Gravel bikes can handle the same uneven bike paths, cobblestone streets, and rough dirt tracks as mountain bikes – the key difference is their faster and more efficient riding position. And should you install some narrow slick tyres, you’ll even find them keeping up with road bikes. They are a true all-rounder.

In this article, I want to discuss four reasons why gravel bikes are about to get much better.

We’ll be looking at some new derailleur drivetrains, we’ll inspect the latest in tyre widths, we’ll talk about something a bit controversial (but it really shouldn’t be), gravel suspension forks, and finally, we’ll discuss some upcoming bike models with weather-sealed gearboxes and carbon drive belts.

Let’s start with the latest in derailleur drivetrains.

New Derailleur Drivetrains Will Make Hills Easier

A few years ago, I made a video that stated that hills are not harder than the flat. This statement sounds crazy, but you really can maintain the same power, cadence, and heart rate on both flat roads and steep hills – provided your bike has appropriately low gear ratios.

That’s the problem though. When you inspect most gravel drivetrains, and you calculate the maximum gradients the average person could comfortably ride up with that ratio – you quickly realise that gravel bikes are completely over-geared.

We can do the maths on this one. Most gravel drivetrains currently use a 1:1 climbing gear. Let’s say the average cyclist is 80kg/176lb and can output 150 watts of power for a sustained period. At a slow 60RPM cadence, the maximum gradient our cyclist can comfortably ride up is just 6.6%. Gravel roads regularly exceed this gradient, so it’s no wonder most people find hills hard!

The good news is that gravel bike drivetrains in 2024 are finally available with suitably low gear ratios. On a bike fitted with a SRAM Apex Eagle drivetrain, and a 38T front chainring, our average 80kg/176lb rider can now comfortably ride up 9.4% gradient – which is a massive 30% increase in grade.

The latest Shimano GRX 1X drivetrain is not far off. With a similarly large rear cassette and 38t chainring, our rider can climb up a 9.2% grade.

When it comes to 2X drivetrains, Microshift has you covered with their new Sword groupset. The crankset offers a 29-tooth front chainring, and the cassette maxes out at 38-tooth. This would get our rider up an 8.9% hill, which is a 25% increase in grade over what current gravel drivetrains offer.

Another big gravel bike improvement is the changes to tyre clearance.

New Tyre Widths Will Provide More Comfort and Control

Gravel bike tyre clearances are currently increasing. It was not long ago when 40mm wide tyres were the maximum size you could fit in most gravel bikes. Nowadays, 50mm is popular, and some bikes will clear as wide as 60mm (2.4”).

Wider tyres are an improvement because they afford more comfort, grip, and control over narrower ones, as well as being less susceptible to pinch flats. They also allow you to experience significantly less body fatigue on longer rides.

When comparing 42 and 50mm wide Soma Cazadero tyres on a fast gravel road, our tests found a 9% reduction in vibrations at the handlebar with the wider tyre. The difference to a Rene Herse 44mm tyre was even greater – we found a 23% reduction in vibrations!

Wide tyres with the right rubber composition will undoubtedly keep you comfortable, but wait – don’t they have a lot of rolling resistance?

The fascinating thing is that when you move to wider tyre sizes, the rolling resistance doesn’t increase as much as you’d think. This is because it’s the rubber compound and sidewall design of a tyre that are usually the biggest factors when it comes to rolling speed.

By conducting rolling resistance tests outside and on special measurement rigs, we can find 37mm wide touring tyres that have more rolling resistance than 100mm wide fat bike tyres. Yes, you heard that right!

The fastest tyres use thin sidewall casings constructed with compounds that have what is known as a low ‘hysteresis’. A tyre with a low hysteresis compound will deform and go back to its original shape with very little energy loss.

A “super ball” is an example of a product with low hysteresis – when you drop it from a given height it will bounce almost as high as it loses little energy with each bounce. Tyre compounds work very similarly.

Of course, there is an aerodynamic argument against using wider tyres. But YouTuber Dylan Johnson has gone to the wind tunnel and shown that it’s only 2-3 watts more resistance per 5mm extra width at 35kph/22mph. That’s almost certainly a penalty worth taking if you’re primarily riding on gravel.

Another improvement to gravel bikes is suspension fork compatibility.

New Suspension Fork Options Will Improve Performance

Gravel bikes are perhaps the only vehicle designed for off-road terrain without some sort of suspension element. But that’s about to change, as new bike models are becoming available with suspension forks – right now there are 18 of them in the Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide, and the number is growing.

The biggest advantage of a suspension fork is the improved front tyre traction, which not only helps with cornering grip but also braking performance. This will ultimately give you more confidence and control on rougher roads.

In addition, you can expect less hand fatigue and a comfort improvement too. We measured 6 to 11% less vibration at the handlebar in our comparison tests between a HiRide 20mm suspension fork and an Open WI.DE rigid carbon fork – that’s over obstacles that simulate riding on fast gravel roads, and over edgy rocks.

Keep in mind that vibration exposure is greater on longer rides, so the more time you spend on your bike, the more comfort you have to gain with a suspension fork.

You might even go faster too. Geoff Kabush conducted some suspension fork testing on his gravel bike and found his speeds increased by 4.0 to 4.7% over a rigid fork when pushing the same power output. While these tests are not super scientific (and ultimately funded by Fox suspension) it’s feasible to see these kinds of speed increases on rougher roads.

The downsides of suspension forks include around 800 grams of added weight, the necessity for regular servicing intervals, a less aerodynamic design, and arguably worse bike aesthetics.

That said, a fork like the HiRide Sterra hides the hydraulic damper in the head tube away from the elements, which not only increases service interval lengths, but maintains good aerodynamics and the sleek gravel bike look. And when you don’t need the suspension travel, you can simply press the lock-out button and make it rigid.

Even if you don’t care for suspension, bike designers are currently decreasing the head tube lengths of their frames, while simultaneously increasing the rigid fork lengths. This allows one frame to suit both fork types; all you need to do is choose what you like best.

New Gearbox Options Will Reduce Bike Wear and Maintainance

Let’s finish this article with the latest in gearbox and belt drive gravel bikes. This is another fast-growing subcategory in my buyer’s guides and will be beneficial to many cyclists.

Gearboxes and internal gear hubs are weather-sealed from the elements, resulting in a super long-lasting, and ultra-low maintenance drivetrain. Pair them with a belt drive, and you won’t need to degrease or lubricate a chain again.

These gear systems are much less susceptible to damage than a derailleur, they never have to be tuned or adjusted, and will usually last a lifetime too – one Rohloff hub owner has famously exceeded half a million kilometres on his hub!

In addition, the gear range is wider than any gravel drivetrain, and the gear shifts can be made anytime, including while stationary.

The gearbox pick of the bunch on a gravel bike might just be the new Pinion Smart Shift system, which uses electronic drop bar shifters to ensure quick and easy gear shifting.

The coolest thing about this drivetrain is that it times your gear shifts so that you never have to back off on your pedal power when you change gears. It can also be configured to automatically change your gears based on your speed, which will always ensure you’re pedalling at the perfect cadence.

The downside to gearbox gravel bikes is the weight penalty of 1.0 to 1.5kg, the high price, and a reduction in drive efficiency of between 2-6%, depending on the gearbox or gear hub model.

If these drivetrains have piqued your interest, you can find in-depth information about gearboxes, internal gear hubs, and belt drivetrains on my YouTube channel or in the Bicycle Drivetrains category of this website.

Summary

Due to several recent advancements, gravel bikes are about to get much better.

Expect to see gear ratios that are better suited to steeper terrain, wider tyres for more comfort and control, compatibility with high-performance suspension forks, and models with ultra-low maintenance gearbox drivetrains.

If you’d like to learn more about gravel bikes, see all the current models available, and compare them side-by-side, make sure to check out my Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide.

The post Here’s Why Gravel Bikes Will Get Much Better In 2025 appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike Overall: Salsa Journeyer Altus
• Best Steel Flat Bar Gravel Bike: State 4130 All Road
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike For Rough Roads: Poseidon Redwood
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike With Upright Geometry: Breezer Radar Cafe
• Best Aluminum Flat Bar Gravel Bike: Marin DSX 1
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike Ready For Commuting: Kona Dew Deluxe
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike Price-to-Weight Ratio: Posideon X Ambition
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike With Step-Through: Cannondale Quick Disc 3
• Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike for Tall Riders: Surly Preamble

The Long Version

Finding the best flat bar gravel bikes under $1,000 can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first bike purchase.

The good news is all of the flat bar gravel bikes on this list have been selected through our objective, data-driven rankings, which have been optimized based on years of working in the bike industry.

We have combed through hundreds of gravel bikes to find the best handling models, with broad size ranges, great features, adequate tire widths, suitable gear ratios, in the lightest possible package, and all from great online retailers.

All you have to do is decide on the features that best suit your needs.

We’ve made this buyer’s guide your one-stop shop for finding the best budget gravel bike.

Accompanying the bike descriptions and score sheets are sizing charts that will help you pick the right size. We have even placed direct links to shops where you can buy these bikes, and have listed the shipping cost.

We have intentionally picked bikes that can be easily obtained in the USA (that’s most of you) and can be shipped directly to your door.

The author of this website has worked in the bike industry for over 20 years and has traveled the world by bicycle for over a decade. He has written multiple bicycle buyer’s guides that round up the best bikepacking and touring bikes.

All of this experience means that you can’t go wrong with any bike featured here.

Note: We may earn a commission when you purchase a bike through our links. This directly supports CYCLINGABOUT.com and allows us to continue providing high-quality cycling information to you.

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

To learn about the characteristics of a flat bar gravel bike and for full details of our scoring system, please check out the buying advice at the bottom of the article.

Jump to Buying Advice

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes For 2024

Salsa Journeyer Altus – 19/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike Overall

Salsa has put a huge amount of research and development into its Journeyer gravel bike range. The attention to detail shines through in the bike’s overall design – it offers a choice of wheel sizes, exceptional tire clearance, stable steering, mounts for different luggage setups, ample bottle cage mounts, fender compatibility, and size-proportionate handlebar widths.

The Journeyer is just 26lb (11.8kg) thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and fork. It features a reliable microSHIFT 1×9 drivetrain and can fit wide 2.2-2.3” tires for rough dirt roads. The bike has a particularly low standover height so it’s great for riders down to 4ft8 (142cm) who are looking for a perfectly fitting bike.

The only thing that kept the Journeyer from achieving a perfect score in our rating is the climbing gear is a bit high. This means that if you live in a very hilly area, you might find yourself wanting an even lower gear ratio.

We recommend smaller 650B/27.5” wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C/29” wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

Determine your Salsa Journeyer frame size in the sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Stability	Stable	77mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Moderately Low	24 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	High	114 Gear Inches	3/3
Maximum Tyre Width	Very Wide	55mm (2.2”)	3/3
Tubeless Compatibility	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.8kg (24.9lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	582mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			19/20
	Salsa Journeyer with 650B Wheels	Salsa Journeyer with 700C Wheels	Shipping Cost
	See Price	See Price	$100
	See Price	See Price	$150

State 4130 All Road – 17/20

The Best Steel Flat Bar Gravel Bike

The State 4130 All Road is a steel gravel bike ready for off-road adventures. It has ample tire clearance and lots of bag/rack mounts. The notably upright riding position will allow you to ride comfortably all day should you put the bikepacking mounts to good use.

The 4130 comes with a 1×11-speed drivetrain, tubeless compatible wheels, generous 2.1” tire clearance, and reliable mechanical disc brakes. State also has a plethora of budget-friendly upgrades to make this your dream bike (brakes, forks, gears, wheels) although those will put you over $1,000.

In addition, State Bicycle Co frequently releases special editions, so this bike is usually available in several fun paint designs.

The State lost points when it came to steering speed; it’s a bit quicker than other bikes here, making it feel a bit twitchy at high speed. The climbing gear is also higher than we’d like to see, however, it will be great for most terrain you encounter.

We recommend choosing smaller 650B/27.5” wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C/29” wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

Determine your State 4130 All Road frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	64mm Trail	2/3
Low Climbing Gear	Somewhat Low	27 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	High	104 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Wide	53mm (2.1″)	3/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Average	12.4kg (27.3lb)	2/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	592mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	$100 Shipping Cost	$45 Shipping Cost
Rust Fade	–	See Price
Turquoise Fade	–	See Price
Matte Olive	See Price	See Price
Pacific Gold	–	See Price
Raw Phosphate	–	See Price

Poseidon Redwood – 17/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike For Rough Roads

The Redwood shines though as Poseidon’s proper bikepacking gravel bike, that is ready to take on any adventure. It employs a tough aluminum frame and fork with plenty of rack and accessory mounts. The drivetrain is a steadfast 1×10 model from microSHIFT.

The number one reason to choose this bike is the strong wheels and wide tires. The Redwood comes standard with 2.35” wide tires but it can fit 2.6” tires if you need! The 650B/27.5” wheels are connected with stiff thru-axles, and the rims are tubeless compatible.

The Redwood also has notably low climbing gears for a gravel bike, which is great for riding up steeper hills, especially with a bikepacking load.

While the bike is adventure-ready, it does have a few drawbacks.

It’s heavier than the rest at 29 lbs (13.15 kg). It also has a large-diameter alloy seatpost that rides very firmly (although the wide tires should regain most of that comfort). Lastly, the XL and XXL frames are not very tall at the front, resulting in a lower handlebar than similarly sized gravel bikes – tall riders take note.

Determine your Poseidon Redwood frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	70mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	22 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Moderately High	96 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Very Wide	60mm (2.4″)	3/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$999	3/3
Weight Category	Above Average	13.2kg (29.1lb)	1/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	569mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	Poseidon Redwood	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Breezer Radar Cafe – 17/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike With Upright Geometry

REASONS TO BUY

1. Upright/comfortable ride position
2. Hydro disc brakes, tubeless rims
3. Cool vintage-inspired design

REASONS NOT TO BUY

1. On the heavier side
2. A better drop bar geometry

The Breezer Radar Cafe Flat is a vintage-inspired gravel bike that will be as comfortable zipping around town as it is off-road riding. It has a comfortable, upright geometry making it perfect for long or relaxed days in the saddle.

The Breezer Cafe is a steel gravel bike with a Shimano 1×10 drivetrain, and it weighs 27.73 lbs (12.59 kg). The bike has been thoughtfully spec’d by the product managers, with hydraulic disk brakes, tubeless compatible rims, and clearance for 700c x 45mm tires.

