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.

The post What Tents Can You Recommend That Are Similar To Your Mont Dragonfly? appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

Like my videos? Patreon supporters get early access to my films and exclusive access to my Q&As:
 Patreon (Monthly rewards!)
 Paypal (One-off donation to replace broken camera gear!)

Follow my adventures:
 Instagram
 Facebook

MY BIKE: KOGA WorldTraveller: HERE
MY GEAR LIST: HERE
MY CAMERA: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

The post Video: We Biked the Insane “Road to Hell” in South Africa appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

I’ve spent the last month researching the latest touring and bikepacking bikes, calculating various measurements, observing the latest trends, contacting bike manufacturers (for additional information), and updating all the terminology and general advice in my guides.

I’ll be sharing all of my favourite bikes in the coming months – stay tuned for that.

New Bike Category (Bikepacking Guide)

With lots of new gravel bikes coming with suspension forks, I’ve now separated these models into a new category in the Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide.

Bike-On-Bike Comparison Tool

A large proportion of my time has been spent inputting the latest frame geometry numbers of every bike in my books into the website Bike Insights.

If you haven’t seen this nifty web tool before, it allows you to visualise the size differences between any two bikes found in my guides. It is particularly useful when determining the best bike size for you, as manufacturers do not have a standardised way of sizing them.

For example, use this link to see the 63cm Bianchi Impulso gravel bike overlayed on the 56cm Kona Sutra. Given the sizing name, you’d think they’d be 3 to 4 sizes apart, but they measure up almost identically in terms of frame length and handlebar height.

While the sizing discrepancies aren’t always this stark, Bike Insights is a useful way of checking you’re getting the right-sized bike.

Another useful way to use Bike Insights is to borrow, hire, test, or get professionally fitted to a bike that (1) feels good in terms of size, and (2) is listed in the Bike Insights database. You can then use this bike as a size benchmark for comparing any of the bikes in my guides.

Accessing The Update

Those who have already purchased one of my buyer’s guides will have just received an email with the latest editions attached. If you cannot find the email, there is a chance your email service has filtered it to the ‘junk’ folder. The email was sent on the 30th of January, 2024.

Alternatively, you can search your email system for your original “Gumroad” receipt. That will take you to the portal with the latest book(s), along with the buyer’s guides from previous years.

Failing that, please get in contact with me using a private message on Facebook or Instagram – or via email (please note: I’m currently cycling through South Africa and don’t always have an internet connection).

If you’re a new customer, awesome! My guides will teach you everything about bikepacking or touring bikes, before allowing you to compare over 300 bikes at the back of the books. These guides are updated yearly – for free – so you can always keep on top of the latest bikes and information.

You can get the Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide HERE.
You can get the Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide HERE.

The post The 2024 Touring & Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guides Are Now Available appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

But vibration test data coming out of the CYCLINGABOUT Comfort Lab show that these stems are very effective at reducing the jarring impact of bumps, potholes, and rough roads.

Not only are suspension stems comfortable, but they are also lightweight, reliable, and able to be installed on almost any bike. I’ve even found these stems to be hugely beneficial on bicycles with very wide tyres.

In this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of suspension stems. I will then explain the different spring and linkage designs, and finally, I’ll tell you about the best products available. I’ll be lumping the Specialized Future Shock into this article too, as it functions similarly.

Let’s start with the advantages of suspension stems when compared to rigid stems.

Suspension Stem Advantages (Compared to Rigid Stems)

Vibrations coming up from the road dissipate in your body causing fatigue. This manifests as discomfort including muscle soreness, hand numbness, and neck and shoulder pain.

A suspension stem increases your comfort by removing a significant portion of these vibrations. Our tests with an accelerometer show a vibration reduction of up to 30% over a rigid stem. 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.

Suspension stems also reduce the impact force on your hands. This means you don’t need to grip your bars as tight over bumps, allowing for more effortless braking and control.

These stems might even make your bike faster. This is because the stem can absorb more of a bump, minimising your upper body movement.

A great thing about suspension stems is that they can fit all bikes. You can simply remove your rigid stem, and swap one in.

Ok, let’s now look at the advantages suspension stems have over suspension forks.

Suspension Stem Advantages (Compared to Suspension Forks)

Suspension stems are often better than forks at absorbing the high-frequency vibration that you experience on fast gravel roads. This is because they require very little damping, which allows them to move virtually uninhibited over fast, repetitive bumps.

