In recent years, the popularity of gravel bikes has surged within the UK cycling scene. What once began as a niche pursuit has now firmly established itself as a mainstream choice for riders.

Cyclists have increasingly recognized the appeal and versatility of gravel bikes, appreciating the enjoyment they bring to their rides. However, the burning question remains: Can you acquire a quality gravel bike for less than £1000?

Leveraging our extensive expertise within the cycling industry, we’ve scoured the depths of the internet to compile a selection of gravel bikes that not only meet your performance expectations but also keep your wallet intact.

Best Budget Gravel Bikes

How Much Do Gravel Bikes Cost?

Most gravel bikes these days typically cost over £1000. If your budget for a gravel bike falls below four figures, your options may be more limited.

Considering that gravel bikes are simply another category of bicycles, you might expect to find them available at various price points. However, in our experience, this isn’t often the case.

What can we attribute this to? Well, it could be argued that gravel bikes are primarily designed and intended for avid and regular cyclists rather than occasional riders.

Nonetheless, it’s regrettable because the design of gravel bikes makes them an excellent choice for someone new to cycling. They may not have the same sporty feel as a road bike, but they can handle long rides on smooth roads with ease. They also lack the complexity of a mountain bike with suspension, yet they are still capable of handling light off-road terrain.

With a bit of research, you can find a budget-friendly gravel bike that will serve you well on your bike rides or commutes.

Can You Find Gravel Bikes under £1000?

While the selection of sub-£1000 gravel bikes isn’t vast, it’s reassuring to know that affordable options do exist. Admittedly, within this price range, you won’t find the crème de la crème or the featherweight champions of the gravel bike world. Nevertheless, they should deliver commendable performance for the majority of riders.

Gravel bikes priced below £1000 commonly feature aluminum frames, employ mechanical rather than hydraulic disc brakes, and sport drop handlebars.

To keep costs below the four-figure threshold, manufacturers often economize on crucial components such as gears, brakes, and tires. In some cases, they may opt for less expensive alternatives, eschewing well-established and pricier component brands.

Can You Get Gravel Bikes under £500?

The realm of sub-£500 gravel bikes is relatively sparse, but it’s not entirely devoid of options for the budget-conscious buyer.

However, when faced with a £500 budget for a new ride, we would strongly lean towards investing in a high-quality hybrid bike. While a hybrid may not offer the same adrenaline-charged experience as a gravel bike, its versatility nearly rivals that of a gravel bike. Furthermore, with a broader array of choices in this price range, we contend that you are more likely to discover a superior bicycle that aligns with your budget.

As with any bicycle purchase, it’s prudent to weigh the advantages and drawbacks before taking the plunge.

What’s the Cheapest Gravel Bike (UK)?

The cheapest gravel bike available in the UK can vary depending on the brand, model, and current promotions or discounts.

The most affordable gravel bike on our list is the Triban Women’s Gravel Bike GRVL 120. At the time of publishing it came in at £599.99.

To find the current cheapest gravel bike in the UK, check with various bicycle retailers, both online and local bike shops. Prices and availability can change over time, and new models are constantly released.

Also be on the lookout for sales, promotions, or clearance deals, as these can sometimes offer significant savings on gravel bikes.

Additionally, consider checking classified ads or online marketplaces for used gravel bikes, as you might find affordable options there as well.

Best Gravel Bikes under £1000

1. Ribble CGR AL – Sport

• £999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Alloy
• Weight: 10.5kg (23lb)
• Gears: 20-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 120kg (264lb)

• Lights: Optional
• Fenders: Optional
• Pannier Rack: Optional

In the UK, Ribble are known to provide all types of bikes at decent prices. Although this version of the CGR has been around a fair while now, it’s still one of our favourites.

Just sneaking under the £1000 mark, this bike is available in two colours and six frame sizes. Ribble allows you to customise pretty much every part of the bike before you place your order – pretty sweet!

If you plan to ride more off-road than on, then maybe swerve this bike. The tyres and gearing are more suited to tarmac and hardpacked surfaces.

Pros

• Can be customised before being ordered
• Specification represents good value for money
• 35mm tyres as standard

Cons

• Tyres aren’t suited to off-road riding
• Gearing spec is setup for faster road riding

BUY HERE

2. Boardman ADV 8.6

• £825

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 10.5g (23.14lb)
• Gears: 18-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Boardman is another stalwart of the British cycling scene and their range of bikes has long been a go-to, especially in the sub-£1000 category.

The ADV 8.6 is the brand’s lowest-priced gravel bike, but don’t let that put you off. Ride it out of the box and there aren’t many things that will let it down. Sensible 18-speed gears and 38c tyres combine to perform on different rides and different surfaces.

Plus when the time comes, the tubeless-ready wheels can be utilised and a handlebar can be easily slung aboard thanks to the flared handlebars.

Pros

• Tubeless-ready wheels
• The sensible gearing ratio is good for first-time riders
• A flared handlebar is a good touch at this price

Cons

• Humdrum colour
• Only four frame sizes

BUY HERE

3. Triban GRVL 120 Women’s

• £599

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 10.9kg (24lb)
• Gears: 10-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 110kg (242lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The best women’s specific gravel bike under £1000, goes to this option from Triban – the in-house brand from sports megastore, Decathlon.

We can’t over-egg what a steal this bike is. The comfortable riding position teamed with the simple-to-operate 1×10 gearing makes it ideal as a first gravel bike.

OK, some of the components might not be the most robust, or longest lasting, but if you ride occasionally or just at the weekend, you probably won’t notice.

Pros

• Sensational value for money
• Four frame sizes
• Comfortable, welcoming ride
• Tubeless compatible wheels and tyres

Cons

• Gear cabling prevents seamless use of handlebar bag
• Components might not last the test of time

BUY HERE

4. Cube Nuroad

• £999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11kg (24.25lb)
• Gears: 16-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 115kg (253lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Nuroad is Cube’s gravel bike model name and their lowest price option is this bike.

With a specific gravel frame geometry, the Nuroad blends road and mountain bikes to make something fun, yet comfortable to ride.

With neat internal cabling, hidden ports for mudguards and a pannier rack this bike certainly looks the business.

Pros

• From a trusted big brand
• Quality 40mm tyres
• Clearance for 45mm tyres

Cons

• Weighty for the price
• We’re not a huge fan of the gearing setup
• Just one frame colour

BUY HERE

5. Vitus Substance V-2

• £900

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11kg (25.25lb)
• Gears: 18-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The most “off-road” gravel bike on our list, the Vitus Substance is more about sitting back and enjoying the ride, than getting places fast.

The Substance would be an ideal partner on a bikepacking trip. The 2×9 Shimano gearing has low enough gears to cope with steep hills or when fully loaded and the flared handlebar design promotes comfort even during long rides.

Completing the Substance is a whole host of bottle cage mounts – although it would be nice to see some on the fork too!