In addition to the big ticket component upgrades, it also has thoughtful touches like a chain keeper on the front so your chain won’t fall off, and a sleek steel blue paint job that will turn heads.

In our rankings, the Breezer lost points for its weight and gear ratios. Since it’s a steel bike it will be heavier than others on this list, and while the climbing gear is a touch high, it will be low enough for most terrain.

Determine your Breezer Radar frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	73mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	25 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Somewhat High	97 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Wide	48mm (1.9”)	3/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Average	12.6 kg (27.8 lbs)	2/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	615mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	Breezer Radar Cafe	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Varies with location	Yes (VT)

Marin DSX 1 – 17/20

The Best Aluminum Flat Bar Gravel Bike

The Marin DSX 1 Flat bar is a lightweight and versatile gravel bike that has a whole slew of great features making it ready for your next adventure.

This aluminum bike with a weight-shedding carbon fork weighs in at just 25.26 lbs (11.46 kg). This great build at a budget price includes a Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and thru-axles for the wheels. The DSX 1 also has clearance for rather wide 700c x 53mm (29 x 2.1”) tires.

The DSX 1 has a classic and clean look thanks to its simple colorway and internal cable routing. It features tons of mounting points that can accommodate a variety of bag types from bikepacking cargo cage bags through to full-sized panniers. It’s a great bike for those seeking performance and comfort on mixed terrain.

The only metric that the Marin lost points in was tubeless compatibility. While tubeless compatibility is a great feature, if you are just starting in the cycling world, you may not have the proper tools for a tubeless setup, so this might not be too important to you.

Determine your Marin DSX 1 frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	80mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	23 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Very High	105 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Wide	53mm (2.1”)	3/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Compatible		0/3
Value For Money	Great	$999	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.5kg (25.35 lbs)	3/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	587mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	Marin DSX 1	Shipping Cost	Pick-up
	See Price	$85	Free
	See Bike	–	Free

Kona Dew Deluxe – 15/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike For Commuting

The Kona Dew Deluxe isn’t just a gravel bike; it’s a commuter’s dream that can effortlessly transition between weekends away and urban commutes. It comes stock with a kickstand, so you can easily park your bike while running errands, and fenders to keep you dry when the conditions turn on you. 

The Dew Deluxe boasts hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Deore 11-speed gears, and 650b/27.5” wheels with lots of clearance (55mm or 2.2″). It also has the most upright riding position of any bike on this list, which is ideal for both commuting and long days in the saddle.

The biggest downside is this bike is a bit heavy, especially for an aluminum bike, weighing in at 29.76 lbs (13.5 kg). If you remove the fenders and kickstand though it is about 2 lbs (1 kg) lighter. However, fenders and a kickstand are great for bikepacking too, so you might find you appreciate them.

Determine your Kona Dew Deluxe frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	70mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	20 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Not Very High	91 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Wide	55mm (2.2”)	3/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Ready		0/3
Value For Money	Great	$949	3/3
Weight Category	Above Average	12.5 kg (27.6 lbs)	2/3
Riding Position	Very upright	626mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			15/20
	Kona Dew Deluxe White	Kona Dew Deluxe Blue	Shipping
	See Price	See Price	$119 (Home) or $80 (Bike Shop)

Poseidon X Ambition – 15/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike For Price & Weight

The Poseidon X Ambition is the speedy sibling of the Redwood. Every part of the X Ambition has been built for riding fast – it features 700C wheels that carry speed well, and a full carbon fork that saves about 1 lb (450 grams) compared to an aluminum or steel fork.

Poseidon didn’t just have speed in mind for the X Ambition though. It features an excellent low climbing gear ratio for steep hills and a notably upright riding position too.

This aluminum bike comes in at a lightweight 25 lbs (11.34 kg). It uses the same microSHIFT 1×10 drivetrain as the Redwood, and simple mechanical disc brakes.

A downside is that the maximum tire size is fairly narrow at 42mm. However, if you’re aiming for speed and only need the bike for light off-road riding – this will be wide enough. It’s also worth noting the standard wheels are not tubeless compatible (but a wheel upgrade kit is available for a few hundred dollars extra).

Determine your Poseidon X frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	73mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	22 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Moderately High	94 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	42mm (1.65″)	2/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Ready	–	0/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.3kg (25.0lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	597mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			15/20
	Poseidon X Ambition	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free (CA)

Cannondale Quick Disc 3 – 15/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike With Step-Through Frame

Cannondale has been in the bike market for decades bringing innovation to bikes whether they are for world-class athletes or budget-minded consumers. The Quick 3 is a lightweight bike that will have you equally zipping through the city or down bumpy gravel roads.

The Quick 3 is an aluminum gravel bike and comes with hydraulic disc brakes and a carbon fork. The bike weighs in at only 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg), and has a broad height range fitting riders 4’10” – 6’9” (the tallest of any bike on our list).

There are also unique accessories included with the bike, for example, a built-in phone mount (compatible with SP phone cases) that allows you to document your rides in conjunction with the sensor in the fork and Cannondale app.

The Quick 3 is the only bike on this list that is also offered as a unisex step-through frame. While not common in the US, these low-slung frames are much easier to mount, and a great option if you have limited mobility, or simply need to dismount frequently.

At 42 mm (1.65”) the Quick 3 has a fairly narrow maximum tire width, but this is plenty wide for light gravel roads and bike paths. The only other downside is the low climbing gear, which is higher than some bikes on the list.

Determine your Cannondale Quick frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	62mm Trail	2/3
Low Climbing Gear	Somewhat Low	26 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	High	110 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	42 mm / 1.65”	2/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Ready	–	0/3
Value For Money	Great	$835	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.5kg (25.4lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	602mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			14/20
	Cannondale Quick Disc 3	Cannondale Quick Disc 3 (Step-Through)	Pick-Up
$85 Shipping Cost	See Price	See Price	Yes

Surly Preamble – 15/20

The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bike With Size Proportionate Wheels

Surly is hoping that the Preamble is your preamble into cycling, as their entry-level bike (they call it a “gateway drug”). This fun and versatile bike will surely draw you into some dirt road cycling adventures.

Surly offers height-inclusive frame geometry, meaning the XS and S have sloped top tubes for extra frame standover, and the XL accommodates very tall riders (6ft7). In keeping with Surly’s size-inclusive geometry, the XS and S bikes come with smaller 650B wheels, while M through XL bikes come with 700C wheels.

The Preamble Flat bar is a steel bike so you’re sacrificing comfort for a bit of weight, but it still only weighs 12.3 kg (27.12 lbs). The bike comes with a 1×9 microSHIFT drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes as standard.

Downsides to the bike include a narrow tire width compared to some, higher climbing gear than we’d like, and a heavier-than-average weight.

Determine your Surly Preamble frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	66mm Trail	2/3
Low Climbing Gear	Somewhat Low	26 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	Moderately High	91 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	41mm (1.65”)	1/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Ready	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Average	12.3kg (27.1 lbs)	2/3
Riding Position	Sporty/Average	573mm Stack Average	–
TOTAL SCORE			14/20
	Surly Preamble	Shipping Cost	Pick-up
	See Price	$100	Yes (AZ)
	See Price	$150	Yes (MN)
	See Price	Varies with location	No

Budget Gravel Bike Buying Advice

Frame Material

Aluminum – This is the most common frame and fork material in this price range. Aluminum provides the best balance between frame stiffness, lightweight performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Steel – People who ride steel bikes are often fanatics about them. They love the side-to-side flex that a steel frame offers, as well as the ability to easily repair the frame, should something break. The downside to this material is that it’s heavier than aluminum, usually by 2 or 3 pounds (1-1.5 kg).

Carbon Fiber – While there aren’t any carbon fiber bikes on this list, a few bikes do feature a carbon fork. Carbon forks shave off a pound of weight and can be more forgiving over bumps. A carbon fork is a great upgrade for those who are looking to squeeze out the most performance.

Drivetrain Type

1X – A single chainring in the front eliminates the front derailleur. These drivetrains are paired with a wide-range cassette at the rear so you can still maintain a broad gear range. The simplicity of a 1X system is appealing to riders who want ease of use, and less mechanical hassle.

2X – A double chainring drivetrain offers a broader range of gear ratios by featuring two front chainrings. This allows for smaller differences between gears on the rear cassette, providing a more consistent cadence (pedalling speed in RPM) across a wider range of speeds, gradients, and terrains. A 2X setup is a great choice for people who will do a lot of paved road riding.

Wheel Size

The choice of wheel size ultimately comes down to personal preference, some companies such as State Bicycle offer a second wheelset for an additional fee, and other companies like Salsa offer the same model in both wheel sizes.

700C (29″) – 700C has been the standard road bike wheel size for decades. Its large diameter allows for a greater rollover capability, so 700C can clear obstacles easily while carrying more momentum. This makes them ideal for riders who prefer to ride faster with greater efficiency.

650B (27.5”) – By reducing the rim size, you can fit higher-volume tires on the same gravel bike frame. Wider tires provide more grip and reduce body fatigue on rough terrain. This wheel size is ideal for those who want to prioritize bike control and ride comfort.

Handlebar Type

There are advantages and disadvantages to drop bars and flat bars, and your choice ultimately boils down to how you want to use your bike. You can read our full pros/cons article about handlebar type HERE.

Drop Bars (Curly Ones) – These bars offer a more aerodynamic riding position that is ideal for long days on the bike. and more hand positions than their flat bar counterparts. Due to their narrower width, they are often better for squeezing between cars and urban obstacles.

Flat Bars (Not Curly Ones) – Flat bars offer extra steering leverage for better bike control, and the ride position they put you in is usually a bit more upright. This makes them a great option for beginners. Our list of the best flat bar gravel bikes (under $1000) is coming soon.

The CYCLINGABOUT Scoring System

Steering Speed

We assign:
3 points to a bike with a trail of 68mm or more
2 points to a bike with a trail between 61 and 68mm
1 point to a bike with a trail 60mm or less.

Steering speed is an important part of our rankings. We use the ‘trail’ measurement, which gives us the best approximation of how a bike’s steering will feel to you the rider. This article on Bike Insights gives a great in-depth analysis of what constitutes trail.

Generally, mountain bikes have the highest trail figure (90-130mm), resulting in a slow steering feel. This keeps them extremely stable at high speeds, especially when combined with a wide flat handlebar and short stem.

On the opposite end, road bikes generally have the lowest trail figure (50-70mm), resulting in a quick steering feel that best suits the characteristics of a narrow drop bar and longer stem.

Low Climbing Gear

We assign:
3 points to a bike with a climbing gear of below 24 gear inches
2 points to a bike with a climbing gear between 24 and 28 gear inches
1 point to a bike with a climbing gear above 28 gear inches

We measure the lowest and highest gears on a gravel bike using “gear inches”. They are calculated using the diameter of your wheel, multiplied by the front sprocket, and divided by your rear cog. That gives us a convenient two or three-digit number to compare bikes that use different wheel sizes and tire widths.

The good news is that you don’t have to calculate the gear inches manually, websites like Gear-Calculator work them out for you.

On a gravel bike, the ideal climbing gear is generally 24 gear inches or below as this gear allows you to pedal comfortably up a steep hill at 7kph/4mph. 24 to 28 gear inches is generally acceptable on moderately steep terrain, and 28 or above is better suited to milder gradients.

High-Speed Gear

We assign:
2 points to a bike with a high-speed gear above 100 gear inches
1 points to a bike with a high-speed gear below 100 gear inches

At the other end of the scale, the ideal high gear is somewhere over 100 gear inches. This will give you enough gears to pedal down a hill at 48kph/30mph. Stepping up to 125 gear inches for your high-speed gear, and you can still pedal at 60kph/37mph.

Maximum Tire Size

We assign:
3 points to a maximum tire width of 47mm or wider
2 points to a max tire width of 42 to 47mm
1 point to a max tire width of 42mm or narrower

The maximum tire width is determined by frame and fork clearance. Bikepackers typically choose the widest tire available, as the wider the tire the more varied the terrain you can ride. This is why bikes with a larger tire clearance received higher scores in our rankings.

Wider tires have a larger contact patch with the ground. This gives you more grip as you navigate challenging terrain. A wider tire can also absorb vibrations and impacts more effectively, providing a smoother overall ride.

The good news is that wider tires won’t slow you down much because it’s the tire’s rubber compound that primarily (~80%) determines rolling resistance. In fact, some wide/nobby mountain bike tires roll much faster than slick road bike tires!

Tubeless Compatibility

We assign:
3 points to a bike that has tubeless compatible wheels
0 points to a bike that has tube-only wheels

Tubeless – A tubeless setup has a reduced risk of flats due to the latex-based sealant inside. The sealant is to self-seal small punctures caused by thorns or debris.

A tubeless setup also allows riders to run lower tire pressure for a more cushioned ride without the risk of pinch flats. To run a tubeless setup, both the rim and tires need to be tubeless compatible. The initial setup requires a bit of familiarity with putting sealant into tires and seating the tire on the rim.

The ranking system we use places a lot of emphasis on bikes with tubeless compatibility, as it is such great convenience.

Tubes – Tires with tubes are easier to install and more straightforward for most users. It’s worth noting that all tubeless wheels can fit tubes.

Value For Money

We assign:
3 points to a very good value bike
2 points to a good value bike
1 point to a bike of ok value-for-money

Admittedly, this metric is rather subjective, however, we have a good sense of the quality of the frame, fork, and components and whether they match the asking price of the bike.

Weight

We assign:
3 points to a bike under 12kg (26.5lb)
2 points for a bike between 12-13kg (26.5-28.7lb)
1 point for a bike over 13kg and over (28.7lb)

Weight is one of the easiest things to measure on a bicycle, so it is often the emphasis. However, it’s our opinion that bike weight matters much less than you think. This is because a 1kg (2.2lbs) heavier bike usually only results in a one or two-minute time penalty over a 100km (62mi) hilly ride.

Nonetheless, a lightweight gravel bike often uses higher-quality components and materials, so this is still an important metric.

Riding Position

We use the average stack height of all frame sizes to determine whether a bike has a ‘sporty’ or ‘relaxed’ riding position. This metric gives us an idea of how high the handlebar is relative to your saddle height.

Normal/Sporty means the bike’s handlebar is a typical height compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered sporty when the average stack is under 590mm.

Upright/Relaxed means the bike’s handlebar is higher than average compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered ‘relaxed’ when the average stack is 590mm or taller.

