Gravel bikes are considered to be the newest cycling revolution and one of the fastest-growing trends in the sport. So, let’s see what the best gravel bikes on the market are.
But first, what exactly is a gravel bike? And do we actually need it with all the other types of bikes out there?
Contents
- What Is a Gravel Bike?
- Is Gravel Good on the Road?
- Best Gravel Bikes for Beginners
- 1. Co-op Cycles ADV 2.3
- Best Gravel Bikes for Training Rides
- 2. Cannondale Topstone 4
- 3. Rocky Mountain Solo Alloy 30
- 4. Salsa Journeyer Apex 1
- Best Gravel Bikes for Racing
- 5. Niner RLT RDO 4-Star
- 6. Specialized Diverge Comp E5
- 7. State Bicycles All Road
- Best Gravel Bikes for Recreational Riders
- 8. Diamondback Haanjo 3
- 9. State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label All-Road
- 10. Ibis Hakka MX
- Best Gravel Bikes for Bikepacking
- 11. Salsa Warbird GRX
- Best Electric Gravel Bikes
- 12. Trek Domane+ SLR 6 AXS
- 13. Salsa Tributary Apex 1
- Gravel Bikes vs. CX, MTB, Road and Hybrid
- Best Frame Materials
- Number of Gears
- Do Best Gravel Bikes Have 650b or 700c Wheels?
- Perfect Tire Width
- Best Air Pressure for Gravel Bikes
- Why You Should Buy a Gravel Bike?
What Is a Gravel Bike?
Simply speaking, gravel bikes are a blend between road, mountain, and cyclocross bikes. Best gravel bikes combine the best features of these three types into one extremely versatile category. They allow you to ride on dirt, mud, asphalt, and gravel (of course). So they basically impose no limits when it comes to terrain.
Gravel bikes are characterized by drop handlebars seen on road bikes, wide tire clearance for tires that can be as wide as those on mountain bikes, low bottom brackets, and a more upright geometry. They have the quick handling of a cyclocross bike and the stability of a touring bike.
Is Gravel Good on the Road?
Gravel bikes are good on the road as well. They are not strictly meant for riding off-road and can be a good alternative to hybrid bikes. They are more oriented towards off-road rides, but they perform well on asphalt as well.
Nothing can beat a road bike on the road, but the best gravel bikes out there are not that much slower, so the average speed is not a deal-breaker. The GCN show actually made a good comparison video of the two, concluding that gravel bikes are just a couple of percent slower in the same conditions.
Related: Gravel Bikes vs Road Bikes
If you’re racing, that’s a big deal; but if you’re a recreational rider, the benefits far outweigh those several seconds/minutes lost.
Check out the best gravel bikes of 2024 below!
Jump to the Following Categories
Beginners – Training – Racing – For Enthusiasts – Bikepacking – Electric
Best Gravel Bikes for Beginners
We know that $1,000 is not considered cheap, but looking for the best gravel bikes under $500 will yield you no results, as there are no decent contenders out there.
Gravel bikes use plenty of technology to provide you with maximum reliability and the development process is thus longer. That comes at a high price. Even looking for the best gravel bikes under $1,000 would put you in a tight spot.
However, you can still get a feel for gravel riding without taking a loan from the bank by considering the best budget gravel bikes.
Below are the best gravel bikes of 2024 that you can get right now, in our opinion, starting with the budget category.
1. Co-op Cycles ADV 2.3
Best Gravel Bike for Beginners
MSRP $2,499 on REI.com
In the first position, we have a fantastic cheap bike that you should definitely shortlist if you want to try gravel.
The ADV 2.3 is built with a durable 6061 T6 aluminum frame and carbon fork, which is a common choice of materials for gravel bikes in this price range. It’s combined with a Shimano GRX 1×11-speed drivetrain, which offers decent performance at this price.
This bike doesn’t come with any accessories, but it has numerous eyelets that you can use to attach bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack. Therefore, you can use it for multi-day tours and bikepacking trips.
The ADV 2.3 is definitely the proof that gravel bikes can look good and do well when ridden hard.
The Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes perform well both in dry and wet weather and are easy to maintain. If you have any problems and you’re far from home or your local bike shop, you can fix them yourself more easily.
