Looking for your next bike? Should it be a gravel bike? We answer your questions on gravel bikes and provide 15 of the best gravel bikes 2021. Updated from our original 2020 popular post on Gravel Bikes.
What is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are the latest trend having emerged in 2019. They are also known as adventure bikes gaining a big following with people looking for something other than a road or mountain bike. Gravel bikes originated in America from their gravel race series. The trend is spreading across the globe as more people discover the versatility of this new breed of bike. While they are labelled as a gravel bike they are equally relevant on trail rides or even winter commuting rides.
No big surprises that disc brakes are a perfect solution for gravel bikes. With various benefits but mainly more frame clearance allowing for larger tyres to cater for a variety of road surfaces. Couple this with a set of brakes that do not fade as a result of mud or rain then you have a winning formula for gravel bikes. Again this latest bike type is benefitting from various innovations to bikes over the past decade.
Gravel bikes tend to come with tyres between 32mm and 48mm width sizes. This is an increase on the latest trend of road bikes hitting 30mm tyre sizes but well below that of a standard mountain bike tyre. For all-round conditions the best size emerging seems to be 38mm. This coupled with a modern grip design means you can have an adaptable yet quick cycling option.
Whats the Difference between a Gravel Bike and a Cyclocross
So is it just another name for a cyclocross bike that was the latest big thing we all wanted? According to the manufacturers such as Giant they claim that a gravel bike is not the same as a cyclocross bike. Just marketing spin? The frame geometry is a more relaxed riding position with a taller head tube and shallower head. The relaxed upright ride geometry helps make them a more suitable companion for a long ride making it easier on your back and shoulders. But unlike a mountain bike still lightweight and fast.
A true cyclecross bike is for racing and is not a gravel bike. A cyclocross bike is lighter in weight for sections of races where the rider has to carry the bike. Geometry is in-between a road bike and a road bike in terms of relaxed riding position. If you go as far as racing cyclocross tyres are limited to a width of 33mm so frames only need to accommodate tyres this size. Cyclocross bikes don’t come fitted with eyelets and bottle cage features so suited for short race series only. Afraid you need another n+1 bike.
What are Gravel Bikes good for?
Gravel bikes are perfect for commuting in particular when trying to train through the winter months. They are equally well suited to cycling touring. With a more relaxed ride position and strong frame able to be racked up it is a good option for all day touring. With all the necessary fittings for mudguards and bags they can cope with being fully fitted out.
Gravel bikes offer robust components able to work as a winter commuter, trail bike, touring or general one size fits all. We are yet to see anyone racing one in a triathlon race but given we’ve seen people using Brompton’s to BMX’s it is surely only a matter of time. They are lightweight and quick although never going to be as suited as a purist TT bike.
Are Gravel Bikes Slower than Road bikes?
Wider tyres create more wind resistance, but a 10 mm increase in frontal area doesn’t make a huge difference. Better rolling technology of tyres counters the larger surface area. Stronger frames increase weight over pure road frames. A more relaxed riding position putting you upright creates more resistance than tyres. Net result is gravel bikes are faster than mountain bikes but slower than road bikes if you want a simple answer.
Key Features of Gravel Bikes
- Mudguards and rack eyelets – Gravel bikes come with a full compliment of eyelets to support racks and mudguards.
- Disc Brakes – Disc brakes as standard for gravel bikes
- Tyre clearance – Wide clearance sizes permitting tyres up to 48mm
- Handlebars – Drop handlebars permitting an aero style riding position
- Frame – Lightweight robust frames with relaxed geometry beyond conventional sportive frames
Full list of 15 of the Best Gravel Bikes 2021
- Marin Four Corners
- Specialized Diverge E5 Sport
- Merida Silex
- Vitus Substance Tiagra
- Raleigh Mustang Sport – BEST BUDGET GRAVEL BIKE
- Giant Revolt 1
- Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105
- Bergamont Grandurance 6
- Nukeproof Digger Pro
- Orbea Terra H30-D 1X- TRIVELO BEST BUY
- Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force ETap AXS
- Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
- BMC URS 3
- Scott Addict Gravel 30
- Specialized Diverge Expert 1X
Best Gravel Bikes under £1000
Entry level gravel bikes at under £1000 start from around £500. We have focused on those that are true gravel bike contenders as opposed to road bikes in drag. With this budget it pushes you closer to £1000 mark and manes you have to accept not getting gravel specific groupsets.
- Marin Four Corners
- Specialized Diverge E5 Sport
- Merida Silex
- Vitus Substance Tiagra
- Raleigh Mustang Sport – Best Budget Gravel Bike
Marin Four Corners
Pros & Cons of Marin Four Corners
- Strong frame
- 27 gears to play with
- Trusted brand
- Heavy in comparison to a road bike
Specification:
The Marin Four Corners has a versatile butted 4130 CrMo steel frame and fork. It’s heavier than some other gravel bikes given the steel frame which might come as a surprise if stepping onto this from a conventional alloy frame road bike. Frame designed to handle six bottle mounts, rack and mudguards.
