Are you considering buying a gravel bike but don’t know how to choose it? You are in the right place.
You will learn about gravel bike types, frame materials, groupsets, brakes, etc. Once you finish reading this guide, you will know what bike to spend money on.
I wrote this guide with the help of my more experienced friends who love gravel biking to provide you with the most helpful advice possible.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When choosing a gravel bike, choose the right size (this bike size calculator will help you). Next, consider the geometry type (aggressive vs. relaxed), tire clearance, and components. Compare these with other bikes in a similar price range. An unwritten rule of thumb is that more well-known brands are more expensive than lesser-known and direct-to-customer brands.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll enjoy gravel biking, don’t be afraid to rent a road bike first or choose from second-hand bikes.
Gravel Bike Type
All gravel/adventure bikes are not the same. They differ from each other in their geometry, wheel size, accessories compatibility, etc.
You should consider getting the right gravel bike type based on what type of rider you are, where, and how you want to ride.
There are 3 main types of gravel bikes:
- Gravel bikes for light terrain tend to have 700c wheels, narrow tires, and more aggressive, sporty geometry. They are perfect for routes with paved & dirt road sections, maintaining your fitness level, gravel races, etc.
- Gravel bikes for rough terrain come with 650b wheels and wider tires. You can ride with them in 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 smaller size, they also accelerate faster than 700c wheels. Their geometry tends to be more relaxed compared to performance-oriented gravel bikes.
- 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 both 650b and 700c wheel sizes. Just make sure the bike offers wide enough tire clearance for wider tires. Therefore, the difference between the 1st and the 2nd type is based on the wheel size, the tire, and the frame geometry.
Frame Material
Gravel bikes usually have a frame made of aluminum, carbon, steel, or titanium. This depends mainly on the price of the bike.
The pros and cons of bikes made of these materials are the following:
Aluminum
Aluminum gravel bikes are the most affordable because aluminum is relatively cheap and easier to manufacture than carbon.
Aluminum frames are not as stiff as steel or carbon frames but are lighter than steel frames.
The biggest downside of aluminum frames is that they fatigue and corrode over time.
On the other hand, they are an ideal entry-level point for beginners as well as for advanced riders with a limited budget.
Steel
Steel gravel bikes are stiff and durable. They provide good power transfer, won’t crack after a first crash, and last longer than aluminum frames.
Steel gravel bikes look unique thanks to thin round tubes and can easily be repaired.
Their biggest downside is the weight. They are relatively heavy compared to aluminum or carbon frames.
Carbon
Carbon gravel bikes are very stiff and light (they offer the highest stiff-to-weight ratio).
They are perfect for performance-oriented riders or people who want the latest and greatest.
The biggest downside of the carbon frames is their price and the fact that they need to be inspected for cracks after a heavy crash to prevent failure under stress.
Titanium
Titanium gravel bikes share similar characteristics with steel frames.
They are stiff, rust-resistant, and comfortable to ride. However, they are heavier than aluminum or carbon frames and more expensive due to high titanium and labor costs.
Sources: ScienceDirect, SheldonBrown, CyclingWeekly, Rodbikes
| Frame Material | Weight of the Gravel Bike |
|---|---|
| Carbon | 7.5–10 kg 16.5–22 lb |
| Aluminum | 9.5–12 kg 21–26.5 lb |
| Steel | 11–13.5 kg 24–30 lb |
Groupset
Gravel bikes use 1X or 2X shifting, sometimes 3X. Which one is the best? Let’s talk about their pros and cons.
1X shifting (1 chainring) offers the least gears (usually 1×9, 1×10, 1×11). These groupsets are lighter and easier to maintain thanks to fewer parts. They are also suitable for beginners because the rider can only focus on rear shifting and does not have to think about cross-chaining.
The disadvantage of 1X shifting is obvious. The jumps between the individual gears are larger than 2X or 3X shifting, limiting the gear selection. So, you may not always find the gear that suits you the best.
The general rule is that 1X shifting is better for mountain bike-like terrain (trails) where you need easy gears and change gears quickly when going from descent to climb and vice versa.
2X shifting (2 chainrings) offers a wider gear range than 1X. This is an advantage when you need to climb steep and ride fast in descents.
