The 7 Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500 to Consider

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These are the best gravel bikes for under $1500. I researched the gravel bikes available in this price range and rated them based on my gravel bike scoring system, which evaluates their price-value ratios.

I also talked with friends and store owners and asked them for tips on choosing a gravel bike and what to expect at this price range.

Below, you learn more about these bikes, how to choose a gravel bike, what to expect in the below $1500 price range, and more.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500?

The best gravel bikes under $1500 have to fit your riding preference. If you want to do bike touring, you should consider getting a touring/adventure gravel bike compatible with accessories like racks, panniers, fenders, etc., with a more relaxed endurance geometry. If you prefer speed and racing, look for gravel bikes with a more aggressive geometry.

Read the buyer’s guide section if you are new to gravel bikes. You learn everything you need to know before choosing a gravel bike at the below $1500 price range.

The Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500

The following selection includes bikes ideal for gravel biking, touring, racing, and light and rough terrain.

NOTE: All bikes below are compatible with 650b and 700c wheels.

State Bicycle 6061 Black Label ALL-ROAD (Best Gravel Bike for Rough Terrain)

Comfort 5/5 | Handling 4/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Accessories Compatibility 4/5 | Weight 3/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5

State Bicycle 6061 is the opposite of ADV 1.1. This bike was created for wild off-road riding. Before purchasing, you can choose whether to buy it with 650b or 700c wheels (or both).

Wide, knobby tires provide enough grip for bumpy roads, singletracks, forest roads, gravel, mud, and similar terrains.

However, with this bike, you don’t have to limit yourself to the terrain only. It can also handle paved roads (especially with 700c wheels and narrower tires).

1X shifting is very intuitive. Its small disadvantage is the limited number of gears. However, the 11-42 cassette provides a wide range for steep hills and flats.

Another advantage is that you can opt for accessories such as pedals, saddle type, water bottle cage, and lock, so you do not have to buy them separately.

You can learn more about this bike in my State Bicycle ALL-ROAD 6061 review.

Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 (Best Gravel Bike for Light Terrain)

Comfort 3/5 | Handling 4/5 | Components 2/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Accessories Compatibility 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

The Domane line is a line of road endurance bikes from Trek. However, thanks to the wider tire clearance and 32mm tires, this road bike became a fast gravel bike ideal for riding many miles while maintaining your fitness level.

Compared to other bikes in this selection, the Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 is relatively lightweight, even though it is equipped with more affordable components and has an aluminum frame. So, be aware of its weight limit of 275 lb (125 kg).

Its carbon fork makes the ride more comfortable because it absorbs many vibrations.

Domane AL 2 is compatible with rear racks and other useful accessories for gravel bikes. This means you can equip your bike with the cargo necessary for long-distance trips.

These features make the Domane AL 2 Disc the ultimate road/gravel bike. To see how these two bike families differ, check out this comparison of Trek Domanes and Checkpoints.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2

Comfort 4/5 | Handling 4/5 | Components 5/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Accessories Compatibility 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.9/5

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is an improved version of its predecessor ADV 2.1. Although it slightly exceeds the $1,500 mark, its price is fully justifiable. Let me explain why.

It has 700c wheels and 40mm tires that handle light gravel or dirt roads and are fast on the tarmac.

Thanks to Shimano GRX 2x10spd, you can use one of the 20 gears (this is more than the previous version). This makes the jumps between gears smaller, and you will always find the right gear.

You don’t have to worry about stopping when needed, even in the rain, because the mechanical disc brakes will provide enough stopping power.

The main downside of ADV 2.2 is that it has only two slots for bike bottles, which is the standard.

The Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is perfect for maintaining fitness, training, commuting, and recreation.

You can learn more about this bike in my Co-op ADV 2.2 gravel bike review and Co-op ADV bikes comparison.

Cannondale Topstone 4

Comfort 3/5 | Handling 5/5 | Components 4/5 | Build Quality 5/5 | Accessories Compatibility 5/5 | Weight 1/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.8/5

Are you looking for an affordable gravel bike from a well-known brand? Then check out the Cannondale Topstone 4.