£995 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Specialized Diverge E5 Sport
Pros & Cons of Specialized Diverge E5 Sport
- Lightweight at only 10kg
- Road bike dynamics
- Trusted brand
- Just a road bike in gravel drag?
Specification:
The Diverge gravel bike geometry is more of a road spec of the trail bike geometry. It provides predictable handling and steering for dirt, trail and gravel. Fitted with Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset and a durable Axis Sport Disc wheelset. The 35mm Roadsport tyres come with built-in flat protection for incident free rides.
£899 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Merida Silex
Pros & Cons of Merida Silex
- Lightweight at only 10kg
- Road bike dynamics
- Great looking gravel bike
- Just a road bike in gravel drag?
- Shame to only have Shimano Sora
Specification:
The Merida Silex 200 gravel bike sits in the adventure road bike category. It comes with road style geometry using drop bars for speed on the road, dirt or gravel. The Silex 200 is built with a lightweight 6066 triple butted and hydroformed aluminium frame with upright gravel geometry for stable yet nimble handling.
£1000 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Vitus Substance Tiagra
Pros & Cons of Vitus Substance Tiagra
- Lightweight at only 10kg
- Road bike dynamics
- Shimano Tiagra groupset
- Discontinued model
- Not much of a looker
Specification:
Specifically designed for gravel use, the Vitus Substance V-2 Adventure Road Bike offers incredible control on mixed terrain conditions. It features a double-butted aluminium frame, which makes it more than ready for unpredictable road bike journeys.
£849 from Wiggle (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Raleigh Mustang Sport
Best Budget Gravel Bike 2021
Pros & Cons of Raleigh Mustang Sport
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- Its the Raleigh MUSTANG - retro!
- Shimano Claris groupset
- 10 speed only might be a limiter
Specification:
The all new Mustang Sport features a super lightweight Double butted Aluminium frame and tapered headtube with Gravel frame geometry. Designed to offer a more relaxed riding position than a traditional road bike without compromising too much on speed. The Gravel-specific carbon fork is lightweight and shock absorbent while the tapered alloy steerer affords precise handling and great tyre clearance.
£720 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Best Gravel bikes under £2000
The best Gravel bikes for £1000 to £2000 is a competitive sector with all the major manufacturers realising the popularity of these bikes. While this is a lot of money for a bike that is a very niche bike in your garage it offers possible value if you are replacing your winter road bike and possibly a mountain bike. They should be strong and versatile for this money. Not to mention quick.
No carbon frames I am afraid at this price point but that doesn’t mean you should expect to compromise in weight. The best bikes here re using the newest Shimano GRX gravel groupset. Ideal for this type of bike and worth holding out for.
What is Shimano GRX?
Shimano GRX is a bike groupset designed for gravel and adventure bicycles. Shimano have developed the groupset for for the emerging popular niche of grave bikes. The groupset comes in a range of configurations depending on your budget and needs.
The Shimano GRX Groupset has not been newly developed from the ground up. No surprises but given the growing interest in gravel bikes and adventure bikes Shimano have used their expertise in road and mountain bikes to combine technology.
The Shimano GRX Groupset is available at 3 levels much like t:
• RX800 – Available as mechanical and electronic (Di2). 11 speed only. Equivalent to Ultegra.
• RX600 – Available as mechanical only. 10 or 11 speed. Equivalent to Shimano 105.
• RX400 – Available as mechanical only. 10 speed only. Equivalent to Shimano Tiagra.
- Giant Revolt 1
- Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105
- Bergamont Grandurance 6
- Nukeproof Digger Pro
- Orbea Terra H30-D 1X
Giant Revolt 1
Pros & Cons of Giant Revolt 1
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- 20 speed flexibility
- Shimano Tiagra groupset
- Wheels ripe for an upgrade
Specification:
The new Revolt features a lightweight ALUXX aluminium frame and carbon fork. Engineered to balance stiffness (for efficiency) and compliance (for comfort and control). The frame is integrated for disc brakes and it has clearance for larger tyres (up to 45c).
£1049 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105
Pros & Cons of Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- 22 speed flexibility
- Shimano 105 groupset
- Horrendous colour schemes
- Complex "self-build" website
Specification:
The Ribble CGR (Cross, Gravel and Road) comes with Shimano’s 105 groupset and the addition of Mavic’s popular Aksium wheelset. The CGR AL has an aluminium frame although if you throw more money at Ribble titanium is available. Available in a range of custom colours to get the bike styled to your taste. Tango orange used in our imagery for you!
£1349 from Ribble (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Bergamont Grandurance 6
Pros & Cons of Bergamont Grandurance 6
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- Gravel bike from ground up built
- Gravel specific groupset
- Looks may be a bit marmite
Specification:
Gravel and endurance racer made with an ultra light tubing aluminium frame and full carbon fork. Specified with the new Shimano GRX components, specially developed for gravel riding. Fitted with 35 mm Schwalbe G-One all-round tires with low rolling resistance tread and strong grip complete with side wall tan colours.
