
Chain	KMC X9, 9-speed
Pedals	Resin platform
Brakeset	Promax Decoder R mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors
Handlebars	Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop
Rims	Cannondale GXD 1.0, 28h
Hubs	Full Carbon, 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ steerer, 55mm OutFront offset, flat mount disc, internal routing, 12×100 thru-axle
Spokes	Stainless steel, 14g
Tyres	Vittoria Terreno Dry, 700 x 37c
Saddle	Fizik Aliante Delta, S-Alloy rails
Seatpost	Cannondale 4, 6061 alloy, 27.2 x 350mm
Weight	10kg (approx.)

8. Octane One Gridd Flat Adventure Bike

This exciting and good-looking gravel bike comes from the designers at Octane One, a relatively young brand from Poland. Lightweight, responsive, and dependable, this flat-bar adventure/gravel bike is built with compact and aggressive geometry, while still providing optimal comfort on longer rides.

The choice of components on the Gridd Flat deviates towards the MTB world, featuring a 10-speed MicroSHIFT Advent X drivetrain utilizing an 11-48T rear cassette paired with a single 38T crank.

This low-maintenance gearing setup is more than sufficient for most hills – only the most heavily packed rigs will struggle on extremely steep trails. The Tektro HD275 mechanical disc brakes are an industry standard of decent quality, commonly used on gravel bikes in this price range.

Octane One chose a 6061 aluminum frame for the Gridd Flat and adorned it with sufficient mounts for pannier racks and mudguards – ideal for touring. You also get excellent tire clearance up to 700x43c, leaving you with a powerfully equipped adventure machine ready to go off the beaten track.

This outstanding ride may fall into the entry-level class due to its extraordinarily cheap price, but it’s engineered and equipped to perform way above your expectations of what a gravel bike in this range can achieve.

Octane One Gridd Flat Adventure Bike Specs

Frame	Custom formed and butted 6061 Aluminium frame, 135x10mm dropouts
Fork	Alloy, 15×100, tapered 1-1/8”-1.5”
Shifters	micro shift Advent
Crankset	FSA VERO PRO 1x, 38T
Derailleur	micro shift Advent, 11-48T 10-Speed
Cassette	microShift Advent, 11-48T 10-Speed
Brakes	Tektro HD275 mechanical disc
Rims	Octane One by Shining 700c 32h, Tubeless Ready
Tyres	WTB Riddler 37c

9. Giant Revolt 2

Giant Revolt 2 is an entry-level gravel bike optimized to enjoy back roads and uneven pavements

Among the Giant Revolt range, no less than five Revolt Advanced series are made of Advanced-Grade carbon fiber, while only one model, the Revolt 2, is made of ALUXX Grade Aluminum with a carbon fork.

All Revolt bikes look similar, except for the joints, the seat tube, and, most relevantly, the wheelbase, which is a bit longer in the aluminum version.

Any Giant carbon components (whenever the bike is purchased in the USA) are covered by a two-year manufacturer warranty – previously unheard of in the whole bicycle industry.

Giant Revolt 2 is the ideal bike for beginners or for everyone approaching the gravel world. For a bike so rigid, it turns out exceptionally smooth over rough gravel roads.

It’s a forgiving and cushioned gravel bike without suspension. Supporting fenders and rack mounts, it is also suitable for commuting and short touring.

Most casual, recreational riders will find it can definitely serve as the only bike they need. It’s modern, beautiful, and optimized to motivate first-time cyclists to ride more, allowing them to enjoy all kinds of roads, forget about handling, and focus instead of pedaling.

No worries about the bike being twitchy: the Revolt 2 is super stable and is certainly going to convey a sense of satisfaction to inexperienced riders.

Read our full review of the Giant Revolt 2

Giant Revolt 2 Specs

Frame	ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc, flip chip dropout
Fork	Full composite, OverDrive steerer
Stem	Giant Contact, 8-degree
Brakeset	Tektro MD-C550 mechanical
Derailleurs and Shifters	Shimano Sora 9-speed
Speed	18
Rims	Giant S-X2 Disc wheelset
Tyres	Giant Crosscut AT 2, 700×38
Chainset	FSA Omega Adventure, 32/48
Cassette	Shimano HG500, 11×34

10. Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 Gen 3

The Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 Gen 3 is an aluminum gravel bike designed to tackle a wide variety of terrain — from smooth tarmac to rugged dirt and long bikepacking routes.

Built around Trek’s updated 300 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, it blends strength, compliance, and a modern endurance geometry that keeps you comfortable and confident over long days in the saddle.