Pros

• Impressive run of frame sizes (6)
• Compatible with 650b wheels and 1x drivetrains
• Proper knobbly 40c tyres

Cons

• Heavier than some
• Mechanical disc brakes might not perform well off road
• No fork bottle mounts

BUY HERE

6. Marin Nicasio+

• £965

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Steel
• Weight: 13.1kg (28.8lb)
• Gears: 7-speed 
• Wheel Size: XX”
• Max Load: 150kg (330xlb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The last bike on our list is the Marin Nicasio+. It differs from all the others on our list as it is made from steel, rather than aluminium. Steel is heavier than alloy, but it does deliver a unique and plus ride – plus it’s super hardwearing.

The 1x gearing is simple to operate and the Nicasio+ also has the widest tyres of any bike on our list. At 47mm wide they deliver a carpet-like ride on tarmac.

Although the external gear and brake cabling are less neat, it does make changing a cable super easy, even for a home mechanic with basic tools.

Pros

• Plush steel ride
• Eye-popping frame colours
• External cable routing makes maintenance easier

Cons

• Heavy
• Mechanical disc brakes not hydraulic

BUY HERE

Budget Gravel Bike Brands in UK

Historically this £1000 pricepoint was uber competitive due to the popular government backed cycle to work scheme. Most employers only allowed employees to buy a bike up to the value of £1000. These days most employers have removed this limit and along with inflationary pressure in the UK, it’s hard to find many gravel bikes below £1000.

A quick peruse of our favourite online retailers show there aren’t a huge number of gravel bikes sold below £1000. Whilst there’s the odd one or two at retailers like Sigma Sports, these are often reduced or in the sale.

Although it didn’t make it onto our list, the Triban gravel bike, is worth a look – it’s essentially the same as the GRVL 120 we included on our list.

At the time of writing, Marin are perhaps the biggest brand with a range of gravel bikes under £1000. Kona is another brand which is also worth a look. Their Rove AL 650 is one of, if not the only gravel below £1000 which is sold with the more off-road friendly 650b wheel size.

If you can stretch your budget a tad, then have a look at Sonder, the brand of outdoor kit experts Alpkit.

The post Best Gravel Bikes under £1000: 6 Cheap Picks in UK 🇬🇧 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

In the past few years, gravel bikes have really taken off. From more humble origins, gravel bikes are now well and truly mainstream.

Riders have cottoned on to their accessibility and how much fun they can be to ride. But can you pick up a decent gravel bike for under $1000?

We’ve used our experience in the cycle industry to scour the internet in order to find a range of gravel bikes that are going to deliver the goods without breaking your bank account.

Best Budget Gravel Bikes (USA)

How Much Do Gravel Bikes Cost?

Most gravel bikes these days cost over $1000. If your gravel bike budget is below four figures you’ll certainly have less choice.

Given that gravel bikes are just another type of bike, you’d imagine that they’d be available at all kinds of price points. But in our experience, this isn’t the case.

We browsed a popular online US-based retailer for gravel bikes and of the 100+ models they had for sale, not one was priced below $1000. On the very same website, their selection of hybrid bikes started from just $400.

What do we put this down to? Well, perhaps it can be argued that gravel bikes’ specific design and use are primarily aimed at enthusiastic, regular bike riders rather than those who cycle less often.

It is unfortunate, however, because the design of gravel bikes is such that they are a great first bike for someone getting into riding for the first time. They aren’t as sporty as a road bike, but would happily cope with long rides on tarmac with friends. Nor are they as finickity as a mountain bike with suspension and yet they still cope with some light off-roading.

With a little research you can find yourself one of the best budget gravel bikes to accompany you on your bike rides or commutes.

Can You Get a Gravel Bike under $1000?

Whilst there aren’t a huge number of options available, you can certainly buy a gravel bike for under $1000. At this price, they certainly won’t be one of the best or lightest gravel bikes available, but they should perform well enough for most.

Most gravel bikes between $750 and $1000 tend to be made from aluminium, run mechanical (not hydraulic) disc brakes and have drop handlebars.

To nip under the four-figure price, manufacturers tend to skimp on the standard of key components like gears, brakes and tires.

Some will also look to steer clear of more expensive, but well-known componentry brands like Shimano and SRAM and fit their bikes with less popular brands like Microshift and Tektro.

Can You Get a Gravel Bike under $500?

There aren’t many gravel bikes available under $500, but it is possible to buy one at this price.

However, if we had $500 to spend on a gravel bike, we’d much rather spend it on a good quality hybrid bike.

Although a hybrid bike won’t deliver the pedal-to-metal riding of a gravel bike, its versatility almost matches a gravel bike, and with much more choice at this price, we’d argue that you are more likely to find a better bike for your budget.

Like all bike purchases, it’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons before you jump in with both feet.

What’s the Cheapest Gravel Bike (USA)?

The cheapest gravel bike in the USA is the Amok Gravel Adventure Bike – on sale at the time of writing below $500. The cycling purists amongst you might argue that this is just a rebranded hybrid bike and, in this case, we’d tend to agree with you.

The bike has flat handlebars (although some gravel bikes have flat handlebars!) and a gear ratio more akin to a hybrid bike. That being said, the Amok should be a good partner for riding on road, gravel and singletrack.

Best Gravel Bikes under $1000

1. Salsa Journeyer Advent 650b

• $999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: Not Stated
• Gears: 9-speed 
• Wheel Size: 650b
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Salsa’s Journeyer is available in a variety of models, with four coming in under $1000, but for this guide we chose the 650b Advent model.

The 650b refers to the off-road wheel size, whilst the Advent is the 9-speed gearing system from Microshift. These two components help the Journeyer shine off-road.

Ultimately the Journeyer is all about attainable gravel and road adventures and it does that with aplomb.

Pros

• From a brand who knows about producing adventure/gravel bikes
• Top end wheels and tires
• Loads of frame mounts

Cons

• 9-speed gearing won’t be enough for some

BUY HERE

2. State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road

• $899.99

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Steel
• Weight: 12.2kg (27lb)
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 650b or 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The only steel gravel bike on our list is the State. All-Road 4130. Again, like the Salsa Journeyer we listed above it can be purchased in a variety of guises.

The steel frame and fork, whilst heavy, makes for a reliable and solid base ( as do the thru-axles for the wheels), upon which State has added what has to be said a somewhat hotchpotch of different components. Whilst they won’t deliver the highest performance they’re probably a fair reflection of the overall price of the bike.

Pros

• Thru-Axles
• Loads of mounting points
• Two frame colours
• Customisation possible pre-purchase

Cons

• 1kg (3lb) than most on our list
• Down-specced components
• Gearing won’t be enough for steep off road ascents

BUY HERE

3. Diamondback Haanjo 2

• $899

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: Not Stated
• Gears: 18-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights: 
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Running 37mm tires, the Haanjo 2 from Diamondback is perhaps the most road-orientated gravel bike on our list of budget gravel bikes. Team those tires with 18-speed (46/34T – 11-32T) gearing and you’ve got a bike that shouldn’t feel like riding through treacle on the tarmac.

