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Buying advice: Gravel bike

Gravel bikes are just racing bikes with wider, knobby tires? Gravel bikes have long since moved away from this description. The fast, off-road bikes have been an integral part of the world of two-wheelers for years. New models sell out quickly. The name comes from the English word "gravel", which describes the surface for which the gravel bikes were developed.

See Gravel bikes for sale online Below we want to address questions that might concern you when buying a gravel bike. For example: What are the features that I should look out for when buying a gravel bike and how much will my new gravel bike cost me?

Your guide to gravel bikes: areas of application and special features

Before it Gravel bikes were the so-called Cyclocross, the first racing bikes to be equipped with wider, profiled tires. Cyclocrossers, however, were originally intended for racing in cyclocross or CX races. You can tell this from the high and short frame, for example, which is better suited to being able to "shoulder" it more easily when encountering obstacles on the course. Cyclocrossers therefore have - understandably - fewer options for carrying luggage and are also more agile in terms of their handling characteristics and are therefore less suitable for longer distances.

One of the reasons for the growing following of gravel bikes is certainly their versatility, which makes them attractive to a large target group. On the one hand, gravel bikes, just like cyclocross bikes, offer an exciting compromise between a racing bike and a mountain bike, and therefore appeal to sporty bikers. On the other hand, gravel bikes are also interesting for racing bike newbies due to the moderately sporty seating position and the possibility of riding off paved roads. Thanks to the extensive attachment options for bags or luggage racks, the weight can be optimally distributed, similar to a classic touring bike, which means a Gravel bike can also be interesting for everyday commuting.

In principle, trekking or mountain bikes can also be used for similar purposes. However, compared to other bicycle categories, gravel bikes are aimed more at ambitious riders. The curved, racing bike-like handlebars enable an efficient sitting position. In addition, the lack of suspension keeps the weight low. Currently, there are very few manufacturers that equip their gravel bikes with a suspension fork.

Gravel bike buying guide: How much does a gravel bike cost?

Gravel bikes have to manage the balancing act of low weight and high stability. This is one reason why entry-level gravel bikes are only available from around 1,000 euros. These entry-level models use some components in the gearshift and brakes that have already proven themselves in the racing bike sector. The disadvantage: off-road, the mechanical disc brakes and undamped derailleurs installed on these bikes quickly reach their limits. So if you plan to use your gravel bike intensively off-road, you should look for a mid-range gravel bike - from around 1,500 euros. These bikes often already offer hydraulic disc brakes and gravel-specific components in the gearshift area that offer more reserves for rough rides. The top class of gravel bikes starts from around 2,500 euros. High-end components are used here that ensure low weight and the best possible function. In addition, not only the forks but also the frames are often made of carbon. Alternatively, there are also models with high-quality steel or even titanium frames, which have better damping properties than an aluminum frame.

See Cube bikes for sale online cheap

If the higher prices in the top class put you off, you should check whether the Bicycle leasing is the optimal solution to enjoy the sporty all-rounders.

Your new gravel bike: How to make the right choice

Are you sure you're looking for a gravel bike, but don't know which model is perfect for you? No problem! In the next sections, we'll go through the components of a gravel bike step by step and explain the similarities and differences between the models and price range.

Guide to fork & frame: geometry & material

The most important thing first: Make sure you have the right frame size. To find out, you should read our Frame calculator Our Lucky Guides online or in the local branch will be happy to help you. Basically, your new gravel bike should suit your requirements. Pay particular attention to whether the number of attachment options for accessories, such as bottle holders or luggage racks, is sufficient for your intended use.

Gravel bike frames combine the characteristics of racing bikes and mountain bikes. The so-called diamond shape gives them the best possible ratio of stiffness to weight. This means that fast riding on paved surfaces works almost as well as with a racing bike. Nevertheless, the geometry is much more comfortable and suitable for off-road use than you would expect from bikes with racing handlebars thanks to the flatter steering angle and a lower and shorter top tube. You can find more information on the subject in our Blog post: The modern mountain bike frame geometry.

Just like with other bicycles, the material of the frame and fork depends primarily on the price range. It is worth noting that carbon forks are not uncommon even in the entry-level gravel bike class. In the middle and top class of gravel bikes, carbon fiber is almost standard. Aluminum frames are still competitive, but of course they cannot keep up with carbon frames in terms of weight and comfort.

Advice for wheels & tires: tire width and wheelset

The majority of gravel bikes use the classic 28-inch wheels. A few exceptions roll on the more MTB-typical 27.5-inch tires. The width of the tires varies from 32 to 50 millimeters. If you want to use your gravel bike primarily on the road, you will benefit from faster, narrower tires. If you regularly ride off-road, wider tires are a better option. Many models also have increased tire clearance so that you can easily mount wider tires later. When buying, you should also pay attention to whether the installed wheelset meets your requirements. Many rims are now tubeless-ready, so that with the appropriate sealant you can do without the classic bicycle tube. Especially for intensive use, you should also look for hubs with industrial bearings or high-quality cone bearings from manufacturers such as Shimano.

Gravel bike gear guide: 1-speed or 2-speed?

With gravel bikes, there is the option of doing without the traditional front derailleur and getting the necessary gear range from the huge cassette and rear derailleur alone. Just like with a mountain bike, you also benefit from a 1-speed derailleur on a gravel bike if you spend a lot of time off-road. Shifting is made easier and the chain hardly makes any noise on bumps. However, the gravel-specific 2-speed systems are now also optimized for off-road use. Shimano also offers both options with its GRX gear groups and has thus been able to prevail with many manufacturers. Here you can find our Blog post: Shimano GRX: Special groupset for gravel bikesAs a pioneer of the 1-speed drive, SRAM mainly offers the Apex and Rival groups in the gravel sector. Ultimately, the question of whether to go for a 1-speed or 2-speed drive is a matter of personal preference.

Buying advice for brakes: hydraulic or mechanical?

As one of the newest bicycle categories, gravel bikes naturally only have modern disc brakes. However, the differences between the price ranges are in the details. Many entry-level gravel bikes still use mechanical disc brakes, which require a little more maintenance and care than hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes also have the edge in terms of controllability and braking power. If you want to worry as little as possible about your brakes and always need the best possible braking performance, you should go for a hydraulic disc brake.

Contact point guide: Do the handlebars, stem and saddle fit?

After deciding on a gravel bike, you have the option of adjusting the bike ergonomically. The position of the saddle and handlebars is an important factor. If you notice that the bike is not optimally tailored to your needs, you can still adjust the sitting position on the bike afterwards, for example by using a different stem. With the racing bike handlebars and the typical unit of gear and brake levers, there are many other adjustment options for optimal ergonomics on the gravel bike, just like on the racing bike.