Gravel bikes: popular manufacturers and tips for choosing

Nowadays, the bicycle is no longer a simple pastime. For many people, this is a frequently used and favorite transport, but for cyclists it is the main part of life. Choosing the right bike is a huge decision. Each variety and model has its own characteristics, the main thing is for the owner to feel as comfortable as possible on the bike.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the gravel bike variety. In recent years, they are rapidly gaining popularity, and many buyers are increasingly paying attention to such models as the most fashionable and modern.

Here we will tell you about the main benefits of gravel bikes, the best models and their manufacturers today, and what to look for when choosing a bike.

The Gravel bike was created for the so-called gravel racing and has all the best from many other varieties. However, in our country, this type of cycling is not yet very common. Therefore, the corresponding bicycles are not particularly suitable for Russian cyclists. But amateurs are increasingly paying attention to gravel bicycles, since for the cost of one bike they get the possibilities of several at once.

Adaptability is the word that characterizes the main feature of the gravel bike. Their owners can easily move around their hometown every day without any problems, and then go on a long journey on their bike.

Travel comfort is ensured by large tires and a special geometry with a large head tube angle. Of course, gravel bikes weren't pioneers in this area. They were created on the basis of an older variety, which also solved the problem of traveling over rough terrain. They were road bikes. Nevertheless the gravel type proved to be better in many aspects, mainly due to the larger tires.

The gravel bike has a whole a number of significant advantages that have made it so popular among cycling enthusiasts.

• Multifunctionality - these bicycles can be called all-terrain vehicles from the world of bikes. They were created on the basis of ergometers and cyclocross, incorporating the best of these varieties.
• Design - it includes such important components as disc brakes and a frame with high ground clearance for installing tires. It is the thick tires that provide movement on various types of surfaces and easily overcome obstacles.
• Compactness and maneuverability - the gravel bike makes it easy to move along busy city streets, maneuvering between pedestrians and vehicles, and also feels great on narrow roads.
• Reliability - gravel bikes are very durable and can travel long distances.
• Comfort of movement - the presence of a short suspension travel provides the best adhesion of the wheels to the surface.

Of course, gravel bikes have their drawbacks too, but most of them are more subjective. Everyone will decide for himself what he is not satisfied with in a particular model. But these disadvantages will be insignificant. In general, the disadvantages include the inability of such bicycles for sports cycling, as well as the external similarity with reinforced road bikes, which can be easily confused when buying. And how to avoid this, we will tell you a little later.

If you decide to buy a gravel bike, you should give preference to well-known proven brands. In most cases, their cost is not very affordable, but such is the price for reliability and comfort. Especially for you, we have prepared a rating of the best gravel bikes from leading manufacturers. However, we did not distribute the models in places, since each of them has its own advantages and deserves attention.

• Giant revolt - includes an aluminum frame and 50mm tires. This allows the bike to move easily even in mud. This model is usually equipped with a carbon disc brake fork and a wide steering column. The cost of Revolt bicycles starts at 50 thousand rubles.

• Specialized Diverge - model released in 2015, which allows the installation of tires up to 35 mm wide. This gravel bike is more likely to be used on smoother roads. But all bikes are equipped with mudguards, rack mounts and anti-vibration inserts. The frame is available in aluminum and carbon, which affects the cost. The current price of bicycles starts at 70 thousand rubles.

• GT Grade AL 105 - a series that was released in the same year as the previous model. In many ways it is similar. Carbon or aluminum frames and tires up to 35 mm wide. Flexibility is the hallmark of the GT Grade. It is provided by separate elements built into the frame and fork. The cost is approximately 92 thousand rubles.

• Cannondale Topstone SE 105 - a real monster among the "gravel", which appeared in 2019. Combines the best qualities of road and mountain bikes. Has an aluminum frame, tapered head tube and disc brakes.However, the cost may seem quite high - from 127 thousand rubles and more.

• Raleigh Mustang Elite - the best model in the Raleigh gravel range. It was released in 2016. The aluminum frame of this bike features a double docking, which allows it to easily navigate not only on flat roads, but also on bumpy terrain. If you love to travel to wild lands, be sure to check out this model. But for it you will have to pay at least 87 thousand rubles.

• Surly Straggler - the manufacturer describes it as a multi-functional bike with increased durability. In general, this is a standard gravel bike, and its hallmark is an unusual design that can both attract the buyer and scare him away. But it does not affect the convenience in any way. Today the price of a bicycle is about 111 thousand rubles.

• Raleigh Rocker Pro - another gravel model from Raleigh, but this time more expensive. The bike will cost you 180 thousand rubles. Many experts argue that the model is worth the money, as it is very comfortable, it moves perfectly on any type of surface and at the same time maintains a high uniform speed. Tire width is 35 mm, the bike is equipped with disc brakes and a reliable transmission.

• Niner RLT 9 - bike with longer stays and head tube angle. The maximum tire width is 45 mm. Previously, Niner was a renowned manufacturer of exclusively mountain bikes, but recently decided to expand its range with a gravel variety. The cost of this model starts at 175 thousand rubles.

• Shad stoater Is one of the two most expensive models in our ranking. It costs more than 235 thousand rubles. The manufacturer claims that the bike provides maximum riding comfort in all conditions. The model is suitable both for daily movement around the city and for long trips over rough terrain. Frame and fork made of steel, maximum tire width 45 mm, available with strut mounts and mud flaps.

• Jamis renegade elite - another expensive bike, but slightly cheaper than the previous one, from 207 thousand rubles. The multi-purpose bike has a carbon fiber frame and fork, disc brakes, mudguards and rack mounts. Maximum tire width 40 mm. The model is known for its low weight. It is available in 5 versions, differing in configuration and, accordingly, in cost.

Nevertheless these are just a few of the decent bicycles of this type. It is very likely that you will find cheaper or more practical models that did not make it to our top.

When looking at the function and design of gravel bikes, they will fall between road and cyclocross. Because of this, an amateur cyclist can easily confuse the two. To prevent this from happening, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing.

Gravel bikes need to be slightly heavier than other bikes to carry luggage successfully on long journeys. For its manufacture, aluminum or carbon is most often used. And also the frames of the "gravel road" should be equipped with various mounts to accommodate luggage and mudguards.

Their geometry is also different - the pipes are located at a smaller angle than the pipes of other bicycles. This provides more stable handling as well as an upright riding position.

Another element that differentiates gravel bikes from cyclocross bikes. While the latter have classic 46/36 stars and medium-sized cassettes, the gravel ones have 50/34 stars with a larger cassette. However, you are always free to set configurations that are more suitable for you, which is often the case for experienced travelers.

For good grip on various types of surfaces, they must be wider than standard tires, that is, more than 33 mm. Often manufacturers produce gravel bikes with tubeless wheels, which eliminates the unpleasant possibility of tire puncture. In this case, the wheels have a reduced pressure.

The disc brake type was introduced in 2010, which was a major push for the gravel bike variety. They are all equipped with only disc brakes, since only their strength is able to provide the necessary stability in various types of weather.

Now you know what to look at first when buying a bike that can go anywhere.

Find out more about gravel bikes in the video below.