Although its bang on the $1000 mark, the bike has a heavier aluminium fork rather than a carbon one, but its saving grace is that it includes mounts for fenders a front rack or whatever else you can think to mount to it.

Pros

• Five frame sizes
• Premium finish
• Nice tan wall tires

Cons

• It’d be nice to have a carbon fork at this price
• Tires aren’t tubeless

Check Price

4. Poseidon Dropbar Redwood

• $999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 13.1kg (29lb)
• Gears: 10-speed 
• Wheel Size: 650″
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Poseidon is one of few bike manufacturers that offer a range of well-priced gravel bikes. For this list, we chose the Dropbar Redwood, primarily for its capability away from tarmac.

The Redwood is sold with Kenda Kadre tires. These are essentially do-it-all mountain bike tires. They’ll be great on gravel, fire roads and singletrack but they’ll feel draggy on tarmac and pavement.

Again, the gearing (1×10) is setup for riding fairly steep off-road climbs, but the largest gear (38×11) should help when speeds are higher.

Pros

• Shines away from tarmac
• Thru axles at this price is fantastic
• Loads of colour and size options

Cons

• Nearing 30lbs
• Wide 46cm bars won’t work for shorter riders
• Stock tires won’t roll well on road

BUY HERE

5. Marin DSX 1

• $999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11.4kg (25lb)
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 150kg (330lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Not every gravel bike has drop handlebars and the DSX 1 from Marin is one bike which has a slightly different setup. The flat handlebars make the bike more welcoming to ride, plus they’ll also help with steering when off-road.

The DSX features thoughtful touches like fork mounts for adding bottles and bags. With fender and pannier mounts, the DSX 1 could also happily adapt to a week’s commuting too.

Pros

• Flat handlebars are comfortable for all
• Fork mounts for adding cages and bags
• External cabling routing for maintenance

Cons

• 1×11 gearing has limitations

BUY HERE

6. Triban GRVL 120

• $999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 10.95kg (24.4lb)
• Gears: 10-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700″
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights: 
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Gravel riding is all about versatility and the Triban GRVL 120 offers it in spades.The design of the frame is such that it prioritises riding comfort and teamed with the flared handlebars, the bike inspires confidence even when descending on gravel.

The 38×11/40 gearing setup is similar to other bikes on our list. Perhaps it doesn’t have enough ratios to help riders find the perfect pedalling cadence on the road, but for most cyclists it should be more than enough.

Completed with a carbon fork and loads of mounts for bottles, fenders and racks.

Pros

• Carbon Fork for vibration absorption and reduced weight
• Flared handlebars for control
• 1×10 gearing offers potential on and off the road

Cons

• Only one frame colour

BUY HERE

7. Merlin Malt G2 Claris

• $970

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11.3kg (24.9lb)
• Gears: 16-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Merlin won’t be a familiar name to most in the USA, but in their home country of the UK they have a small, but dedicated following. They offer a range of own-brand bikes, all sensibly priced and specced.

The Malt G2 Claris is sold for under $1000 (much less at the time of writing) and features an aluminium frame, carbon fork, 16-speed gearing and 38mm tires.

The setup of this bike doesn’t make it the ideal off-road partner but if your local routes involve all hardpacked surfaces and you can stomach the shipping costs to the US, then this bike might be for you.

Pros

• Thru-axle wheels promote excellent gear shifting and ride quality
• Carbon fork for responsive steering and absorbing the rough stuff

Cons

• UK>US shipping is costly
• 34x38T lowest gear isn’t enough for off-road riding
• 40mm maximum tire clearance

BUY HERE

Budget Gravel Bike Brands

In our experience, there are three key bike brands that offer budget gravel bikes. Marin and Salsa are the main two, with State Bicycle Co. a third. Each of these brands doesn’t just have one bike below $1000, they have a number, so if you’re in the market for a gravel bike on a budget, then give these three a look.

As we’ve illustrated in this article there aren’t a huge number of brands that offer gravel bikes below $1000. Indeed, some of the biggest bicycle manufacturers in the world – the likes of Trek and Specialized for example – don’t currently offer a gravel bike below $1000.

The post Best Gravel Bikes under $1000: 7 Budget Picks in USA 🇺🇸 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

A halfway house between a road bike and a mountain bike, a gravel bike offers riders the chance to dabble in all kinds of two-wheeled fun.

Their origins can be traced back to the rise of Americans exploring the vast network of gravel tracks and fire roads right across the country.

In this guide, we’ve condensed our favourite gravel bikes into a small, but perfectly formed list of seven. Seven bikes that, whatever your budget, should deliver a fun and rewarding ride, no matter the terrain.

Best Gravel Bikes (Top 7)

What is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is a bike designed to be ridden fast on light off-road trails or gravel. Depending on their exact specification they may err more towards a road bike or more toward a mountain bike.

Borrowing wide, knobbly tires and a more stable frame geometry from mountain bikes, gravel bikes should be able to cope with some rough riding. Today, some of the more rugged gravel bikes are even fitted with a front suspension fork.

Looking somewhat like a road bike (most have drop handlebars – although flat handlebar options are also available) gravel bikes are capable on tarmac too. The more road-orientated gravel bikes will have gearing that suits riding fast, but also a low enough gear that small, steep hills are no trouble either. This kind of gravel bike is also usually light in weight, with some weighing under the 10kg mark.

Like all regular bikes these days, there are electric variants of gravel bikes too.

Who Are Gravel Bikes For?

Gravel bikes, like all bikes really, are for anyone, but if you’re new to cycling and stuck between the idea of buying a road bike or a mountain bike, then a gravel bike is a sensible option.

It’ll allow you to pile on some long road miles, but if you want to head away from busy traffic and explore some backcountry, then it’ll allow you to do that too.

Gravel bikes’ versatility allows them to extend to other uses like commuting to work or even taking on some bikepacking or cycle touring on the weekends.

Gravel Bikes Pros + Cons

Before buying a gravel bike, it’s a good idea to weigh up their pros and cons.

Thanks to their versatility, gravel bikes may well be viewed as the “jack of all trades”. On the flip side of that argument you could argue that they are “master of none” – with road bikes and mountain bikes outperforming them on their respective terrains.

If your budget is on the low side, under $750 for example, you may find your choices limited. But if there’s only room for one bike in your life, and you like the idea of riding both on and off-road, there’s no other type of bike that matches a gravel bike in the fun stakes.

Best Gravel Bicycles in the World

We’ve scoured the World Wide Web to find you seven of the best gravel bikes. Here at Discerning Cyclist, our emphasis is mainly on commuting and city riding, so we’ve made sure that all of the options included in our list could easily adapt to that kind of riding should you wish.

1. Specialized Diverge Comp E5

• £2,550
• $2,500
• €2,700

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: Not Stated
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 124.7kg (275lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

This alloy-framed version of the Specialized Diverge is equipped with all the right tools needed to make gravel rides fun, fast and fuss-free.