It’s designed for versatility and adventure. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and a carbon fork, which provides a smooth and responsive ride.

It has only 10 gears but a wide range, allowing you to tackle steep hills and flats easily.

The Topstone 4 also has a relaxed geometry, which puts you in a comfortable and upright riding position, making it ideal for all-day adventures.

You will also appreciate the up to 40mm wide tire clearance. This allows you to run a wider range of tires for different conditions.

The additional mounts allow you to carry multiple water bottles, fenders, and racks. This makes it a great bike for bikepacking, touring, or commuting.

It’s a shame the Topstone 4 comes with mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic ones, but hydraulic brakes are rare in this price range. The mechanical ones are still fine for beginners.

Overall, the Cannondale Topstone 4 is a good option for anyone looking to explore new roads, whether paved or not.

Also available at mikesbikes.com

Improve your riding comfort with proper shoes. These shoes for gravel bikes will do the work, especially with gravel bike pedals.

Polygon Bend R2

Comfort 5/5 | Handling 3/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Accessories Compatibility 4/5 | Weight 1/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

The Polygon Bend R2 is around $1000, so you will have money left for other accessories.

Its relaxed geometry and lowered top tube make it suitable for women and people who prefer an upright riding position or are less flexible.

Like most gravel and adventure bikes, R2 is compatible with front and rear racks, so you can easily extend your storage capacity.

Polygon Bend R2 comes with 650b wheels and wide tires, allowing you to tackle rougher terrains. Unfortunately, the wheels are not tubeless-compatible.

Another disadvantage of the Polygon Bend R2 is its high weight compared to other gravel bikes in this roundup.

On the other hand, which bikes come with a lifetime frame warranty?

Do you use platform pedals? You may also be interested in the best non cycling shoes for cycling.

Salsa Journeyer

Comfort 4/5 | Handling 4/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Accessories Compatibility 5/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.6/5

The relaxed geometry is the most notable feature of the Salsa Journeyer 650b and 700c bikes.

It was designed with comfort and stability in mind. So, continue reading if you are not super flexible and appreciate the more upright position. Additionally, this geometry results in better stability, especially in descents.

Journeyer, as the name suggests, is also perfect for bikepacking. It has multiple additional mounts, so you can easily mount bags, panniers, or fenders.

Depending on your preference, you can choose the option with the 650b or 700c wheels. Get the 650b wheels for rough terrain and 700c for light terrain (learn more).

It’s a shame it only has a Shimano Sora groupset with 2×9 gears and mechanical disc brakes. However, you also pay for the brand. Salsa is well-known and respected.

Did you not choose any bike from this selection? Check the Best Gravel Bikes Under $1000.

Marin Gestalt 2

Comfort 3/5 | Handling 4/5 | Components 3/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Accessories Compatibility 4/5 | Weight n/a | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.7/5

If I had to pick a bike based on its design, Marin Gestalt 2 would be my favorite. But, of course, we all have slightly different tastes, so I will focus on its other features.

You will especially appreciate its riding characteristics on paved surfaces. Gestalt 2 is equipped with 700c wheels and 36 mm tires, so it is not far from a road bike.

However, the frame offers tire clearance for 700 x 45c tires. These are ideal for the terrain because they provide enough grip and comfort.

Marin Gestalt 2 offers 20 gears, so you won’t have a problem climbing a hill and descending quickly.

Of course, this bike is compatible with racks, fenders, and other bike accessories. Thanks to them, you can go on a long trip without worrying about food, water, spare clothes, etc.

So, if you want a nice-looking, well-equipped, and versatile bike, go for it. You can also check out the more affordable Gestalt 1 with lower-end components.

My Verdict

Gravel bikes are popular thanks to their versatility. You can use them to commute to and from work, explore your countryside, bike packing, for adrenaline rides in the terrain, or any other ride.

Make sure you choose your next gravel bike depending on your riding style and the terrain you want to ride in (read the How to Choose a Gravel Bike section to learn more).

I selected the best gravel bike from 3 main categories (for bike touring, rough terrain, and light terrain):

State Bicycle 6061 Black Label ALL-ROAD is the best gravel bike for rough terrain. You can opt in for 650b wheels (tubeless compatible) with wide 47c tires to provide enough grip and comfort in rough terrain.