The aluminum 700c tubeless-ready rims and 40mm WTB Nano tires are made for gravel. This is a proper gravel rubber that will allow you to ride on hard-packed and loose surfaces.
All in all, this is a very good choice for anyone without a very deep pocket, but with a deep desire to explore gravel roads around their area. The Co-op Cycles ADV 2.3 is a well-equipped gravel rig that’s hard to pass.
Best Gravel Bikes for Training Rides
2. Cannondale Topstone 4
Best Alloy Frame for Bikepacking
MSRP $1,175 on REI.com
The Cannondale Topstone 4 is a unique gravel bike that is expressly rising in popularity. It comes with a lightweight alloy frame and carbon fork, combined with an efficient 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain that’s ideal for gravel riding.
The Topstone 4 has other features as well that make it an excellent gravel bike. Apart from the SmartForm C2 frame, it also comes with an efficiency-focused gravel geometry that will allow you to ride for hours and maintain control on rough terrain. The front triangle has mounts for three water bottles, or you can fit multiple frame bags to carry all of your supplies.
When it comes to the components, the Topstone 4 does not disappoint. It comes with an 11-48T cassette and a 40T crankset, which will make climbing most hills a breeze.
Descending is fun too, thanks to mechanical disc brakes that’ll stop you on command whenever you need it.
The Topstone 4 also comes with WTB Riddler Comp, 700c x 37 mm tires, which is the right width to combine rides on paved and unpaved roads.
So, if you want a bike with a modern frame that’s light and stiff, equipped with quality components, and has an eye-catching paint job, you’re in for a treat with the Cannondale Topstone 4 gravel grinder. It’s easily one of the best gravel bikes below $1,500 on this list.
3. Rocky Mountain Solo Alloy 30
Best-Looking Aluminum Gravel Bike
MSRP $1,699 on Jenson USA
Cycling is not a cheap sport, but it does not have to be expensive either. You can enjoy the beauty of gravel riding and see what all the fuss is about at a reasonably low price with the Rocky Mountain Solo Alloy 30.
Rocky Mountain has built the Solo Alloy model around a lightweight aluminum frame with a stiff carbon fork. This is a popular combination of materials for gravel rigs because of the comfort and durability it provides.
This model not only performs well on tough terrain but also looks good. The forest green paint job with a blend of light and dark tones makes it look attractive and mean at the same time, so you know it means business the moment you see it.
You can ride the Rocky Mountain Solo anyway you want and anywhere you want. Go on off-road trips and adventures? Check! Commute on all types of roads? Check! Complete gravel events? Check!
The set of components that this bike sports also tells you that it is more than capable of doing what it is intended to do. It comes with a SRAM Apex 11-speed drivetrain with a clutch and an 11-42T cassette ideal for steep roads. You’ll stop by using mechanical disc brakes, which are reliable and strong.
The Rocky Mountain Solo comes with 700C x 40 mm tires, which is ideal for riding both paved and unpaved roads.
These are all good reasons why any gravel beginner, enthusiast, or adventurer should not hesitate to add this Rocky Mountain gravel model to their collection.
4. Salsa Journeyer Apex 1
Best Gravel Bike With Aluminum Frame
MSRP $1,799 on REI.com
Salsa is well-known for its bikes, that suit a huge variety of riders. However, they were not immune to the gravel craze, and we’re very happy because of that! One of their newest creations is called Salsa Journeyer. It’s excellent both for beginners and for experienced riders.
This bike is made to feel comfortable on any terrain, including gravel, dirt, single tracks, and anything else that comes to your mind.
If you come closer and look at the drivetrain, you will notice SRAM Apex 1 components all around. It offers 11 gears with a 40T crankset and an 11-42T cassette.
The package also includes reliable Tektro mechanical disc brakes with brake levers from the same groupset.
Salsa Journeyer offers exceptional value for money reflected in the components and overall build, and is made to spend its lifetime on dirt and gravel roads.
This Salsa model rolls on 700c x38mm wheels, and Teravail Washburn tires that have a discreet tread that grips well.
If you want a bike that can do anything you ask from it when you get off the beaten path, you should not hesitate to invest in a Salsa Journeyer Apex 1!
