Wheel Size: The wheel size of a bike is one of its most important factors since it directly relates to its compatibility with the track. So if you are buying a gravel bike, make sure that it has at least 27 inches wheel size, if not larger. Such wheels make the bike perfect for gravel tracks and help you maintain its balance.
Speed Options: You will never know when you will need the additional speed options on your bike, especially while you are riding the bike on off-road tracks. The extra speed options help you to manage the effort needed to ride the bike and maintain its momentum. Build Quality: For any kind of outdoor or sports bike, whether it is an MTB, BMX, or gravel bike, you should only go with the options that have a reliable build quality. For that, simply check the material used for the frame of the bike as well as the frame design. If your bike is made up of steel or better material, it is suitable for outdoor usage.
Today, we will offer you the best options available in the market for a gravel bike. These options are handpicked after hours and hours of research and calibration of some of the most important factors and specifications suitable for a gravel bike. You can find all of these features mentioned along with a short review of our products. If you need any more help, you can refer to our Buying Guide for the best gravel bike.
Best Gravel Bike 2023
Best Gravel Bike Reviews
1. Royce Union All-Terrain Mountain Bike
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One of the main reasons for preferring a gravel bike for many riders is the affordable range of options available for a gravel bike in the market. Royce Union is also a brand that offers great budget options for many types of bikes, including gravel bikes. In the 1st place, we are putting the most popular gravel bike we have on our list today. It is also one of the cheapest options which makes it a worthwhile purchase considering its specifications. The Royce Union RMA has 27.5 inches wheels along with an 18 inches frame size completely made up of aluminum to make the frame lightweight and easier to ride. You will also get 21 speed options on the Royce Union RMA with the Shimano EZ Fire Plus Trigger Shifters. Overall, the gear shifting mechanism offered by Shimano made shifters comparatively easier and more reliable for the long term. You will also find alloy linear pull brakes on the Royce Union RMA for an efficient braking performance. Best Features
It has 21 inches wheel size It features front suspension design There are 21 speed options available Aluminum frame
Pros
One of the cheapest options for a gravel bike Shimano EZ Fire Plus trigger shifter 18 inches frame size
Cons
Build quality could have been better
2. Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike
Moving on to the premium range of gravel bikes, we have a great option coming from Mongoose. This is a great option if you are going on a trek with its utility options. Our 2nd choice for the best gravel bike is the Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike. As it is apparent from the name, this is a special type of bike designed for adventure lovers. You will get the standard 700C wheels on this bike along with a 54 cm frame size to offer the best comfort to the rider. Plus, the alloy steel frame and steel fork of the Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike makes it a durable option for trekking. The drivetrain of the Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike offers 14 speed options with the Shimano Tourney derailleurs along with a micro shift shifter to make the gear shifting much easier. Unlike many other options, the Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike also features an integrated frame bag so that you can easily pack all of the utilities that you need with ease. Best Features
It has 29 inches wheel size It features rigid suspension design There are 14 speed options available Aluminum frame design
Pros
Gear shifting is very easy Mechanical disc brakes Additional frame bag for utilities
Cons
More speed options should have been provided
3. Schwinn Sporterra Adventure Gravel Bike
Schwinn is one of the leading brands for premium bikes and a lot of users go with Schwinn for MTBs or BMX bikes. You will also find a great range of gravel bikes from Schwinn. The Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike is our 3rd choice for this list of the best gravel bikes. This option also has 14 speed options and features 700C standard wheels, making it the right option for beginners. Plus, the aluminum frame design of the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike makse the bike a suitable choice for 5.4 to 6.2 feet tall users. For gear shifting, the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike introduces a Shimano shifter for quick and flawless performance. Even the mechanical disc brakes of the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike are alloy brakes to provide a strong stopping power. Even if the default configuration of this bike is not suitable for you, there are many adjustment options on the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike that can make the ride more comfortable for you. Best Features
It has 28 inches wheel size It features rigid suspension design There are 14 speed options available Suitable for 5.4 to 6.2 feet tall riders
Pros
Strong and lightweight frame design Alloy mechanical disc brake Adjustment options are available
Cons
Only suitable for beginner riders
4. Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Bike
