Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
This article explains the differences, pros, and cons of hybrid vs. gravel bikes. I have plenty of experience with both types, so I will break things down and share my insights. By the end, you’ll understand how they differ, what they’re best for, and their drawbacks.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main difference between hybrid and gravel bikes is the drop bars found on gravel bikes compared to the flat bars on hybrid bikes. Hybrid bikes typically feature a more relaxed geometry and different gearing and usually come equipped with smooth yet wide tires. Both bike types can handle various terrains, but gravel bikes are better suited for off-road conditions. Moreover, there’s an unwritten rule stating that gravel bikes cater more to passionate cyclists.
Quick Comparison of Gravel vs. Hybrid Bikes
Here is a summary of the main differences between hybrid and gravel bikes (and other bike types).
| Feature | Road Bikes | Gravel Bikes | Hybrid Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry | Endurance or performance oriented | Endurance or performance oriented | Usually endurance or upright Sometimes performance oriented | Usually more upright |
| Suitable for | Paved roads | Paved, gravel, dirt, or forest roads | Paved, gravel, dirt, or forest roads | All types of terrains |
| Unsuitable for | Most terrains except paved roads | MTB-like terrain | MTB-like terrain | Paved roads |
| Versatility | Low | Great | Good | Great |
| Gearing | 2X Sometimes 1X | 1X or 2X Sometimes 3X | 3X or 2X Sometimes 1X | 1X or 2X Sometimes 3X |
| Suspension | No suspension | Sometimes front suspension Occasionally suspension seat post | Sometimes front suspension | Front suspension Rear suspension |
| Brakes | Disc or rim | Usually disc brakes | Disc or rim | Disc or rim |
| Maneuverability | Good | Good | Great | Great |
| Relative comfort | Bad | Good | Good | Great |
| Handlebars | Dropped | Dropped | Flat or curved | Flat |
| Tyres | Narrow | Narrow or wide | Narrow or wide | Wide |
| Wheels diameter | 700c | 650b, 700c | 700c, 26″ | 26″, 27.5″, 29″ |
| Browse | Road Bikes | Gravel Bikes | Hybrid Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
Hybrid bikes are suitable for paved roads, light gravel, dirt roads, etc. They are almost like gravel bikes in terms of versatility but use narrow (or curved) flat handlebars and have different geometry (shorter reach and higher stack). It eases the pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back and gives you a great view in traffic.
Their versatility comes from wider tire clearance and tires. Depending on the hybrid bike type, they come with wide and knobby or narrow and smooth tires. Wider tires allow you to tackle the terrain, while narrow and smooth tires are suitable for riding fast on paved roads.
Hybrid bikes use flat bars, but some subcategories, like cruiser hybrid bikes, can use curved handlebars. They are all about stability, handling, and comfort, making them suitable for beginners or commuters. Some hybrid bikes also have a suspension fork, contributing to higher riding comfort. But it adds weight and is less effective than mountain bike suspension forks.
Gravel bikes are a subcategory of road bikes. They are suitable for various surfaces, including paved, gravel, forest, and dirt roads. This versatility comes from wider tire clearance and tires. Gravel bikes for lighter terrain mostly use 700c wheels, while those for rougher terrain have 650b wheels.
They allow you to ride relatively fast on paved sections, but you don’t have to limit yourself to them only. Some gravel bikes also come with a suspension fork, contributing to higher riding comfort.
Unlike hybrid bikes, gravel bikes use drop bars. Some come with wider drop bars for better leverage when riding out of the saddle.
Check out the following table, which summarizes the benefits and disadvantages of gravel and road bikes.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Bikes | • Are versatile (i.e., suitable for a wide range of terrains) thanks to the wider tire clearance and tires • Can have suspension fork or post • Are compatible with more accessories like fenders, panniers, additional bottle cages, etc. • Often have a more relaxed geometry • Are affordable | • Are not as fast as gravel bikes (especially on paved surfaces) • Are not as suitable for rough terrain as mountain bikes • Are heavier • Are often equipped with cheap components |
| Gravel Bikes | • Are versatile (i.e., suitable for a wide range of terrains) thanks to the wider tire clearance and tires • Are faster, lighter, and more aero than hybrid bikes • Can have suspension fork or seatpost • Can have a wider drop handlebar for more leverage when riding out of the saddle • Are compatible with more accessories like fenders, panniers, additional bottle cages, etc. | • Are more expensive • Require more body flexibility |
Features Comparison of Hybrid vs. Gravel Bikes
Let me now compare gravel and hybrid bike features in depth.
Geometry and Riding Position
Both bike types include multiple subtypes. Hybrid bikes include city, trekking, commuter, and cruiser bikes. They differ mainly in geometry, gearing, and accessories. Unfortunately, manufacturers have not standardized these differences, so everyone uses a different name for them.
Some are more ‘sporty,’ like trekking bikes, for example. On the other hand, cruiser hybrid bikes have upright geometry and curved handlebars.
The upright geometry has multiple benefits:
- You will have better visibility, which is vital for traffic.
- It eases the pressure on your neck, shoulders, and lower back.
- It also doesn’t require as much flexibility as road bikes’ geometry.
Gravel bikes are almost like road bikes but with more relaxed geometry (lower stack and longer reach) and wider tire clearance. The geometry, however, is not as relaxed as on hybrid bikes. This means you will be in a more aerodynamic (i.e., faster) riding position.
Hybrid bikes are great for beginners, but gravel bikes are a good successor if you want to ride further and faster without sacrificing versatility. Gravel biking is different. It focuses more on performance.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels and tires are similar on gravel and hybrid bikes. Both use 700c wheels. Some gravel bikes use 650b wheels with knobby tires. Those are suitable for more demanding terrain.