It’s worth noting that you can turn a ‘sporty’ bike into a ‘relaxed’ bike by increasing a bike’s handlebar height using a riser stem or steerer tube extender. These products normally add 25 to 75mm (1-3″) of bar height.

Sizing Recommendations

Simply find your height and inseam on these charts to determine the size(s) that will fit you.

If you’re on the boundary between two sizes, those with a long inseam often prefer the taller handlebar height of the bigger frame size. Conversely, if you’d like a lower handlebar height for a performance-oriented riding position, simply choose the smaller size.

The frame standover is the measurement from the ground to the top tube (50mm/2.0″ in front of the bottom bracket). Ideally, this measurement is less than your inseam so that your crotch has clearance over the bike frame.

Salsa Journeyer

	Salsa Journeyer with 650B Wheels	Salsa Journeyer with 700C Wheels	Shipping Cost
	See Price	See Price	$100
	See Price	See Price	$150

State 4130 All-Road

What State 4130 All Road Frame Size Should You Buy?

	$100 Shipping cost	$45 Shipping Cost
Turquoise Fade	–	See Price
Rust Fade	–	See Price
Pacific Gold	–	See Price
Raw Phosphate	–	See Price
Matte Olive	See Price	See Price

Poseidon Redwood

What Poseidon Redwood Frame Size Should You Buy?

	Poseidon Redwood	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Breezer Radar Cafe

	Breezer Radar Cafe	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Varies with location	Yes (VT)

Marin DSX 1

	Marin DSX 1	Shipping Cost	Pick-up
	See Price	$85	Free
	See Bike	–	Free

Kona Dew Deluxe

	Kona Dew Deluxe White	Kona Dew Deluxe Blue	Shipping
	See Price	See Price	$119 (Home) or $80 (Bike Shop)

Poseidon X Ambition

	Poseidon X Ambition	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Cannondale Quick Disc 3

	Cannondale Quick Disc 3	Cannondale Quick Disc 3 (Step-Through)	Pick-Up
	See Price	See Price	Yes

Surly Preamble

	Surly Preamble	Shipping Cost	Pick-up
	See Price	$100	Yes (AZ)
	See Price	$150	Yes (MN)
	See Price	Varies with location	No

The post The 9 Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes (Under $1000) appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

• Best Budget Gravel Bike Overall: Salsa Journeyer Advent
• Best Gravel Bike With Modern Features: Polygon Tambora G4
• Best Steel Gravel Bike: State 4130 All-Road
• Best For Rough Roads: Poseidon Redwood
• Best For Road Biking: Diamondback Haanjo 2
• Best Price to Weight: Poseidon X Ambition
• Best Classic Design: Marin Nicasio

The Long Version

Finding the best budget gravel bikes under $1,000 can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first bike purchase.

The good news is all of the gravel bikes on this list have been selected through our objective, data-driven rankings, which have been optimized based on our years working in the bike industry.

We have combed through hundreds of gravel bikes to find the best handling models, with broad size ranges, great features, adequate tire widths, suitable gear ratios, and all in the lightest possible package.

All you have to do is decide on the features that best suit your needs.

We’ve made this buyer’s guide your one-stop shop for finding the best budget gravel bike.

Accompanying the bike descriptions and score sheets are sizing charts that will help you pick the right size. We have even placed direct links to shops where you can buy these bikes, and have listed the shipping cost.

We have intentionally picked bikes that can be easily obtained in the USA (that’s most of you) and can be shipped directly to your door.

The author of this website has worked in the bike industry for over 20 years and has traveled the world by bicycle for over a decade. He has written multiple bicycle buyer’s guides that round up the best bikepacking and touring bikes.

All of this experience means that you can’t go wrong with any bike featured here.

Note: We may earn a commission when you purchase a bike through our links. This directly supports CYCLINGABOUT.com and allows us to continue providing high-quality cycling information to you.

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

To learn about the characteristics of a gravel bike and for full details of our scoring system, please check out the buying advice at the bottom of the article.

Jump to Buying Advice

The Best Budget Gravel Bikes in 2024

Salsa Journeyer Advent – 19/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike Overall

Salsa has put a huge amount of research and development into its Journeyer budget gravel bike range. The attention to detail shines through in the bike’s overall design – it offers a choice of wheel sizes, exceptional tire clearance, stable steering, mounts for different luggage setups, ample bottle cage mounts, fender compatibility, and size-proportionate handlebar widths.

The Journeyer is just 26lb (11.8kg) thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and fork. It features a reliable microSHIFT 1×9 drivetrain and can fit wide 650B x 2.3” tires (or 700C x 2.2”) for rough dirt roads. The bike has a particularly low standover height so it’s great for riders down to 4ft8 (142cm) who are looking for a perfectly fitting bike.

The only thing that kept the Journeyer from achieving a perfect score in our rating is the climbing gear that’s a bit high. If you live in a very hilly area, you might find yourself wanting an even lower gear (which is possible with a new front chain ring). That said, the standard gear ratio should be plenty low for most people.

We recommend smaller 650B wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

Determine your Salsa Journeyer frame size in the sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Stability	Stable	77mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Moderately Low	26 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	High	100 Gear Inches	3/3
Maximum Tyre Width	Very Wide	2.3″ (58mm)	3/3
Tubeless Compatibility	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$999	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.8kg (24.9lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	1.50	–
TOTAL SCORE			19/20
	Salsa Journeyer with 650B Wheels	Salsa Journeyer with 700C Wheels	Shipping Cost
	See Price	See Price	$150
	See Price	See Price	$75
	See Price	See Price	$100
	See Price	See Price	$85

Polygon Tambora G4 – 18/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike With Modern Features

The Tambora is a thoroughly modern bikepacking gravel bike with features usually found on more expensive bikes. It employs a uniquely shaped aluminum frame with an array of mounts for racks, fenders, water bottles, pumps, and frame packs. There’s a carbon fiber fork up front to add comfort, and the drivetrain is a solid 1×10 model from microSHIFT.

This bike has a flip-chip system at both the front and rear axles, which allows you to change the handling characteristics of the bike. By flipping the eccentric metal chips, you can make the bike handle slow and stable for gravel roads, or fast and responsive for paved roads.

This virtually makes the Tambora a two-in-one bike!

The Tambora has an upright riding position and notably low climbing gears. This bike will be great for riding up steeper hills – especially if you’re planning on carrying some luggage.

Although it does look nice, a downside to the Tambora G4 is the cable routing for the brakes and rear derailleur. They need to go through the headset bearings, which makes fitting new cables a more laborious job than on other bikes. The steering speed is also a bit quicker/twitchier than we’d like to see, although it’s not unreasonable.

Determine your Polygon Tambora frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	66mm Trail	2/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	23 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	High	101 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	45mm	2/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Below Average	11.8kg (24.9lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	1.56	–
TOTAL SCORE			18/20
	Polygon Tambora G4	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	$79	No

State 4130 All Road – 17/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike With A Steel Frame

The State 4130 All Road is a steel-framed gravel bike ready for fun. It has ample tire clearance and lots of bag/rack mounts making it ready for off-road adventures. The notably upright riding position will allow you to ride comfortably all day should you put the bikepacking mounts to good use.

The 4130 comes with a 1×11-speed drivetrain, tubeless compatible wheels, generous 2.1” tire clearance, and reliable mechanical disc brakes. State also has a plethora of budget-friendly upgrades to make this your dream bike (brakes, forks, gears, wheels) although those will put you over $1,000.

In addition, this bike is usually available in several fun paint designs.

The State lost points when it came to steering speed; it’s a bit quicker than other bikes here, making it feel a bit twitchy at high speed. The climbing gear is also higher than we’d like to see, however, it will be great for most terrain you encounter.

We recommend choosing smaller 650B wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

Determine your State 4130 All Road frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	64mm Trail	2/3
Low Climbing Gear	Somewhat Low	27 Gear Inches	2/3
High-Speed Gear	High	104 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Wide	53mm (2.1″)	3/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Average	12.4kg (27.3lb)	2/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	1.59	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	State 4130 Black	State 4130 Copper	State 4130 Raw
$100 Shipping Cost	See Price	See Price	See Price
$45 Shipping Cost	See Price	See Price	See Price

Poseidon Redwood – 17/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike For Rough Roads

The Redwood shines though as Poseidon’s proper bikepacking gravel bike, that’s ready to take on any adventure. It employs a tough aluminum frame and fork with plenty of rack and accessory mounts. The drivetrain is a steadfast 1×10 model from microSHIFT.

The number one reason to choose this bike is the strong wheels and wide tires. The Redwood comes standard with 2.35” wide tires but it can squeeze in 2.6” tires if you need! The 650B wheels are connected with stiff thru-axles, and the rims are tubeless compatible.

The Redwood also has notably low climbing gears for a gravel bike, which is great for riding up steeper hills, especially with a bikepacking load.

While the bike is adventure-ready, it does have a few drawbacks.

It’s heavier than the rest at 29 lbs (13.15 kg). It also has a large-diameter alloy seatpost that rides very firmly (although the wide tires should regain most of that comfort). Lastly, the XL and XXL frames are not very tall at the front, resulting in a lower handlebar than similarly sized gravel bikes – tall riders take note.

Determine your Poseidon Redwood frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	70mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	22 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Moderately High	96 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Very Wide	60mm (2.4″)	3/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$999	3/3
Weight Category	Above Average	13.2kg (29.1lb)	1/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	1.49	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	Poseidon Redwood	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Diamondback Haanjo 2 – 17/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike For Pavement

When you hear of Diamondback bikes you might think of budget bikes at big box stores. Nowadays, they sell their high-quality bikes at budget prices direct-to-consumer, and they feature lots of thoughtful details.

The Haanjo is an all-purpose aluminum gravel bike with a modern road bike aesthetic. It weighs in at 26 lbs (11.79 kg). The bike employs the Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes.

The 2X drivetrain is perfect if you envision riding on a lot of paved roads, as it has smaller ‘steps’ when you change gears, and a great high-speed gear for long descents. That said, you might find yourself needing a lower climbing gear if you plan on riding in particularly hilly areas.

The Haanjo also features several smart component choices, such as size-specific handlebar widths. Depending on the bike size, the handlebars range from 38 to 46 cm wide. This means the shortest riders will have handlebars 8 cm narrower than the tallest riders, which better suits their body proportions. This is a notable feature as other bikes save money by ordering a one-size-fits-all handlebar.

You also receive a free toolkit with purchase, and Diamondback has a 30-day no-hassle return policy.

Determine your Diamondback Haanjo frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	72mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Not Very Low	29 Gear Inches	1/3
High-Speed Gear	Very High	115 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	42mm (1.7″)	2/3
Tubeless	Tubeless Compatible	–	3/3
Value For Money	Great	$999	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.8kg (29.1lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	1.50	–
TOTAL SCORE			17/20
	Diamondback Haanjo 2	Shipping Cost	Store Pick-Up
	See Price	$85	Free

Poseidon X Ambition – 15/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike For Price-To-Weight

The Poseidon X Ambition is the speedy sibling of the Redwood. Every part of the X Ambition has been built for riding fast – it features 700C wheels that carry speed well, and a full carbon fork that saves about 1 lb (450 grams) compared to an aluminum or steel fork.

Poseidon didn’t just have speed in mind for the X Ambition though. It features an excellent low climbing gear ratio for steep hills and a notably upright riding position too.

This aluminum framed bike comes in at a lightweight 25 lbs. (11.34 kg). It uses the same microSHIFT 1×10 drivetrain as the Redwood and mechanical disc brakes finish off a great bike.

A downside is that the maximum tire size is fairly narrow at 42mm, however, if you’re aiming for speed and only need the bike for light off-road riding – that is plenty of clearance. It’s also worth noting the standard wheels are not tubeless compatible (but a wheel upgrade kit is available for a few hundred dollars extra).

Determine your Poseidon X frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Stable	73mm Trail	3/3
Low Climbing Gear	Very Low	22 Gear Inches	3/3
High-Speed Gear	Moderately High	94 Gear Inches	1/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	42mm (1.7″)	2/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Ready	–	0/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Lightest	11.3kg (25.0lb)	3/3
Riding Position	Upright/Relaxed	1.57	–
TOTAL SCORE			15/20
	Poseidon X Ambition	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up (CA)
	See Price	Free	Free

Marin Nicasio – 9/20

The Best Budget Gravel Bike With A Classic Design

The Nicasio is a steel bike with a classic look but modern features such as mechanical disc brakes and internal cable routing.

This bike has a geometry that blends on-road handling while providing extra stability for off-road use. Its upright riding position, low standover height, and steel comfort make it a top choice for all riders.

The Nicasio is available in two great colors and has plenty of mounting points for any adventure that you have planned. The Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain is a bit more suited to flatter, paved roads as it has high-speed gears for descending. The bike is a bit heavier than most at 27.62 lbs (12.53 kg) but it’s not at all unreasonable.

This bike has the narrowest tire clearance of all of the gravel bikes on this list at 700C x 40mm. This is usually enough for gravel riding but could be a bit narrow if you plan on riding in muddy or sandy conditions.

Determine your Marin Nicasio frame size in sizing recommendations.

	Characteristic	Numerical Data	Score
Steering Speed	Somewhat Stable	60mm Trail	1/3
Low Climbing Gear	Not Very Low	29 Gear Inches	1/3
High-Speed Gear	Very High	125 Gear Inches	2/2
Max Tyre	Somewhat Wide	40mm (1.6″)	1/3
Tubeless	Not Tubeless Ready	–	0/3
Value For Money	Great	$899	3/3
Weight Category	Above Average	13.0kg (28.7lb)	1/3
Riding Position	Normal/Sporty	1.53	–
TOTAL SCORE			9/20
	Marin Nicasio	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	$85	Free
	See Price	–	Free

Budget Gravel Bike Buying Advice

Frame Material

Aluminum – This is the most common frame and fork material in this price range. Aluminum provides the best balance between frame stiffness, lightweight performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Steel – People who ride steel bikes are often fanatics about them. They love the side-to-side flex that a steel frame offers, as well as the ability to easily repair the frame, should something break. The downside to this material is that it’s heavier than aluminum, usually by 2 or 3 pounds (1-1.5 kg).

Carbon Fiber – While there aren’t any carbon fiber bikes on this list, a few bikes do feature a carbon fork. Carbon forks shave off a pound of weight and can be more forgiving over bumps. A carbon fork is a great upgrade for those who are looking to squeeze out the most performance.

