A gravel bike is a modern type of bicycle that is ideally suited for various surfaces. If you frequently ride on changing terrain, the gravel bike offers extra grip thanks to its specially adapted wheels.

A gravel bike is not only distinguished from other bicycles, but also possesses features that are primarily found in this bicycle category. As we have seen, gravel bikes are very versatile. This results in specific requirements that a gravel bike should meet and that characterize it.

Frame and material

Gravel bikes always use a trapezoidal frame, usually in the classic shape or with a slightly sloping top tube. The materials used for the frame ultimately determine the bike's price. Aluminum and carbon fiber, or a combination of both materials, are widely used. For example, the frame might be made of aluminum, but the fork of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber frames are generally lighter, but also more expensive and somewhat more fragile compared to aluminum. Because carbon fiber allows for more flex than aluminum, the frames are often perceived as more comfortable.

In recent years, steel has also experienced a kind of renaissance in frame construction and is now used, among other things, in gravel bikes. Steel and aluminum are considered very robust and therefore ideal for bikes that are subjected to heavy use.

handlebars

The handlebars are a defining feature of a gravel bike's appearance. However, it's less about aesthetics and more about the tangible advantages that drop bars, also known as road bike handlebars, offer, such as the various possible hand positions. On long rides, you don't want your hands to go numb, and a firm grip is essential off-road. For this, a wide handlebar is ideal, typically between 440 and 460 millimeters wide on gravel bikes.

Incidentally, wider handlebars also make attaching handlebar bags easier. On gravel bikes, handlebars with slightly flared drops have become popular. This is called drop flare and widens the lower grip area of the handlebars. This provides better control of the bike, especially on rough terrain.

Another aspect concerns the handlebar reach, i.e., how far forward the brake/shift levers are positioned. For a stretched-out riding position, the reach needs to be correspondingly long. Since a comfortable riding position is generally preferred on a gravel bike, the reach should therefore be on the shorter side.

However, the riding position is also influenced by other factors and can be adjusted, among other things, by the length of the stem. Gravel bike handlebars are made of either aluminum or carbon. Carbon handlebars have more flex and are able to absorb minor impacts. This provides greater comfort and is particularly noticeable on longer rides.

Tires

Finding the right tire is almost a science these days. Wider tires are a key feature of gravel bikes and crucial for their versatility. The frames are designed to accommodate tire widths of up to 50 millimeters. The range of gravel tires available extends from 33 millimeters to 50 millimeters. A typical feature of gravel bikes is the use of 40-millimeter-wide tires with tread on the edges for grip on uneven terrain and a smoother tread surface that also allows for higher speeds.

This type of tire is called a semi-slick and is available in a wide variety of versions. Almost all gravel bikes can now be run tubeless, meaning without an inner tube. This significantly increases puncture resistance, especially when riding off-road with lower tire pressure.

pedals

Similar to road bikes, gravel bikes are offered without pedals. This means that a wide range of pedals can be used, depending on personal preference. The first fundamental question is which system to use: clipless pedals or flat pedals.

Those who primarily use their gravel bike for everyday riding should opt for flat pedals. For more sporty use, clipless pedals are a good choice. However, standard road bike pedals are usually only the second-best option, mainly because the corresponding road cycling shoes aren't suitable for walking. Therefore, gravel bikes typically use SPD pedals, which are also used on mountain bikes. Their advantage lies in the compatibility with mountain bike shoes featuring a tread pattern, where the clipless mechanism is integrated into the sole and thus doesn't interfere with walking.

Components

Gravel bikes also have a few unique features regarding their drivetrain and brakes that are less common on road bikes. This starts with the brakes, which are usually hydraulic disc brakes. Less expensive bikes sometimes use mechanical disc brakes. These offer higher braking power with more comfortable operation.

The full range of available drivetrain options is possible. In practice, however, many gravel bikes are equipped with single-chainring systems (Shimano or SRAM). These offer a similarly wide gear range but have fewer intermediate gears. In recent years, Shimano's new gravel groupset (GRX) has become increasingly popular. It is offered in various versions, similar to the road bike groupsets 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace. Its advantage lies in the broad range of uses expected of a gravel bike. It must be able to handle steep off-road sections as well as fast descents on paved roads.

Accordingly, the GRX offers a wide gear range with an 11-34 cassette and one or two chainrings. The groupset also allows for smooth three-speed shifting. This can make the difference on steep off-road sections between being able to continue riding and having to push the bike. Thanks to the robust construction of the rear derailleur, chain slap is a thing of the past, and the groupset can even withstand a crash. At the cockpit, the large, non-slip grips ensure secure handling on any surface.