The next option from our list is coming from Tommaso. This is also a preferred brand of choice for a lot of professionals as well as experienced bike riders as this brand designs a variety of sport bikes along with other essential accessories. The Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Bike is also one of the few options on our list of the best gravel bikes that is specifically designed for adventure lovers. It has a highly durable aluminum frame that maintains the lightweight design so that you can ride the bike anywhere you want. For the drivetrain, the Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Bike features a 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset with 24 speed options. Along with that, it also has a 50T Claris crankset and 12x25T Claris cassette that aren’t available with budget options. Therefore, this is one of the best options we have for rugged terrains and tough rides. The wheels on the Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Bike are 40C standard tires, making the wheel size about 27.5 inches in diameter. So, you will get a slightly better performance from the bike compared to those with smaller wheels. Best Features
It has 27.5 inches wheel size It features rigid suspension design There are 24 speed options available 3×8 Shimano Claris Groupset
Pros
40C standard wheel size SST steel fork Great option for long rides
Cons
Quite an expensive option for the given features
5. Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike
While we are on the topic of premium gravel bikes, let us talk about a great option from Giordano. Giordano is also a brand that specializes in sports-oriented bikes. The Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike is also a great option on our list today that can be a great addition to your collection of sports bikes. The features of the Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike are pretty powerful and suitable for an experienced rider and even a racer. The Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike is made up of a Chromoly steel frame which is highly beneficial compared to standard steel frame. The same goes for the fork of the Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike. This bike also has 16 speed options thanks to the Shimano Claris STI Shifters. Since the shifter is made by Shimano, you will get a pretty reliable riding experience with the bike. Coming to the tires, the Giordano Trieste Gravel Bike features 700C x 30 mm tires which are best suited for high speed riding. Best Features
It has 29 inches wheel size It features rigid suspension design There are 16 speed options available Shimano Claris STI Shifters
Pros
700C x 30 mm tires for high speed riding Great frame quality It is more lightweight than other bikes
Cons
Other options are a bit cheaper
6. SAVADECK Carbon Gravel Road Bike
When it comes to professionals, there are a few options that are simply the perfect ones such as the one made by SAVADECK. This is the strongest bike we have in our selection and you definitely don’t want to miss that. The SAVADECK Gravel Road Bike is one of the most unique and powerful options on our list of the best gravel bikes today. Unlike the majority of options in the market, the SAVADECK Gravel Road Bike features a TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame to offer top of the class strength without any significant increase in its weight. As for the tires, this bike has the CST TIRENT 40C tires that are known for their powerful grip which is much needed on rough roads. The SAVADECK Gravel Road Bike also excels when it comes to speed options. This is the only option on our list today that has the SHIMANO ULTEGRA-R8020 2*11 drivetrain. Thus, you will have access to 22 speed options on this bike, making it suitable for all types of riders. Apart from the wheels, the SAVADECK Gravel Road Bike also has a double thru axle to increase the stability of the wheels. Best Features
It has 700C wheel It features rigid suspension design There are 22 speed options available SHIMANO ULTEGRA-R8020 2*11 drivetrain
Pros
Best option in terms of quality Made up of TORAY T800 Carbon Fiber Frame CST TIRENT 40C tires for best grip
Cons
Costs almost twice as much as a standard gravel bike
7. EURO Gravel Bike
In the end, we will bring you yet another budget friendly option for a gravel bike from EUROBIKE. While it may not be as popular as other options, EUROBIKE still offers great quality for the price. The EUROBIKE Gravel Bike is the cheapest option we have for our list of the best gravel bikes today. This bike also offers a larger wheel size compared to many other standard options for a gravel bike. The EUROBIKE Gravel Bike has approximately 29 inches wheels, which makes it the right option for almost all types of terrains. It also has a 21 speed drivetrain which is surprising to say the least at this price point. There are dual disc brakes introduced on the EUROBIKE Gravel Bike so that you can always have full control over your bike in all circumstances. As for the frame, this bike comes with a steel frame that helps to keep its price in the affordable range. But, the frame itself is 54 cm in size, offering compatibility with 5.7 to 6.2 feet tall riders. It also introduces a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs which is not bad for a steel frame. Best Features
It has 29 inches wheel size It features rigid suspension design There are 21 speed options available It has a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs
Pros
Most affordable option or a gravel bike Supports up to 6.2 feet tall riders Frame size is 54 cm
Cons
Derailleur quality should have been better
Buying Guide For The Best Gravel Bike
A gravel bike is one of the options for an outdoor bike that has recently become more famous than ever before. This is basically a middle ground between standard street bikes and heavy mountain bikes, featuring the advantages of both options. Basically, these are lightweight and fast bikes that are suitable for gravel roads, or any rough terrain for that matter. The main reason behind so many rivers choosing a gravel bike is its versatility. Unlike other options, you can use a gravel bike also as your routine commute bike without any problem. If you are also in the market for a decent gravel bike, Check out our top picks given on this page. We also have a buying guide for the best gravel bike for you that will certainly help you pick up the right option from the lot.