Drivetrain Type

1X – A single chainring in the front eliminates the front derailleur. These drivetrains are paired with a wide-range cassette at the rear so you can still maintain a broad gear range. The simplicity of a 1X system is appealing to riders who want ease of use, and less mechanical hassle.

2X – A double chainring drivetrain offers a broader range of gear ratios by featuring two front chainrings. This allows for smaller differences between gears on the rear cassette, providing a more consistent cadence (pedalling speed in RPM) across a wider range of speeds, gradients, and terrains. A 2X setup is a great choice for people who will do a lot of paved road riding.

Wheel Size

The choice of wheel size ultimately comes down to personal preference, some companies such as State Bicycle offer a second wheelset for an additional fee, and other companies like Salsa offer the same model in both wheel sizes.

700C (29″) – 700C has been the standard road bike wheel size for decades. Its large diameter allows for a greater rollover capability, so 700C can clear obstacles easily while carrying more momentum. This makes them ideal for riders who prefer to ride faster with greater efficiency.

650B (27.5”) – By reducing the rim size, you can fit higher-volume tires on the same gravel bike frame. Wider tires provide more grip and reduce body fatigue on rough terrain. This wheel size is ideal for those who want to prioritize bike control and ride comfort.

Handlebar Type

There are advantages and disadvantages to drop bars and flat bars, and your choice ultimately boils down to how you want to use your bike. You can read our full pros/cons article about handlebar type HERE.

Drop Bars (Curly Ones) – These bars offer a more aerodynamic riding position that is ideal for long days on the bike. and more hand positions than their flat bar counterparts. Due to their narrower width, they are often better for squeezing between cars and urban obstacles.

Flat Bars (Not Curly Ones) – Flat bars offer extra steering leverage for better bike control, and the ride position they put you in is usually a bit more upright. This makes them a great option for beginners. Our list of the best flat bar gravel bikes (under $1000) is coming soon.

The CYCLINGABOUT Scoring System

Steering Speed

We assign:
3 points to a bike with a trail of 68mm or more
2 points to a bike with a trail between 61 and 68mm
1 point to a bike with a trail 60mm or less.

Steering speed is an important part of our rankings. We use the ‘trail’ measurement, which gives us the best approximation of how a bike’s steering will feel to you the rider. This article on Bike Insights gives a great in-depth analysis of what constitutes trail.

Generally, mountain bikes have the highest trail figure (90-130mm), resulting in a slow steering feel. This keeps them extremely stable at high speeds, especially when combined with a wide flat handlebar and short stem.

On the opposite end, road bikes generally have the lowest trail figure (50-70mm), resulting in a quick steering feel that best suits the characteristics of a narrow drop bar and longer stem.

Low Climbing Gear

We assign:
3 points to a bike with a climbing gear of below 24 gear inches
2 points to a bike with a climbing gear between 24 and 28 gear inches
1 point to a bike with a climbing gear above 28 gear inches

We measure the lowest and highest gears on a gravel bike using “gear inches”. They are calculated using the diameter of your wheel, multiplied by the front sprocket, and divided by your rear cog. That gives us a convenient two or three-digit number to compare bikes that use different wheel sizes and tire widths.

The good news is that you don’t have to calculate the gear inches manually, websites like Gear-Calculator work them out for you.

On a gravel bike, the ideal climbing gear is generally 24 gear inches or below as this gear allows you to pedal comfortably up a steep hill at 7kph/4mph. 24 to 28 gear inches is generally acceptable on moderately steep terrain, and 28 or above is better suited to milder gradients.

High-Speed Gear

We assign:
2 points to a bike with a high-speed gear above 100 gear inches
1 points to a bike with a high-speed gear below 100 gear inches

At the other end of the scale, the ideal high gear is somewhere over 100 gear inches. This will give you enough gears to pedal down a hill at 48kph/30mph. Stepping up to 125 gear inches for your high-speed gear, and you can still pedal at 60kph/37mph.

Maximum Tire Size

We assign:
3 points to a maximum tire width of 47mm or wider
2 points to a max tire width of 42 to 47mm
1 point to a max tire width of 42mm or narrower

The maximum tire width is determined by frame and fork clearance. Bikepackers typically choose the widest tire available, as the wider the tire the more varied the terrain you can ride. This is why bikes with a larger tire clearance received higher scores in our rankings.

Wider tires have a larger contact patch with the ground. This gives you more grip as you navigate challenging terrain. A wider tire can also absorb vibrations and impacts more effectively, providing a smoother overall ride.

The good news is that wider tires won’t slow you down much because it’s the tire’s rubber compound that primarily (~80%) determines rolling resistance. In fact, some wide/nobby mountain bike tires roll much faster than slick road bike tires!

Tubeless Compatibility

We assign:
3 points to a bike that has tubeless compatible wheels
0 points to a bike that has tube-only wheels

Tubeless – A tubeless setup has a reduced risk of flats due to the latex-based sealant inside. The sealant is to self-seal small punctures caused by thorns or debris.

A tubeless setup also allows riders to run lower tire pressure for a more cushioned ride without the risk of pinch flats. To run a tubeless setup, both the rim and tires need to be tubeless compatible. The initial setup requires a bit of familiarity with putting sealant into tires and seating the tire on the rim.

The ranking system we use places a lot of emphasis on bikes with tubeless compatibility, as it is such great convenience.

Tubes – Tires with tubes are easier to install and more straightforward for most users. It’s worth noting that all tubeless wheels can fit tubes.

Value For Money

We assign:
3 points to a very good value bike
2 points to a good value bike
1 point to a bike of ok value-for-money

Admittedly, this metric is rather subjective, however, we have a good sense of the quality of the frame, fork, and components and whether they match the asking price of the bike.

Weight

We assign:
3 points to a bike under 12kg (26.5lb)
2 points for a bike between 12-13kg (26.5-28.7lb)
1 point for a bike over 13kg and over (28.7lb)

Weight is one of the easiest things to measure on a bicycle, so it is often the emphasis. However, it’s our opinion that bike weight matters much less than you think. This is because a 1kg (2.2lbs) heavier bike usually only results in a one or two-minute time penalty over a 100km (62mi) hilly ride.

Nonetheless, a lightweight gravel bike often uses higher-quality components and materials, so this is still an important metric.

Riding Position

We use the average stack-to-reach ratio of all frame sizes to determine whether a bike has a ‘sporty’ or ‘relaxed’ riding position. This metric gives us an idea of how high the handlebar is relative to your saddle height.

Normal/Sporty means the bike’s handlebar is a typical height compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered sporty when the average stack-to-reach ratio is under 1.55.

Upright/Relaxed means the bike’s handlebar is higher than average compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered ‘relaxed’ when the average stack-to-reach ratio is 1.55 or above.

It’s worth noting that you can turn a ‘sporty’ bike into a ‘relaxed’ bike by increasing a bike’s handlebar height using a riser stem or steerer tube extender. These products normally add 25 to 75mm (1-3″) of bar height.

Sizing Recommendations

Simply find your height and inseam on these charts to determine the size(s) that will fit you.

If you’re on the boundary between two sizes, those with a long inseam often prefer the taller handlebar height of the bigger frame size. Conversely, if you’d like a lower handlebar height for a performance-oriented riding position, simply choose the smaller size.

The frame standover is the measurement from the ground to the top tube (50mm/2.0″ in front of the bottom bracket). Ideally, this measurement is less than your inseam so that your crotch has clearance over the bike frame.

Salsa Journeyer Advent

	Salsa Journeyer with 650B Wheels	Salsa Journeyer with 700C Wheels	Shipping Cost
	See Price	See Price	$150
	See Price	See Price	$75
	See Price	See Price	$100
	See Price	See Price	$85

Polygon Tambora G4

	Polygon Tambora G4	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	$79	No

State 4130 All-Road

	State 4130 All-Road Black	State 4130 All-Road Copper	Shipping Cost
	See Price	See Price	$100
	See Price	See Price	$45

Poseidon Redwood

	Poseidon Redwood	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Diamondback Haanjo 2

	Diamondback Haanjo 2	Shipping Cost	Store Pick-Up
	See Price	$85	Free

Poseidon X Ambition

	Poseidon Redwood	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	Free	Free

Marin Nicasio

	Marin Nicasio	Shipping Cost	Pick-Up
	See Price	$85	Free
	See Price	–	Free

The post The 7 Best Budget Gravel Bikes With Drop Bars (Under $1000) appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

Wait… aren’t these just hybrids, 1990s mountain bikes and rigid mountain bikes?

You could definitely argue that case, but ultimately, I don’t think it matters. These bikes have the latest bike technology, they are available in shops right now and they are a direct alternative to their drop bar gravel bike brethren.

Right, it’s time to go deep down the flat bar gravel bike rabbit hole…

Don’t miss my article about the BEST gravel bikes under $1000 HERE.

8 Reasons Flat Handlebars Are Great For Gravel

1. You get better bike control thanks to the additional steering leverage (especially with any front luggage).
2. You have much more handgrip while braking on bumpy surfaces.
3. It opens gravel bikes up to MTB-specific components (brakes, shifters, derailleurs, in particular).
4. It’s easier to change/maintain gear and brake cables.
5. Flat bar grips are often more durable than bar tape.
6. Mountain bike parts are usually cheaper, resulting in great value gravel bikes.
7. Mountain bike parts have more suitable gear ratios for dirt roads (can be steep!).
8. There is more space for bikepacking handlebar packs and accessories.

I’ve got an in-depth article on the topic of flat handlebars HERE.

Flat Bar Gravel Bike Frame Geometry

Best practice flat bar gravel geometry is not the same as drop bar gravel geometry.

The most obvious change is the length of the frame. As the grips are closer to your body on a flat bar bike, manufacturers need to increase the length of their frames to ensure your hip, back and arm angles can be maintained.

The difference in frame reach is somewhere between 25mm and 50mm depending on who you ask. Salsa Cycles have a ~50mm difference in ‘reach’ between their frame types, Norco uses ~35mm, Specialized run ~30mm and Marin go with ~25mm.

The bike’s steering speed also requires amendment on a flat bar gravel bike.

To make a flat bar gravel bike feel nice and stable when we ride, we need to adjust the steering geometry of the frameset so that the bike turns slower than a drop bar bike. This is to help counter the additional steering leverage. With both quick steering and lots of leverage, you end up with a very twitchy handling bike (ie. it feels less stable at speed).

Bike designers typically slacken the head tube angle to account for the additional steering leverage.

We can get a good idea of how quickly a bike will steer by measuring the “trail” in millimetres. Less trail means faster steering, and more trail means slower steering. For a flat bar gravel bike, approximately 20% additional trail is enough to counter the higher steering leverage.

You can understand the basics of bicycle frame geometry HERE.
And understand advanced-level steering HERE.

Flat Bar Gravel Bike Conversions

There are a handful of drop bar bikes that could be great candidates for a flat bar conversion (if you don’t like anything below!). This is because they are built with a “progressive” frame geometry that already incorporates a longer frame reach and a slacker head tube angle.

Here are your options: Bjorn Recycled, BMC URS, Canyon Grail, Curve GMX+, Evil Chamois Hager, Fustle Causeway GR1, Knolly Cache, KTM X-Strada, Liteville 4-ONE Mk1, Marin Headlands, Merida Silex, Nukeproof Digger, Rocky Mountain Solo, Saracen Levarg, Whyte Glencoe.

Scoring The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes

I have prioritised flat bar frame characteristics in my scoring because I think well-designed flat bar bikes should rise to the top (30% of the score). In particular, this list penalises bikes with short top tubes and quick steering.

Having appropriately low gear ratios is important for the steeper-than-typical gravel ascents – the gravel bike’s weight will also help here (both total 30% of the score). A few more points are up for grabs for frame features, value-for-money and tubeless compatibility (the remaining 40% of the score).

• Frameset Quality (/4) – Based on frame features, fork material, cable routing, mounts and axle type.
• Flat Bar Sizing (/3) – Flat bar frame length is 3 points, a bit longer than normal is 1 point, drop bar geo is 0 points.=
• Steering Speed (/3) – 70mm+ steering is 3 points, 65-70mm steering is 2 points and sub-65mm steering is 0 points.
• Low Gear Ratios (/3) – Sub 23″ is 3 points, 23-26″ is 2 points, 26-28″ is 1 point, 28″+ is 0 points – learn more HERE.
• Bike Weight (/3) – Sub-10kg is 3 points, 10-11kg is 2 points, 11-12.5kg is 1 point, 12.5-15kg is 0 points.
• Value For Money (/3) – A subjective score based on my opinion of the frameset and specification.
• Tubeless-Ready (/1) – An extra point for tubeless tyre compatibility.

TOTAL: /20

If you’d like to learn everything about gravel bikes, check out my in-depth book, The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide.

Ranking The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes

FLAT BAR GEOMETRY GRAVEL BIKES

• Norco Search XR – 19/20 – A killer bike with low gear ratios, modern features and 27.5″ wheels for small sizes.
• Marin DSX 2 – 18/20 – My favourite ‘affordable’ gravel bike. Deore 12-speed, 29×2.1″ clearance, carbon fork.
• Specialized Diverge Expert EVO – 18/20 – The nicest frameset here with an excellent array of components.
  
• Surly Bridge Club – 16/20 – The highest-scoring steel bike, exceptionally low gears, affordable.
• KTM X-Strada 20 FIT – 16/20 – Nice frameset, Shimano GRX 2X drivetrain, internal cable routing.
• Giant Escape Disc – 16/20 – A very compelling $930 option that is available in shops all around the world.
• Priority 600 – 15/20 – A 12-speed Pinion gearbox and belt drivetrain built into a well-priced flat-bar package.
• Kona Dew Deluxe – 15/20 – Another well-priced bike option, with excellent gear ratios and 27.5″ wheels.
  