Gravel bikes evolved from cyclocross bikes. This makes them suitable for various terrains and they ride well even on gravel. Dirty roads, gravel, or rough paths are no problem for these bikes.

Gravel bikes are true all-rounders and can be ridden both on flat roads at high speeds and on rough terrain. Unlike mountain bikes, they have round handlebars.

The name itself provides a first clue. Gravel simply means gravel or crushed stone. This roughly outlines its intended use. Further clues come from its history and origin. In the early years of cycling, when paved roads were still rare, racing bikes had to cope with rough surfaces.

Wide tires and a robust construction, usually made of steel, were therefore the norm. Over time, the roads improved, new materials such as aluminum conquered the bicycle world, and enabled the construction of lighter and faster racing bikes.

Nevertheless, classic road bikes quickly reach their limits when they're not used on paved roads. This is an experience shared by many cyclists in the USA who live outside major urban areas and don't want to limit themselves to highway riding. Endless gravel tracks then place high demands on both rider and equipment. Mountain bikes were typically used for this, but with the increasing popularity of road races on unpaved paths, the desire for higher speeds on these bumpy tracks also grew.

One of the oldest and most famous gravel races is Unbound Gravel, formerly Dirty Kanza. Thousands of participants cover approximately 200 miles on gravel roads and dirt tracks through the rural regions of Kansas. Many consider the race the birthplace of modern gravel bikes. The truth is probably a bit more complicated, as off-road capable racing bikes were already being ridden over a hundred years ago.

However, today's trend can certainly be traced back to the cycling scene in the USA and is closely associated with the name Tom Ritchey, legendary frame builder and one of the co-inventors of the mountain bike.

While many cycling enthusiasts today adhere to the n+1 rule, believing you can never have enough bikes, Ritchey was convinced that you only need one bike, and it has to be suited to the conditions you typically ride in. This approach already seems to offer a definition for the gravel bike.

Some call it an all-rounder, others the holy grail. What's certain is that a gravel bike should enable fast, comfortable, and long rides on rough terrain. This provides a clear picture, but also allows for a wide range of interpretations.  

What does a gravel bike have to do with a road bike?

If you think of a gravel bike as a road bike with wide tires, you're not entirely correct, but not wrong either. Sure, it looks like a road bike at first glance, but it also has features rarely found on road bikes. The most striking similarity is the drop handlebar, also known as a drop bar. Besides the standard trapezoidal frame, this is also the only obvious similarity to a classic road racing bike. Aero BikeThe frame geometry is similar to that of the more comfortably designed endurance bike. Gravel bikes are often offered fully equipped, including lights and mudguards, and then resemble a randonneur more closely. These bikes are primarily used for long-distance races, such as brevets or marathons.

One road bike category is particularly similar to the gravel bike: the cyclocross bike. These are typically used in autumn and winter for circuit races on muddy or sandy surfaces, where obstacles must also be overcome. Cyclocross bikes are very similar to road bikes because they are also designed for performance, but according to UCI standards, they have 32-millimeter-wide, knobby tires. With commercially available gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes, the distinction is sometimes only subtle, usually in the option to use even wider tires.

Some manufacturers have taken more inspiration from the development of their gravel bikes. mountain bike Let yourself be guided. This is evident, for example, in the slightly different frame geometry with a significantly lowered top tube.

The great advantage of a gravel bike is its safe and stable ride on dirt roads, forest paths, and gravel tracks. If you enjoy sporty riding and tours off paved roads, this bike is a great choice.

The first encounter with a gravel bike often triggers the reflex: I have to have one! But before you immediately reach for your credit card, you should clarify a few things. As with other bicycles, the frame size is paramount. The rule of thumb here is to choose a frame that is slightly smaller rather than too large. The reason is simple: a smaller frame can be adjusted to the correct height, while a frame that is too large cannot. For the correct frame size, not only your height is relevant, but also your inseam, as well as your torso length and arm length.

Ideally, the frame size should be chosen so that you can comfortably spend extended periods on the bike. A shorter frame size results in a more agile bike and a more upright riding position. Conversely, a longer frame size provides greater stability and a more stretched-out riding position. Generally, the frame geometry of a gravel bike is designed for a more upright riding position.

Once the correct frame size is found, the next consideration is the intended use. Gravel bikes can be used for everyday riding, bike tours, or exclusively for sporty rides. Each intended use requires a few specific features that should be taken into account when buying a bike. If the gravel bike is used for everyday riding, it should be equipped with mudguards and lights. If, on the other hand, touring is the primary focus, there should be sufficient mounting points for luggage and water bottles.