The benefit of wider tire clearance is that you can equip your bike with wider tires. These tires can absorb more bumps and vibrations, improving riding comfort.
I noticed that many hybrid bikes use high-volume but smooth tires because most people use them on paved roads. However, if you want to ride in terrain, you can use knobby tires for better traction in mud, gravel, etc.
The following table shows recommended tire widths for gravel tires based on the terrain.
| 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
Handlebar
Flat vs. drop handlebars are one of the biggest differences between hybrid and gravel bikes. Drop bars curve downward and offer multiple hand positions for various scenarios (climbing, spriting, riding on flats). They allow efficient riding position but provide less control on rough terrain and encourage a forward-leaning posture.
Hybrid bike handlebars are typically flat or curved and are wider for better stability and control. They support an upright posture for comfort and visibility (for example, in traffic) but create more wind resistance, making them less efficient for speed and long-distance cycling.
Gearing
Hybrid bikes usually come with 1X, 2X, or 3X drivetrains. Entry-level hybrid bikes usually have 1X drivetrains or are even single-speed. 2X drivetrains are a good compromise because fewer things can go wrong than on 3X drivetrains, and you will also have a wide enough gear range. 3X drivetrains are becoming obsolete.
Gravel bikes, on the other hand, often have 1X drivetrains (1×11spd or 1×12spd). This applies mainly to gravel bikes for rougher terrain. It’s a trend copied from mountain biking.
The market also offers gravel-specific groupsets like Shimano GRX, SRAM XPLR, or Campagnolo Ekar. Those have easier gears that allow you to tackle steep climbs in the saddle.
| Shimano | SRAM | Campagnolo | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | GRX 10spd | Mechanical | ||
| Mid range | GRX 11spd | Force XPLR eTap* | Ekar | Mechanical |
| Pro | GRX Di2 11spd | RED XPLR eTap | Electronic |
*Force XPLR eTap is electronic.
But many use road bike groupsets like those from the following table.
| Level | Shimano | SRAM | Campagnolo | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Claris | Mechanical | ||
| Entry | Sora | Mechanical | ||
| Entry | Tiagra | Apex | Mechanical | |
| Mid-range | 105 11spd 105 12 spd 105 12 spd Di2¹ | Rival Rival eTap AXS¹ | Centaur | Mechanical |
| Mid-range | Force | Chorus | Mechanical | |
| Pro | Ultegra Di2 | Force eTap AXS | Chorus EPS | Electronic |
| Pro | RED | Record Super Record | Mechanical | |
| Pro | Dura-Ace Di2 | RED eTap AXS | Super Record EPS | Electronic |
¹Shimano 105 Di2 and Rival eTap AXS are electronic groupsets.
Should you get a 1X or 2X groupset on a gravel bike?
The choice mainly depends on the terrain you want to ride in. For paved roads and light gravel, 2X groupsets are better because you have more and harder gears. If you want to ride more off-road, choose 1by setup with easier gears.
Brakes
Gravel bikes almost exclusively have disc brakes. Hybrid bikes still have rim brakes, but disc brakes are becoming more popular. The main difference between disc and rim brakes is their weight and effectiveness in wet conditions. Rim brakes are lighter but less effective, especially with carbon wheels. Disc brakes can provide better stopping power but are more expensive.
I don’t think hybrid bikes need disc brakes because rim brakes are fine for most scenarios. But it again depends mainly on your riding style and terrain. If you want to learn more, read my comparison of the hydraulic vs. mechanical disc brakes.
Suspension
Hybrid bikes are either rigid or have a suspension fork. There are also hybrid bikes with a suspension seatpost or rear suspension. I don’t recommend buying a cheap hybrid bike with a suspension fork because it will be heavy and ineffective.
You must spend $1000 or more on a quality hybrid bike with front suspension. Then, you reach a point when it makes sense to consider buying a mountain bike. Again, this depends on your preferred riding style.
Gravel bikes are also usually rigid. But some have a suspension fork, seatpost, or even rear suspension. Manufacturers simply try to offer their customers ways to make their rides more comfortable. Only you can decide whether these features are costly gimmicks or must-haves.
I like the simplicity and low weight of bikes. What about you?
Frame Materials
Hybrid and gravel bikes have frames mostly made of aluminum or carbon. Steel and titanium are in the minority. But these are the four most used bike frame materials.
Aluminum is a cheap and relatively lightweight material suitable for entry-level bikes. It is also used in beginner hybrid bikes and budget gravel bikes.
Carbon is stiffer and lighter but more expensive. It can absorb more vibrations, contributing to a more comfortable ride. Carbon is more common on more expensive hybrid and gravel bikes.
In the end, the choice depends on your budget. Aluminum is a good entry-level. Carbon frames are more expensive and, therefore, more popular among those who love cycling.
Accessories
Unlike road or mountain bikes, hybrid and gravel bikes offer rich accessories to make your ride more convenient. They have mounts for accessories like fenders, mounts, panniers, etc. Panniers will extend your storage capacity for long trips, and fenders will protect you against splashing water.
If you are into multiday bike adventures, gravel bikes are a slightly better choice. But hybrid bikes are not bad either!
Conclusion
When choosing between a gravel and hybrid bike, consider your riding style, the area you live in, your flexibility, and your budget. Both hybrid and gravel bikes are versatile and suitable for a variety of terrains.
While hybrid bikes are especially suitable for beginners and less flexible riders, gravel bikes are an excellent choice for passionate cyclists who want more freedom in their riding. Just remember gravel bikes are more expensive than hybrid bikes, making them less affordable and more “premium.”
If you want to continue with your research, I recommend reading my in-depth guides on:
Eventually, you can:
Which bike type do you like more? Let me know in the comments below.