• Commencal FCB Essential – 14/20 – A 29×2.0″ gravel bike that’s light enough, with all of the modern frame features.
• Marin Muirwoods – 14/20
• Salsa Journeyman Sora – 14/20
• Whyte Portabello V3 – 14/20
• Stevens C12 Lite – 14/20

DROP BAR GEOMETRY FLAT BAR BIKES

• Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 – 16/20 – A best-kept secret, exceptionally well priced, 20mm of suspension, sub-10kg.
• Rose Backroad Multicross – 16/20 – Super lightweight (8.7kg!), fully internal cables, nice GRX components.
• Cube SL Road Race – 14/20 – Shimano GRX 2×11, hydro brakes, carbon fork, very well priced.
• Focus Atlas 6.6 EQP – 14/20 – Nice frameset, Shimano GRX, lots of touring accessories included.
• Poseidon Flatbar X – 13/20 – Cheapest bike on the list ($749!), 10-speed components, carbon fork.
• Octane One Gridd Flat – 13/20
• State Bicycle 4130 Flat – 10/20

Flat Bar Gravel Bikes (Flat Bar Geometry)

2022 Norco Search XR Flat Bar – Global – $1299

19/20 – Excellent frameset with all of the modern features, great flat bar geometry, 650B wheels in the smaller bike sizes and perfect climbing gears. The 42mm maximum tyre size will be limiting for people heading into rougher terrain, so this will be more suitable on smoother gravel roads.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 77mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.4″ climbing gear is fantastic.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Excellent value build with all of the right features.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – Approximately 10.9kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Marin DSX 2 – Global – $1349

18/20 – My favourite affordable gravel bike, Deore 12-speed, huge 29×2.1″ clearance, carbon fork. There is a $979 model too which ranks equally well.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles, 29×2.1″ clearance.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 81mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.9″ climbing gear is great.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Exceptional value for a Deore 12-speed build.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – Approximately 10.9kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Specialized Diverge EVO – Global – US $2700

18/20 – This is the bike that solidified the flat bar gravel category. It offers the nicest frame and fork here along with an excellent array of components. The front suspension, frame features and geometry make this a great pick, despite its price.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, carbon fork, 20mm of suspension, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 70mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.2″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.7kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Exceptional components and frameset quality, price is expensive but not unreasonable.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Surly Bridge Club – Global – $1399

16/20 – One of only a few steel bikes on this list, insanely low climbing gears, 47mm tyre clearance, hydraulic brakes and a great geometry for flat bar gravel riding. If you don’t mind a bit of extra weight the Bridge Club will make a really nice gravel rig.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, quick-release axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 77mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 17.5″ climbing gear is insanely low (ride up anything!).
• Value For Money (3/3) – Great value for a Deore 11-speed build and decent frameset.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 12.4kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 KTM X-Strada 20 FIT – Europe – €1599

16/20 – The latest KTM X-Strada has a lovely aluminium frame and carbon fork, it’s lightweight, tubeless compatible and runs reasonably low gear ratios for most climbs.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 67mm trail is a touch quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 23.2″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – A decent Shimano GRX 10-speed build with hydro brakes.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) –Tubeless compatible.

2022 Giant Escape 1 Disc – Global – $930

16/20 – A very compelling $930 option that is available in shops all around the world. The gear ratios are low enough and the components have all of the modern tech, including tubeless compatibility.

• • Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, flex seatpost, quick-release axles.
  • Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
  • Steering Speed (2/3) – 69mm trail is a touch quick.
  • Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.8″ climbing gear.
  • Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.9kg without pedals.
  • Value For Money (3/3) – One of the cheapest bikes here, yet still with nice frame features.
  • Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Priority 600 – North America – $2499

15/20 – This bike is different to many others because it has a Pinion 12-speed gearbox built into the crankset along with a belt drivetrain. This results in a silent, maintenance-free drivetrain (no lubricant or degreasers required) that will last as long as you will – ok, belts typically last around 30,000km. The only thing you need to do is change the gearbox oil every 10,000km.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Aluminium frame and fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 87mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 16.0″ climbing gear is crazy low (ride up anything!).
• Bike Weight (0/3) – Approximately 13.0kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing price for a gearbox/belt drive bike including dynamo light, fenders & kickstand.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Kona Dew Deluxe – Global – $1099

15/20 – Another great ‘affordable’ bike option, with excellent gear ratios, 27.5″ wheels and Shimano Deore 11-speed.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Aluminium frame and fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 72mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 20.0″ climbing gear is super low.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.9kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing price for Shimano Deore 11-speed, hydro brakes and a bunch of accessories!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Commencal FCB Essential – Global – $1999

14/20 – A 29×2.0″ gravel bike that’s light enough, with excellent frame geometry and all of the modern frame features.

• • Frameset Quality (2/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame and fork
  • Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
  • Steering Speed (3/3) – 75mm trail is appropriate.
  • Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 23.6″ climbing gear.
  • Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
  • Value For Money (2/3) – SRAM GX 12-speed, hydro brakes and nice wheels for the price.
  • Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Marin Muirwoods – Global – $999

14/20

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, quick-release axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 99mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 20.8″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (0/3) – 12.8kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – The Muirwoods offers exceptional value for money!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Salsa Journeyman Sora – Global – $1199

14/20

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Nice aluminium frame, carbon fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 69mm trail is pretty good.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.1″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 11.3kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – A decent frameset and reasonable spec for the price.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Whyte Portobello V3 – Global – £850

14/20

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame and fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 72mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 26.8″ climbing gear is too high.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.5kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Quite a well-priced package.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Stevens C12 Lite – Europe – €3099

14/20 – This is another low-maintenance Pinion 12-speed gearbox bike that runs on a silent belt drivetrain. It’s a bit more expensive than the Priority 600, but it’s available across Europe.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Hydroformed aluminium frame and fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 80mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 17.5″ climbing gear is crazy low.
• Bike Weight (0/3) – Approximately 13.5kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Excellent price for a gearbox/belt drive bike including dynamo lights, fenders, rack & kickstand.
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Flat Bar Gravel Bikes (Drop Bar Geometry)

2022 Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 – Global – $2250

16/20 – Here is an industry secret: hybrid bikes aren’t as marketable as gravel bikes, so by choosing the Sirrus X, you can get 90% of the Diverge EVO for substantially less money. Just like the Diverge EVO, it has 20mm of suspension, lots of nice parts and all in a package that’s sub-10kg. The only downside is that the frame is a bit shorter than it should be (drop bar geometry).

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight carbon frame and fork, 20mm of suspension, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 66mm trail is a bit quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.6″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (3/3) – 9.6kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing value for a carbon bike, with suspension and Shimano SLX gearing.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Rose Backroad Multicross – Europe – €2399

16/20 – Despite losing 3 points for using drop bar bike sizing, the Rose scored incredibly well thanks to the nice frameset and spec, including a flex seatpost. The Multicross is ultra-light, has decent gear ratios and includes all of the modern gravel features.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Ultralight carbon frame, full carbon fork, full internal cable routing, flex post, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 71mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.9″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (3/3) – 8.7kg without pedals, lightest bike here.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Expensive but very good value when you consider the quality of everything.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Cube SL Road Race – Europe – €1149

14/20 – The Cube SL Road Race represents amazing value for money, offering the same high-end equipment as many other bikes but at half the price.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Ultralight aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cables, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 68mm trail is ok.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.5″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.6kg.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Nice frameset, excellent parts, lightweight.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Focus Atlas 6.6 EQP – Global – €1599

14/20 – This flat bar version of the popular Focus Atlas gravel bike has a great spec and comes with a whole bunch of accessories for commuting or touring.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 70mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.3″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.5kg without the fenders, rack or kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Exceptional components and frameset quality, dynamo lights, fenders, kickstand and a rack!
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Poseidon Flatbar X – North America – $749

13/20 – This price almost seems too good to be true. It’s lightweight, uses 1X10 gearing and has some of the lowest gear ratios of all gravel bikes here.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the Poseidon website HERE.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Quite a decent aluminium frame, full carbon fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 66mm trail is a touch low.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.5″ climbing gear is excellent.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – It’s almost too good to be true!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Octane One Gridd Flat – Global – €949

13/20 – Deore 10-speed, hydro brakes, carbon fork, reasonably light, sub-$1000!

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Solid aluminium frame, carbon fork, front thru-axle.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 74mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.6″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Decent price for a Shimano Deore 10-speed build with hydro brakes.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 State Bicycle 4130 Flat Bar – North America – US $899

11/20 – A very well-priced 27.5″ gravel bike that can be ordered with 700C or 27.5″ wheels for under $1000.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 63mm trail is too quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear is too high.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 12.4kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – It’s amazing value, a choice of wheel sizes is a big value add.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

If You’d Like To Learn Everything About Gravel Bikes, Check Out My Book: The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide

The post The 20 BEST Flat Bar Gravel Bikes For 2022 appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

But do they actually improve your comfort, speed and rear-wheel traction, or are they just a gimmick?

Today, we’ll be using frame deflection and vibration data to assess the effectiveness of a handful of gravel bike rear suspension designs. I’ll be estimating the spring rate of these frames, and we’ll later compare the comfort of these frames with regular diamond ones.

But first, let’s discuss when suspension is advantageous and when it’s not.

Why You Should Use Suspension

1. To Increase Traction and Bike Control On Rough Surfaces
Suspension provides a noticeable gain in traction on rough surfaces, as even a minor amount of vertical deflection at the rear axle allows the tyre to maintain contact with the ground for longer. In addition, you get more predictable bike handling as the suspension keeps your bike more composed.

2. To Maintain Forward Momentum
Bumps rob energy from your forward momentum to instead bounce your body up and down. With a suitable tyre width and pressure for the terrain, your tyres can deform well over small road irregularities, but there is a limit to what a tyre can do. When it comes to larger step changes, suspension systems allow you to better maintain your forward momentum.

3. To Improve Comfort
Suspension insulates your body from both vibrations and harder jolts coming up from the road, resulting in more rider comfort.

4. To Use Faster Rolling Tyres
Given the improved traction and bike control, you could use narrower, lighter, faster-rolling tyres and achieve the equivalent grip of a more aggressive tyre fitted to a non-suspended frame. This results in a bike that’s suited to a broader range of surfaces.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Suspension

1. You Lose Some of Your Pedal Power on Smooth Surfaces
Although suspension can improve your comfort, traction and even speed, a suspension damper is literally designed to remove energy from the system. This can be a hindrance on smoother surfaces when it bobs up and down, but in the context of a gravel bike with just 10mm of travel, the difference in average speed is unlikely to go noticed.

2. Maintenance
A bigger downside to suspension on a gravel bike could be the maintenance. That said, the designs we will be examining today are incredibly simple compared to a full-suspension gravel bike like the Niner MCR9 (which uses multiple pivot bearings and an air shock that calls for 50-100 hour service intervals). The Niner’s suspension performance is on another level, however, thanks to all that complexity.

Tour Magazin Deflection Test

Tour Magazin has created a standardised frame deflection test, and have over 1000 road and gravel bikes measured (of roughly the same size).

For the rear deflection test, the frame is secured in a jig and a weight is attached to the seatpost. The amount of vertical flex is then measured. The “N/mm” values that we’ll be using are the amount of force (in newtons) required to move the frame and seatpost a vertical millimetre.

Our Four Bikes with Rear Suspension

Bike 1: BMC URS

The BMC “Unrestricted” is a carbon gravel bike that’s using an elastomer-based system that features two pins that slide on self-lubricated bushings. The system provides 10mm of vertical compliance, and there are three elastomer spring rates to choose from.

Two BMC URS bikes were tested by Tour Magazin with BMC D-shape carbon seatposts. On a number of other 56cm BMC bikes, this same seatpost required an average of 123N to flex a millimetre.

In comparison, the 2x BMC URS bikes measured at 86 and 90N/mm. If we take the average of these spring rates (88N/mm) we can say that 28% less force is required to flex the frame module a vertical millimetre than other 56cm BMC bikes with the same seatpost.

Bike 2: Wilier Cento 10NDR

The Cento is a carbon endurance road bike with clearance for 32mm tyres. I wanted to include this bike as it has a neat linkage built into the seat stays, which helps to dampen vibrations with its fitted elastomer. There are three elastomer spring rates to choose between.

Two Wilier Cento bikes were tested with Ritchey Link Flexlogic seatposts. On other 56cm bike examples, these seatposts deflected at an average of 128N/mm.

In comparison, the Centos were measured at 80 and 90N/mm. If we take the average of these spring rates (85N/mm) we can say that 33% less force is required to flex the frame module a vertical millimetre than other 56cm bikes with the same seatpost.

Bike 3: Cannondale Topstone Carbon

Two years ago, Cannondale unveiled this carbon gravel bike with both a suspension fork and a carbon leaf-spring for the rear triangle. This rear suspension system, known as Cannondale Kingpin, is said to offer between 10 to 12mm of movement at the rear axle. This design is very lightweight (1200 gram frame) but unfortunately, there is no way to adjust the spring rate.

Two Cannondale Topstones were tested with Hollowgram SAVE 27.2mm carbon seatposts. This seatpost on other bikes of the same size measured at 110 to 113N/mm – although it’s worth noting that was with 25.4mm seatposts, this larger diameter post likely has a slightly higher spring rate.

In any case, the Topstone samples were measured at 78 and 87N/mm. If we take the average of these spring rates (82.5N/mm) we can say that 27% less force is required to flex the frame module a vertical millimetre than other 56cm bikes with a similar seatpost.

Bike 4: Basso Tera

And finally, the Basso Tera is a low-ish cost aluminium gravel bike (€2099) with a carbon leaf-sprung rear triangle similar to what we’ve just seen on the Topstone. The frame is said to offer 8mm of movement at the axle, and like the Cannondale, there is also no way to adjust the spring rate of this bike.

The Tera was measured with a Microtech aluminium seatpost. While we don’t have the values for this specific post, I have found aluminium seatposts deflect at an average of 175N/mm in 56cm bikes (the deflection range is 130 to 450N/mm).

The Tera achieved approximately 110N/mm, which is 37% less force per millimetre than other 56cm bikes with aluminium seatposts.

Are These Frames Effective At Providing Traction?

As we would have hoped, these soft tail frames have lower spring rates than diamond frames with the same seatpost.

The cool thing is that by knowing the spring rate of various seatposts, we can use the rate of springs in a series equation to approximate how much force might be required to flex these frames a vertical millimetre at the rear axle.

When I put the seatpost deflection numbers into the equation, each of these frames required about 300 newtons of force to flex one vertical millimetre.

We can contrast this to the 8,568 newtons per millimetre of 56cm steel frames that were calculated by students at the University of Brighton using a finite element method. Or the 7158 to 14,316N/mm measured in a handful of steel frames in the 1990s.

That means that these soft tail frames likely require between 24 and 48x less force to flex a vertical millimetre.

As gravity exerts a force of about 9.8 newtons per kilogram of mass, when you simply apply your body weight to one of these soft tail bikes, the rear triangles are likely dipping 2-3mm into their travel. And when you’re on the road or trail, the ground forces will be deflecting the frame even more.

