Gravel bikes - Durable and versatile!

What is a Gravel Bike?

The first mass-market gravel bike manufacturers, Specialized and Trek, didn't choose the name "gravel" by accident – the word “gravel” translates from English to mean gravel. In the 2010s, "Gravel" bike pioneers in the United States found a niche and aimed to adapt the bike for riding on gravel roads. While the primary purpose of gravel bikes hasn't changed, which is riding on uneven surfaces, today these bikes are well-known as versatile, suitable for riding on various terrains. By combining the benefits of mountain and road bikes, gravel bikes smoothly ride on city streets and easily handle unknown forest or mountain trails, even those not found on Google Maps.

Top Gravel Bikes of 2024

Thanks to their versatility, gravel bikes are extremely popular among both professionals and amateurs. Those who value lightness, speed, and suspension typically choose Specialized Gravel bikes, such as the Specialized Diverge Elite E5 or Specialized Diverge Comp E5.

For enthusiasts of intense experiences, this year’s top choice is the BMC UnReStricted AL Two Gravel+ bike, which provides incredible stability during aggressive riding and has earned the nickname “the chameleon bike” due to its adaptability to a wide range of conditions.

For those seeking durability and maximum versatility on various surfaces, the 3T Primo Gravel bike has become increasingly popular, also well-known for its aerodynamic design.

Cross-Country vs Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are similar to cross-country (CX) bikes, but they come with wider tires. Cross-country bikes are designed for "off-road" paths with mud and gravel, and they are equipped with a very strong frame and suspension. Gravel bikes offer a more versatile option.

Some cycling enthusiasts simply change the tires or wheels, and use the same bike for both road and off-road riding.

Aluminum or Carbon Frame Bike?

Aluminum and carbon bike frames differ in their properties and price. Aluminum frames are sturdy and durable but are heavier compared to carbon frames. Carbon (fiber) frames are lightweight, provide better vibration damping, and are generally more expensive due to the more complex manufacturing process and higher material costs.

Choosing the Right Frame Size

Choosing the right bike frame size is one of the most important elements for comfortable riding. The primary criterion when selecting the frame size is your height. Although each bike manufacturer’s frame geometry differs, we’ve included size and height recommendations for each bike model.

Which Bike Manufacturer Should You Choose?

You can find high-quality gravel bikes in any manufacturer’s range, but each brand offers bikes with specific characteristics and features.

• Specialized (USA) Gravel bikes is one of the largest, most well-known, and influential bicycle brands in the world, known for being the manufacturer of the most innovative and advanced bikes. Specialized offers a wide range of bikes that meet the highest quality standards.

• BMC (Switzerland) Gravel bikes are high-end bikes known worldwide. Their main focus is on speed, which has made BMC the fast, relentless, and iconic brand it is today.

• 3T (Italy) Gravel bikes has specialized in producing lightweight, agile, and innovative bike designs since 1961.

• BH Bikes (Spain) Gravel bikes are reliable and quality bikes in the mid-price range. These bikes are popular for those who seek quality but don’t want to spend excessively.

• Cannondale Gravel bikes are known for their innovative engineering solutions. The combination of aluminum and carbon in their production ensures frame lightness and strength. Cannondale Gravel bikes are a common choice for long-distance riders, whether for leisure or professional racing.

• OPEN Cycle Gravel bikes focus on gravel, placing a lot of emphasis on performance, strength, and weight balance. Thanks to their advanced design and smart technical solutions, OPEN Cycle Gravel bikes efficiently tackle various trails and are well-known as versatile options.

Which Gravel Bike Model to Choose?

• Diverge (Specialized) – an ideal bike for less traveled roads, available in both aluminum and carbon frames, with the more expensive models featuring the shock-absorbing Future Shock fork. The bike is fast but stable, allowing you to ride confidently and comfortably.

• Crux (Specialized) – the lightest Gravel bike, with an elastic saddle and perfect geometry, easily handles climbs, and just flies over even the most challenging surfaces.

• UnReStricted (BMC) – incredibly stable, designed for an aggressive riding style, capable of using very wide tires.

• Roadmachine X (BMC) – one of the most impressive bikes, capable of tackling any surface challenges while remaining comfortable. It easily overcomes obstacles and has a minimalist and elegant look due to hidden cables.

• Exploro Pro (3T) – an excellent bike that combines the speed of a road bike with the toughness of a mountain bike, perfect for both well-traveled and newly discovered paths.

• Exploro RaceMax (3T) – a fast bike with wide tires for better grip and stability, looking like a road bike but perfectly handling gravel.

• Exploro Team (3T) – with this bike, you can confidently explore untraveled roads, knowing you will successfully navigate them.

• Gravel X (BH) – a bike designed for long journeys and distances, characterized by lightness, stiffness, and responsiveness. Thanks to its carbon frame and fork, this bike is exceptionally lightweight.

Gravel Bike Accessories and Parts

When choosing Gravel bike accessories and parts, consider your personal needs and the conditions of your ride to ensure comfortable and safe cycling!

One of the most important Gravel bike parts is the tires, which should be chosen according to the riding surface. If you need to reduce vibration and ensure maximum comfort on long trips, purchase gravel bike saddles, and for stability during maneuvers, choose from a wide range of cassettes. For added comfort, don’t forget to equip yourself with accessories like a water bottle, bottle holder, phone mount, and lock.

What to Do If the Bike You Want is Not Available in the Store?

Given the wide range of bikes and models available, it's understandable that not all bikes are kept in the physical store or even in the manufacturer's warehouse.

If the item is in stock, you can purchase it immediately. Items available in the manufacturer’s warehouse can be ordered, and you will need to wait about a week for the item to arrive in Lithuania.

If the item is sold out – it doesn’t mean you have to compromise and settle for a less suitable one. Just contact the sellers, and they will inform you when the stock will be replenished or when the item will arrive in Lithuania.

Velonova's bike assortment: all bikes, hybrid-tour bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, triathlon bikes, kids bikes, balance bikes.