For a more sporty setup, the focus should be on frame geometry and weight. When buying a bike, priority should be given to aspects that cannot be changed later. These definitely include the frame geometry and material, as well as the mounting points permanently attached to the frame. Components like lights and mudguards, on the other hand, can easily be added later.

Finding the right tires usually takes some time spent riding. Preferences develop over time. When buying a bike, it's important to choose a frame that accommodates the widest possible range of tire sizes. The right groupset should also be chosen at the time of purchase. While individual components or even entire groups can be replaced later, there are natural limitations. For example, a front derailleur cannot be added to a carbon frame. The decision to use only one chainring is then binding. All other components, such as the pedals, saddle, and stem, can be selected according to personal preference and adjusted later.

When riding a gravel bike, speeds of up to 25 km/h are possible. Crucial factors here are, of course, the surface, the weather, and the gradient of the route.

Yes, gravel bikes typically have a frame geometry that allows for a more upright riding position. Unlike performance-oriented road bikes, gravel bikes are designed for comfort. Even if the dimensions often only change by a few centimeters or millimeters, they have a significant impact on the riding characteristics. Among the most noticeable differences are a considerably longer chainstay, a longer head tube, and a slightly higher bottom bracket. This increases the wheelbase, makes the riding position more upright, and provides greater ground clearance. Furthermore, gravel bikes usually have little to no saddle-to-bar drop, meaning the riding position is less low and stretched out than on a road bike.

This depends primarily on the materials used. Gravel bikes are generally somewhat heavier than comparable road bikes, with carbon being lighter than aluminum and steel. A suitably lightweight gravel bike can weigh around 8 kilograms, while the average is likely to be between 10 and 11 kilograms. Then there's the componentry, which, depending on the intended use, such as bikepacking, can add a few more kilograms.

Affordable entry-level models are available from around €1,500. However, at this price, you have to make significant compromises, for example in terms of weight and components. Mid-range models with hydraulic disc brakes and, for example, the Shimano GRX groupset start at around €2,500.

For a well-equipped gravel bike with a carbon frame, you'll need to shell out at least €3,000. These prices are, of course, only rough guidelines and represent entry-level models. As is well known, there's no upper limit. You can easily spend €5,000 or more on a gravel bike.

Absolutely. Even if the riding position seems unusual at first, gravel bikes have long since established themselves as everyday bikes and are offered in numerous versions already equipped for this purpose. In addition to mudguards and lights, a luggage rack can also be attached to most gravel bikes.

Most gravel bikes are equipped with 28-inch wheels (700c), but 27.5-inch wheels (650b) are becoming increasingly common. The main differences lie in the tire width and the intended use. While 700c tires are typically used for widths between 34 and 42 millimeters, 650b wheels can accommodate wider tires up to 55 millimeters.

Gravel bikes, primarily used for fast riding on smooth asphalt or gravel, should be equipped with narrower 700c tires. For predominantly off-road use, the wider 650b tires are ideal, and these can also be ridden with even lower air pressure.

Even though a gravel bike looks like a road bike, it's unlikely to reach the same top speeds. How fast you can actually go depends on the chosen gear ratio, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, and, last but not least, your own muscle power.

Generally speaking, a gravel bike can achieve higher average speeds on longer tours than a classic touring bike. However, since speed alone contradicts the very nature of a gravel bike, this aspect is rather negligible. For speed junkies, an aero bike is the better choice.

Absolutely, you could say that the gravel bike is ideally suited for bike tours, especially when it comes to bikepacking, i.e., riding with minimal luggage. A wide variety of bags for the frame, handlebars, and saddle are now available, allowing you to transform a gravel bike into a touring bike in just a few minutes.

Thanks to the wide range of uses of a gravel bike, there are virtually no limits to possible destinations. Meanwhile, a scene has developed in Germany that regularly organizes overnighters or so-called self-supported races, which can sometimes last several weeks.

Yes, the e-bike trend hasn't stopped at gravel bikes either; several models are now on the market. The basic concept and intended use of an e-gravel bike are no different from those of its non-electric counterparts.

Nevertheless, there are a few differences, primarily due to the drive system. The battery and motor must be integrated into the bike without, for example, restricting the mounting options for bikepacking bags. This can affect the frame geometry and handling. Overall, the drive system and the more robust frame also increase the bike's weight. An additional six to eight kilograms must be factored in. And the price of an e-gravel bike is also significantly higher.