With a frame spring rate this low, the suspension is no gimmick – it will undoubtedly take the sting out of those medium-sized bumps, allowing you to have more traction and carry more forward momentum.

Are Soft Tail Bikes More Comfortable?

In the last decade, component manufacturers have put a lot of research and design into creating seatposts that maximise your ride comfort by offering high levels of vibration damping and vertical deflection.

A question you might be wondering: do the best carbon flex seatposts require less force to deflect a vertical millimetre than a soft tail frame?

Tour Magazin and Microbac Laboratories have some seatpost data for us. Across multiple bikes in the Tour Magazin testing, the Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 seatpost required 72N/mm on average. Microbac found the same seatpost deflected at 67N/mm, although this was with 2-3cm more exposed seatpost, which we would expect would have more deflection.

Tour Magazin had similarly low numbers (70N/mm) from the new Roval Terra seatpost installed in a 56cm Specialized Diverge.

As these deflection numbers are lower than what has been measured in our soft tail bikes, you can unlock the same or more vertical deflection (comfort) just by selecting the right seatpost for your body weight.

Real-World Comfort Testing

Krzysztof at GravelBikes has conducted outdoor vibration tests on a Cannondale Topstone on both a bumpy forest trail and a fast gravel road. He then compared the levels of vibrations on these surfaces to his titanium bike fitted with a Canyon S15 seatpost.

Unfortunately, his titanium bike was set up using a different tyre and wheelset combination, so the results are not definitive by any measure. But using his titanium bike (diamond frame), he actually found a 9% reduction in vibrations on the bumpy trail, and 4% less on the gravel road.

These are the kind of results we can expect, as the spring rate of the softest spring in a series is always the one that dominates, and the Canyon S15 VCLS 2.0 is as soft as it gets.

Summary

Rear suspension systems on gravel bikes are not a gimmick.

My estimations suggest that they flex vertically with 24 to 48x less force than a typical diamond frame, which results in more traction, more comfort, more control and more forward momentum on rough terrain.

That said, if your priority is seated ride comfort, the data suggests that fitting a carbon flex seatpost (or suspension seatpost) to your diamond frame can yield the same, or possibly even less transmission of vibrations to your body.

Other than for particularly rough terrain, I think a great application for a soft tail frame design is if you use a dropper seatpost. Dropper seatposts are very stiff vertically, so a soft tail frame will play a key role in maintaining your comfort.

The post Is Rear Suspension On Gravel Bikes Genius Or A Gimmick? appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

In this article, I will be teaching you all about the best gravel bikes under $1000 – everything from the best wheel size to choose, frame materials, gear systems, tubeless tyres and gear ratios.

You can get a decent bike at the $1000 mark, and I have ranked all of my favourite gravel bikes, to make your buying decision as easy as possible.

After reading this article, don’t miss my list of the BEST flat bar gravel bikes HERE.

All About The Best Gravel Bikes

Frame and Fork Material
The frame and fork are the heart of the bike – it’s the frame angles and materials selected that determine how the bike will ‘feel’. In general, aluminium is the most popular material for a low-cost gravel bike because it is very lightweight for its price. Aluminium bikes with carbon forks are usually 1kg to 2kg lighter than a comparable bike made from steel (10-12kg for an aluminium bike, 12-13kg for steel). That said, steel has a bit more lateral compliance, or side-to-side flex, which some people enjoy the feel of. Look out for bikes with “full carbon forks” as they are often more than 500 grams lighter than bikes with a carbon fork using a bonded-in aluminium steerer tube.

Wheel Size – 700C (bigger wheels with narrower tyres) and 650B (smaller wheels with fatter tyres)
The wheel size and tyre width will determine the types of gravel roads you can ride. The rougher the surface, the more a wider tyre can deform to ensure (1) the best grip, (2) the most speed and (3) the most comfortable ride. That said, a narrower 700C wheel is super quick rolling on harder surfaces, and the wheels are often a touch lighter too. I typically recommend 650B if the majority of the time you’re on bumpy gravel roads, and 700C if the gravel roads only make up a smaller percentage of your overall rides.

Gearing – 1X vs 2X
You will find gravel bikes with front and rear shifting (2X) or with just rear shifting (1X). I personally prefer using 2X for gravel because it allows for a smaller ‘jump’ between each gear ratio and a broader overall range of riding speeds. A 1X setup is great for beginners, however, as it’s intuitive to use, plus it’s lighter and has fewer parts to go wrong out in the field.

Tubeless Compatible Wheels
A lot of money has been spent developing tubeless tyre technology and it actually filters down to many entry-level gravel bikes. The advantages are ‘self-healing’ when you get a puncture (sealant rushes in to plug the hole), lower rolling resistance and a lighter weight too. I always recommend investing in high-quality tubeless tyres because you will save a chunk of weight, get higher-performing rubber compounds and be able to ride faster with less effort.

Low Gear Ratios
To make a gravel bike properly versatile, I believe it needs to have low gear ratios. If you ride on steeper terrain, you’ll ideally want your bike to have a low gear ratio under 25-inches. This measurement is simply the tyre rollout, and lower is always better. I have calculated the climbing gear for all gravel bikes so you can find out which gravel bikes will go up the steepest hills.

Upright Factor
I have calculated how tall the frames are for how long they are – or the Upright Factor. This number helps us to understand which gravel bikes are more upright, and which ones are more performance-oriented. The Upright Factor is the “stack” measurement divided by the “reach” – and it is averaged out across all bike sizes. A number under 1.50 is low and performance-oriented, while anything above 1.55 is quite upright and relaxed.

If you’d like to learn everything about gravel bikes, check out my in-depth book, The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide.

Gravel Bikes and Coronavirus

The bicycle industry has been severely affected by COVID-19. Gravel bike sales are booming, resulting in bike shortages in every country and region! Upon researching this article, I found almost all bikes are out of stock in early-September 2020, but do not fret – the latest bikes should arrive in the next few months.

Scoring The Best Gravel Bikes

Given these gravel bikes are in the budget category, I have placed a strong emphasis on the price to make sure the most expensive bikes aren’t all on top. I have also prioritised the quality of the frameset as it’s easy to upgrade the parts, but much harder (and more expensive) to upgrade the frame.

Please note: the price may be different in different regions. For example, the Triban RC 500 is US $999 in North America but €650 (US $768) in Europe, which will affect the overall scores given the way I have weighted them.

Frameset Quality (/4) – Based on frame features, fork material, cable routing and axle type.
Bike Weight (/3) – 10-11kg is 3 points, 11-12kg is 2 points, 12-13kg is 1 point.
Gearing Quality (/3) – ‘Tiagra’, ‘Microshift’ and ‘Apex’ is 3 points, ‘Sora’ and ‘Sensah’ is 2 points and ‘Claris’ is 1 point.
Low Gear Ratios (/3) – Sub-25″ is 3 points, 25-27″ is 2 points and 27″+ is 1 point.
Price (/6) – Sub-$800 is 6 points, $800-$900 is 4 points, $900-$1000 is 3 points, $1000+ is one point.
Tubeless-Ready (/1) – An extra point for tubeless tyre compatibility.
TOTAL: /20

Ranking The Best Gravel Bikes

700C GRAVEL BIKES
18/20 – Poseidon X – Insanely low price, super low gear ratios, lightweight… but quirky geometry.
15/20 – State Bicycle Co 4130 – Amazing price-to-performance. Nice ‘n upright.
14/20 – Cannondale Topstone 4 – Lightweight gravel bike with quality parts, one of my favourites here.
13/20 – Boardman ADV 8.6 – Cheapest bike with Shimano Sora gearing, decent weight, full carbon fork.
13/20 – Salsa Journeyman Claris – Excellent frameset, upright, great gear ratios, tubeless compatible.
13/20 – Triban RC 500 – Shimano Sora gearing under $1000, decent weight but 36mm maximum tyres.
13/20 – GT Grade Elite – Really nice frameset for the price, tubeless compatible.
13/20 – Giant Revolt 2 – Another of my favourite gravel bikes (10kg!), D-shaped seatpost flexes vertically.
13/20 – Cube Nuroad Pro – Great pricepoint for Shimano Tiagra gearing, lightweight.
12/20 – Breezer Radar Expert – 29×2.2″ mountain bike tyre clearance, low ratios, super upright.
12/20 – Jamis Renegade A1 – Nice frameset and weight, tubeless compatibility.
12/20 – Octane One Gridd 2 – Lightweight, decent quality gear shifting, tubeless wheels – nice overall package.

11/20 – Marin Nicasio 1
11/20 – Diamondback Haanjo 2
11/20 – Pure Cycles Gravel Adventure Pro
11/20 – Felt Broam 60
11/20 – Specialized Diverge Base E5
10/20 – Genesis CDA 10
9/20 – KHS Grit 55
9/20 – Kona Rove AL 700C

KEEP SCROLLING FOR 650B (27.5″) GRAVEL BIKES!
15/20 – Poseidon Redwood – Amazing value, 2.5″ tyre clearance, 1X10 groupset, lots of bikepacking mounts!
14/20 – State Bicycle Co 4130 – Great price-to-performance. Nice ‘n upright.
13/20 – Salsa Journeyman Claris – Excellent quality frameset, upright, great gear ratios, tubeless compatible.

11/20 – Marin Nicasio Plus
9/20 – Kona Rove AL 650B

2021 Poseidon X – North America – $699

18/20 – This price almost seems too good to be true. It’s lightweight, uses 1X10 gearing and has the lowest gear ratios of all gravel bikes here. My main criticism is that the handlebar will be very low for riders above 180cm/5ft11 – especially if you have long legs for your height. The head tube angles also get pretty steep in the bigger sizes compared to most gravel bikes.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the Poseidon website HERE.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Quite a decent aluminium frame, full carbon fork, quick-release axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.89kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (3/3) – Microshift Advent X 1×10 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.5″ climbing gear.
Price (6/6) – It’s the cheapest bike on the list with many of the best features!
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor (manually calculated): 1.47 – very low, it could be worth going up a size to get higher handlebars
S: 160-168cm – M: 170-177cm – L: 180-185cm XL: 188cm+

2021 State Bicycle 4130 All Road – North America – $799

15/20 – Great price-to-performance. Nice ‘n upright. The 4130 All Road is a very compelling gravel bike for the price. It’s built around a hardworking steel frameset that has modern thru-axles and it’s ready for racks or bikepacking bags too. The Sensah gearing is not a typical drivetrain pick, but from all reports, it works quite well and allows State Bicycle Co to deliver a 1X11 bike under $800. The cherry on the top is the tubeless compatibility. This bike is available in North America exclusively.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the State Bicycle website HERE.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Quite a decent steel frame and fork, 12mm thru-axles.
Weight (2/3) – 11.96kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Sensah SRX Pro 1×11 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.7″ climbing gear.
Price (6/6) – It’s one of the cheapest bikes on the list with some of the best features!
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.59 – quite upright to ride
XS: 154-168cm – S: 165-177cm – M: 175-188cm L: 185-196cm

2021 Cannondale Topstone 4 – Global – (Sorry, it’s $1050)

14/20 – A lightweight gravel bike with quality parts, one of my favourites here. I’ve been recommending the entry-level Cannondale Topstone since it was first released. The frame is one of the nicest available at this price point and it’s spec’d with a full carbon fork to keep the weight low. The Microshift drivetrain offers all the low climbing gears you need, so this is a bike that will suit more mountainous roads than most.

Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cable routing, 12mm thru axles.
Weight (3/3) – Approximately 10.5kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (3/3) – Microshift 1×10 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.8″ climbing gear.
Price (1/6) – It’s a bit more expensive, but still competitively priced for a bike of this calibre.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.50 – on the sporty side
XS: 152-165cm – S: 162-175cm – M: 170-185cm – L: 180-193cm – XL: 190-203cm

2021 Boardman ADV 8.6 – Europe – £700

13/20 – The cheapest bike with Shimano Sora gearing, decent weight, full carbon fork. It’s pretty hard to argue against the ADV 8.6, with its respectable weight, 2X9 drivetrain, good climbing gear and tubeless compatibility. This bike is available throughout Europe.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, full carbon fork, quick release axles.
Weight (2/3) – Approximately 11.1kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 25.7″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Excellent value for money.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.50 – on the sporty side
S: 170-179cm – M: 177-183cm L: 181-189cm – XL: 187-195cm

2021 Salsa Journeyman Claris 700C – Global – $949

13/20 – Excellent frameset, upright, great gear ratios, tubeless compatible. I’ve been long recommending the Journeyman thanks to its worldwide availability, upright ride, low gear ratios and high-quality frameset for the price. The size range is also great!

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, internal cable routing, quick release axles.
Weight (2/3) – 11.79kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 24.1″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Excellent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.56 – quite upright to ride
50: 152-160cm – 52: 157-165cm – 54: 165-175cm – 55.5: 173-183cm – 58: 180-190cm – 59.5: 188-200cm

2021 Triban RC 500 – Global – $999

13/20 – Shimano Sora gearing under $1000, decent weight, but 36mm maximum tyres. Decathlon’s Triban bike brand always offers excellent value for money – a 10.6kg bike under $1000 is exceptional! The RC 500 is a bit more of a road bike, so it’s most at home on hard surfaces but it will handle the smoother gravel roads just fine. Note: this bike is €650 in Europe (~$778) which would see it top the list with a score of 16/20, and you can also get a Shimano 105 2×11 version with hydraulic brakes for $1000 (score would be 14/20).

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, quick release axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.6kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 28.9″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Great value considering the frameset and Sora gearing, insane value if buying in Europe.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.51 – on the sporty side
XS: 155-165cm – S: 165-175cm – M: 175-180cm – L: 180-190cm – XL: 190-200cm

2021 GT Grade Elite – Global – $999

13/20 – Really nice frameset for the price, tubeless compatible. The GT Grade is a modern gravel bike with somewhat good climbing gears and a respectable weight for the price.

Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, full carbon fork, 12mm thru axles.
Weight (2/3) – Approximately 11.3kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 25.7″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Excellent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.49 – on the sporty side

2021 Giant Revolt 2 – Global – Whoops, it’s $1150

13/20 – Another of my favourite gravel bikes (10kg!), D-shaped seatpost flexes vertically. I think I would be happiest using the Revolt for my gravel exploits. It has a full carbon fork, Shimano Sora gearing, a broad size range, decent brakes, tubeless compatibility and a pretty good climbing gear. It ticks almost all boxes. And for $74, you can upgrade the aluminium flex seatpost to a composite model which will smoothen out the ride even better!

Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cable routing, D-Fuse Flex seatpost, 12mm thru-axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 25.7″ climbing gear.
Price (1/6) – It’s a bit more expensive than $1k, but still very competitively priced for a bike of this calibre.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.51 – on the sporty side
XS: 155-166cm – S: 159-171cm – M: 169-181cm – ML: 174-186cm – L: 179-191cm – XL: 189-200cm

2021 Cube Nuroad Pro – Global – Whoops, it’s $1169

13/20 – An excellent price point for Shimano Tiagra gearing! The Cube may be the most expensive bike here but I really wanted to give you an indication for how much extra you’d need to spend to get Tiagra. The frameset is great, it’s tubeless compatible and the bike is nice and light overall.

Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cable routing, 12mm thru axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.6kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (3/3) – Shimano Tiagra 2×10 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (1/6) – A really great value Shimano Tiagra gravel bike.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.50 – on the sporty side

2021 Breezer Radar Expert – Global – $969

12/20 – 29×2.2″ mountain bike tyre clearance, low ratios, super upright. I’ve been recommending the Radar Expert for years, it’s really hard to beat for the price. It may be a bit heavier than the other options, but it’s in a league of its own in terms of the terrain it can ride – this is thanks to the exceptional tyre clearance. The gear ratios are low for a gravel bike – which will be great for remote mountain roads.

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Somewhat basic steel frame and fork, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – 12.6kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora/Deore 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 23.2″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Great value for a Shimano Sora equipped gravel bike.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.62 – super upright to ride
45: 155-167cm – 48: 167-175cm – 51: 175-180cm – 54: 178-183cm – 57: 183-188cm – 60: 188-196cm

2021 Jamis Renegade A1 – Global – $999

12/20 – Nice frameset and weight, tubeless compatibility. The Renegade looks to be a great gravel bike option this year. It’s running one of the broadest size ranges too.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame and fork, internal cable routing, quick release axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.89kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Decent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.50 – on the sporty side
44: 147-152cm – 48: 152-160cm – 51: 160-165cm – 54: 165-175cm – 56: 175-180cm – 58: 180-185cm – 61: 185-193cm

2021 Octane One Gridd 2 – Global – Whoops, it’s $1099

12/20 – Lightweight, decent quality gear shifting, tubeless wheels – quite a nice overall package.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, quick release and thru-axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.8kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (3/3) – SRAM Apex 1×10.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (1/6) – Great value considering the frameset and SRAM 1X gearing.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible

Upright Factor: 1.48 – very low

2021 Marin Nicasio 1 – Global – $759

11/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Somewhat basic steel frame and fork, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – 12.6kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 28.7″ climbing gear.
Price (6/6) – Second-cheapest bike here!
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.53 – on the sporty side
48: 147-152cm – 50: 152-160cm – 52: 160-167cm – 54: 167-175cm – 56: 175-183cm – 58: 183-188cm – 60: 185-193cm

2021 Diamondback Haanjo 2 – North America – $875

11/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Decent aluminium frame, steel fork, quick release axles.
Weight (2/3) – Approximately 11.48kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 29.0″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – A solid bike for the price.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.57 – quite upright to ride
XS: 155-162cm – S: 162-172cm – M: 170-177cm – L: 177-185cm – XL: 185-193cm

2021 Pure Cycles Gravel Adventure Pro – North America – $899

11/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Somewhat basic steel frame and fork, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – Approximately 12.5kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 25.7″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Great value considering the frameset and Sora gearing.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.50 – on the sporty side
S: 167-175cm – M: 173-178cm – L: 178-183cm – XL: 183-188cm

2021 Felt Broam 60 – Global – $949

11/20

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, carbon fork, internal cable routing, 12mm thru axles.
Weight (2/3) – 11.1kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) -Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Excellent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.56 – quite upright to ride
47: 152-168cm – 51: 168-173cm – 54: 173-178cm – 56: 178-183cm – 58: 183-188cm – 61: 188-196cm

2021 Specialized Diverge Base E5 – Global – Whoops, it’s $1150

11/20

Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cable routing, 12mm thru axles.
Weight (3/3) – 10.29kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.2″ climbing gear.
Price (1/6) – Similar quality frameset to the Giant Revolt, however, the parts aren’t quite as nice.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.52 – on the sporty side

2021 Genesis CDA 20 – Europe – £699

10/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Basic aluminium frame and steel fork, quick release axles.
Weight (2/3) – 11.68kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Shimano Sora 2×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Good price for a Shimano Sora build.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.54 – on the sporty side
XS: 156-164cm – S: 164-172cm – M: 171-179cm – L: 178-186cm – XL: 185-193cm

2021 KHS Grit 55 – Global – $829

9/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Somewhat basic steel frame and fork, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – Approximately 13kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 29.0″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Priced on the lower end of the specturm.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.55 – quite upright to ride

2021 Kona Rove AL 700C – Global – $899

9/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Decent aluminium frame and fork, internal cable routing, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – 12.16kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Decent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.49 – on the sporty side
48: 152-160cm – 50: 157-170cm – 52: 168-178cm – 54: 175-183cm – 56: 180-188cm – 58: 185-196cm

2021 Poseidon Redwood – North America – $899

15/20 – Amazing value gravel bike with 2.5″ tyre clearance, a 1X10 groupset, modern frame features and lots of bikepacking mounts. The gear ratios are perfect and it’s tubeless-ready too. My only criticism is that the handlebar will be very low for riders above 180cm/5ft11 – especially if you have long legs for your height.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the Poseidon website HERE.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Quite a decent aluminium frame and fork, 12mm thru-axles, 2.5″ tyre clearance.
Weight (1/3) – Approximately 12.5kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (3/3) – Microshift Advent X 1×10 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.3″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Amazing value off-road gravel bike complete with 10-speed gearing.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.49 – on the sporty side, especially the big sizes.
XXS: 152-160cm – XS: 163-170cm – S: 170-178cm – M: 175-183cm – L: 183-190cm – XL: 190cm+

2021 State Bicycle Co 4130 All-Road 650B – North America – $799

14/20 – Excellent price-to-performance. Nice ‘n upright. The 4130 All Road is a very compelling gravel bike for the price. It’s built around a hardworking steel frameset that has modern thru-axles and it’s ready for racks or bikepacking bags too. The Sensah gearing is not a typical drivetrain pick, but from all reports, it works quite well and allows State Bicycle Co to deliver a 1X11 bike under $800. The cherry on the top is the tubeless compatibility.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the State Bicycle website HERE.

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent steel frame and fork, 12mm thru-axles.
Weight (1/3) – 12.59kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Sensah SRX Pro 1×11 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.7″ climbing gear.
Price (6/6) – It’s one of the cheapest bikes on the list with some of the best features.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.59 – quite upright to ride
XS: 154-168cm – S: 165-177cm – M: 175-188cm L: 185-196cm

2021 Salsa Journeyman Claris 650B – Global – $949

13/20 – Excellent frameset, upright, great gear ratios, tubeless compatible. I’ve been long recommending the Journeyman thanks to its worldwide availability, upright ride, low gear ratios and high-quality frameset for the price. The size range is also great!

Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, internal cable routing, quick release axles.
Weight (2/3) – 11.99kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 24.4″ climbing gear.
Price (3/6) – Excellent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

Upright Factor: 1.56 – quite upright to ride
50: 152-160cm – 52: 157-165cm – 54: 165-175cm – 55.5: 173-183cm – 58: 180-190cm – 59.5: 188-200cm

2021 Marin Nicacio Plus 650B – Global – $899

11/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Somewhat basic steel frame and fork, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – 12.6kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (2/3) – Microshift Advent 1×9 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 25.2″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Decent value for performance.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.53 – on the sporty side
48: 147-152cm – 50: 152-160cm – 52: 160-167cm – 54: 167-175cm – 56: 175-183cm – 58: 183-188cm – 60: 185-193cm

2021 Kona Rove AL 650B – Global – $899

9/20

Frameset Quality (2/4) – Decent aluminium frame and fork, internal cable routing, quick release axles.
Weight (1/3) – Approximately 12.5kg without pedals.
Gearing Quality (1/3) – Shimano Claris 2×8 gearing.
Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.5″ climbing gear.
Price (4/6) – Decent value for the frameset quality.
Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Upright Factor: 1.49 – quite sporty
48: 152-160cm – 50: 157-170cm – 52: 168-178cm – 54: 175-183cm – 56: 180-188cm – 58: 185-196cm

If You’d Like To Learn Everything About Gravel Bikes, Check Out My Book: The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide

The post The 25 BEST Gravel Bikes For 2021 – Under $1000 appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

With more than 30 extra-small touring and gravel bikes listed below, there may well be an off-the-shelf bike option for you, without resorting to a custom-made frame – provided you’re not smaller than 147cm or 4ft10. But as you’ll soon find out, this will largely depend on your inseam length.

Note: This article was originally published in Jan 2015, but has been updated in May 2020. 

Bikes For Smaller Cyclists: Standover Height

The standover height is one of the most important measurements for smaller riders. It is the measurement that tells us whether we can easily stand over the top tube with our feet flat on the ground, but it also gives us a good indication for how easy it will be to get on and off a bike.

Some standover measurements are made at the mid-point of the top tube, but the majority are calculated 50mm in front of the bottom bracket shell (see diagram above).

This list will have touring bikes with a ‘comfortable’ standover height for riders down to a 69cm/27″ inseam. But with the absolute minimum clearance, you could have an inseam of 66cm/26″ on the smallest models and still be fine (just).

Ideally, you’ll want an inseam 2cm/1″ longer than the measured standover height. If you require lower standover heights than those listed in this resource, please make sure to check out my list of every step-through touring bikes.

Bikes For Smaller Cyclists: The Bike Fit

Unless you’re really comfortable on your current bike, I’d recommend getting a bike fit at a shop before buying your next one. Not by the work experience kid, but by somebody who has a long history of making people comfortable on their bikes.

At a cost of roughly US $100, a bike fit consultation will have you set up on a stationary bike. The bike fitter will ask you how often you ride, about the type of riding you do, and about any riding goals that you may have. They’ll also incorporate some flexibility and strength tests in there too.

The measurements that come out of your bike fit session will allow you to be extra comfortable on your new bike. Provided you collect the ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ data from your bike fitter, you’ll even be able to use this resource to find your next bike!

Stack and Reach

The universal sizing metric that I’m using to compare small bikes is called ‘stack’ and ‘reach’. The reason it’s the best sizing metric is that it can inform us about how long and tall a bike frame is. Simply measuring the seat tube or top tube doesn’t take into account the bike’s angles, head tube length or fork length.

Most bike sizing is based on the seat tube length. Some manufacturers will tout their bikes as 42cm or XXS, but when we calculate the ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ numbers, you’ll see that some bikes are actually much taller and longer than others in the same size. Just take a look below – some “50cm” bikes are actually smaller than other “44cm” bikes! Don’t get caught out…

You won’t need to focus too much on the ‘reach’ numbers. The difference between bikes is usually no more than 20mm and we can easily accommodate this length discrepancy by swapping the handlebar stem. It’s not a huge deal at all.

But the ‘stack’ will give you a good idea for how high your handlebars will sit, so if you’re after an upright ride, look for the high stack figures.

If you’re interested in learning all about the frame geometry of a bicycle, click HERE.

26″ and 650B Wheels On Small Bikes

The smallest touring and gravel bikes in this list employ smaller diameter 26″ or 650B wheels. These wheels are more proportionate to smaller bike frames (when compared to 700C) and offer the advantages of less toe-overlap and a lower standover height, in particular.

To put it simply, extra-small bikes are ideally designed around smaller wheels to minimise frame geometry compromises elsewhere on the bike.

XS Gravel Bikes (Light Touring) By Standover Height

Knolly Cache 49.5cm: Reach 385mm / Stack 559mm – Standover 646mm
Salsa Journeyman XS (650B): Reach 364mm / Stack 528mm – Standover 658mm
Salsa Vaya 49.5cm: Reach 355mm / Stack 543mm – Standover 660mm
Evil Chamois Hagar S: Reach 400mm / Stack 575mm – Standover 662mm
Co-Motion Ochoco 42cm: Reach 374mm / Stack 506mm – Standover 665mm
Devinci Hatchet XS: Reach 376mm / Stack 528mm – Standover 676mm
Specialized Diverge 44cm: Reach 357mm / Stack 568mm – Standover 683mm
Felt Breed 47cm (650B): Reach 374mm / Stack 544mm – Standover 687mm
Marin Nicasio (650B): Reach 350mm / Stack 535mm – Standover 697mm
Norco Search XR 45.5cm (650B): Reach 355mm / Stack 504mm – Standover 701mm
Merida Silex XS: Reach 379mm / Stack 588mm – Standover 701mm
Cannondale Topstone XS: Reach 368mm / Stack 518mm – Standover 703mm
Surly Straggler 38cm: Reach 368mm / Stack 518mm – Standover 704mm
Niner RLT9 47cm: Reach 362mm / Stack 535mm – Standover 705mm
Kona Rove 46cm: Reach 370mm / Stack 510mm – Standover 707mm
All City Space Horse 46cm: Reach 359mm / Stack 493mm – Standover 709mm
Marin Headlands 49cm: Reach 370mm / Stack 550mm – Standover 711mm
Giant Revolt XS: Reach 373mm / Stack 548mm – Standover 714mm
Jamis Renegade Expat 44cm: Reach 351mm / Stack 495mm – Standover 715mm

XS Touring Bikes By Standover Height

Louis Garneau Beacon 9.0 37cm (26″): Reach 386mm / Stack 537mm – Standover 648mm
Marin Four Corners XS (650B): Reach 377mm / Stack 560mm – Standover 667mm
Co-Motion Pangea 44cm (26″): Reach 356mm / Stack 514mm – Standover 686mm
Salsa Marrakesh 50cm: Reach 361mm / Stack 540mm – Standover 704mm
Co-Op Cycles ADV 3.1 (650B): Reach 368mm / Stack 532mm – Standover 709mm
Surly Disc Trucker 42cm (26″): Reach 362mm / Stack 515mm – Standover 710mm (mid top tube)
Trek 520 48cm: Reach 368mm / Stack 540mm – Standover 713mm
Gunnar Grand Disc 48cm (26″): Reach 363mm / Stack 513mm – Standover 716mm
Soma Saga 44cm (26″): Reach 359mm / Stack 527mm – Standover 719mm
Thorn Nomad MK3 (26″): 379mm / Stack 529mm – Standover 725mm (mid top tube)
Jamis Aurora 47cm: Reach 371mm / Stack 518mm – Standover 726mm
Kona Sutra 47cm: Reach 374mm / Stack 549mm – Standover 745mm

XS Off-Road Touring Bikes By Standover Height

Salsa Fargo XS: Reach 350mm / Stack 594mm – Standover 692mm (disputed figure, will try to update on this soon)
Salsa Cutthroat 52cm: Reach 358mm / Stack 585mm – Standover 697mm
Surly Bridge Club XS (27.5″): Reach 376mm / Stack 553mm – Standover 709mm
Breezer Radar Expert XS: Reach 393mm / Stack 576mm – Standover 711mm
Surly Troll XS (26″): Reach 371mm / Stack 551mm – Standover 720mm

Check Out The Step-Through Touring Bike List HERE

The post Gravel and Touring Bikes for Smaller Cyclists: XXS, XS, 38cm, 42cm, 44cm appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

You want a bike huh? Well, it’s your lucky day because I’ve put together a list of road, gravel, commuting and touring bikes just for tall people. That’s bikes sized 62, 63, 64cm along with anything XL, XXL or 3XL or beyond.