They also require virtually no maintenance, and their performance doesn’t deteriorate over time. In comparison, more complex suspension forks require regular servicing to ensure they function well.

Suspension stems are lightweight too, typically adding just 100 or 200 grams to a rigid bike, whereas a suspension fork often adds a full kilogram (2.2lb).

At US $100 to $300, suspension stems are a relatively cheap upgrade. Consider that good suspension forks start at US $400 and max out at over $1500!

There is also no measurable loss in power transfer when you accelerate. In comparison, suspension forks are stimulated on every pedal stroke, losing energy from the system.

These stems are a notably aerodynamic way to achieve suspension on a bicycle. Round suspension fork legs simply don’t slice through the air as effectively as a bladed rigid fork.

And lastly, swapping out a stem is much quicker than changing a fork. This is a useful advantage if you only need suspension on your bike very occasionally.

With the advantages all laid out, suspension stems are looking pretty great. So, what are the downsides?

Suspension Stem Disadvantages (Compared To Rigid Stems)

Most suspension stems bob up and down a bit while you ride. But given the 10 to 20mm range of motion, it’s not usually a big deal.

It’s worth noting that suspension stems activate much less than you’d think while sprinting, as you tend to pull up and push down on the bars at the same time.

Suspension stems are not available in super short lengths. This is a packaging issue – the pivot must be between the steerer and the handlebar. Currently, the shortest stems available are 70mm long.

And lastly, suspension stems are not exactly elegant – especially the highest-performing models. But I suspect those who are sensitive to bike aesthetics are probably not reading this article.

Let’s now discuss the disadvantages when compared to a suspension fork.

Suspension Stem Disadvantages (Compared to Suspension Forks)

Over rough terrain, a suspension stem does not offer the same level of grip or bike stability as a suspension fork.

This is because they use much less advanced dampers, they have much less tunability, and they only suspend your upper body (rather than the entire front of your bike). They also have significantly less suspension travel, which means they cannot absorb as much energy after a bigger impact.

As a result, suspension stems are simply no match when it comes to off-road performance.

Now that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of these stems, let’s get into the nitty gritty of their design.

Suspension Stem Designs

Single pivot stems are the lightest, sleekest, and most simple design. These stems offer great performance, as the internal spring is usually very responsive, resulting in great vibration damping on fast gravel roads.

There are a few downsides, however.

Firstly, the amount of leverage you apply to the spring is different depending on where you place your hands. This means that while the stem might feel supple in the brake hoods, it might be too stiff once you’ve moved to the bar tops or drops.

Secondly, the distance your hands are forward of the pivot point determines the suspension travel. This design quirk means that those with shorter stems miss out on some travel. It also means that single-pivot stems are best paired with drop bars, as your hands are far enough forward (at the brake hoods) to unlock the full suspension travel.

Thirdly, these stems pivot in an arc, which results in your brake and shift levers tilting forward under compression. This characteristic feels a bit strange but can be somewhat accounted for by tilting your handlebars up.

And lastly, single-pivot stems don’t accommodate sweptback handlebars well. This is because your hands simply end up too close to the pivot point.

A multi-pivot stem solves most of these issues. They require the same amount of force to activate them, no matter where you place your hands. In addition, all stem lengths offer the same amount of travel, the bar angle remains consistent under compression, and they all suit sweptback bars.

The downside is that these stems have four bearings, which might develop small amounts of play long term. They also aren’t that pretty and add some weight.

Let’s now look at the two different spring types.

Spring Types

First up we have coil springs.

According to our tests, these springs consistently offer the highest level of comfort because they move up and down almost uninhibited. This very effectively smoothens out the high-frequency chatter you experience on fast gravel roads.

The downside to a very active spring is that it can feel ‘bouncy’ when you ride hard. It can also make your handlebars feel a bit disconnected from the ground below.

Elastomer springs are the other option.

These springs have more material damping, which not only makes them less bouncy overall but gives them a better feel. While they can’t match the high-frequency vibration damping of a coil spring, they are equally as good at absorbing bigger hits.

A downside to elastomer springs is that they can firm up in below-freezing conditions. That said, this is not considered significant until it’s ridiculously cold – Redshift says that’s at -40F/-40C.

Ok, you’re almost an expert on suspension stems now, so let’s take a close look at the best suspension stems available.

I’m going to link through to some online stores below that will give CYCLINGABOUT a small commission on any sales. If you want to support this content, this is an excellent way to do so!