Best Gravel Bikes for Racing
5. Niner RLT RDO 4-Star
Best for Proper Racing
MSRP $4,499 on Jenson USA
The Niner RLT RDO 4-Star is perhaps one of the most authentic gravel bikes out there. What makes it one of the best is the bang-for-the-buck ratio you get when you buy it! This bike isn’t cheap, but rest assured that it will deliver a powerful punch when you’re out and about, conquering loose gravel roads.
Related: Niner RLT 9 Series Overview
This time around we’re reviewing the RLT RDO 4-Star, which has some interesting features. These make it ideal for adventures into the wild where ease of maintenance is an important factor, as well as for top-level racing.
This Niner RLT RDO is equipped with a Shimano GRX800 groupset. This is an off-road-ready setup that is known to provide the best value for money in Shimano’s high-end hierarchy.
The Niner RLT RDO 4-Star is built around an aerodynamic and stylish carbon frame with endurance geometry which means this bike is ready for tough and long gravel events.
The 11-speed drivetrain definitely has enough gears, so you can ride the entirety of the route—no need to hike on your rides! The same goes for downhill sections, thanks to the Shimano GRX800 hydraulic disc brakes. They are a good choice on gravel bikes because they provide the best and most precise stopping power.
We also love Schwalbe G-One Allround EVO Super Terrain 700 x 45mm tires that simply do not make compromises with any obstacles on gravel roads!
If you are willing to spend a bit more on a gravel bike and experience everything gravel riding has to offer, then this Niner bike is the one for you.
6. Specialized Diverge Comp E5
Best Alloy Racing Gravel Bike
MSRP $2,500
The second gravel bike on our list is the Specialized Diverge Comp E5. It’s a bike that can’t really be called affordable, but it’s definitely worth the money to the right rider. It’s built for gravel and dirt roads, which is where it excels.
For this price, you will get a premium triple-butted alloy frame and a full carbon fork with internal cable routing, thru-axles, multiple frame mounts, and plenty of room for frame bags. Therefore, you can load the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 to the brim and stay on the road for months.
You can ride and take Specialized Diverge Comp E5 whichever direction your imagination takes you and this machine will just beg for more.
You can have these adventures on the most unforgiving terrains, thanks to a wide tire clearance and the ability to fit 700c x 47mm or 650b x 2.1″ tires. The stock model already comes with 700c x 38mm tires, so you can only go up from there.
When it comes to the drivetrain, the Diverge Comp E5 is built with SRAM Apex 1 components. It has a 11-42T cassette, and a 40T crankset. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes also carry the SRAM Apex logo.
The Specialized Diverge Comp E5 is the ideal companion for any gravel enthusiast who loves solo rides, group rides, and long gravel events.
7. State Bicycles All Road
Best Value Gravel Bike
MSRP $1,999 on State Bicycle Co
Road riding is still very popular but road cyclists are slowly discovering a completely new universe hidden behind the edge of the paved roads. If you are one of those, we recommend looking into the State Bicycle 4130 All Road.
The frame and forks of the 4130 All-Road are a Chromoly steel setup and it although slightly heavier than aluminum makes up for it in comfort and its ability to be super robust.
The State All Road is excellently priced and it will break the boundaries you have set for yourself regarding where you can and can’t ride thanks to its clever geometry and capable components.
This bike on the surface looks like a simple steel gravel bike but this bike has a top of the line 12 speed SRAM Rival 12 speed electronic wireless groupset. This is silky smooth electronic shifting and built for gravel and road riding. It will get you up steep hills easily and down steep hills quickly.
The brakes are SRAM’s hydraulic brakes, controlled by Rival brake levers and operating on large rotors.
You have a choice of two wheelsets here, you can have a 700c set with 38c tires or you can have 650b with 2.1″ MTB tires depending on what riding you’re planning for this bike.
Definitely consider the 4130 All-Road if you want to get a taste of that sweet gravel dust everybody is talking about! It’s one of the best gravel bikes around $2,000 we could find.
Best Gravel Bikes for Recreational Riders
8. Diamondback Haanjo 3
Best Road Gravel Specific
MSRP $1,300 on REI.com
Gravel riding is becoming popular among both male and female riders. There are no rules regarding whom you can come across at a local gravel road. That’s why here we have one of the best-value gravel bikes called the Diamondback Haanjo 3.
