The 8 Best Gravel Bikes Under $2000 [2023]

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These are the best gravel bikes under $2000 for men, women, racers, bikepackers, and more.

I selected them based on in-depth market research, user reviews, and discussions with avid gravel bikers to save you time.

It may be overwhelming to orient yourself in gravel bike types if you are new to gravel biking.

That’s why I also wrote a detailed buyer’s guide that helps you choose the right bike for your needs.

You also learn what to expect in the below $2000 price range and much more!

Let’s dive in.

What Are the Best Gravel Bikes Under $2000?

The following part includes gravel bikes under $2000 for light and rough terrain and bike touring.

They often come with hydraulic disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power, 1X or 2X groupset (mostly from Shimano or SRAM), and compatibility with accessories thanks to additional mounting points.

They differ mainly in their geometry, design, and components.

Please, read how to choose a gravel bike section first if you don’t know where to start.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 (Best for Light Terrain)

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 is an improved version of its predecessor ADV 2.1. It is well under the $2,000 mark, so you will have some money left for other accessories.

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 for bikepackers is that it has no additional slots for bike bottles except the standard two.

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

The more advanced ADV 2.3 comes with a 1×11 drivetrain, better wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes. So, I recommend checking it out too.

You can read this Co-op ADV 2.2 review for more info.

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

I included the State Bicycle 6061 in this selection, even if it’s way below $2000. And I have several reasons for that.

You can choose whether to buy it with 650b or 700c wheels (or both). The State Bicycles has a configurator on its website.

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

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

1X shifting is intuitive. A small disadvantage is the limited number of gears and larger jumps between them. 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.

I also like the unique ‘Dark Woodland’ and ‘Deep Pacific’ colors. Which one do you choose?

Upgrade your gravel bike with these high-quality Chinese carbon gravel bike wheels.

Salsa Journeyer

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.

You can choose the option with the 650b or 700c wheels, depending on what terrain you prefer. Get the 650b wheels for rough terrain and 700c for light terrain (learn more).

The SRAM Apex (1×11 gears) is ideal for steep climbs and flat sections. But remember, the jumps between gears will be larger than on 2X groupsets.

Salsa is a well-known and respected brand, so be prepared to pay a little premium for these bikes.

Vitus Substance VR-2

Vitus Substance VR-2 could be the next bike for those who enjoy bike packing and bike touring.

It’s compatible with front and rear racks, fenders, and other accessories for long journeys.

You can equip it with panniers to store spare clothes, food, tools, a tent, and other things needed for multi-day trips.

It comes with 700c tubeless-ready wheels. Its tire clearance allows you to use up to 47c tires (650b wheels) or 42c tires (700c wheels) to tackle any terrain.

The hydraulic disc brakes will stop you when needed in any weather, and the 2×10 Shimano GRX 400 2×11 drivetrain will provide you with enough gears for any gradient.

The Substance VR-2 is also pretty lightweight, so you won’t have to spend energy on the bike’s extra weight.

Overall, it offers great value for money. So hurry up while it’s still in stock!

You may also be interested in gravel bike shoes. They will improve your riding comfort and power transfer. Combine them with these gravel bike pedals.

Priority Bicycles Apollo

This is by far the least maintenance-demanding gravel bike in this selection. It uses a carbon drivetrain, and all gears are hidden inside the hub.

You do not have to worry about tuning the derailleur, lubricating the chain, or cleaning the cassette.

This type of drivetrain has even more specifics. The first is that it is very quiet, so you can enjoy the sounds of nature without the interfering noises of your bike.

On the other hand, if you ride on a bike path, people may not hear you at all. Therefore, don’t forget to buy a bicycle bell and use it when needed.

And the second unique feature is that due to the belt flexibility, you will get a slightly different feeling when pushing the pedals compared to using a bike with a chain. It’s like stretching a spring.

A small tip at the end: There is a high demand for this bike, so don’t hesitate to order it if you like it and it’s available.

Did you not choose any bike from this selection? Check the Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500.

Orro Terra X

Orro Terra X is a hybrid between an endurance road and a gravel bike. It comes with smooth 40mm tires that are very comfortable on tarmac but will handle dirt roads and light gravel too.