Best Suspension Stem #1: Kinekt

Linkage: Multi Pivot
Spring Type: Coil
Length: 90 to 120mm
Min Weight: 470 g / 16.6 oz
Travel: 20mm / 0.8″
Bar Clamp: 31.8mm

$189 AT AMAZON

$189 AT AVENTURON

The Kinekt suspension stem is the most comfortable model we have tested in the CyclingAbout Comfort Lab. It uses a fast-moving coil spring with 20mm of travel and employs a multi-pivot layout so that you get great performance no matter where you place your hands.

While it’s a top performer, this stem can feel a bit bouncy and vague at times. It can also make a small knocking sound after it tops out after large impacts. As a result, this stem is usually best for those with an upright riding position, or those who ride at a more relaxed pace.

The Kinekt stem comes with three spring rates to adjust to your body weight, riding style, and terrain. It’s notably stiff torsionally and is available in an array of rises and lengths, including some super-tall models for those looking for a bit more bar height.

Kinekt Suspension in 90-105-120mm with 7° angle:
$189 at Amazon
$189 at Aventuron (90mm)
$189 at Aventuron (105mm)
$189 at Aventuron (120mm)

Kinekt Suspension in 100mm with high 30° angle:
$189 at Amazon
$189 at Aventuron
$189 at REI

Kinket Stem in 100mm with very high 50° angle:
$189 at Amazon
$189 at Aventuron

Best Suspension Stem #2: Vecnum Freeqence

Linkage: Multi Pivot
Spring Type: Elastomer
Length: 90 to 120mm
Min Weight: 287 g / 10.1 oz
Travel: 20mm / 0.8″
Bar Clamp: 31.8mm

€299 AT VECNUM

The Vecnum Freeqence is another multi-pivot stem with 20mm of travel that appears similar to the Kinekt. There are a few key differences, however.

The Freeqence uses an elastomer spring that not only has the best feel of any stem but it isn’t ever bouncy. It also has 10mm of upward travel that eliminates ‘top out’ entirely. These characteristics allow the stem to instantly fade into the background while you ride.

One of the greatest things about the Freeqence is that you can adjust the spring rate for a 50 to 120 kg rider just by using an Allen key on the side (110 to 265 lb). This is not quite an on-the-fly adjustment, but it’s close enough – no other stem provides this easy adjustability.

The Freeqence is also 40% lighter than the Kinekt stems, however, this pursuit of lightness can be to its detriment should you ride with a flat handlebar, as it has noticeably less torsional stiffness. The stem is also rather expensive due to the extensive machining and titanium axles, and I’ve found it to be less active than I’d like over fast, repetitive bumps.

Nonetheless, this stem has the least amount of compromises for my use, so this is what I’m currently using on my five-year bike journey around Africa.

Best Suspension Stem #3: Redshift ShockStop

Linkage: Single Pivot
Spring Type: Elastomer
Length: 80 to 120mm
Min Weight: 220 g / 7.8 oz
Travel: 20mm / 0.8″
Bar Clamp: 31.8mm

$189 AT AMAZON

$189 AT ANGRY CATFISH

The Redshift elastomer stem is a proven performer, with a 20%+ reduction in vibrations compared to a regular stem. Krzysztof currently uses a Redshift as a comfort benchmark in our vibration tests.

The ShockStop is a single-pivot design, making it best suited to drop bar bikes where you can place your hands in the brake hoods.

This stem is very stiff laterally and it has a fast spring rate to damp high-frequency vibration. It’s very adjustable too; you get five different elastomers that will give you 15 different possible spring stiffnesses.

Unlike other stems, you can run the Redshift with a positive or negative rise. That said, I didn’t enjoy using the negative rise setup, as the direction of force coming from the ground is different from the stem’s movement – the stem feels best in the positive orientation.

The Redshift comes in lengths from 80 to 120mm in both 1 1/8” and 1 1/4” sizes. There’s also a high-rise version available in two lengths, and a $249 Pro version that cuts 15% from the stem weight.

Redshift ShockStop in 80-90-100-110-120mm with 6° angle:
$189 at Amazon
$189 at Angry Catfish
$189 at Competitive Cyclist
$189 at REI

Redshift ShockStop in 80-100mm with high 30° angle:
$189 at Amazon
$189 at Angry Catfish
$189 at Competitive Cyclist
$189 at REI

Redshift ShockStop Pro Lightweight in 80-90-100-110-120mm:
$249 at Amazon
$249 at Angry Catfish
$249 at Competitive Cyclist

Best Suspension Stem #4: Cane Creek eeSilk

Linkage: Single Pivot
Spring Type: Elastomer
Length: 70 to 100mm
Min Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz
Travel: 20mm / 0.8″
Bar Clamp: 31.8mm

$229 AT ANGRY CATFISH

$229 AT REI

Cane Creek offers a single-pivot elastomer stem that’s very similar to the Redshift, but this one comes with a soft-to-firm switch!

