Top 10 Best Gravel Bikes

What was once deemed just the latest fad in cycling, gravel bikes have now become a mainstay for racing and leisure cyclists worldwide. Whether for training, touring, commuting, or terrain riding, these bikes have found their way to mainstream and are here to stay. Quickly gaining popularity amongst amatures and professionals alike, these versatile bikes have descended from the endurance road and cyclo-cross race lines to establish their place among pedaling populations everywhere.

​If you’re looking for a gravel bike to fit your cycling needs, look no further. Below, we’ve comprised a list of the Top 10 Best Gravel Bikes to point you in the right direction. Read on to see which makes and models rank best with within the ever-moving cycling community!

Gravel Bikes Available On Amazon

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Best Gravel Bikes FAQ

What Is a Gravel Bike?

​This cycling agent is a pedal-driven vehicle built to withstand the elements associated with multiple types of terrain. Popular amongst the cycling community, its multifunctional design has pushed it to the forefront of the bicycle market.

What Does a Gravel Bike Do?

​​Whether riding a paved highway or off-roading, the Gravel Bike allows for a smooth journey and safe braking.

How Does a Gravel Bike Work?

​Gravel bikes feature key elements that set them apart from other cycles and allow them to handle an array of landscapes more comfortably and efficiently. Some of these features include bigger tire clearance, disk brakes, and better geometric design. The use of bigger tires makes handling tough terrain easier as well as transitioning from one type of surface to another.

​The disk brakes allow for a smooth, controlled and rapid, if need be, stop. And the more flexible, geometric frame allows for better comfort with a more ergonomic approach.

Where Can You Buy a Gravel Bike?

​It can purchase a hot item in the world of cycling from professional bicycle manufacturers and dealers.

Is a Gravel Bike for Professional Cyclists Only?

Absolutely not! Gravel bikes are great for commuting and leisure cycling and are being used by everyday cyclists worldwide. Being able to handle and transition from muddy, bumpy terrain to sleek, smooth asphalt is what makes this bike a fan favorite across the spectrum.

How We Reviewed

​The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty. Through an extensive search, we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best and have listed them here for you. Read on to discover the best gravel bikes on the market today and put your cycling journey in motion!

​Image Source: unsplash.com

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

​As with any consumer product, purchasing a gravel bike will vary in costs depending on its features, customization, manufacturer, and seller. The more elaborate bikes will be higher priced, and the more basic units will be less expensive. For the best gravel bikes, you’re looking to spend anywhere from $400 to $4,000.

What We Reviewed

• ​Fairlight Cycles Secan
• ​Cannondale Topstone
• ​Whyte Glencoe
• ​Trek Checkpoint
• ​Orro Terra C 105 Hydro
• ​Canyon Grail
• ​Merida Silex
• ​Lauf True Grit
• ​Reilly Gradient
• ​Ribble CGR

Fairlight Cycles Secan

Features

One would only expect the best from the British company, Fairlight Cycles, and with the Fairlight Secan they did not disappoint. This adaptable, highly functional bike can take on any road or loose land environment with ease. Its steel frame may make it a bit heavier than others, but the little bit of added weight makes for better balance and relaxed steering on even the roughest terrain.

This beautiful bike comes in tones of blue and grey, is adaptable, accelerates swiftly, and allows for comfortable, smooth handling. The Secan comes with flat disk brakes and a tire clearance of up to 700cx42m. With its many customizable options, this Fairlight model is exceptionally designed and offers superb performance.

Pros

• ​Perfect For Loose Ground
• ​Relaxed Steering
• ​Well-planned Design

​Cons

• ​Placement Of Shifters
• ​Lower End BB Bracket Drop
• ​Steel Frames Are Heavier Than Aluminum

Price

This product can be found on Fairlight’s website, and the complete bike sells for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​All Fairlight products come with a 5-year warranty.

Cannondale Topstone

Features

​This lightweight edition from Cannondale comprises an Alloy frame, 42mm tire clearance, and hydraulic disk brakes. Great for roads and gravel, alike, its big tires provide low pressure and great traction. Housing Shimano gears with 11-speed shifting and providing comfortable rider positioning, this sporty bike allows for precise, out-front steering and a smooth, easily transitional ride.

Pros

• ​Size Options
• ​Versatile
• ​Lightweight

​Cons

• ​Pricey
• ​No Cage Mounts
• ​Bland Colors

Price

This product can be found on at Cannondale retailers and sells for around $$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Cannondale offers a limited warranty on its products.

Whyte Glencoe

Features

​Built with rider comfort in mind, the confidence allotted by the design of the Glencoe is almost unmatched. Its wide handlebars and relaxed geometry provide easy handling and ultimate security, especially for descents. This bike has an aluminum frame and the uniquely wide Road Plus 650B tires. The stability, functionality, and versatility of this rig landed it on our best gravel bikes list.

Pros

• ​Relaxed Geometry
• ​Wide Handlebars
• ​Comfort

​Cons

• ​On The Heavier Side
• ​No Carbon Fork
• ​Adapter Needed For Brake Update

Price

This product can be found at Whyte dealers for around $$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

Whyte Bikes offers warranties on their products that vary by place of purchase.

Trek Checkpoint

Features

​The revamped Checkpoint by Trek is making a name for itself one of the best gravel bikes in the off-road world. With 7 bikes in the series, it is gaining popularity and living up to its competitors. Made of Alloy and Carbon, this bike has an adjustable wheelbase, extendable chainstays, and IsoSpeed Decoupler to smoothen out those bumpy rides.