Its previous generations were equipped with Shimano 105 groupset, but this one has a gravel-specific Shimano GRX 2×10.

You will have plenty of gears for flat and hilly terrain. So whether you are looking for a gravel bike for training and riding fast or a versatile bike for commuting, this one is the right choice.

The hydraulic disc brakes will provide effective stopping power, and the carbon fork will absorb minor vibrations to improve your comfort.

Terra X comes with a rear light which is a nice detail. But it is not very bright. So if you plan to ride in traffic, I recommend getting Garmin Varia, for example.

This bike is also compatible with a rear rack that you can equip with panniers to extend your storage capacity for longer trips.

Overall, Orro Terra X is a well-built bike equipped with quality components.

Canyon Grail 7

Canyon was known for its great price-value ratio bikes thanks to its direct sales model. The Grail 7 was proof of that for several years. Unfortunately, the price increase in recent years made this ratio worse. But it’s still a great gravel bike.

The Grail 7 2023 version has no significant changes except for the colors. However, it still maintains pretty good weight.

It is equipped with high-quality Shimano components, DT Swiss wheels, and a carbon fork that absorbs vibrations well.

So, if you need a bike that will last, be reliable, and not cost a fortune, you should consider this one.

But, it has its disadvantages as well. Grail 7 is not compatible with racks. So it is not very good for bike touring but rather for shorter trips, eventually gravel races.

However, it is compatible with up to 3 water bottle cages so that you won’t get dehydrated due to the lack of water.

The main disadvantage of Canyon is that the delivery dates of their bikes are pretty long (months) because they are often sold out.

You can also check out the Grail 6, which is more affordable but has worse components.

Equip your new gravel bike with these pedals for a gravel bike. The roundup includes gravel and MTB clipless pedals suitable for gravel bikes.

Specialized Diverge Elite E5

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Specialized Diverge Elite E5. It is so popular that all sizes were sold out on the official website when writing this article.

The 2023 version didn’t bring any significant changes except the color schemes.

Diverge Elite E5 has hydraulic brakes that will give you enough stopping power even during rain that can surprise you on your bike packing journey.

You will take also take advantage of its well-balanced geometry. Diverge Elite E5 is comfortable and easy to handle.

Thanks to wide tire clearance (47 mm for 700c wheel size and 2.1″ for 650b wheel size), you can use wide, high-volume tires to push the comfort even further.

The carbon fork also contributes to a better riding experience by absorbing slight vibrations.

This bike is compatible with front and rear racks and up to 6 (!) water bottle cages. With this water supply (and storage compatibility), you can ride all day long without stopping.

Improve your riding comfort during long rides. Use chamois cream. It will help reduce friction, and you will experience a new level of comfort on your bike.

My Verdict

The following gravel bikes are the best in their categories:

The best gravel bike for light terrain for under $2000 is Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2. It offers a great price-value ratio because it features a carbon fork, Shimano GRX 2x10spd groupset, mechanical disc brakes, sporty geometry, and narrow tires. These features make it perfect for light gravel, dirt, and paved roads.

Go for State Bicycle 6061 if you are looking for a gravel bike for rough terrain. It has wide tire clearance, so you can equip it with wide, knobby tires for a better grip. You can also customize some of its components, like the wheels. Thanks to its low price, you will have money left over for bike accessories.

Salsa Journeyer Apex 700c (also available at mikesbikes.com) is the best gravel bike for under $2000 for bike touring. It’s compatible with accessories like bags, panniers, fenders, etc., is relatively lightweight thanks to the aluminum frame, and comes with 700c wheels. Of course, it’s also compatible with 650b wheels and has wide tire clearance.

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How to Choose a Gravel Bike?

The following part will help you understand what you can expect from a gravel bike under $2000 and what you should know when buying it. It is shortened version of the fully dedicated Gravel Bike Guide.

Gravel Bike Type

All gravel bikes are not the same. They differ from each other in their geometry, wheel size, etc. There are 3 main categories of gravel/adventure bikes.