When it’s rough, run it unlocked, and when it’s smooth – stiffen it up. You can run a softer spring rate than usual as you don’t need to compromise for all riding situations.

If you prefer a cleaner look, the Cane Creek is also available without the lockout switch. Both models are available in 70, 80, 90, or 100mm lengths.

Cane Creek makes it easy to change between the three spring rates. You don’t need to remove the handlebar like you do with the Redshift stem – undoing just one bolt allows you to swap in a softer or firmer elastomer.

Unfortunately, the Cane Creek can only be used in the negative orientation, which again, is not optimal as the stem moves in a different direction from the forces coming up from the ground.

Cane Creek eeSilk in 70-80-90-100mm lengths with switch:
$229 at Angry Catfish
$229 at Backcountry
$229 at Competitive Cyclist
$229 at REI

Cane Creek eeSilk in 70-80-90-100mm lengths:
$199 at Backcountry
$199 at Competitive Cyclist

Specialized Future Shock

The last product I want to show you is the Future Shock, which is only available on Specialized gravel and endurance road bikes.

This 20mm travel suspension element uses a sensitive coil spring just like the Kinekt stem, but it additionally has a hydraulic cartridge damper inside to control the spring speed. This product not only feels great, but it has a compression dial that allows you to quickly adjust the firmness from completely open to locked out.

The reason why I wanted to include the Future Shock in this article is that it offers the most gravel road comfort of any front suspension products we’ve tested, and that includes suspension forks too.

On a bumpy forest trail, we found the Future Shock could attenuate 6% more vibration than a bike fitted with both a Lauf suspension fork AND a Redshift suspension stem. On a fast gravel road, the Future Shock absorbed almost 20% more vibrations! This is an amazing result given we already know the Redshift stem is leaps and bounds more comfortable than a rigid stem.

We’ve so far found the Future Shock to be the holy grail in terms of performance, adjustability, lock-out, and aesthetics. A bonus is that it can even fit stems shorter than 70mm.

But the downside to this high-tech solution is that it’s only available on some Specialized bikes, and the complexity results in more servicing requirements, potential points of failure, and in the future, the inability to obtain spare parts.

Let’s finish up with a few quick frequently asked questions.

Suspension Stem FAQs

Can you combine suspension forks and suspension stems?

Suspension stems deflect just 10 to 20mm, so this movement will have a minimal effect on the handling of your bike. If you want better vibration damping on a fast gravel road, or you feel the need for a small boost in suspension travel, a suspension stem would do that for you.

Can you use front luggage with suspension stems?

You can use a front bag with a suspension stem but you will need to compensate by using a stiffer spring.

Do suspension stems work on a quill stem bike?

Yes, you can fit them with an adapter.

Are there any stems under $100?

Linkage: Multi Pivot
Spring Type: Coil
Length: 90mm
Min Weight: 485 g / 17.1 oz
Travel: 20mm / 0.8″
Bar Clamp: 31.8mm

$85 AT AMAZON

You can find generic coil-spring, multi-pivot stems sold under many names including Meroca, Bibike, and JFOYH.

These stems are not the best choice if you’re planning on riding hard, as they tend to top and bottom out on rough terrain, making a clunking sound. But if your riding position is upright and your riding style is relaxed, they should offer decent performance – especially for the price.

Just note that there is a single length available with these stems (90mm).

The TranzX Antishock is another cheap stem. However, this model has been lab-tested to be ineffective, so it’s best to skip it.

Summary

I originally expected suspension stems to be a gimmick, but ultimately, I’ve found them to increase the fun and enjoyment of cycling by way of a comfort boost – and you will appreciate that on longer rides. As a result, I can only recommend you try one.

There are trade-offs to coil and elastomer springs, as well as single-pivot and multi-pivot stem designs. Make sure to carefully examine the pros and cons of each design to find the product that best suits your needs.

The post Why Suspension Stems Are The Ultimate Comfort Upgrade For Bicycles 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.