On the other hand, they are more prone to failure and damage due to many parts and things that can go wrong. They are also heavier than 1X shifting.
3X shifting (3 chainrings) offers the widest gear selection. Yet, it is not very widespread on gravel bikes because it is too complex and relatively heavy. It is used on entry-level gravel bikes.
Wheel Size
Gravel bikes feature 700c or 650b wheels. Which one should you choose?
It depends mainly on your riding style and the terrain you want to ride in.
700c wheels have a larger diameter and use 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 high-volume tires. This makes them suitable for rougher terrain like bumpy and forest roads, mud, single tracks, trails, etc. The knobby tires ensure that you get enough grip and adhesion.
Wider tires pressurized to lower pressure are better at absorbing bumps and other vibrations. This means your ride will be smoother and more comfortable.
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 it with narrow tires. Use 650b wheels and wider, knobby tires for more difficult, grip-demanding terrain.
A Word About Tires
Obviously, you can change tires. But what tires should you use for different terrains? The CyclingTips team did a pretty good job at defining various gravel surfaces.
| Grade | Definition | Suggested Tire Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarmac, bad paved roads with cobbles | 700×25 – 700×32 |
| 2 | Dirt roads | 700×28 – 700×35 |
| 3 | Light gravel | 700×32 – 700×38 |
| 4 | Rough gravel | 700×35 – 700×40+ |
| 5 | MTB terrain | 700×38+ / 650b |
Source: cyclingtips.com
Feel free to watch their full video below to find out more.
Brakes
Gravel bikes use almost exclusively disc brakes. They are perfect for gravel bikes because of their efficiency and great stopping power, even in wet conditions or deep mud. There are 2 basic types of disc brakes:
- 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.
- 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 various riding conditions. On the other hand, they are more difficult to maintain at home due to their complexity.
You can learn more in this comparison of mechanical vs. hydraulic disc brakes.
Cheaper, entry-level gravel bikes for around $1000 use mostly mechanical disc brakes.
More expensive gravel bikes for around $2000 use hydraulic, sometimes still mechanical disc brakes.
Gravel bikes above $3000 are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. This, of course, depends on the brand and other factors.
Accessories Compatibility
Gravel bikes are compatible with many bike accessories like bike racks, additional bottle cage mounts, mudguards, etc.
They are useful for those who want to use a gravel bike for longer multi-day trips because they allow you to equip the bike with panniers and bags to increase your cargo space.
You can use the additional storage space for storing things like:
- Spare clothes, jacket, raincoat…
- A tent
- Sleeping bag
- Maintenance tools
- Food
- And much more
In the following video by bikepacking.com, you learn more about the essentials for a bike trip.
Additional Features
Some gravel bikes have additional features like a dropper post or a suspension fork.
These features are not very common, but they are a nice bonus because they can improve your comfort.
However, do not choose a gravel bike based on these features unless they are crucial to you.
This is because they usually result in a higher bike price or worse components than a gravel bike for the same price.
Gravel Bike Size
If you order a gravel bike online (from one of these online bike stores), choose the correct size to ensure comfort and avoid injuries.
Gravel bikes have the same sizing as road bikes. Their size is usually in centimeters (48, 50, 52, etc.) or descriptive (XS, S, M, L, XL, XL).
TIP: Compare geometries of gravel bike frames using the Bikeinsights tool.
Choosing the correct size can be tricky if you can’t try the bike in person. Luckily, you can take advantage of gravel bike size charts from bike manufacturers, bike size calculators, and other methods to choose the right size.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a gravel bike, think about the terrain you want to ride in and your riding style.
Gravel bikes are versatile, but they have their limits as well. For example, a touring gravel bike won’t be very suitable for more difficult, MTB-like terrain.
Depending on your budget, you can choose a gravel bike made of different materials and equipped with different quality components.
Remember, a carbon gravel bike for the same price as an aluminum gravel bike will probably be equipped with worse components.
Also, choose between 700c or 650b wheels and mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, and look for a gravel bike compatible with various accessories based on how you want to use your bike.
Feel free to read the entire guide to learn more about individual topics.