A full carbon Checkpoint fork helps smooth out rough surfaces and keeps front‑end steering precise while reducing overall weight.

The updated frame gives plenty of clearance for wide gravel tyres (up to ~50 mm) and includes lots of mounting points for racks, fenders, and bikepacking bags so you can equip it for whatever adventure you have in mind.

With a dependable Shimano CUES 11‑speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, the ALR 4 Gen 3 delivers a reliable mix of performance and simplicity — perfect for riders who want a capable, comfortable gravel machine that’s equally at home on commuting routes, mixed terrain rides, and multi‑day tours.

Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 Gen 3

Frame	300 Series Alpha Aluminum gravel frame with internal cable routing, T47 threaded bottom bracket
Fork	Trek Checkpoint carbon fork with tapered steerer, flat‑mount disc mounts, 12×100 mm front thru‑axle, and rack/fender bosses for cargo setups.
Drivetrain	Shimano CUES 11‑speed shifting with Shimano CUES U6030 derailleurs for robust, reliable gear changes.
Gears	Shimano CUES FCU60301 crankset (40T) matched with a Shimano CUES LG700 11‑50 T cassette — wide range suited to mixed terrain and climbing.
Shifters	Shimano CUES U6030 integrated shift/brake levers for intuitive control.
Brakeset	Shimano CUES hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors (centerlock) for confident stopping power on descents and in varied conditions.
Handlebars	Bontrager Elite Gravel alloy handlebars — gravel‑optimized width and flare for balanced control.
Stem & Headset	Bontrager Elite alloy stem and sealed‑bearing headset for smooth steering.
Wheels & Hubs	Bontrager Paradigm tubeless‑ready alloy rims with sealed‑bearing hubs, centerlock rotor mount, and thru‑axles.
Tyres	Bontrager Girona Pro tubeless‑ready tyres, 700×42 mm (max clearance ~50 mm), with puncture protection for varied surfaces.
Saddle & Seatpost	Bontrager Verse Short Comp saddle with Bontrager alloy seatpost — designed for all‑day comfort.
Weight	Approx 10.40 kg (22.9 lb) for a size ML, a balanced weight for an aluminum gravel bike with hydraulic brakes and 11‑speed gearing.

What is a Gravel Bike?

In between the frenzy and performance-driven worlds of road cycling and cyclocross, sits the more leisurely and versatile category of gravel bikes.

Some say gravel bikes are a mix between the two, but they are actually something more. Happy both on tarmac and on mud, gravel bikes are adventure machines that give up a bit of performance in exchange for comfort and durability.

Disc brakes, fatter tires, eyelets, and mounting points which you won’t find on a road bike make most gravel bicycles ideal machines for the increasingly trendy discipline of bikepacking.

The geometry is more relaxed compared to a race bike. The head tube is often taller and the head angle is slicker for more relaxed steering (less twitchy than a racing bike, less responsive on technical off-road sections than a cyclocross), somehow similar to that of an aggressive touring bike, a world from which gravel designers drew a lot of inspiration.

Another characteristic of many gravel bikes is the longer wheelbase, to makes them more stable both on asphalt and dirt, to provide extra comfort over long distances, and to handle medium-heavy loads for multi-day bikepacking trips.

The bottom bracket will usually be a little lower than a cyclo-cross bike, most have drop bars but flat bars and alternative handlebars like Jones Loop H are becoming a common sight on gravels, giving more space for MTB computers, phone mounts, or GPS navigators.

A sloping top tube offers more stand-over height, which is useful in a get-off, while taller head tubes than what you’d expect to see on a ‘cross’ or race bike allow for greater comfort in a more upright rider position.

The gearing is also pretty unique, while cyclocross requires a narrower gear range (short circuits can’t have big long climbs), gravel riding is done on more varied terrain: steep mountains, flat and smooth tarmac, farm roads, single track… this calls for a much wider choice of gear. The choice is usually towards 2×11 or 1×10, often with the bigger sprocket going up to 36 or even 42T.

Although the initial purpose of gravel bikes is to compete in a cycling discipline called gravel grinding (long races on varied terrain, mostly off the sealed road), their versatility makes them indeed a great solution for multiple cycling pursuits.

They are suitable for all but the fastest of road riding, while the wider tires and wider-range gearing make off-road trails, gravel, and single tracks manageable. When you buy a gravel you get a commuter, a racer, a tourer, and a cross-country all in one – of course with the due compromises.