Trek Domane AL 2 Disc is the best gravel bike for light terrain. It was designed as a road bike – just with wider tire clearance. It’s a synonym for speed, aerodynamics, and pure joy.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is a great choice for bike touring thanks to its compatibility with accessories like panniers, making it the perfect bike for long journeys.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike?

Gravel bikes (also called adventure bikes) come with different frames, components, wheels, etc.

To help you choose the best gravel bike under $1500, I will explain what you can expect in this price range and what to be aware of when choosing your new gravel bike in the following part.

You can also read the full-length guide on How to Choose a Gravel Bike.

Frame Material

Sources: CyclingWeekly, SheldonBrown, ScienceDirect

Learn more about gravel bike frame materials in this comparison article.

Gravel bikes for under $1500 mostly have aluminum or steel frames. Don’t expect carbon-frame gravel bikes in this price range; carbon gravel bikes start at around $2000.

Groupset

Bicycles use 1X, 2X, or 3X shifting, and gravel bikes are no exception. However, 3X shifting is not very common for gravel bikes.

1X shifting (1 chainring) offers fewer gears, which makes it simpler and ideal for beginners. However, the jumps between the individual gears are larger than those of 2X shifting.

Thanks to fewer parts, 1X shifting is lighter overall than 2X shifting. So, if you care about the bike’s overall weight, you should consider 1X shifting (among other things like the frame, wheels, etc.).

2X shifting (2 chainrings) offers a wider gear range. Based on your preferred cadence and the terrain, you can use the gear that suits you best.

The downside of the 2X shifting is that it is more prone to failure and damage due to many parts and things that can go wrong.

3X shifting (3 chainrings) is not popular among gravel bike riders. This shifting is complex, prone to failure and damage, and heavier than 1X or 2X.

Companies like Shimano or SRAM usually supply the groupsets, but you may also find other, less-known manufacturers, like MicroShift, or custom groupsets made by the bike manufacturers themselves.

Expect groupsets like Shimano Sora, Shimano Claris, Shimano Tiagra, SRAM Apex, MicroShift Advent X, etc., in the below $1500 price range.

Wheel Size

Gravel bikes use 650b or 700c wheels.

650b wheels are smaller but use wider tires. They are perfect for rougher terrain like bumpy roads, mud, forest roads, single tracks, etc. Thanks to knobby tires, they will provide you with enough grip needed for these terrains.

This wheel size is also more comfortable thanks to wider tires. They better absorb bumps and other vibrations that make the ride uncomfortable.

700c wheels are bigger and use narrower tires compared to 650b wheels. This makes them better for light terrain and paved surfaces like the tarmac because they allow you to ride faster without spending as much energy.

According to La Velocita, 700c wheels combine the best weight, grip, and rolling resistance ratio.

When buying a new gravel bike, consider the terrain you want to ride in. Do you prefer paved surfaces and light terrain? If so, go for 700c wheels.

Do you want to experience more adrenalin and fun in the terrain? Then, 650b wheels are the way to go.

Brakes

Gravel bikes under $1500 are usually equipped with mechanical disc brakes (with a few exceptions). More expensive gravel bikes use hydraulic disc brakes.

Accessories Compatibility

Another thing you should consider before buying a gravel bike is its compatibility with accessories.

If you plan to ride long distances, you may need additional bike accessories to store clothes, food, tools, a bike lock, or whatever you need.

Gravel bikes usually allow you to attach more than 2 bottle cages, bike racks, handlebar bags, frame bags, saddle bags, etc.

I recommend watching the following video to learn what to pack for your next bikepacking trip.

Bike Size

Choosing the correct bike can be tricky when you can’t try it on. Online retailers publish bike size charts and bike geometry information to help you pick the right size based on your height, inseam length, and other body dimensions.

You can also read my other article explaining how to choose a gravel bike size. It contains a bike size calculator that instantly calculates the correct gravel bike size.

TIP: To compare geometries of not only gravel bikes, use the Bikeinsights tool.

Gravel Bikes FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.