Bicycling enthusiasts have been riding on a variety of surfaces and terrains since the invention of the bicycle. About 2012 was when the phrase “gravel bicycles” first appeared in common usage. The gravel bicycles was positioned, to put it simply, as a hybrid of a road bike and a mountain gravel bicycles.

Gravel bikes are heavier than road bikes but faster and more efficient than mountain bikes because they are made for off-road riding and long distance riding. A gravel bike is the way to go whether you’re heading out on a long-distance bikepacking trip, taking a more laid-back fire road ride, or leaving heavily traveled paved roads behind. And there’s competitive racing on gravel.

Important Specifications

A Gravel Bike’s Features to Check:

Geometric Sizing:

In terms of sizing, many gravel bikes are comparable to mountain bikes (XS to XL), though some manufacturers will use cm sizing.

Compared to road bikes, gravel riders usually have handlebars that are wider and have a shorter reach. This design makes it easier for the rider to maintain a more balanced weight over the bike, which improves handling and maneuverability on uneven ground.

A longer wheelbase and an angled head tube, which provide a more stable ride in off-road conditions, are characteristics that set gravel bikes apart. The section of the frame that joins the handlebar and front fork is called the head tube.

Typically, road bikes have a more upright headtube angle, lending to a quick and responsive feel while also putting the rider in a more aerodynamic position. A slack, or less steep head tube angle, will produce a more stable and forgiving ride that is better suited for uneven surfaces.

Gearing

A 1x or 2x drivetrain is standard on most gravel bikes. The crank of a 1x drivetrain has only one chainring. These drivetrains are less complicated, quieter, require less upkeep, and have a lower chain drop rate. With two chainrings, the 2x drivetrain option provides a wider range of gears and less drastic changes in gear between gears. To enable slight gear changes to maintain ideal cadence, many high-end gravel racing bikes continue to use a 2x drivetrain.

Tires and Wheels:

The tyre sizes of gravel bikes and mountain bikes are comparable. Tires are typically available in two sizes: 650b (27.5-inch) and 700c (29-inch), depending on the rider’s size and skill level. The 700c size is typically thinner but moves the bike faster, making it more appropriate for racing, whereas the 650b size allows the tire to be wider.

Remember that gravel bikes can accommodate tires up to 40 to 50 mm wide, which is wider than those on road bikes. In more technical or dirt terrain, selecting a wider tire will increase stability and grip. Certain frames are able to fit both sizes of tires. When you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, be sure to check for these kinds of modifications.

Frame

Gravel bikes are frequently made with carbon frames, which make them lightweight and manageable. Many riders prefer a stronger steel or aluminum frame for more intense bikepacking. These materials provide better resistance to flying rocks and general wear and tear, and they also make bikes less prone to breaking.

The least expensive option will probably be an aluminum frame, but you will give up some of the smoothness and lightness that come with a carbon frame. Being quick and light is the aim of gravel racing, so riders on the professional circuit are more likely to use carbon fiber or a titanium frame.

Accessories

Customization with add-ons like bag mounts, multiple water bottle mounts, fender mounts, and rear rack mounts is one characteristic that sets a “gravel grinder” apart. For riders who enjoy all-day adventures or bikepacking trips, these additions are major selling points.

Options for Seatposts:

For mountain biking, dropper seatposts are now the norm, and some gravel bike manufacturers are starting to offer them as well. A standard seatpost can be manually adjusted to the rider’s height. To increase maneuverability when riding downhill, most riders will lower their seatpost; when climbing uphill, they will raise it again.

A lever, usually found on the handlebar, on a dropper seatpost, also known as a “dropper,” enables the rider to rapidly change the saddle height. The integrated cable, or electronic in certain situations, allows for this adjustment. Time is saved, and the annoyance of having to make manual adjustments is removed. Remember that the cost of the bike as a whole does increase with this technology.