It’d be fast and nimble enough on road rides and commutes but with reassuring steering, stable geometry and a unique front shock system, it’s good enough on gravel, fire roads and singletrack too.

This bike can be fitted with fenders.

Pros

• Front fork has “future shock” dampening
• Sold in 7 frame sizes
• Strong colour options
• Premium finishing kit

Cons

• 38c tires might not be wide enough for all
• High price for an alloy frame
• Front shock can’t be “locked-out” so it could be annoying when commuting solely on tarmac

Check Price

2. Trek Checkpoint SL5

• £3,700
• $3,399
• €4,099

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Carbon
• Weight: 9.7kg (21.39lb)
• Gears: 22-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 125kg (275lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The Checkpoint is Trek’s competitor to the Specialized Diverge. To change things up, we’ve selected a Checkpoint with a carbon frame. All-in, this model weighs under 10kg and with the 2×11 Shimano gearing, the setup will immediately appeal to road riders wanting to make the switch to gravel riding.

Whilst the SL5 comes fitted with 40mm tires, it will accept 45mm tires in a 700c wheel size – plenty wide enough for more gnarly, off-road escapades.

Pros

• Available in 6 frame sizes and 2 colours
• Genuinely useful internal frame storage
• 2×11 gearing is good for fast road riding too
• 40mm tires offer grip off-road

Cons

• Perhaps too precious to commit to daily commuting duty

Check Price

3. Ribble CGR AL

• £1,400
• $1,700
• €1,600

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 10.3kg (22.66lb)
• Gears: 22-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 120kg (264lb)

• Lights: Optional
• Fenders: Optional
• Pannier Rack: Optional

Although it’s been a fair while now, Ribble’s CGR platform continues to be held in high regard by all sorts of bike riders.

For this list, we chose the CGR AL option, with the Enthusiast gearing setup – that’s Shimano 105 for the uninitiated.

This bike would make an excellent commuting bike, especially if your commute is 10 miles+ and could involve a few light off-road sections.

Once the working week is out of the way, this bike could easily handle some bikepacking trips or a quick gravel jaunt.

Pros

• Can be customised
• Good value
• 40mm tires as standard

Cons

• Road gearing isn’t suited to steep off-road climbs
• Customising can lead to long lead times
• Only two frame colour options

Check Price

4. Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L

• £4,500
• $4,250
• €5,199

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Carbon
• Weight: 9.6kg (21.1lb)
• Gears: 22-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 138kg (305lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

With the inclusion of a rear rocker suspension system and onboard lights, Cannondale has really marked out the Topstone from its competitors.

This model (Carbon L 2) has a sensible gearing setup. The 2×11 specification shouldn’t leave riders wanting when loaded up on a bikepacking trip or shouldered with a backpack heading to work. The highest gear (48×11) should also be enough to keep up on a fast group ride on the road.

If you don’t like the idea of the integrated lights, then there are other options of the Topstone Carbon without it.

Pros

• Rear suspension for comfort
• Great looks
• Goldilocks gearing

Cons

• We’d like some neater cabling for this price
• Lack of frame colours in some countries/territories
• Lights might not offer enough power for off-road riding at night

Check Price

5. Marin DSX 1

• £985
• $999
• €950

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11.4kg (25lb)
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 150kg (330lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Not all gravel bikes have to have drop handlebars and the Marin DSX is a good example of this species.

With 1×11 gearing, disc brakes and wide-ish tires its got enough gravel bike DNA to enable it to perform on and off-road. Marin themselves say it would be the perfect mixed-surface commuting bike.

Although it’s sub $/£1000, the DSX features thoughtful touches like mounts on the fork for adding bags and other carrying equipment. Go bikepacking or weekend adventuring on the DSX and you shouldn’t be disspointed with its performance.

Pros

• Flat bar comfort
• Nips under the four-figure mark
• Fork mounts

Cons

• 1×11 gearing has its limitations

Check Price

6. Alchemy Ronin Titanium

• £7,325
• $9,000
• €8,444

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Titanium
• Weight: Various
• Gears: Various
• Wheel Size: Various
• Max Load: Various

• Lights: Optional
• Fenders: Optional
• Pannier Rack: Optional

Yes, it’s wildly expensive and yes you’ll have to wait a few months before you receive it, but the Ronin from Alchemy is a gravel bike that you’ll cherish for a very, very long time.

Built in Colorado, using titanium which itself is made in the US, the Ronin is a fine example of traditional craftsmanship paired with modern-day gravel bike geometry and componentry.

For the price, a custom fit is included, so whatever your height and body intricacies, you can be sure the Ronin will fit you like a glove.

Pros

• Customised to meet your desires
• Titanium delivers a plush ride
• Standout looks
• Definitely not mass-market

Cons

• Long build times
• Not available in the UK/EU
• Expensive

Check Price

7. Kona Libre CR/DL

• £2,899
• $3,799
• €3,341

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Carbon
• Weight: Not Stated
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Kona’s Libre is the last bike on our list. In our book, the CR/DL model offers rides the most bang for their buck. It runs the best gravel groupset going, Shimano GRX and comes pre-fitted with nice and wide 45mm tires.

The cherry on the top of this bike is the dropper post. Once you’ve got one on your gravel bike, you’ll probably never want one without it. Popped down, its ideal for slaloming road descents or technical singletrack sections.

Pros

• Great specification for the money
• Loads of bottle mounts
• Dropper post

Cons

• Limited frame sizes
• Only one frame colour

Check Price

Best Gravel Bike Brands

In our list of the best gravel bikes, we’ve included: Specialized, Trek, Ribble, Cannondale, Marin, Alchemy and Kona. But what about some other brands? Here’s a list of other brands that have a decent gravel bike offering.

Of the larger bike manufacturers, Giant (and their women-specific sister brand Liv), Merida, Scott, Cube and Canyon should be on your browse list. Brands of this size usually have at least two models of gravel bikes. More often than not, one is more road-focused, and the other is more adventure or mountain bike-inspired.

Medium-sized brands that have one type of gravel bike in their lineup include, Orbea, Focus and Cervelo.

If you’re after a smaller brand, perhaps one with a laser focus on gravel bikes then give the likes of Fairlight, Argonaut or Mason Cycles a tinkle on your keyboard.

The post Best Gravel Bikes: Top 7 Adventure Bicycles in 2024 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Gravel bikes have flooded the market in the last decade, as have e-bikes. It’s no surprise that the electric gravel bike has become a popular option for people who love adventure, but fancy the added support of a motor.

After all, who doesn’t want to go further and faster while riding off road? No one. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best gravel electric bike to suit you, no matter your budget or taste.

Best Gravel E-Bikes

What is a Gravel Electric Bike?

If you were wondering what a gravel electric bike is, then it’s exactly what it says on the tin: a gravel bike with the added benefit and capabilities of an electric bike.