The Haanjo 3 is a quality mid-range gravel bike with a decent set of components ideal for enthusiasts and those who aim to ride more seriously than before.
This bike comes with a geometry that’s suitable for spending the entire day in the saddle, crushing previous PRs. It has a steep head tube angle that will put you in a relaxed, upright riding position making it very comfortable.
The Diamondback invites any serious rider to hop on its aluminum frame coupled with a lightweight carbon fork. This setup provides a comfortable and responsive ride that limits vibrations and acts well in most riding conditions.
This Haanjo model comes with a MicroSHIFT Advent X drivetrain that puts 10 speeds at your disposal with an 11-48T cassette and a 1x 40T crankset. Therefore, you can comfortably ride it on flats, hills, and descents, without worrying that you will end up being short of gears.
We should also mention the mechanical disc brakes that will fill you with confidence. The Diamondback 28h aluminum double-wall 700c wheelset comes complete with WTB Riddler Comp 37c tires. They’re not as wide as you can get on some other bikes, but they are wide enough to feel comfortable and confident on your rides.
If you’re looking for a reliable, capable, and good-looking unisex gravel bike, we recommend the Haanjo 3!
Buy on Diamondback.com Buy from REI
9. State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label All-Road
Best Adventure Gravel Bike
MSRP $1,399 on State Bikes
State Bicycle Co. has been sticking to making exquisite adventure bikes for a long time, and they have gotten very good at it. The Black Label All-Road is an excellent example of an amazing gravel bike.
It costs $1,400, which makes it a low- to mid-range option, but it offers some great value in components. It features a low, long, and slack frame and a gravel-specific carbon fork with full internal cable routing, plenty of frame and fork mounts, and large tire clearance.
It’s got excellent geometry for long days out on the bike and is perfect for bikepacking trips and adventure riding also.
The State Bicycle Co. Black Label All-Road is a unique gravel machine that has everything it takes to make your gravel rides smoother, longer, and faster than ever before.
The Black Label gravel bike has a 1×11 speed groupset made by themselves, which is excellent. Within the package is also a pair of State’s disc brakes which will give you the ever-needed confidence when cornering and descending on gravel.
To round everything up, this attractive Matte Olive model rolls on either 700c or 650b wheels depending on what you want on the bike. The 700c comes with 38c tires and the 650b comes with 47c tires.
If you want something epic on the gravel roads you frequent, this gravel bike is what you need. With it, you get the best features from the road, mountain, and cyclocross world at a very reasonable price.
10. Ibis Hakka MX
Flagship Carbon Gravel Racer
MSRP $3,699
Have you ever thought about what would it take to take that detour and see what’s at the end of that tempting gravel road? Ibis Hakka MX is probably the answer!
This bad boy is all-carbon and lets you customize it any way you want in order to end up with the perfect ride for your needs. The stock option is just breathtaking. The carbon frame and fork are available in two colors and are very lightweight.
One of the things that make Ibis Hakka MX stand out from most other gravel bikes out there is that it comes with new SRAM Apex 12-speed components that shift gears quickly and smoothly.
You also get SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors that will easily stop you on a dime. The wheelset comes with thru axles and a tubeless ready setup.
Ibis Hakka MX is a highly versatile and customizable gravel bike that can suit different types of top-tier riders with a tunnel vision of podium finishes.
The Ibis Hakka MX has plenty of tire clearance, so you can fit wide tires that can take the power from the high-end drivetrain. The stock tires it comes with are the Maxxis Rambler 700x40m.
If you’re looking to get the best of the best and become the best of the best, the Ibis Hakka MX is the right answer!
Best Gravel Bikes for Bikepacking
11. Salsa Warbird GRX
Best Gravel Bike for Bikepacking
MSRP $4,599 on REI.com
Riding gravel does not only mean riding as fast as you can on a terrain that will punish every single mistake that you make. Riding gravel also means enjoying the outdoors, exploring what nature has to offer, and even taking the shorter route to make your commute faster.
Salsa Warbird GRX is the best gravel bike for bikepacking. It’s one of the most exciting bikes on this list that offers plenty of value for the money you spend.
It’s built around a carbon frame and fork keep the weight down and improve stiffness and performance.
Gravel riding is not intended just for adrenaline junkies. Those who seek comfort can enjoy it as well. That’s one of the reasons the Warbird has 700C tires that are 42mm wide! They offer a wide and stable contact surface for maximum confidence on any terrain.
