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A gravel bike is a versatile bicycle built for both paved and unpaved roads. It combines features of road bikes, like drop handlebars, with elements of mountain bikes, such as wider tires. This makes it a great choice for riders who want to explore different terrains.
Gravel bikes have wider tires (35mm–50mm) for better grip on rough surfaces, drop handlebars for an efficient riding position, and a relaxed geometry for stability and comfort. Many models include mounts for racks and extra gear, making them ideal for long-distance rides and bikepacking.
However, gravel bikes don’t specialize in any one terrain. They are slower than road bikes on pavement and less capable than mountain bikes on rough trails since they usually lack front or rear suspension. Despite this, their versatility makes them a popular choice for adventurous riders.
Continue reading to learn more about their components, benefits, and disadvantages.
NOTE: Gravel bikes are also sometimes called adventure or touring bikes.
The Pros and Cons of Gravel Bikes
The following table summarizes gravel bikes’ main features, benefits, and disadvantages compared to 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 |
Frame Materials and Geometry
The frame is crucial in determining the bike’s performance and handling characteristics. Gravel bike frames are typically made from carbon, aluminum, steel, or titanium. Entry-level gravel bikes are made of aluminum or steel, while the higher-end ones are made of carbon or titanium (eventually steel).
Gravel bike frames are designed like road bikes (lightweight, stiff, and aerodynamic) but have wider tire clearance to accommodate wide tires and slightly more relaxed geometry.
TIP: Check out this in-depth comparison of gravel vs. road bikes.
However, as always, it also depends on the type of gravel bike. The following picture shows the main gravel bike types.
For example, All-road gravel bikes are like endurance road bikes. Their differences are not clearly defined but usually boil down to different gearing, tires, and geometry. The wheelbase of gravel bikes is usually longer. Together with slacker angles between the frame and fork, they contribute to better handling.
MTB-like gravel bikes often have mounting points for bags and panniers and front (and rear) suspension, just like mountain bikes. Their riding position is more relaxed, resulting in better riding comfort and easier handling.
Wheels and Tires
Gravel bike wheels are usually wider than road bike wheels. Most of them are tubeless-ready, meaning you can use tubeless gravel tires. The general rule is the wider the tires, the more difficult terrain they can handle. See the following table for an illustration.
| 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
Of course, there are countless different tire patterns, all suitable for slightly different terrains. So, choosing the right one requires experimentation.
TIP: Learn the differences between tubeless, clincher, and tubular tires.
Gravel wheels also differ in rim depths. The deeper the wheels, the better the aerodynamics, but the higher the weight, and the worse crosswind stability. Aluminum wheels are usually shallow, while carbon ones are deep. My article on carbon vs. aluminum wheels explains their pros and cons in more detail.
Drivetrain
A bike drivetrain typically includes the cranks, chainrings, chain, cassette, and derailleurs. Most modern gravel bikes use 1X chainring with an 11-spd or 12-spd cassette. However, exceptions like 2X or even 3X groupsets apply (especially in the low-end spectrum).
The 1X chainrings are simpler (you shift just the rear gears), lighter, and fewer things can go wrong (like a dropped chain). On the other hand, the jumps between gears are larger.
Gravel bikes have relatively easy gears, which allow them to tackle steep climbs. Easy gears are handy since you will often have to remain in the saddle to keep traction.
See the following table that summarizes gravel bike groupsets and their price range.
| 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.
Did you know there are two types of groupsets? You can buy a gravel bike with a mechanical or electronic groupset. The electronic ones are more convenient but also more expensive.
Handlebars, Shifters, and Brakes
Drop handlebars are one of the main characteristics of gravel bikes. They allow more hand positions, each suitable for slightly different purposes than flat bars. Read this comparison between flat and drop handlebars for more info.
Some gravel bikes have flared drop bars to give you better leverage when riding out of the saddle. The handlebars are one of the most significant differences between gravel and hybrid bikes.
Shifters and brakes are mounted on handlebars for easy access. They are integrated, so you can easily control gears and brakes. Each manufacturer has a slightly different shifting mechanism, but they are intuitive and easy to get used to.
The brakes are almost exclusively disc ones on gravel bikes. They provide better stopping power in all terrains and conditions than rim brakes. Read this comparison of disc vs. rim brakes for more details.
Suspension
Believe it or not, gravel bikes are not always rigid, but some have a suspension fork or even rear suspension. A gravel bike with a suspension fork is suitable for more demanding terrain because it can handle larger bumps and rocks. It’s also more comfortable.
On the other hand, the suspension adds more weight and is less aero, making it less suitable for fast-paced rides or climbing.
NOTE: There are also full-suspension gravel bikes, but they are rare and not widespread (yet).
Mounting Points
Unlike most road bikes, gravel bikes usually have additional mounting points for accessories like bottles, panniers, bags, fenders, etc.
Again, it depends on the gravel bike type. For example, some may not have mounting points on the front fork or rear triangle.
So, you have to consider how much cargo you will need for your bike adventures and choose the bike accordingly. Read this bikepacking on a gravel bike guide for more info.
Conclusion
This was just a quick introduction to gravel bikes. Feel free to read my How to Choose a Gravel Bike guide, which includes more detailed info if you want to make an educated decision on your first gravel bike.
You might also be interested in learning more about gravel biking. This guide includes tips on equipment, nutrition, accessories, and more.
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