These bikes are essentially therefore just a gravel bike fitted with both a motor and battery (which you have to charge) allowing you to boost your rides with a pedal assisted motor. Allowing you to ride further for longer as well as faster.

What’s not to love about that?

Who Are Gravel E-Bikes For?

Gravel e-bikes have been designed with people who love to adventure and explore in mind. Given gravel bikes can pretty much go anywhere, they are a great option for those who enjoy off-road riding but maybe need the added support of a motor or want to adventure for further.

Not to mention, gravel e-bikes would also make a great option for those wanting to bike pack as the motor will of course help to haul all kit and equipment around, which often adds up weight wise.

But, due to gravel bikes versatile nature, and most being rather light, an electric gravel bike would suit pretty much any rider who enjoys both off-road and road riding, as a lot can double up as a road bike once fitted with slicker tyres.

Gravel Electric Bikes Pros + Cons

Best Gravel Electric Bikes

1. Ribble Gravel AL e

• £2,799 to 4,399
• $3,533.52 to 5,553.40
• €3,213.74 to 5,050.81

Prices are approximate

Weight: 13.50kg (29.7lbs) in medium to 14kg (30.8lbs) in medium 

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 60 miles (96km)

Gears: 10 to 11-speed 

Wheel Size: 27.5″

Max Load: 120kg (264lbs)

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights: Optional

Fenders: 

Pannier Rack: Optional

If customisable is what you are looking for then the Ribble Gravel AL e is a great option to consider given their prebuilt specs range from the ‘Hero’, a high-end 11 speed Shimano GRX Di2 build to the ‘Sport’ which consists of 10 speed Shimano GRX RX400, both built around the same aluminium Gravel AL e frame.

As well as that, all builds also share the same motor which is the very compact MAHLE SmartBike Systems X35+ 250W, coupled with a Panasonic battery. Overall this customisable build option is great for those wanting to build a gravel e-bike around their budget with a solid frame as their starting point.

Pros

• Customisable
• Compact motor
• Great price point

Cons

• Not carbon

Check Price

2. Trek Domane+ SLR 7 AXS

• £8,900
• $10,000
• €9,599

Prices are approximate

Weight: 12.50kg (27.56 lbs) in 56cm

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 62 miles (100km)

Gears: 12-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c

Max Load: 125kg (275lb)

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights:

Fenders: 

Pannier Rack: 

This high-end 800 Series OCLV Carbon electric gravel bike certainly isn’t going to be for everyone with a price tag as hefty as this. However, for those wanting a high quality option that benefits from being lightweight then this is the one for you.

Not only that but with a range of up to 100km in eco mode, it’ll also assist even your longer gravel adventures. Additionally, this bike is fitted with the TQ-HPR50 motor system which is both powerful (peaking at 300W and continuously 250W) as well as compact.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Looks fantastic
• Very high quality

Cons

• Expensive 
• Overly fancy for most

Check Price

3. Fiido E-Gravel

• £1,267
• $1,599
• €1,599

Prices are approximate

Weight: 18 kg (39.6lbs)

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 50 miles (80km)

Gears: 9-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c

Max Load: 120kg (264lbs)

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights:

Fenders: 

Pannier Rack: Optional

The E-Gravel from Fiido is a great option for anyone wanting a flat bar option that’s affordable. At under $2,000 it’s undoubtedly a bargain and definitely a more accessible option. Given it’s upright / flat bar design, it’d make a great leisure e-bike or even commuter that can be taken off-road too.

With regards to spec, this bike also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, 9 speeds and a range of accessories as standard. The motor fitted is also silent and can be controlled by an easy to use waterproof display on the bars.

Pros

• Affordable
• Available in step through design too
• Compact motor

Cons

• Only two sizes
• Pretty heavy

Check Price

4. Cannondale Topstone Neo 5

• £4,355
• $5,500
• €5,007

Prices are approximate

Weight: 18kg (40lbs)

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 70 miles (113km)

Gears: 11-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c

Max Load: 130kg (286lbs)

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights:

Fenders: 

Pannier Rack: 

Consisting of Shimano GRX 11-speed groupset with GRX hydraulic disc brakes which is built around the SmartForm C1 Alloy frame, the Cannondale Topstone Neo 5 gravel e-bike is a great go to for those wanting a sleek and compact bike with a performance orientation.

Not only that, but this bike benefits from being fitted with the Bosch Performance Line Speed 250W, which can easily be controlled by the Bosch Purion display, which is user-friendly and clear to read.

Pros

• Compact
• Looks great
• Good range

Cons

• On the expensive side

Check Price

5. Bianchi E-Impulso Gravel E-Bike

• £2,854
• $3,600
• €3,283

Prices are approximate

Weight: 15kg (33lbs) roughly

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: N/A

Gears: 11-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c

Max Load: N/A

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights:

Fenders: 

Pannier Rack: 

Another gravel e-bike that is a little on the pricier side but arguably more of a mid range option is the Bianchi E-Impulso Gravel E-Bike. Fitted with the Ebikemotion X35 Plus 250W Motor Unit which due to it’s compact size offers a slick look which is a far cry from the previous bulky looking e-bikes.

In terms of spec, this one comes with Shimano GRX throughout, thus benefits from having 11-speeds which is more than enough for gravel riding. Overall, this bike is a great option for someone looking for a solid mid range gravel e-bike to train and leisure ride on.

Pros

• Compact
• Good spec
• Light

Cons

• Range not specified

Check Price

6. Ribble CGR AL e

• £2,699 +
• $3,407.28 +
• €3,558.19 +

Prices are approximate

Weight: around 13.5kg (180lbs)

Wattage: 250W (250W in UK & EU) 

Max. Range: 60 miles (96 km)

Gears: 11-speed 

Wheel Size: 700c

Max Load: 120kg (264lb)

Removable Battery:

Throttle: 

Lights: Optional

Fenders: Optional

Pannier Rack: Optional

Unsurprisingly, we have another entrant from Ribble, this time with the CGR AL e range, another very customisable option best suited to those who want choice and / or to build a bike of their suiting to a specific budget.

Coming with two pre built options either with Shimano 105 (Enthusiast) or Tiagra (Sport), both still come with the same Panasonic battery and MAHLE SmartBike Systems X35+ 250W motor, which is very compact and sleek, making this another great lightweight option for those who are weight conscious.

Pros

• Customisable
• Pre built specs available
• Good value
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not carbon

Check Price

The post Best Gravel Electric Bikes: 7 Picks for All Budgets in 2024 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

At first glance, gravel bikes and road bikes look pretty similar. But on closer inspection, these bikes have important differences that will affect the kind of ride you have. If you’re thinking about a new bike for your commute, you’ll need to know what these are.

When choosing a bike for your trip to work, you need to think about the kind of journey you’ll be doing (or already have). Road surface, distance, how much weight you’re carrying, are all important factors to consider.

