Choosing a bike: the complete guide to Gravel bikes

Gravel bikes are among the most versatile, suitable for riding on various surfaces. Owning a gravel bike allows you to easily adapt it to your different needs – riding on gravel roads, off-road, city streets, or forest trails. However, if you are interested in gravel bikes, you have probably noticed that they come in different models, from various manufacturers, and at different prices. So how do you choose the most suitable one? To make your decision easier, we, the Velonova specialists, will review the main features, distinctions, and popular models of gravel bikes.

What is a Gravel Bike?

Translated from English, the word "gravel" means gravel, so these bikes were initially designed for riding on gravel. This feature gives the bike versatility, allowing the gravel bike to comfortably ride on any road surface, whether daily, for sports, or on longer journeys.

Gravel bikes have fairly wide wheels suitable for off-road, a drop-bar frame, making them stable, fast, and easy to pedal. Different gravel bike characteristics can make them suitable for both professional cyclists and beginners.

Advantages of Gravel Bikes

Besides their unique feature of riding on mixed terrain, this category of bikes has more distinct features. Gravel bikes are very stable, have wide tires that grip the surface well, and a relatively large wheelbase, providing more comfort and pleasure when covering longer distances. The drop handlebars ensure easy and comfortable pedaling.

Gravel bikes are not only suitable for any surface but also for cyclists of various levels. Their structure is very versatile and adapts to the cyclist's needs. By changing the tires or wheels, athletes use this bike for road riding as well. Additionally, these bikes have additional mounting points for attaching a bike bag, rack, or other accessories based on individual needs. Gravel bikes are also becoming increasingly popular among city dwellers, as they often serve not only for commuting to work but also for more active leisure.

Gravel bike frames are categorized into aluminum and carbon. The latter, due to the specific properties of the material, are softer, absorb shocks well, and provide more comfort for the cyclist during the ride. In contrast, aluminum frame gravel bikes are sturdy and firmer, falling into lower price ranges.

Gravel Bikes vs. Other Bike Types: What's the Difference?

Bikes are categorized based on their intended use, i.e., the type of road surface, the length of distances, and the purpose (sport or recreational) you plan to ride. Some bike types are designed only for smooth and well-maintained road surfaces – these are road and triathlon bikes, typically chosen by sports professionals to achieve high speeds during competitions. Conversely, mountain bikes provide stability when descending or tackling difficult trails through mud, sand, or dirt but are entirely unsuitable for those aiming to ride fast and smoothly on even surfaces.

Meanwhile, gravel bikes stand out from other bike types with their purpose – they are suitable for riding on various surfaces and can achieve reasonably high speeds regardless of the surface. These bikes resemble cyclocross (CX) bikes in appearance, but the latter are shorter, more maneuverable, and lighter, making them suitable for racing tracks. In contrast, gravel bikes are better suited for long journeys due to their wider tires and additional places for various accessories.

Popular Gravel Bike Manufacturers and Models: How to Choose the Right One for You?

When choosing a gravel bike, it is worth considering several aspects. One of them is the manufacturer. Several reliable manufacturers offer noteworthy gravel bikes, but they differ in the style of their products and brand values, giving each buyer the opportunity to find a brand that suits them best.

Specialized Gravel Bikes

One of the most popular bike manufacturers, officially represented in Lithuania by us, is the American company Specialized. Created by cycling enthusiasts, the brand quickly became famous for its high-quality products and specialized stores where you can not only buy a bike but also leave it for testing or repairs.

Specialized gravel bikes in the VELONOVA store come in two models – Diverge and Crux. Diverge is exceptionally fast and stable, with a lightweight frame and special impact protection technology. The Crux model is considered the lightest gravel bike, standing out for its lightweight frame and large tire clearance.

BMC Gravel Bikes

Equally popular are the Swiss BMC gravel bikes. The manufacturer pays exceptional attention to technical features and design, making these bikes not only fast but also stylish. BMC is highly valued in the market for its high-quality bikes suitable for both amateurs and professionals.

The BMC Kaius 01 bike, which boasts perfect weight, stiffness, and exceptional aerodynamics, is perfect for professionals. This model is designed for elite cyclists and is ideal for competitions. Meanwhile, the BMC Unrestricted One model is an excellent choice for beginners, standing out for its versatile design suitable for both city riding and unpaved trails.

3T Gravel Bikes

Those who like to stand out may also be interested in the gravel bikes offered by the Italian manufacturer 3T – Exploro RaceMax and Exploro Primo.

Exploro RaceMax stands out for its construction, combining speed on flat surfaces and durability on mountains and gravel roads. This gravel bike combines the speed of road bikes with the off-road capability of mountain bikes.

Exploro Primo also combines speed and off-road capabilities and stands out for its aerodynamic features. When riding on gravel, you can choose tires up to 61 mm wide or switch to 35-42 mm tires for greater speed.

Open Gravel Bikes

Open gravel bikes symbolize innovation and versatility, characteristics typical of this brand. Designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced cyclists, they feature advanced technology and top-quality materials. These bikes are the ideal choice for various journeys, from fast road marathons to challenging gravel trails.

Each Open bike is created with exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship. From lightweight carbon fiber frames to advanced geometries and internal cable routing, every part of the bike is thoughtfully designed for maximum performance and comfort. Additionally, their distinctive design and clean lines offer not only excellent functionality but also impeccable aesthetic appeal.

BH Bikes Gravel Bikes

Those looking for quality without spending too much should consider the Gravel X bike offered by the Spanish manufacturer BH Bikes. One of the longest-running bike manufacturers offers a light, reliable bike that is ideally suited for long journeys.

Summary

Choose a gravel bike based on the purpose for which you are buying it – professional sports or recreational riding. From technical characteristics, it is most important to pay attention to the frame – its material and size, which vary and are crucial to choose correctly for greater comfort and physical health. Finally, choose your favorite design and color – at the velonova.lt bike shop, both classic and unique design enthusiasts will find a wide selection.