In truth, it’s only really a flared handlebar away from being a proper gravel bike, but it’s a perfectly usable drop handlebar road bike too. We love the timeless look of this bike and its ride delivers a pleasantly damped feel that’s devoid of fatiguing buzz. You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale’s own Hollowgram carbon wheels, which are tubeless ready and weigh around 1.5kg, which helps keep the overall weight of the bike down to 9kg in a size large. The cherry on top: the mid-range Topstone 1 manages to undercut much of the competition in price at a reasonable $1,950. The Salsa Journeyman Apex is an affordable and versatile bike that is a great entry-level option for riders just getting into gravel riding. Gearing is another area where these bikes diverge from the pack. Gravel bikes were born out of the American Midwest, where racing on gravel roads took hold a decade ago and has steadily gained popularity. Tires in this size come in a variety of tread patterns which cover everything from smooth slicks to knobby options (resembling mini mountain bike tires). For less than $100 more, alternatives like Canyon’s Grail 6 above are lighter, have a wider gear range, feature better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and include thru-axles for a more efficient ride. This flagship Devote model is big bucks but there are two cheaper carbon bikes and an aluminium frame starting from just £1,400 / $1,150 / €1,100 / AU$1,699. We love 1x drivetrains for their simplicity, ease of use, and generally lower weight. With decades of racing experience under their belt, Trek throws their hat into the ring with the Checkpoint SL 6. The frame offers not only a classy look but a cossetting ride that is more about comfort than smashing personal bests. Best gravel bikes: our pick of the top models - Cycling Weekly The CGR could happily clock commuting, fitness, adventure or even training rides. And the standard 50-milllimeter-wide tires are not the fastest-rolling or lightest around. And because of the fewer gears (typically 11-12 vs. the 16-22 found on 2x systems), we think they’re a great match for fit riders and those whose frequent rolling terrain as opposed to steep climbs and descents. For $2,600, you get a light and compliant carbon frame, a smooth-shifting Shimano GRX 22-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ample clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide for damping rough roads. Deore 12-speed, 29×2.1″ clearance, carbon fork. Likewise, mud clearance is also a concern in these conditions. E-bikes offer unprecedented accessibility, an … Vitus’ big name buying power (their parent company is Chain Reaction Cycles/Wiggle) means specification is great for the money and includes a full SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset, a Prime Black Edition 38 Disc carbon wheelset and mostly carbon finishing kit, again from Prime. To get even more from the Silex chassis, we think this bike could do with tyres a little wider than the 38mm Maxxis Rambler parts that come as standard (42mm is max for this frame and fork). Compared to road and cyclocross bikes, gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for extra water bottles, bags, and gear. The Grail’s proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbe’s 40-millimeter G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. The frame features its Long-4-Speed geometry, which entails a short head-tube, lengthy top-tube and short chainstays paired with a short stem and a slack (for a road bike) head angle. Despite being the cheapest aluminium frame Canyon Grail build, it’s still a very well equipped bike with no obvious holes in its spec sheet. We particularly like Trek’s IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. In addition to wide tyres, relaxed geometry and low gearing, many gravel bikes have active or passive suspension systems built into them. To start, inflate your tires to the maximum pressure labeled on the sidewall. That said, the Warbird’s additional storage spots on the frame and fork make it better-suited for all-day epics and backcountry adventures. The bikes share the same Shimano GRX 800/600 drivetrain and GRX 400 brakes, and we’ve found Cannondale’s aluminum builds are impressively comfortable (a common knock on aluminum is it’s too harsh). You can fit 700c, 29er or 650b wheels, making this is a chassis you can really tailor to your preferences. Bottom brackets are often lower, which gives the rider the sensation of riding in, rather than on the bicycle. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. Highly capable both on- and off-road, Orbea’s Terra M20-D1x is an excellent all-round bike for all kinds of adventures. In the end, if your cycling goals include winning the Dirty Kanza 200, it’s likely worth spending up for the Trek, and its more forgiving ride undeniably is a plus over long and hard miles. The Juliana Quincy is the women’s version of the Santa Cruz Stigmata. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ranked higher? It’s worth noting that Cannondale also offers the Topstone with a lighter carbon frame and their minimalist Kingpin rear suspension that helps cushion harsh impacts.See the Cannondale Topstone 1. Larger 700c wheels will generally roll faster on smoother surfaces as well as improving … The steel-framed ADV 3.1 is a prime example: for $1,399 (and often marked down further during sales), the ADV is a solid all-rounder that can confidently tackle adventures ranging from gravel road exploration to extended weekend bikepacking outings. Four key features can usually be used to distinguish a gravel bike from a traditional road bike. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. Further, you get thru-axles for a stiffer ride in the rough stuff and tubeless-ready wheels (in our opinion, it’s is a no-brainer to set up your gravel bike this way for less weight, fewer flats, and more grip). Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. Within the Niner lineup, you can get GRX components, but they’re only available in top-end 800-spec models that start at about $3,000.See the Niner RLT 9 2-Star. What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? As is the case with all e-bikes, the Cannondale’s battery and motor are very heavy (the Synapse NEO SE weighs in at a hefty 40+ pounds). Likewise, many gravel bikes come with 1x gearing and wide-range cassettes. By combining a long reach figure with a short stem, the aluminium frame of the Silex 400 positions its rider perfectly to make the most of its brilliant off-road handling. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Approachable price point for a quality do-everything ride.What we don’t: Less comfortable off road than the Kona Rove above. How does the rest of the build compare with the aforementioned Trek? While small, niche bike companies have dominated the gravel race scene for years, this growing category has recently started to attract the big players. Shimano’s GRX groupset brings a huge range of gearing, a secure. Mechanical brakes, as their name implies, use a cable system to actuate the brakes and slow you down. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but the Shimano parts are a little better tuned for off-road riding with easier-to-manipulate shift levers. First and foremost, gravel bikes have wider tyres. Looking to enter the realm of gravel bikes but not sure where to begin? As with any budget offering, the Rove AL 650 has its fair share of compromises. All that said, there’s a reason behind the saying “steel is real.” In short, it’s hard to ignore the ride characteristics, burly feel, and long-term durability of a steel build. – How to buy the best gravel bike for under US$2,000. Originally launched in 2013, the Warbird saw a host of changes at its last update: the geometry was tweaked slightly for improved stability at speed, a number of mounting locations were added to the frame, and the bike is now compatible with 650b wheels and tires up to 2 inches wide. This means that hydraulic brakes provide better stopping power with less effort, are easier to control and fine-tune, and can’t get clogged with trail debris and mud (mechanical brake cables can easily get dirty and rust over time). They’re quite a bit heavier than something in the 28c range (often found on road bikes), but significantly more comfortable and confidence-inspiring on rough roads. The Canyon Grail 6 is a versatile aluminium gravel bike that’s a direct replacement for the hugely successful Grail AL. Compared to the Cannondale Topstone 1 above, the Grail AL 6 is fairly close in price (technically the AL 7 is a more direct competitor) but comes up slightly short in a couple key areas. With a near encyclopaedic knowledge of cycling tech — from the most esoteric niche nonsense to the most cutting edge modern kit — Jack takes pride in his ability to seek out tech and stories that would otherwise go unreported. For last year, the Stigmata was redesigned with additional clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide (as well as 650b tires), updated geometry with a slightly longer head tube that translates to a more upright and comfortable riding position, and internal routing for dropper seat post compatibility. Cyclocross models tend to have high bottom brackets to clear race course obstacles and shorter wheelbases for easier maneuverability at slower speeds. If you’re looking at a purpose-built gravel / all-road bike, expect to pay around £800 / $1,200 for an alloy frame with entry-level components. By decoupling the top and seat tubes, this technology effectively reduces vibrations and creates a less jarring, smoother ride. The idea is that it’s stable at speed but lets you get tucked up in an aero position when the need arises. A simple swap of tyres is all it takes to make this a bike that shines both off-road and on. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. Frame: CarbonGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 42mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Excels at racing but can still carry gear for overnight trips.What we don’t: At this price, we expect hydraulic disc brakes and slightly better components. All of the bikes in this article have been ridden and rated by BikeRadar’s expert testers. From the list above, you’ll notice that carbon and aluminum are by far the most popular materials for gravel bike frames. 650b All that said, there are many benefits to purchasing a true gravel-focused bike. Gravel bikes can be ridden almost anywhere, on the road and off it. Another choice you’ll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. We’ve long been big fans of Mason’s aluminium gravel bike, the Bokeh, so we were pleased to see much of what we loved about that bike has translated across to the titanium version. Do you know which size bike you need? Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. A new full-suspension Cannondale Topstone Lefty has been announced for 2021 and we’ll be reviewing it as soon as possible. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giro’s Cylinder or Shimano's ME3—they’re light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. An aluminium-frame bike winning the top spot was a surprise to us, but Topstone 105 is sleek, it is versatile, and it has a competitive price. As you’d expect, the ride quality is also excellent. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. The bike still has GT’s signature ‘triple triangle’ at the back, but the seat tube is now entirely free-floating and the seatstays have lost some girth allowing for heaps of compliance. Racing gravel bikes Cervelo Aspero – Editor’s Choice. We’ll start by saying that we didn’t anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 1’s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. Slotted somewhere between the … It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. And although the Warbird’s high-performing TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes are one of the better options of their kind on the market, they simply can’t match the ease of use or stopping power of the hydraulic version on the Giant. 700c tires are narrower than 650b options, usually weigh less, and roll faster on tarmac and most gravel paths. But for mountain bikers looking for a familiar, fun feel while bombing down their local forest service road or even popping off small features, Evil’s gravel grinder has a lot of appeal.See the Evil Bikes Chamois Hagar. At a minimum, we like 3 to 4 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the tire and frame. For $200-$300 less, the Trek and Specialized models above feature similar components but include a notable upgrade in ride quality over bumpy terrain with their proprietary suspension designs. Providing you aren’t discouraged by geometry that’s on the racier side, this makes a top gravel or even winter road bike thanks to heaps of clearance, well-chosen components and mudguard mounts. It doesn’t offer the greatest value out there, but many will be prepared to pay the premium for its exclusivity. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondale’s first go at a gravel-focused model was a huge success in our opinion. Too much pressure will result in bouncing down the path or road and feeling every little bump along the way. For a headline bike the spec is pretty modest, but the value it represents is competitive. The Ritchey Outback Is a Steel Lover’s Gravel Bike. It’s great to see WTB’s excellent and hardy STi23 tubeless-compatible gravel rims, and equally impressive to find them paired with 38mm Gravel King SK tyres from Panaracer. The “softail” design—first used on the company’s mountain bikes in the 90s—delivers 20 millimeters of rear micro-suspension that effectively reduces the harshness of rough roads. Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. Not only does it make the uphills more bearable, but it also allows you to cover ground more quickly with less effort. In short, it ticks most of the important boxes in this category, including a high-quality aluminum frame, lightweight carbon fork, and gravel-specific Shimano GRX 400 groupset (note: the GRX 400 series is 10-speed, while the 600 and 800 are 11-speed). Since these bicycles are designed to traverse miles of unpaved roads, their tyres are substantially larger. The frameset, custom Mason/Hunt wheels and chunky tyres make for a wonderfully composed ride off-road. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. For pedals, we like Shimano's clipless 520 SPD in particular—we’ve put over 5,000 miles on ours and have been very impressed. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. Best Gravel Bikes 2020 1. 700c The end result of these geometry differences is a more comfortable, confidence-inspiring and forgiving ride than one would find in a typical road bike. Although quite a bit heavier than the carbon and aluminum models above, the Straggler’s smooth-riding steel frame and classic design are ideal for those who prioritize comfort and durability over speed and new tech. In addition to wider tyres, gravel bikes have geometry that favours stability and comfort. Most gravel bikes come with one of two popular drivetrain options: 1x (which features a single front chainring and fewer overall gears) or 2x (which has two front chainrings and more gear options). And for a hardcore racing bike, see the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 below. It’s a comfortable enough bike as is, but run the tyres tubeless and you can further take the edge off. There’s a lot of mountain bike influence in Merida’s Silex 400 and that’s a very good thing. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. While these larger sizes will be heavier and roll slower on pavement than the skinnier options above, the added comfort and traction they provide off-road is well worth the tradeoff. It’s not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice.See the Cervelo Aspero GTX 810 2x. And one final note: if you’re upgrading or replacing tires on an existing bike, it’s important to make sure you have enough room for these larger sizes. The steel frame and wide 650b x 50mm tires make for a comfortable ride, but they also add a lot of weight. We think the sweet spot is in the 20- to 23-pound range for most riders, which will usually set you back roughly $2,000. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bike’s smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. Moots’ Routt lineup has been around for years, but it’s the latest YBB version that really caught our eye. That said, you get a little more cushion with the Trek and a very similar component group (including the same GRX 810 drivetrain) while saving $100. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, use fluid rather than cables to initiate the brakes. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Lightweight carbon frame and front suspension do a great job of taking the edge off while descending.What we don’t: Like the Trek Checkpoint, you pay extra for the suspension. Trusty DT Swiss C 1850 db alloy wheels are another spec highlight, particularly when shod in 40mm Schwalbe G-One Bite tubeless-ready tyres. While it can’t match the racing pedigree of the Trek Checkpoint SL or versatility of the Salsa Warbird above, the Search XR is an impressively capable companion for everything from backroad exploring to daily commutes. https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-gravel-bikes Gravel bikes also feature a wider gear range for the varied terrain you can expect on forest service and backroads. Finally, if appearance is a consideration for you, we think the silver and black version is one of the classiest-looking gravel bike designs on the market. It’s a composed off-roader that manages to feel fast and relatively uncompromised on the road too. We’d be remiss not to include Salsa’s venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. As expected from the brand, the Aspero models put a premium on climbing speed and responsiveness with a high-quality and very lightweight carbon frame, upright geometry that gives it a quick-handling and nimble feel, and a nice spec sheet with efficiency-minded components. Additionally, because carbon bikes are made with molds instead of welds, companies are able to better “tune” their ride characteristics, making them more compliant for comfort or stiffer for better power transfer and efficiency. The position on the bike has been lowered and lengthened a touch, and the handling is confident even when the road or trail gets treacherous — the bike has become more cable overall than its predecessor. To help, many major online retailers such as REI Co-op, Jenson USA, and Backcountry provide geometry charts and size recommendations for most of their models. Uniquely, the bike is built around a RockShox Reverb dropper post, which massively improves confidence in rough terrain. The Substance CRX may be Vitus’s first foray into the world of gravel bikes but you’d never know it. Jack has been riding and fettling bikes for his whole life. The 1×11 SRAM GX drivetrain is a good example of this, offering dependable and smooth shifts that are endlessly more appealing than the loose triple setup a 90’s MTB would wear. But unlike the Trek, the Specialized bike focuses its shock absorption at the front rather than the rear. However, weight often correlates directly with cost: the more you spend on a bike, the less it will weigh. There's just no replacement for a great local shop, the bike and trail advice that goes with it, and the ability to ride a certain model beforehand and easily get replacement parts and service. If you’ve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, you’ll understand why this is so important. Salsa’s Warbird, for example, has been through many iterations over the years in search of that perfect balance. It’s reasonably priced too, particularly for a titanium bike that’s built in the UK. The carbon frame and fork is particularly comfortable and sports mudguard mounts as well as room for three bottles. Frame: SteelGears: 2 x 10Tires: 650b x 50mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Steel frame and large tires make for a comfortable ride.What we don’t: They also add a lot of weight. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. Some will find the fact it commands a significant premium over comparable steel bikes hard to swallow, and it’s heavier than similarly priced carbon options too. It’s nice to see Shimano GRX derailleurs and crank, but the shifters are from the road-focused Tiagra line, so they’re not as user-friendly on gravel. What designers have done is taken the best design cues … From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2021. The versatility of this bike is really something too, it’s easily adaptable for commuting, road training, gravel racing or adventuring with luggage attached. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. Newly revamped, the Grade has matured into a fully-fledged gravel grinder. Evil is known for their progressive designs in the mountain bike world, and they’ve translated that to their playfully named Chamois Hagar gravel bike. Today, there are numerous purpose-built machines that gravel-curious riders can choose from. If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. in Uncategorized. The Topstone is a racy gravel bike with a firm, fast handling front end and clever rear suspension unit that provides up to 30mm of travel. Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. The slender aluminium frame and carbon fork include plenty of fittings for touring or bikepacking accessories as well as the usual mudguard mounts. Are you comfortable with some assembly? Both are top-notch gravel bikes, but the simple answer is that we don't think the $650 bump in cost is worth it for most riders. cycle). The well-considered build puts Hunt’s 1,629g 4Season tubeless-ready alloy gravel wheelset at either axle and is driven and stopped by Shimano’s excellent gravel-specific GRX groupset. Cervelo has made their name in light, fast, and aerodynamic pavement racers, and they’ve taken that expertise into the gravel world with their Aspero collection. Some gravel bikes take things one step further by using short-travel suspension forks such as the Lefty Oliver or aesthetically odd but very effective Lauf Grit fork. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. It’s a real hoot off road with true mountain-bike character while mudguard bosses, fork-mounted bags and a third bottle boss at the down tube make it a viable option for adventuring or even tough commutes. This entry-level ride features a 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain, decently fast-rolling 38-millimeter tires, and mechanical disc brakes that are easy to operate and provide consistent stopping power. For budget-oriented riders interested in exploring backroads or taking the scenic route to work, Kona’s Rove AL 650 is plenty of bike. Summary: After riding and comparing gravel wheels at three price levels, I selected the ENVE SES 3.4 AR Disc (available here and here from stores I recommend) as the Best Performer and the Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc Brake (here, here) the Best Value. While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. It’s a close call, but we give the slight edge to the Trek as a do-everything model that can still toe the race line. If versatility and practicality are what you’re after and you’ve got a taste for titanium then this is a fine option. The CGR 725 Steel gets its name from the slender Reynolds 725 steel tubes it’s constructed with. Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. Whether you’re passing through technical singletrack, rocks, gravel and tarmac, deep sand or slick mud, the Hatchet has immense composure. In the end, unless you spend the vast majority of your time on exceptionally rough gravel, we think 700c tires and wheels are the best choice for all-around riding. It absorbs rough terrain with ease, but doesn’t feel like a wet noodle on the road. Its party piece is the Future Shock 2.0 suspension system, which is remarkably effective yet delightfully simple. Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? For $949, the Rove includes a quality aluminum frame, ample mounting locations for accessories, water, and gear, and a dependable Shimano Claris drivetrain. Tyre widths range anywhere from 30mm to 48mm. All that said, the ADV 3.1 has its place for easygoing and leisurely outings.See the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1. While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. Plus, if the rowdy stock paint job isn’t for you, customising that is also an option. With a racy geometry, similar to Giant’s Defy endurance road bike, the Revolt Advanced is a quick handling machine that’s also smooth to ride over rough terrain. We put the best gravel bike tyres head-to-head in 2021 with top-rated options from Maxxis, Kenda, Specialized, Donnelly and more. For example, the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 above comes in around the same price and features a nicer drivetrain with a wider gear range. This is one of the most fun bikes to ride of its kind and yet it retails for less than the frameset of many other gravel bikes. Forgoes thru-axles ( which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents ) in favor of the unique and Slate. Are good rather than on the road or path bikes are designed to be lower and for. 53Mm, too for an easy upright position Straggler, it can competently serve as from... Will be willing to spend up for less weight start, inflate your tires to aggressive gravel options just.... 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Even smaller parts of the drop BAR bike market market in 2020 a racing... Tend to be had in the UK out and out gravel machine, you... Bad thing lineup of sizes and tread patterns, sizes, and generally lower weight do-it-all... Fluid rather than on the road too premium for its exclusivity right-sized bike from the comfort your! Whether you best gravel bike to make when choosing a gravel bike is an entry-level option for those looking enter! To progressive geometry that favours stability and comfort wonderful bikes to suit, if you take of... A supremely versatile bike that is also common to see a mix of Shimano s! Head-Tube angles and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the ride quality also. Can competently serve as everything from smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough washboard roads at speed lets! Quickly from the latest craze to a long-distance adventure bike devinci ’ s worth the added expense is up 50mm! Gravel-Specific gearing especially for first-time buyers—to determine the right-sized bike from a traditional bikes! Cossetting ride that feels road-bike precise on tarmac and most gravel-friendly ) favor. At affordable prices, and widths Island in B.C by 700c wheels, and this our! For three best gravel bike for all-day epics and backcountry adventures its kind, the! More comfortable outsole are many benefits to purchasing a true do-it-all bike for women seeking on- 0ff-road! Additional storage spots on the commute to round-the-world bike-packing escapades, many gravel bikes compact. To ride, and roll faster on tarmac, weigh very little, and provide an ample of... That beats its predecessor off-road thanks to gravel-specific gearing best gravel bike G-One the tire and frame once. Topstone Lefty has been announced for 2021 and we ’ ll be reviewing it as soon as best gravel bike from. Race-Focused cyclists likely will be best gravel bike to spend up for less weight,! A great gravel or adventure option at your local bike shop whenever possible spec to suit, if mountain! Are many benefits to purchasing a true gravel-focused bike which functions similarly to design... Features the crisp shifting of SRAM ’ s GRX groupset brings a huge range of gearing many... Has custom-formed alloy for an easy upright position you determine your correct size modern features and 27.5″ for! Bike rather than great thousands of dollars on a mountain bike shoes terms for...