1. Wheel Size
The wheel size is a crucial factor for any type of bike you will find in the market, whether it is a commuter bike, cargo bike, BMX bike, or gravel bike. The feature is even more crucial for off-roading options such as a gravel bike since a larger wheel is necessary to maintain control of the bike on bumpy roads and slippery tracks. Plus, you can gain a lot of momentum while riding a bike with a larger wheel which will help you while you are climbing a hill. Apart from that, the wheel size also determines the compatibility of the suitable height of the rider for the bike. As a result, bikes with a larger wheel size usually have a taller height range. However, a lot of manufacturers these days mention the appropriate height range for the bike so that it becomes a lot easier for the rider to choose the right option.
2. Speed Options
The speed options or gears on a bike is something a lot of professionals can’t ride without. These gears are simply additional pairs of driving and driven sprockets for the bike with varying gear ratios. With that, the rider can change the effort needed to ride the bike on the go as per the requirement and type of the track. It also impacts the torque generated on the driven shaft as well as the riding speed of the bike. So with more gears, you will have more speed options. It simply means that you will be able to ride the bike a lot faster by applying the same effort with more gear options. But, using these speed options can be tricky, especially for a beginner. Apart from that, the added gears and shifting mechanism increase the maintenance required of the bike.
3. Build Quality
As you can imagine, the build quality of a bike is definitely one of its most important factors and you should not overlook that while searching for a new bike. The build quality of a bike merely refers to the strength of its frame and its resistance to external damage. For that, a lot of manufacturers prefer a steel frame. And to further improve the build quality, you will find the frame made up of various alloys of steel such as high tensile steel, carbon steel, etc. Apart from steel, there are a few more materials that are commonly used for the frame of a bike. One such option is carbon fiber which is significantly more lightweight than steel and equally as strong, if not more. Some premium options also introduce a titanium frame offering the ultimate build quality. However, titanium frames are very expensive and would increase the price of the bike threefold which might not be a good deal for many.
4. Frame Design
As we are discussing gravel bikes today, you should be careful about the frame design of the bike you are considering. Unlike other types of vehicles, the frame of a bike plays a very important role in maintaining a good posture of the rider as you will be using your entire body to ride a gravel bike. Therefore, the frame design of the bike should be appropriate according to your physique. One of the important aspects of the frame design is its height. Apart from the wheel size, the frame size also changes the suitable height for the rider of the bike. If the frame size of the bike is too small, tall riders will feel very uncomfortable while riding it. You should also pay attention to the design of the handles if you are going to use the bike for hours at a time. A lot of gravel bike riders prefer the curved handle design over the straight handle. These handles offer more comfort to the rider which is beneficial on long rides.
Conclusion
Today, we have looked at some of the best options available in the market for a gravel bike. If you don’t know, gravel bikes, as the name suggests, are bikes that are specially designed for bumpy rides on gravel roads and other similar tracks. Therefore the features and specifications of a gravel bike are quite similar to that of a mountain bike. On top of that, a gravel bike also has the advantage of a lightweight and slim frame design, making it a perfect option for high-speed riding. You can find a lot more information about gravel bikes along with our picks. We also have a buying guide right after our picks to give you detailed information about some of the important factors of a gravel bike so make sure you check that before making a choice. Lastly, we will offer some recommendations from our list that might be the right choice for you. If you are not sure which type of gravel bike is the right option for you, you should go with an affordable entry-level option like the EUROBIKE YH-XC580 Gravel Bike and get a taste of its style before investing in a premium option. This might be a lesser-known choice in the market but offers many great features. The EUROBIKE YH-XC580 Gravel Bike has 700C wheels paired with 35C tires to ensure compatibility with various track conditions. You will also get 21 speed options on this bike to offer a fast riding experience. For professional riders, a simple and basic option for a gravel bike is simply not satisfying at all. Therefore, we will suggest the SAVADECK Carbon Gravel Road Bike to all professional riders. Unlike many other options, this bike has hydraulic brakes for an instantaneous braking mechanism. You will also get a carbon fiber 700C frame on this bike, making it the strongest option in this lot. And the 40C tires of the SAVADECK Carbon Gravel Road Bike paired with 22 speed options can really get this bike going at a high-speed. Lastly, we will recommend the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike as it is one of the best options for its price range. This is also one of the most lightweight options on the market since its frame is made out of aluminum. But, it still has a rigid fork design with 700C wheels offering compatibility with 5.4 to 6.2 feet tall riders. You will also get 14 speed options on the Schwinn Sporterra Gravel Bike thanks to the Shimano shifter. To maintain control of the bike, Schwinn has introduced alloy disc brakes on both wheels. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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