The Warbird is an ideal choice for adventurers and bikepackers as it has dependable components, mounts for three water bottles, and room for frame bags.
Salsa didn’t skimp on components either when it comes to this bike. The Shimano GRX 810 2×11-speed drivetrain has an 11-34T cassette and a 46/30T crankset which will give you a good gear range for climbing and pedaling all day long.
This bike also features powerful and precise GRX 810 hydraulic disc brakes that will not let you down any time you need to slow down or come to a stop.
Get it if you want to commute, travel, or simply explore local gravel roads.
Best Electric Gravel Bikes
12. Trek Domane+ SLR 6 AXS
MSRP $9,000 on Trekbikes.com
Trek Domane+ SLR 6 AXS is a dream come true for any gravel enthusiast and bike lover. In terms of the components and electronic parts, this is one of the best gravel electric bikes Trek makes.
It’s a Class 3 ebike with a 28 mph top pedal assist speed provided by a TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm and 250W mid-drive motor that’s light, compact, and difficult to spot at first. The same goes for the 360Wh battery neatly hidden inside the downtube. You can expect around 60 miles of range in Eco mode.
The best thing about the Domane+ SLR 6 AXS is that it is actually gravel ready. You can ride it over the chunkiest gravel without any worries thanks to its 40 mm tires and IsoSpeed frame technology.
The specs include a SRAM Rival eTap AXS 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, which is the best bike componentry you can get your hands on today.
The 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame and fork bring the weight down to just 27.78 lb, which is really impressive for an electric bicycle. They also feature fully integrated cables, which goes for the cockpit as well, achieving a neat look and great aerodynamics.
So if you want one of the best electric gravel bikes on the market and you’re willing to pay big bucks for it, you can’t go wrong with Trek Domane+ SLR 6 AXS.
13. Salsa Tributary Apex 1
Best Electric Gravel Bike
MSRP $6,499 on REI.com
If you do not want the fun to end when you run out of power, the Salsa Tributary is the type of bike you need. It will not get intimidated by any type of terrain you send it along because it comes equipped with everything it needs to tackle different obstacles. Plus, it has a motor and a battery that will help you ride past your physical limitations.
First of all, it has an incredible aluminum frame with gravel-specific geometry. It puts you in an upright position and gives you the ultimate control over the bike.
The Tributary is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W mid-drive motor that will assist you up to 28 mph. The 625 Wh integrated battery gives you a decent range and is completely concealed inside the down tube.
The full SRAM Apex Eagle drivetrain can definitely handle every obstacle. With a 1×12 drivetrain, you won’t have an excuse to avoid any hill you come across. The same goes for downhills, thanks to SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes.
The Salsa Tributary is a seriously capable electric gravel bicycle designed for the roughest of conditions, fast gravel events, and long explorative rides.
This bike also comes with Teravail Ehline 29 x 2.3 in tires. They’re mounted on light and durable WTB tubeless-ready rims, so you have everything you need to go fast and strong.
All things considered, this is the perfect bike for anyone who wants to ride gravel seriously despite dealing with injuries or old age.
Gravel Bikes vs. CX, MTB, Road and Hybrid
Many people already have a bike (or two, or three!) and are wondering why they would need a gravel bike as well. How do these bikes perform compared to other popular types of bicycles such as cyclocross, MTB, road, and hybrid?
Let compare the best gravel bikes to these four popular categories and see how they are similar to and different from each other.
Gravel Bikes vs. Cyclocross Bikes (CX)
To a layman, gravel and cyclocross bikes (CX) look pretty much the same.
However, an experienced rider would spot the differences and definitely feel them when they start riding.
The biggest difference is related to geometry. Gravel bikes are made for long and exhausting rides that should be comfortable. On the other hand, cyclocross bikes are intended for shorter and faster events, so comfort is not of such big importance.
A gravel bike usually has a lower bottom bracket, slacker seat tube, and head tube angle, a longer wheelbase, and longer chainstays.
Gravel bikes also have more gears and wider tire clearance, both of which make them more practical on longer rides. Finally, gravel bikes have plenty of mounts that you can use to attach numerous accessories, which you do not need in a cyclocross event.