Also, what kind of rider are you? Do you want to get to work as fast as possible? Or perhaps your riding style is more leisurely. Your body type and weight may also affect which bike is suitable.

Difference Between a Gravel Bike and a Road Bike

Road bikes, with their aerodynamic design, are built for speed and use on predominantly smoother roads. Gravel bikes are designed for durability and stability over multi-terrains, such as gravel roads and dirt tracks, as well as ordinary road use.

In spite of being similar looking, the main differences between these two bike types are to do with geometry, wheels, tyres and weight. Different brands and models of each bike do vary in terms of how adept they are on road and off, but we’ll have a look at the typical differences below.

Geometry

Gravel bikes, falling somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike, generally have a longer wheelbase and headtube. The angles of the headtube and frame are slacker, allowing for a more upright position which provides more comfort and control for off-road use.

Road bikes generally have a shorter wheelbase and steeper angles which places the rider in a lower, more streamlined position with a longer reach.

Tyres and Wheels

Road bikes almost always come with 700c wheels with a tyre clearance of around 28mm to 33mm (for the most part), but in some cases up to 35mm. Most road bikes will run on 23mm – 25mm slick tyres, the standard for swift movement on tarmac.

Gravel bikes are designed for use with 700c or 650B wheels. The smaller 650B are often preferred by riders for off-road use, allowing for thicker tyres that can be run with lower psi, offering more grip and shock absorption along with faster acceleration. The tyre clearance on a 700c wheel can be up to 45mm, and up to 50mm on a 650B. This allows for a huge amount of adaptability for different terrains.

Tyre tread is also a factor. Road bike tyres are far smoother than the array of different tread patterns favoured by gravel bike riders.

Frames

A lighter body equates to more speed, and most road bikes nowadays are built with a carbon fibre frame. Not all – some do come with aluminum or steel frames, but the common consensus is that carbon fibre offers the lightest and most compliant ride on the road.

Gravel bikes also come with carbon fibre frames, but these are heavier and more durable than road bikes. They’re lighter than the aluminum frames, but many gravel bike riders opt for aluminum as it’s essentially more affordable. But there are also some really tough (and not-so-cheap) aluminum options available, such as the Mason Bokeh GRX with triple-butted performance Aluminum frame.

Gears

Most gravel bikes have a 1×11 (or 1×10) drivetrain, which means a single front chainring. For lay people like me, this means 10 or 11 gears in total. It doesn’t ‘sound’ a lot, but the range is substantial. Favoured also by mountain-bikers, the single chainring offers more simplicity and less weight. It also keeps the chain more secure, which is ideal for bumpy rides.

A 2×11 drivetrain is, shall we say, sometimes frowned upon in gravel bike circles. But whatever your opinion, double the amount of gears does give a wider range and is often preferred by gravel bike users who stick to roads for much of the time.

And this is exactly why most road bikes have two chainrings. On the road, a greater gear range has advantages in terms of steep hill climbs and fast descents. Naturally, it makes big gear jumps easier, too.

Is a Gravel Bike Good for Road Riding?

Gravel bikes, unlike mountain bikes, are far more suited to riding on road, especially those with a double front derailleur. Different models tend to be designed more for on-road or off-road use, but they can also be adapted for better road riding by choosing appropriate wheel and tyre sizes.

Is a Gravel Bike as Fast as a Road Bike?

Generally, no. The highest gears on a gravel bike are not typically as high as those on a road bike. This, combined with the geometry, results in limitations on speed, giving road bikes the advantage.

But some would also say, depending on the bike, there isn’t that much in it. Different models of gravel bike do vary and some have a more aerodynamic design than others.

My ex boss once told me, “You’re only as fast as your legs.” He had a point. And though technically the road bike is the faster option, it may not be the most practical one if you want your bike to be versatile and take you off road.

Road Bike vs Gravel Bike: Speed

The table below is a guide to the contributing design factors that give road bikes the edge when it comes to speed.

However, when putting gravel and road bikes to the test and through their paces on the same stretches of road, the difference isn’t as extreme as you might think. When a gravel bike is fitted with road tyres, the difference in speed is fairly minimal on a flat and downhill. The noticeable difference is found when climbing uphill, where the road bike is significantly faster.

Gravel Bike vs Road Bike for Commuting

A gravel bike is an excellent option for commuting as it’s all-purpose, robust and can handle heavy weights if you have a lot to carry. Roads can be treacherously uneven and, particularly out of urban areas, you can often encounter loose gravel or mud. With gravel bike tyres this isn’t a problem.

A road bike may not be the best option for urban commuting, given the constant stopping at traffic lights and junctions, which they’re not essentially designed for. But if your commute consists of long stretches of smooth roads and hills, they do have an advantage if speed is your priority.

The post Road Bike vs Gravel Bike: Which is Best for Commuting? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Your average bike ride rarely sees you riding across one type of surface.

You might find yourself starting on a gravel driveway, then onto smooth roads and then heading out onto dirt tracks, bridleways and perhaps even through forest trails and tracks.

Even your daily commute to work is likely to take you across multiple types of road surfaces. This can make your cycle ride far more interesting, but you will want a bike that is versatile enough to cope with multiple road surfaces.

This is where a gravel bike is a great option.

This type of bike is a hybrid between a road bike and a mountain bike and they are known for their being fast, sturdy bikes that are great for their versatility across different road surfaces. These bikes are also known as adventure gravel bikes or even as adventure road bikes.

One thing is for sure, whatever name you use for it, a gravel bike is the best option for many people. Luckily enough, buying one doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little research you can find yourself one of the best budget gravel bikes to accompany you on your bike rides or commutes.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike under £1000?

Searching for a new bike is a little bit like searching for a new friend. Your gravel bike will be your companion through all weathers and situations and you want to pick one you can trust. It can seem a bit daunting, gravel bikes all differ from one another with how focused they are on road use vs off-road use. We could get into the nitty gritty of different gravel bike specs, their pros and cons but there is a lot to take in and you can read more information about gravel bikes here if you want to know more.

When it comes down to basics there is one ultimate thing you need to consider when buying a gravel bike and that is; What surfaces do you cycle on most often? Do you need a gravel bike that is almost a mountain bike? Or, if you cycle mostly on roads with occasional off-road surface use you might want one designed for mostly road use. If you aren’t sure then aim to go for a gravel bike that is about 50/50 between road and mountain bike.

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Triban RC 520 Gravel Adventure Bike (£849.99)

If you have a slightly higher budget then the next bike we are looking at is this gravel adventure bike by Triban – which is definitely one of the best men’s gravel bikes available for under £1000.

Designed for both comfort and performance on tracks and trails this bike is perhaps more mountain bike than it is road bike but it should still cope with both terrains and surfaces with ease allowing you the space to just cycle and have fun wherever this bike takes you.