£1399 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Nukeproof Digger 275 Comp Gravel Bike
Pros & Cons of Nukeproof Digger 275 Comp
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- Gravel bike from ground up built
- Gravel specific groupset
- Nukeproof brand may put some off
Specification:
Rolling you from tarmac to trail with pace, reliability, confidence and style. Nukeproof’s Digger 275 Comp Gravel Bike features modern geometry, full carbon fork, Shimano GRX 11-Speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes and rear pannier mounts.
£1499 from Wiggle (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Orbea Terra H30-D 1X
Best Gravel Bike to Buy
Pros & Cons of Orbea Terra H30-D 1X
- Lightweight at only 10.6kg
- Gravel bike from ground up built
- Gravel specific groupset
- Absolutely nothing - Buy one
Specification:
The Orbea is a real looker for such a robust bike. The Terra can work on Gravel, Road, CX, Winter Training or Commuting. It has a blend of low weight and durability for a long life of miles ahead. With a good range from an 11 speed cassette the Terra offers simple mechanics poached from mountain bikes with road bike frame capabilities. Versatile for a variety of riders.
Trivelo Best Buy – Gravel Bikes
£1599 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Best Gravel bikes under £5000
At the very top end of budgets you can still have a wide choice of bikes if your pockets are deep enough for a carbon bike costing more than £2000. The best gravel bikes for £2000 to £5000 feature lightweight frames and digital groupsets. To the untrained eye it may be hard to distinguish between a top end gravel bike and a road bike.
- Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force ETap AXS
- Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
- BMC URS 3
- Scott Addict Gravel 30
- Specialized Diverge Expert 1X
Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force ETap AXS
Pros & Cons of Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force ETap
- A real featherweight
- Full carbon frame
- SRAMs answer to gravel bikes
- Bland styling
- Expensive
Specification:
The Cannondale is a gravel bike with suspension frame and premium components throughout including electric gearing. The kingpin suspension system is something that Cannondale is pioneering and likely to be seen across other models and manufacturers in the future. The bike itself is lighter than most road bikes weighing only 8.6kg.
£4799 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
Pros & Cons of Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
- A real featherweight
- Full carbon frame
- SRAMs answer to gravel bikes
- Expensive
Specification:
The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro gravel bike has full carbon frame and fork that manages rough ground. This is coupled with the D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar to further dampen shocks and vibrations before they reach you. The bike comes with disc brakes and has added clearance for high-volume tyres up to 45mm but comes fitted with 40mm. This model features the new 12-speed SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset. The SRAM system uses wireless electronic shifting and a perfect compliment to this top end gravel bike.
£4699 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
BMC URS 3
Pros & Cons of BMC URS 3
- A real featherweight
- Full carbon frame
- Suspension for all terrains
- No wireless groupset
Specification:
Ride UnRestricted is the branding behind the BMC URS range of bikes. The BMC’s URS Three GRX Disc Gravel Bike has a light frame and gravel suited spec for covering all terrain at pace. The suspension system coupled with a D-shaped seatpost delivers increased comfort while not compromising on speed. A real blend of off road and on road.
£3999 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Scott Addict Gravel 30
Pros & Cons of Scott Addict 30
- 22 speed flexibility
- Full carbon frame
- No gravel specific groupset
- Arguably a road bike
Specification:
The Scott Addict Gravel 30 could easily be mistaken for a road bike. With only 35mm tyres (the smallest in this line up) and the Shimano 105 groupset this is a gravel bike with a lower case “g”. A beautiful looking bike but using conventional frame geometry with no clever pin suspension system this is built for the road and occasional off road use. If you can bring yourself to do it with such a fine looking machine.
£2799 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Specialized Diverge Expert X1
Pros & Cons of Specialized Diverge Expert X1
- Lightweight overall bike at under 9kg
- Full carbon frame
- Quality wheelset
- No gravel specific groupset
- Arguably a road bike
Specification:
The Specialized Diverge Expert X1 is another adventure style gravel bike. Fitted with SRAM Force 1 and hydraulic disc brakes it also comes fully loaded with a lightweight Praxis Zayante carbon crankset. The bike runs on carbon fibre wheels and tyres using Roval C 38 Disc wheelset. Tyres are on the light side for a gravel bike with 38mm but nothing too skinny.
£2749 from Tredz (contact us for latest discount codes available)
Full List of Best Gravel Bikes 2021
- Marin Four Corners
- Specialized Diverge E5 Sport
- Merida Silex
- Vitus Substance Tiagra
- Raleigh Mustang Sport
- Giant Revolt 1
- Ribble CGR AL Shimano 105
- Bergamont Grandurance 6
- Nukeproof Digger Pro
- Orbea Terra H30-D 1X – TRIVELO BEST BUY
- Cannondale Topstone Carbon Force ETap AXS
- Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
- BMC URS 3
- Scott Addict Gravel 30
- Specialized Diverge Expert 1X
How do I choose a gravel bike?
Helping you to choose a gravel bike we have created the following comparison of all 15 gravel bikes on offer. When making your decision consider the following key questions?
- What is my budget?
- Where do I want to ride the gravel bike? How off road will you really be using the bike?
- Have a test ride to check if the geometry suits your riding style
Best Gravel Bikes 2021 Infographic
If you are still not sure about gravel bikes and road bikes are more your thing. Check our review of the best road bikes for £1500.
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