Read more: Gravel vs. Cyclocross Bikes
Gravel Bike vs. Mountain Bike
Both gravel bikes and mountain bikes perform well off-road.
However, that’s where their similarities end. Gravel bikes can also be comfortably ridden on roads. They are slower than road bikes, but not significantly. On the other hand, mountain bikes are very slow and impractical on paved roads.
Moreover, a gravel bike usually has drop bars whereas mountain bikes have flat bars. This makes gravel bikes more suitable for longer rides because of different types of grips.
Mountain bikes usually come with front or both front and rear suspension, which is not the case with gravel bikes. Some recent models have short travel suspension that eliminates some vibrations, but it is not as sophisticated as that seen on mountain bikes.
Finally, the best pedals for gravel bikes are the same that are used on mountain bikes. The same goes for the best gravel bike shoes. Both types commonly use SPD equipment.
All in all, gravel bikes are much more versatile than mountain bikes, but mountain bikes can tackle much more extreme terrain.
Gravel Bike vs. Road Bike
Gravel and road bikes appear to be very similar.
After all, gravel bikes were partially modeled after road bikes, but with a twist that makes them great on loose and rugged terrain.
Both gravel and road bikes have drop bars, but gravel machines have a more relaxed geometry. The head tube is usually taller and the head tube angle has more slack.
Many road bikes come with rim brakes (though that is changing), but all gravel bikes come with disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical). This makes them more suitable for riding in wet and extreme conditions.
Other big differences include bigger tires on gravel bikes and more mount points. All of this makes gravel bikes more versatile, whereas road bikes only perform well on perfectly smooth roads.
Read More: Gravel Bikes vs. Road Bikes
Gravel Bike vs. Hybrid Bike
No, gravel bikes are not the same as hybrid bikes.
Even though hybrid bikes can do well on both paved and unpaved surfaces, they’re not nearly as capable as gravel two-wheelers. Even the best cheap gravel bike will be able to do more than a hybrid.
Hybrid bikes usually have flat bars, whereas gravel bikes have drop bards. Moreover, gravel models have much wider tires compared to hybrids. They’re sometimes as wide as those on mountain bikes.
Even though hybrid bikes can go both on and off-road, they usually do well on road. However, the contrary is true for gravel bikes. Therefore, the two are definitely not the same.
Best Frame Materials
The majority of gravel bikes are built around aluminum or carbon frames, as you can see from our list of the best gravel bikes below. However, there are some models with steel or even titanium frames as well.
Each material has its pros and cons. Carbon, of course, is the best choice performance-wise, as it is incredibly light and stiff. That makes it the favorite choice for gravel racing bikes. However, the best carbon gravel bikes are more expensive than other types.
Learn more: Bike Frame Materials Explained
On the other hand, aluminum provides the best ratio between money and value. Modern alloys are almost as light as carbon but cost significantly less. The majority of the best gravel bikes under $1,500 have aluminum frames.
You can usually get a bike with the same components for several hundred dollars less if you choose an aluminum frame.
Steel is often seen on the best budget gravel bikes, but sometimes even high-end bikes are made with it.
Therefore, if you are not a performance cyclist and you’re not chasing marginal gains by shedding every gram off your bike, we recommend going for aluminum. It will give you the best bang for your buck.
Number of Gears
Gravel bikes usually come with either 1x or 2x drivetrains. That means they have one or two chainrings in the front and more or fewer gears overall.
The correct drivetrain type and the number of gears depend on your riding preferences. 1x setups are easier to use because of just one derailleur, which also makes them simpler and cheaper to maintain. However, they come with a smaller gear range that’s suitable for moderate rolling hills. Depending on the class, you’ll get a 1×10, 1×11, or a 1×12 setup.
2x drivetrains are a bit heavier, but they give you a lot more gears. They are often seen on the best affordable gravel bikes and have between 16 and 22 gears, so they are an excellent choice for big climbs and big descents.
You win some and lose some with either of the two options, so consider the pros and cons and choose the one that suits you better.
Related: Bike Gears Explained
Do Best Gravel Bikes Have 650b or 700c Wheels?
Both 700c and 650b wheels have their own unique advantages. 700c wheels and tires are still more common on gravel bikes, but there’s a decent choice of models with 650b wheels as well.