Comfort, support and performance are not always easy to find in a budget gravel bike but this bike works hard to achieve everything you could want:

• Available in 5 sizes this bike should suit most men and women and you can match your size easily. Bear in mind that a smaller bike will give you more athleticism but a larger size will give you more comfort.
• The frame is lightweight and made from aluminium and is designed for comfort with adapted sloping. This might be a lightweight frame but it is strong too and perfect for road use.
• The fork is made from carbon blades and an aluminium Aheadset steerer tube to combine low weight with accuracy.
• Aluminium gravel handlebars flared for comfort and grip.
• Hydro-mech disc braking system for progressive braking.
• Tubeless Light wheels designed for performance on rolling terrain and tracks.

If comfort, style and performance while adventuring on tracks, trails and through rolling hills  is your priority then this bike has everything you need.

Strong and sturdy

Triban RC 520 Gravel Bike - £849

Offering comfort and performance on trails and rolling terrains, the Triban RC520 Gravel adventure bike is great fun and easy to ride. Key features include wide handlebars with 16° flare, 700 wheels and size 35 tubeless-ready tyres, a Shimano 105 R7000 groupset and effective hydro-mech disc brakes.

Buy Here

What is the Best Cheap Gravel Bike?

We have found a few of the top gravel bikes that should fit nicely into most of your requirements for a bike which you can use for both commuting and general use. So let’s dive in and take a look.

Best Men’s Gravel Bike under £500:

Triban RC 120 Gravel Adventure Bike (£499.99)

Slightly cheaper than the Triban RC 520 bike that we mentioned above is this one by the same company that offers a great adventure gravel bike for those starting out on their adventure biking journey. This bike pairs great versatile design with great value.

This version is made for men but there are women’s bikes available with the same value and design in mind. This bike comes in a variety of sizes and is made using a specification designed for comfort and value so it might not have quite as much precision and performance as it’s bigger brother the RC 520 but it offers a great start to discovering adventure biking.

For commuters looking for a great value commuter bike this one does the job. Designed for comfort on both roads and on those tracks and trails you might need to take for shortcuts on your way to work. You can’t get much better value for money and is one of the best gravel bikes Decathlon has.

Even with the focus being on value this bike still comes with an impressive specification that includes:

• A frame built for comfort encourages the rider to have a more upright position and better feet alignment than a traditional road bike which makes for a more comfortable ride.
• A lightweight carbon and aluminium fork for precision.
• A flared aluminium handlebar designed to be comfortable and enable you to get a better grip.
• An effective braking system made using the Promax DSK Disc brakes.
• Tubeless ready wheels that are durable and Hutchinson 700×38 tyres for versatile road grip.
• A comfortable ergofit saddle in a Hammock design to provide maximum comfort as you ride.

Great value

Triban RC 120 Gravel Bike - £499

Easy and versatile: single chainring 38-11/42, mechanical disc brakes, XL flared handlebar, tubeless wheels and 38 tyres.

Buy Here

Best Women’s Gravel Bike under £500:

Triban RC 120 Women’s Gravel Adventure Bike (£499.99)

This bike is the women’s version of the bike we just mentioned and is a great pairing to the male version and offers the same great value for money for those who are looking for a great bike to discover adventure biking or to use as your commuter bike to get you too and from work with comfort and ease.

This gravel bike is available in three sizes and  has been designed specifically for female riders and their comfort with a narrower handlebar, brake levers closer to the handlebar for easy use and grip, a shorter stem and a saddle designed for women.

This is a slightly different design and specification to the male version and it still offers the same great value for money for a cheaper range gravel bike. For the budget this is one of the best women’s gravel bikes available and it includes the following benefits:

• Three sizes available with all elements redesigned for female cyclists.
• A frame designed to be comfort-orientated. This bike offers a more comfortable riding position that is more upright than a classic road bike design.
• A carbon fork and aluminium pivot allow for a lighter-weight bike that offers precision when steering.
• Promax Disc brakes fitted for efficient braking
• Flared handlebars that allow for a comfortable and strong grip.
• An ergofit women’s saddle with a hammock seat design and an aluminium seat post that allows for greater flex and helps to increase the comfort levels.

Best Women's Gravel Bike under £500

Triban RC 120 Women's Gravel Adventure Bike - £499.99

Women's specific model of the Triban 120, which features an adjusted frame and seat build for female riders.

Easy and versatile: single chainring 38-11/42, mechanical disc brakes, XL flared handlebar, tubeless wheels and 38 tyres.

Buy Here

Best Budget Gravel Bike:

Voodoo Limba Mens Adventure Bike (£450)

For a great value men’s gravel bike then you can’t go too far wrong than with this one by Voodoo. Priced at only £450 we think this one is one of the best gravel bikes under £500 available.

With a lightweight frame designed for adventuring this bike is perfect for both gentle off-roading on woodland tracks and towpaths and it is a quick, sturdy bike on roads. Available in three frame sizes you can get your perfect fit and with 16 speed Shimano Claris gears you will be able to go anywhere and everywhere with this bike.

The main features of this gravel bike are:

• An adventure frame made from lightweight alloy.
• 16 speed Shimano Claris gears.
• Powerful Tektro Mira Cable Disc Brakes.
• 700c Vee Rubber Speedster Tyres that are able to handle multiple terrains with speed and comfort.

We believe that this is one of the top gravel bikes available for a low budget and offers fantastic value for a great bike that will take you anywhere.

Very popular

Voodoo Limba Gravel Bike - £450

A bike with a strong sense of purpose - to do anything and everything. A mix of cyclocross and road bikes, the Limba can easily be ridden on the road, towpath and woodland tracks thanks to its nimble frame and 16 speed Shimano gears.

Buy Here

The post Best Gravel Bikes under £1000 [Top 4 Budget Rides in 2024] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

In the ever-evolving world of cycling, a new player has emerged, garnering widespread attention and enthusiasm from riders of all backgrounds. It’s not quite a road bike, not quite a mountain bike, and certainly not a hybrid. We’re talking about the gravel bike, a versatile and multi-purpose machine that has taken the cycling community by storm.

In this article, we’ll delve into the exciting world of gravel biking, exploring what exactly a gravel bike is, how it differs from other types of bicycles, and why it has become a beloved choice for cyclists seeking adventure, exploration, and a unique riding experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a curious newcomer, fasten your helmet and join us as we navigate the gravel roads and trails of this intriguing cycling subculture.

What Is a Gravel Bike?

Gravel bikes, also known as adventure road bikes, are essentially a cross between the classic mountain bike and a road bike. They are designed to be faster than a mountain bike and more durable than your standard road bike. They can ride on tarmac, mud, and most surfaces in between.

It’s not surprising to find that this new concept came from the USA; there are hundreds of miles of rarely used tracks that exist predominantly to help fire trucks manoeuvre through forests. These are perfect for any level of biker who has access to a gravel bike – these tracks are too rough for your standard road bike. It will be shaken apart.

Of course, they are also too fast to be fully appreciated on your mountain bike. That’s why the gravel bike, or road adventure bike, is the perfect solution.