1. Gravel bikes for light terrain tend to have 700c wheels, narrow tires, and more aggressive, sporty geometry. They are perfect for paved & dirt road sections, maintaining your fitness level, gravel races, etc.
2. Gravel bikes for rough terrain come with 650b wheels and wider tires. You can ride with them on rougher terrain like dirt roads, forest roads, single tracks, etc. The larger tire volume ensures they are better at absorbing bumps, and thanks to their size, they also accelerate faster than 700c wheels. In addition, their geometry tends to be more relaxed than performance-oriented gravel bikes.
3. Gravel bikes for bike touring usually have 700c wheels and narrow tires. Their geometry is more upright and relaxed than the gravel bike categories above. They also come with included rear and front racks. This makes them suitable for bike touring and long bike adventures.

Sources: cyclingweekly.com, shimano.com, bikerumor.com

NOTE: Many gravel bikes are compatible with 650b and 700c wheel sizes. Just make sure the bike offers wide enough tire clearance for wider tires. The difference between the 1st and the 2nd category is based on the wheel size, tires, and, eventually, the frame geometry.

TIP: To compare the geometries of gravel bikes, use the Bikeinsights tool.

Frame Material

Sources: ScienceDirect, SheldonBrown, CyclingWeekly

You might also be interested in this comparison of bike frame materials.

Groupset

Gravel bikes use 1X, 2X, or 3X shifting. The 1X and 2X shifting prevail in the $2000 price range.

1X shifting (1 chainring) offers the least amount of gears. Therefore, these groupsets are lighter thanks to fewer parts. They are also easier to maintain and get used to because the rider can only focus on rear shifting.

The disadvantage of 1X shifting is that jumps between the individual gears are larger than on 2X or 3X groupsets.

2X shifting (2 chainrings) offers a wider gear range than 1X. This is an advantage when climbing and descending.

The downside of the 2X shifting is that it’s more prone to failure and damage due to many parts and things that can go wrong and its weight compared to 1X shifting.

3X shifting (3 chainrings) is not very popular among gravel bikes under $2000. It is too complex and heavy, and riders who buy a gravel bike in this price range know how to efficiently use a limited gear range of 1X or 2X shifting.

Shimano and SRAM are among the most popular groupsets manufacturers for gravel bikes under $2000.

A standard gravel bike under $2000 is equipped with Shimano GRX, Shimano Alivio, SRAM Apex, etc.

Wheel Size

Should you get a gravel bike with 650b or 700c wheels? It depends mainly on your riding style and the terrain you would like to ride in.

700c wheels have a larger diameter and narrower tires than 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.

650b wheels have a smaller diameter and use wider tires. This makes them suitable for rougher terrain like bumpy roads, mud, forest roads, single tracks, etc. In addition, the knobby tires ensure that you get enough grip and adhesion.

Wider tires inflated to lower pressures better absorb bumps and other vibrations. This means your ride will be more comfortable.

To wrap this up, if you want to ride long-distance trips on mostly paved surfaces with dirt road sections, buy a gravel bike with 700c wheels and equip them with narrow tires.

But, if you want to in more difficult terrain, you should consider getting a gravel bike with 650b wheels and wider, knobby tires.

Brakes

Gravel bikes use almost exclusively disc brakes. The below $2000 budget allows manufacturers to equip these bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. But there are some exceptions with mechanical disc brakes as well.

1. Mechanical disc brakes work similarly to rim brakes – a steel cable moves the pistons, creating friction that slows the bike. The advantage is that they are compatible with standard rim shifters and are easier to maintain at home. Their disadvantage is that the steel cable can wear out more easily and break when you don’t expect it.
2. Hydraulic disc brakes use fluid filled in the system. As CyclingAbout explains, when you pull the brake lever, the fluid rushes down to the caliper, closing the brake pads. This type of disc brake provides braking consistency in any riding condition. On the other hand, they are more difficult to maintain at home due to their complexity.

Accessories Compatibility

If you are looking for a gravel bike for bike touring, make sure it is compatible with additional accessories like bike racks, bottle cage mounts, etc.

These accessories will allow you to equip the bike with panniers, bags, and water bottles to support you on your bike journeys.

Feel free to watch the following video by bikepacking.com. They explain what should be on your bikepacking gear list.

Bike Size

If you can’t try the bike in person, choosing the correct size can be tricky. Luckily, you can take advantage of bike size charts from bike manufacturers, bike calculators, and other methods to choose the right bike size.

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Gravel Bikes FAQ

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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.