Many riders prefer 700c wheels because they are lighter, faster, and offer more options for tires. They are the best choice for all-around riding. If you plan to ride both paved and unpaved roads, 700c is the way to go as these wheels generally fit narrower tires. They will feel comfortable and grippy on gravel roads, and fast and dynamic on paved roads.
On the other hand, 650b wheels are a better choice for gravel-dominant rides. They are slightly heavier due to wider tires, so they roll more slowly, but the smaller diameter allows for better handling. If you plan to stick to rough gravel roads, the wide tires on 650b wheels will provide you with more comfort, more grip, especially on loose sections. Keep in mind that they will feel sluggish on paved roads.
Perfect Tire Width
Choosing the best gravel bike tires for your bike depends on many factors. If you plan to predominantly ride on tame gravel roads, go for narrower tires; if you want to tackle rough gravel roads, you need wider rubber.
Pavement-Dominant
That said, 30mm to 32mm tires are a good choice for cyclists who plan to ride mostly on paved roads with occasional detours on gravel roads. These tires can be slick or with shallow treads, so they weigh little and roll fast. They’re also a good choice for city commutes.
Pavement-Gravel
Riders who plan to spend equal amounts of time on gravel and paved roads should look into 35mm and 38mm tires. They come in slick and knobby variations, so they can be pavement or gravel-dominant. They offer the best balance between weight and performance, offering decent speed and traction on all surfaces.
Gravel-only
Lastly, 40mm and wider are the best gravel bike tires for riders who intend to stick to gravel roads the majority of their time. These tires are heavier and slower than other options, but they provide the most grip. If you ride on hardpacked gravel, 40mm tires should do the trick. If you prefer loose and rough gravel, you can usually go up to 50mm on 650b wheels.
Best Air Pressure for Gravel Bikes
When it comes to tire pressure, unfortunately, a universal number that works for everyone just doesn’t exist. Inflating your tires too much will result in the loss of comfort. Plus, you’ll be bouncing over every rock and thus losing momentum.
On the contrary, inflating your tires too little will feel as if someone’s pulling you back. Your pedaling will not be efficient and you also risk getting a pinch flat or busting your rim if you bottom out.
The golden number is somewhere in-between these two extremes. It depends on your weight, tire width, terrain, as well as the riding style.
Trial and error is the only way to find the right air pressure for you. Try deflating or inflating your tires by 5 psi and noticing any differences on your next ride until you find a setting that works. As a rule of thumb, front tires should be inflated slightly less because most of your weight is on the rear tire.
So if you’re considering buying a gravel bike and adding some fun and versatility to your rides, below are the best models that you should consider. If we had to put them in any order, this is the one.
Why You Should Buy a Gravel Bike?
The short answer is because they are fun!
The long answer has to do with versatility, geometry, price, components, and so much more.
Simply speaking, no other bike gives you what a gravel bike can offer. If you want to ride routes that have both paved and unpaved roads, road bikes and mountain bikes are not a good solution. They only perform well on one type of surface.
Best gravel bikes let you spend money on just one bike instead of breaking the bank and buying two or three different types. Of course, that’s only true if you live in such an area that you’re surrounded by roads that require two or three types of bikes.
Gravel bicycles have the speed of a road bike, the capability of a mountain bike, and the comfort of a hybrid/touring bike.
What else can you ask for in your garage?
I see all the reviews calling the Priority Apollo a “beginner’s gravel bike.” I am a beginner; I will retire at the end of the year and I am including a lot of bikepacking in my retirement plans. I am looking at the Apollo because I really like the idea of a low maintenance drive train. But that every article calls it a beginner’s bike makes me worry that I will soon outgrow it, and I am not one but buy and sell things on a whim. Can I ask what it is about the bike that makes it for beginners?
Hi Billy,
It can be a play of words. “Beginner’s gravel bike” can also mean entry level or budget bike. Perhaps this is due to its low maintenance feature and also the drave train itself. Let’s face it, majority of riders want a bike with gears, but then again they can be high maintenance.
Would the 2021 Norco Search XR A1 be comparable to the Topstone 1 or the Solo 50?
Hi Lisa,
They have their strengths and weaknesses but if you compare quality, it can be a very close fight. These brands are excellent and all occupy the top of their own class.