What Does a Gravel Bike Look Like?

The best thing is that this bike can perform on any surface. You only need one bike to cover the daily commute, your road training, and your off-road fun.

It’s worth noting that geometry is the main difference with this type of bike. The head tube is usually taller while the angle is slicker, making the steering experience more relaxed than a road bike but less responsive than a mountain bike.

You’ll also notice that the bikes are generally a little longer than road or mountain bikes. This is to improve stability and comfort on all surfaces. Gravel bikes also have disc brakes as these provide better response and more confidence when you’re off-road.

Gravel Bikes – Pros & Cons

No bike is perfect, which means you need to consider the good points and the bad points of it before you commit to purchasing one. Below we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a gravel bike.

Gravel Bike Tyres

There are several different types of gravel bike tyres, your decision on which is best for you depends on your budget and whether you want the fastest gravel bike tyres possible, or not.

The size of your gravel bike tyre can vary, for example, 28″ (700mm) models are available in widths between 28mm to 57mm, the wider the tyre the better the grip but the slower the bike is likely to be because it takes more effort to turn the wheels.

How Heavy Are Gravel Bikes?

The exact weight will depend on which gravel bike you choose but the average gravel bike weighs in at just over 11kg, that’s approximately 2kg heavier than the average road bike.

That’s going to slow you a little on roads and light country lanes, but you’ll want the extra weight for the strength and durability it provides when you’re on the rougher stuff.

How Fast Are Gravel Bikes?

The fastest gravel bike is not going to be as fast as a good road bike,. However, while this is generally blamed on the wider tyre and therefore an increase in drag, the real issue is actually the rider. The more aerodynamic you make yourself the faster you’ll ride, bent right over the handlebars on your gravel bike will be less comfortable than on a road bike, but it will negate the extra width of the tyres and help you to go as fast, especially if you’re going downhill.

But gravel bike speed is still very good. In short, unless you’re a professional racer the difference in speed won’t be noticeable, giving you more than enough speed wherever you’re going.

Best Gravel Bike Brands

There’s a difference between a budget or affordable gravel bike and the best gravel bike on the market. Of course, most people don’t need the best; they need a good balance between the two, which is why it pays to be aware of the best gravel bike brands currently available.

These include:

• Canyon
• Giant
• Enigma
• Trek
• Ribble
• Genesis

It’s worth taking a look at everything they have to offer before making a decision.

Best Gravel Bikes

1. Canyon Grizl CF SL 6

• £1,949
• $2,299
• €1,999

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Carbon (CF)
• Weight: 9.84kg (21.69lb)
• Gears: 10-speed
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 120Kg/265lb

• Lights: Reflector set
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Although this is not the lightest gravel bike, and there were many others that would’ve battled for this 7th position, the value for money v the weight of this bike is just amazing. New for 2023, the Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 is only £1,949 and yet weighs in at 9.84kg: that’s seriously good stuff. Not only that but it also looks great and the frame and forks are also made of carbon, making it a great budget friendly buy for anyone wanting a lightweight gravel bike but wanting to spend a fraction of the RRP of the others in this list.

Pros

• Amazing price
• Carbon frame and forks
• Light for the price

Cons

• Only 10 speed
• Not as light as high-end gravel bikes

Check Price

2. Giant REVOLT ADVANCED PRO 1

• £4,899
• $5,500
• €5,700

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Raw carbon
• Weight: 9.84kg (21.69lb)
• Gears: Aprox 8kg (17.63lb)
• Wheel Size: 700c

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Given how huge the company Giant is, it’s no surprise that they feature on this list with their very well received REVOLT ADVANCED PRO 1. Improving on the previous model, Giant is said to have saved 200g thanks to the Advanced composite frame and Advanced SL composite fork, which says to me that they were serious about cutting weight for this model. Coming in at around 8kg, it’s for sure paid off. But, it’s a pretty good price for the quality, making it a great option for anyone wanting to spend under 5k on a lightweight gravel bike.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Looks great
• Great componentry for the price

Cons

• Still expensive for most

Check Price

3. Marin DSX 1

• £816
• $999
• €934

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11.4kg (25lb)
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 150kg (330lb)

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

Not every gravel bike has drop handlebars and the DSX 1 from Marin is one bike which has a slightly different setup. The flat handlebars make the bike more welcoming to ride, plus they’ll also help with steering when off-road.

The DSX features thoughtful touches like fork mounts for adding bottles and bags. With fender and pannier mounts, the DSX 1 could also happily adapt to a week’s commuting too.

Pros

• Flat handlebars are comfortable for all
• Fork mounts for adding cages and bags
• External cabling routing for maintenance

Cons

• 1×11 gearing has limitations

BUY HERE

4. State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road

• £735
• $899.99
• €845

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Steel
• Weight: 12.2kg (27lb)
• Gears: 11-speed 
• Wheel Size: 650b or 700c
• Max Load: Not Stated

• Lights:
• Fenders:
• Pannier Rack:

The only steel gravel bike on our list is the State. All-Road 4130. Again, like the Salsa Journeyer we listed above it can be purchased in a variety of guises.

The steel frame and fork, whilst heavy, makes for a reliable and solid base ( as do the thru-axles for the wheels), upon which State has added what has to be said a somewhat hotchpotch of different components. Whilst they won’t deliver the highest performance they’re probably a fair reflection of the overall price of the bike.

Pros

• Thru-Axles
• Loads of mounting points
• Two frame colours
• Customisation possible pre-purchase

Cons

• 1kg (3lb) than most on our list
• Down-specced components
• Gearing won’t be enough for steep off road ascents

BUY HERE

5. Ribble CGR AL – Sport

• £999
• $1,250
• €1,165

Prices are approximate

• Frame Material: Alloy
• Weight: 10.5kg (23lb)
• Gears: 20-speed 
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Load: 120kg (264lb)

• Lights: Optional
• Fenders: Optional
• Pannier Rack: Optional

In the UK, Ribble are known to provide all types of bikes at decent prices. Although this version of the CGR has been around a fair while now, it’s still one of our favourites.

Just sneaking under the £1000 mark, this bike is available in two colours and six frame sizes. Ribble allows you to customise pretty much every part of the bike before you place your order – pretty sweet!

If you plan to ride more off-road than on, then maybe swerve this bike. The tyres and gearing are more suited to tarmac and hardpacked surfaces.

Pros

• Can be customised before being ordered
• Specification represents good value for money
• 35mm tyres as standard

Cons

• Tyres aren’t suited to off-road riding
• Gearing spec is setup for faster road riding

BUY HERE

Is a Gravel Bike Worth It?

If you’re considering a gravel bike then you need to go a step further and treat yourself to one. For the average rider, this is the best option available and will allow you to enjoy cycling, whether on or off-road.

Take your time choosing and testing the different bikes available, you want the one that suits you best, not the one that everyone says is the best!

The post What Are Gravel Bikes? Pros and Cons Explained appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.