Boasting a tire clearance fitting 650b and 700c, this ride easily handles shock and is known to be quite comfortable along the way. With extra features, such as bottle, bag and fender mounts, mudguard racks and a women’s design, adding this model to our top 10 list was a no-brainer. For a secure, stable feel on those long, and sometimes bumpy routes, this bike won’t disappoint.

Pros

• ​Women’s Version
• ​OfferedExtrasAdjustable
• ​Wheelbase

​Cons

• ​Tight Left Crank
• ​ClearanceLack Of Front
• ​IsoSpeedLow Bottom Bracket

Price

This product can be found at Trek Bike dealers for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Trek offers a two-year limited warranty on their products.

Orro Terra C 105 Hydro

Features

​This all-terrain bike from Orro features a lightweight, Carbon frame, 42mm tire clearance, BB86 bottom bracket, New UK Adventure Geometry, Shimano hydraulic disk brakes, and a removable front Derailleur mount. The smooth, comfortable ride you’ll experience on this rig is made possible by responsive steering and exceptional handling. This resistant bike comes in 3 color and 5 size options.

Pros

• ​Tubeless Compatible
• ​Removable Front End DeRailleur Mount
• ​Excellent Handling

​Cons

• ​Often Out-Of-Stock
• ​A Little Stocky
• ​Limited Tire Clearance

Price

This product can be found at Orro dealers for around $$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Orro offers a 5-year limited warranty on their products.

Canyon Grail

Features

​The design of this gravel bike by Canyon is, simply put, eye candy. Its most noteworthy feature being its double-decker Hover Bar. This bikes uniquely integrated front-end frameset, with its floating top bar, also boasts thru-axle forks, fender mounts, and chainstay protector. It’s a fan favorite amongst adventure cyclists and allows for responsiveness, stability, and rider confidence.

Pros

• ​Men and Women’s Designs
• ​Fan Favorite
• ​Double-Decker Hover Bar Is Eye-Catching

​Cons

• ​Lower Tire Clearance
• ​Minimal Weight Added By Hover Bar
• ​Handlebar Limitations For Electronics

Price

This product can be found at Canyon dealers and sells for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Canyon offers a limited warranty and crash protection program for their products.

Merida Silex

Features

​A nice endurance rig, the Silex by Merida and its uniquely long front end, are proving to be beneficial in the world of cycling. Coming in a variety of sizes, this bike features a tall head tube, 75mm bottom bracket drops and a chainstay measuring in at 430mm. Bonus features, like plenty of mount options and in-house bike bags, have helped to make this a go-to bike for bike-packers everywhere, making it a contender for our 10 best gravel bikes list.

Pros

• ​Long Head Angle
• ​Endurance
• ​Tall Head Tube

​Cons

• ​Not Great For Off-Roading
• ​Position ff Mounts
• ​Not Ideal for Shorter Riders

Price

This product can be found at Merida Bike dealers for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Merida offers up to 5 years of warranty on their products.

Lauf True Grit

Features

​Full of unique features, the most standout of this bike’s design elements has to be its carbon leaf spring fork. Its front-end suspension, long geometry, and 1x drivetrain only add to its gravel-tackling ability. This bike has a 40c tire clearance, 4 bottle mounts and comes in 6 different colors. It’s well known for its durability and makes a great endurance rig for those rugged trails.

Pros

• ​Very Fast
• ​Durable
• ​Unique Look

​Cons

• ​Fork Can Make Noise On Larger Bumps
• ​1-Gear Only
• ​Geometry Must Be a Personal Preference

Price

This product can be found at Lauf Cycle and Lauf dealers and sell for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

Lauf offers a 5-year warranty on its products.

Reilly Gradient

Features

​The sleek, titanium-built Gradient, is without a doubt, a sight for sore eyes. Its exquisite design holds a titanium frame, full Shimano 105 groupset, 44c tire clearance, rack and mudguard mount, disk brakes, and thru-axles. This is a fast bike, ideal for adventure and gravel cycling, and provides a composed, confident ride.

Pros

• ​Elegant Design
• ​Lifetime Warranty
• ​Ease Of Handling

​Cons

• ​Steep Head Angle
• ​Expensive
• ​Decals Known to Peel

Price

This product can be found at Reilly Cycleworks for around $$$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

​Reilly Cycleworks offers a lifetime warranty on its products.

Ribble CGR

Features

​This all-terrain bike is a simple, yet efficient piece. As its name implies, it can tackle cross-cyclo, gravel, and road conditions with ease. Boasting a long wheelbase, mudguard and rack mounts, and disk brakes, this basic gravel bike is both reliable and easy to handle.

Pros

• ​Reliable
• ​Great For Distance Cruising
• ​Great For Colder Climates

​Cons

• ​Heavy
• ​Tire Specs Could Be Bigger
• ​Handling On Chunky Descents Could Be Improved

Price

This product can be found at Ribble Cycles and sells from around $$$$.

Where to Buy

​Warranty

Ribble offers a 3-year extended warranty on its products.

The Verdict

Whether tackling tricky gravel trails or transitioning from a sleek highway to a more bumpy, muddy, rugged terrain, the Fairlight Secan ranks number one on our list of the 10 best gravel bikes. With its sleek design, easy handling, and superb performance, this is easily the best gravel bike on the market today. For style, comfort, reliability, durability, and functionality, we give the Secan by Fairlight a big thumbs up.

Last update on 2023-07-30 at 10:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API