With more than 130 bikes(!) listed below, there are options for anyone from 193cm (6ft4) right up to 7ft3 (221cm). But first, let’s take a look at a few things you’ll want to consider before buying your big bike.

Note: This article was originally published in Aug 2014, but has been updated in May 2020.

Big And Tall Bike Components

If you’re under 100kg/220lb, good news – most bikes available in your size will have components that are perfectly adequate. But many tall riders are often heavier, so there are a few bike components to look out for, especially if you tip the scales at over 120kg/265lb.

The wheels are undoubtedly the most important component on a bike for a heavy rider. I recommend using rims designed for bicycle touring as they can resist very heavy loads (I’ve got an article on the best rim models HERE). You’ll also want to look for wheels with a higher spoke count – ideally, a minimum of 32 spokes, but on a stiffer carbon rim, you may be able to get away with 28 spokes.

The tyres should be wider than typical to withstand the extra weight. For a road bike, that’s likely 32mm, on a gravel bike that’s 40mm or wider and on a touring bike it’s 55mm+.

You may want to look into extra-long crank arms (200-215mm) if you’re over 200cm/6ft7, allowing the crank length to be more in proportion with your inseam. But keep in mind you cannot install long crank arms on any bike; the bike frame needs to be constructed with a higher bottom bracket shell to maintain the equivalent pedal clearance from the ground.

Larger wheel diameters may also be preferable, but they aren’t mandatory. After all, a typical adult will ride a folding bike with tiny wheels without issue (usually on smooth roads). Many manufacturers actually offer their big and tall bikes with 26-inch and 27.5″ wheels because a smaller wheel is stronger with the equivalent components.

In general, buying a ‘touring’ bike is a great way to ensure the components will be strong enough to last under a bigger and heavier rider.

Bikes For Tall Cyclists: The Bike Fit

Unless you’re really comfortable on your current bike, I’d recommend getting a bike fit at a shop before buying your next one. Not by the work experience kid, but by somebody who has a long history of making people comfortable on their bikes.

At a cost of roughly US $100, a bike fit consultation will have you set up on a stationary bike. The bike fitter will ask you how often you ride, about the type of riding you do, and about any riding goals that you may have. They’ll also incorporate some flexibility and strength tests in there too.

The measurements that come out of your bike fit session will allow you to be extra comfortable on your new bike. Provided you collect the ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ data from your bike fitter, you’ll even be able to use this resource to find your next bike!

How To Use ‘Stack’ and ‘Reach’

The universal sizing metric that I’m using to compare big bikes is called ‘stack’ and ‘reach’. The reason it’s the best sizing metric is that it can inform us about how long and tall a bike frame is. Simply measuring the seat tube or top tube doesn’t take into account the bike’s angles, head tube length or fork length.

Most bike sizing is based on the seat tube length. Some manufacturers will tout their bikes as XXL or 3XL, but when we calculate the ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ numbers, they’re simply not that big. Just take a look below – some “66cm” bikes are actually smaller than other “58cm” bikes! Don’t get caught out…

When I list the ‘stack’ and ‘reach’ of the bikes below, you’ll see it written as two numbers separated by a backslash. The smaller number is always the ‘reach’, and the bigger number is always the ‘stack’. For example, (405/666) means the bike has a ‘reach’ of 405mm and a ‘stack’ of 666mm.

All of the bikes in this resource are listed in order of frame ‘stack’, from tall to short. I do this because most tall folks have a very long inseam, which results in a very high seat. Without a tall ‘stack’ height at the front of your bike, you will find your handlebars will be too low.

Don’t focus too much on the ‘reach’ numbers. The difference between bikes is usually no more than 30mm, so we can easily accommodate this length discrepancy by swapping the handlebar stem. It’s not a huge deal at all.

If you’re interested in learning all about the frame geometry of a bicycle, click HERE.

Big Road Race Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes have an aggressive, race geometry and narrower than 30mm wide tyres.

XXXL Parlee Z-Zero – (405 / 666)
64 Trek Emonda – (401 / 654)
62 Pinarello Dogma/Gan/Prince – (410 / 651)
61 Specialized Allez – (396 / 649)
66 Soma Smoothie – (417 / 639)
64 Stevens Aspin – (420 / 636)
62 Cannondale Super Six/CAAD – (406 / 634)
2XL Canyon Ultimate – (428 / 631)
61 Cervelo R/S Series – (405 / 630)
60 Colnago C64 – (410 / 628)
XL Ridley Helium – (403 / 624)
62 Cannondale System Six – (409 / 620)
61 Felt AR/FR – (417 / 617)
60.5 Norco Section – (409 / 614)
63 KOGA Kimera – (417 / 613)
2XL Canyon Aeroad – (423 / 612)
61 Fuji SL – (413 / 612)
61 Specialized Tarmac – (410 / 612)
62 Rose X-Lite – (416 / 611)
XXL Ritte The Ace – (414 / 610)
61 Scott Addict – (410 / 606)

Note: All road race bikes in this list have a minimum ‘stack’ of 610mm. 

Big Road Endurance Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes are extra upright and a bit more mellow handling – but with road bike speed.

4XL Clydesdale Draft*** – ( 434 / 715)
3XL Clydesdale Draft*** – ( 427 / 691)
3XL KHS Flite 747*** – (427 / 691)
64 Specialized Roubaix – (404 / 675)
64 Condor Fratello – (380 / 665)
64 Gunnar Sport Disc – (402 / 663)
62 Trek Domane – (386 / 656)
66 Soma Fog Cutter – (412 / 655)
XXL Clydesdale Draft*** – (424 / 654)
XXL KHS Flite 747*** – (424 / 654)
2XL Canyon Endurace – (417 / 652)
62 Cube Attain – (391 / 649)
61 Fuji Gran Fondo/Sportif – (403 / 645)
XXL Maxx Roadmaxx – (428 / 644)
61 Salsa Warroad/Warbird – (408 / 642)
62 Rose Reveal – (412/ 643)
61 Cervelo C3 – (400 / 641)
XL Parlee Altum – (394 / 641)
61 Cannondale Synapse – (402 / 640)
XXL Storck Aernario – (421 / 637)
61 Felt VR – (401 / 635)
61 All City Zig Zag – (415 / 631)
61 Focus Paralane – (404 / 630)

Note: All road endurance bikes in this list have a minimum ‘stack’ of 630mm. When a bike has a ‘reach’ under 400mm, I have made sure the ‘stack’ heights exceed 640mm.

*** As the Clydesdale and KHS bikes employ 200mm+ crank arms and a higher bottom bracket, the stack measurements are not directly comparable to bike with all other bikes. To draw a more accurate comparison you need to add 25-40mm to achieve the same ‘effective’ stack.

Big Gravel Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes feature extra tyre clearance and more relaxed angles for gravel and dirt roads.

5XL Dirty Sixer All Road*** – (529/ 787)
4XL Dirty Sixer All Road*** – (484/ 780)
64 Specialized Diverge Comp – (419/ 684)
66 Gunnar Hyper-X – (399 / 684)
65 Pelago Stavanger – (390 / 680)
60 Idworx Grandone – (391 / 679)
XXL Accent Feral – (389 / 670)
58 Polygon Bend RIV – (425 / 668)
66 Soma Wolverine – (420 / 668)
60 Salsa Cutthroat – (406 / 664)
XL Argon 18 Dark Matter – (398 / 664)
XL Merida Silex – (430 / 663)
55 Kona Libre – (394 / 660)
61 Moots Routt 45 – (399 / 651)
61 Fairlight Secan – (405 / 650)
XXL Centurion Crossfire – (413 / 649)
XXL Sour Purple Haze – (390 / 647)
59.5 Salsa Vaya – (385 / 647)
62.5 Knolly Cache –  (438 / 645)
2XL Canyon Grail – (440 / 644)
61 Felt Broam – (398 / 643)
64 Surly Midnight Special – (423 / 641)
XL Rocky Mountain Solo – (414 / 641)
XL Parlee Chebacco – (393 / 641)
61 Jamis Renegade – (405 / 640)
XL Cannondale Topstone – (402 / 640)
XL Kinesis Tripster AT – (393 / 640)
XL Litespeed Gravel – (393 / 640)
60 Marin Headlands – (426 / 639)
60 Masi Randonneur – (417 / 638)
XL Rondo Ruut AL – (406 / 638)
2XL Canyon Inflite – (428 / 637)
62 Niner RLT – (407 / 637)
61 All City Cosmic Stallion – (410 / 634)
61 GT Grade – (403 / 634)
XL Wilier Jenna – (401 / 633)
XL Pinnacle Arkose X – (408 / 632)
XL Genesis Fugio – (405 / 631)
61 Cervelo Aspero – (415 / 630)
XL Sonder Santiago – (410 / 630)
58 Mongoose Guide Sport – (406 / 630)
58 Kona Rove – (400 / 630)

Note: All gravel bikes in this list have a minimum ‘stack’ of 630mm. When a bike has a ‘reach’ under 400mm, I have made sure the ‘stack’ heights exceed 640mm.

*** As the Dirty Sixer bikes employ 200mm+ crank arms and a higher bottom bracket, the stack measurements are not directly comparable to bike with all other bikes. To draw a more accurate comparison you need to add 25-40mm to achieve the same ‘effective’ stack.

Big Touring Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes have been designed for long-distance touring, all with drop bars.

4XL Maxx Crossmaxx – (441 / 724)
XL Salsa Fargo – (409 / 690)
68 Waterford Adventure Series – (401 / 688)
64 Surly Disc Trucker – (413/ 685)
XL Cinelli Hobootleg Geo – (405 / 681)
XL Marin Four Corners – (427 / 678)
XL Shand Bahookie – (413 / 671)
XL Co-Op ADV 1.1 – (389 / 670)
66 Soma Saga – (403 / 667)
64 Gunnar Tour – (390 / 666)
L The Light Blue Darwin – (391 / 665)
XL Finna Landscape – (397 / 664)
XXL Crust Bombora – (416 / 660)
XL Moots Baxter – (404 / 657)
XL Masi Giramondo – (411 / 657)
64 Fuji Touring – (402 / 657)
58 Mason InSearchOf – (397 / 657)
63 Trek 520 – (400 / 655)
XL Curve GMX+ – (491 / 651)
XL Wilier Jaroon Plus – (396 / 650)
58 Dawes Super Galaxy – (402 / 648)
XL Genesis Vagabond – (410 / 646)
XL Bombtrack Arise – (411 / 644)
61 Trek 920 – (405 / 642)

Note: All touring bikes in this list have a minimum ‘stack’ of 640mm. When a bike has a ‘reach’ under 400mm, I have made sure the ‘stack’ heights exceed 650mm.

Big Touring Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes have been designed for long-distance touring, all with flat bars.

5XL Dirty Sixer All Road MK2*** – (500/ 785)
4XL Dirty Sixer All Road MK2*** – (480/ 760)
3XL Dirty Sixer All Road MK2 – (440/ 750)
70 Raleigh Rushhour 4.0 XXL – (427 / 753)
XXL Kalkhoff Agattu – (420 / 729)
4XL Maxx Crossmaxx – (439 / 728)
4XL Clydesdale Rein*** – (434 / 715)
XXL Idworx All Rohler – (410 / 712)
70 Schauff Sumo – (421 / 700)
70 Santos Travelmaster – (421 / 699)
XL Shand Tam – (438 / 693)
3XL Clydesdale Rein*** – (427 / 691)
XXL Tout Terrain Amber Road – (416 / 691)
64 Rivendell Clem Smith – (441 / 685)
XL Crust Scapegoat – (457 / 674)
64 Stevens Randonneur – (420 / 663)
64 Trenga MLS – (420 / 663)
62 Cube Travel – (402 / 663)
3XL Velotraum VK3 – (480 / 662)
63 Koga WorldTraveller – (405 / 662)
XL Surly ECR – (433 / 657)
21 Trek 1120 – (471 / 651)
XL Bombtrack Beyond+ – (460 / 651)
XL Quantor Earthling – (405 / 651)
XL Tumbleweed Prospector – (445 / 650)
63.5 Stanforth Pamira – (415 / 648)
62 Contoura Pollino – (424 / 646)
67 VSF T-300 – (430 / 645)

Note: All touring bikes in this list have a minimum ‘stack’ of 640mm.

*** As the Clydesdale and Dirty Sixer bikes employ 190-200mm crank arms and a higher bottom bracket, the stack measurements are not directly comparable to bike with all other bikes. To draw a more accurate comparison you need to add 25-40mm to achieve the same ‘effective’ stack.

Big Commuter Bike List: By Stack Height (Tall-To-Short)

The following bikes are all under US $1000 and will be great commuters for tall folk.

XXL Specialized Sirrus X 4.0 – (410 / 709)
XL Cannondale Bad Boy – (446 / 688)
XL Kona Dew – (465 / 682)
XXL Norco VFR – (452 / 657)
2XL Cannondale Quick – (430 / 650)
Norco Indie – (470 / 640)
Salsa Journeyman – (449 / 638)
Jamis Sequel – (448 / 638)

Let me know below if there are any other manufacturers catering for tall cyclists.

The post Bikes for Tall Cyclists: Road, Gravel, Touring, Commuter In XXL XXXL 62, 63, 64cm+ appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.