• Best Rear Rack Overall: Tubus Logo Classic
• Best For Full Suspension Bikes: Old Man Mountain Divide
• Best Carbon Fiber Rack: Tailfin Carbon Rack
• Best For Easy Take Off: Ortlieb Quick Rack
• Best Bikepacking Minimalist Rack: Tubus Vega Classic
• Best Titanium Rack: Tubus Airy
• Best For Using Cargo Cages: Tumbleweed Mini Pannier Rack
• Best Bombproof Rack For Very Wide Tires: Surly Rear Rack
• Best Bombproof Rack For Wide Tires: Tubus Grand Tourer
• Best Budget Rack: Iberia RA5

The Long Version

Racks are one of the most likely components to fail on a bicycle trip. The good news is that when you pick the right rack, you almost certainly won’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere. The best rear racks will last a lifetime, so invest once and get it right – and you’ll never have to do it again.

To start, it’s crucial to consider which models will fit on your bike. Some racks attach only via dedicated rack eyelets on the rear triangle of your frame. Other racks have ‘fit kits’, making them almost universal.

Some racks have very high weight capacities, so if you are planning on an around-the-world trip, a rack with a high capacity and stiffness will be the go (you never know when you need to strap a couple of gallons of water to your bike).

We will also be showcasing lots of lightweight racks, heavy-duty racks, and racks that fit wide tires.

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

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

To learn about the key features of racks along with specific details to look for, check out the Buying Advice section at the bottom. This includes lots of handy information to assist you in making the right purchase choice.

Jump to Buying Advice

The Best Rear Racks

Tubus Logo Classic

Best Rear Rack Overall

Price: $185 ($$$)

Weight Capacity: 57.3lbs / 26kg

Rack Weight: 1.38lbs / 630g

Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.35″

The Tubus Logo Classic is perhaps the most well-regarded rack in the world, in fact, the author of this website has used Tubus Logo racks for over 100,000mi (160,000km) of touring around the world!

The steel Logo is built narrower than most racks and hangs your panniers one level lower; lowering the center of gravity and improving your bike’s stability. These dedicated pannier rails additionally provide clearance above the panniers for a dry bag, or “rack pack” on the top platform.

If your bike frame has short chain stays, or you have big feet, the Logo puts your panniers extra far back to gain heel clearance. This makes the Logo great for gravel bikes that tend to have shorter chain stays than usual.

The rack comes in two different sizes: one for 26″/700C wheels and one for 27.5/29″ wheels. If in doubt, simply go for the Logo 29 model (it’s an inch taller). We have fitted 27.5 x 2.6″ tires into the Logo 29 rack with enough clearance on either side.

Here’s the cool thing about Tubus – they make racks, and that’s it! They have been rack specialists for over 30 years, and are so confident in their product that they back all their racks with a 3-year mobile warranty. This means that if you experience a failure within the first three years of use, Tubus will ship you replacement parts anywhere in the world. That’s unbeatable peace of mind for a bike traveler, and it’s followed up with a 10-year regular warranty.

You can fit the Tubus Logo to some bikes without rack mounts. If your rear wheel axle is quick-release, you can use the Tubus Adapter Set for the lower mounts, and a Salsa Rack Lock seatpost clamp for the upper struts.

	Tubus Logo Classic Black	Tubus Logo Classic Silver	Tubus Logo 29 Black
	See Price	See Price	See Price
	See Price	See Price	See Price

Old Man Mountain Divide

Best For Full Suspension Bikes

Price: $168 ($$$)

Weight Capacity: 70lbs / 31.8kg when axle-mounted

Rack Weight: 2.1lbs / 960g

Tire Clearance: 29 x 3.0″

What sets the Old Man Mountain rack apart is its adaptability. Unlike traditional racks, its compatible with a wide range of bikes including full-suspension bikes. The innovative attachment system means you don’t need rack mounts, making it incredibly versatile and easy to install.

This rack’s solid construction guarantees stability under heavy loads, and the low pannier rails and height adjustability keep your bike feeling nimble over rough terrain thanks to a reduced center of gravity.

The Old Man Mountain Divide has a notably spacious platform on top to cinch down an extra large dry bag. It’s one versatile rack that provides ample flexibility for your next off-road adventure.

There are two models to choose from. The Regular will suit tires up to 3.0″ wide, while the Fat is designed around tires between 3.0″ to 5.0″!

The only notable downside is that with so many fit kit options, it can be a bit complicated to figure out which one to order. Make sure to check out the Old Man Mountain website, which will help guide you through the steps.

	Old Man Mountain Divide (3.0″)	Old Man Mountain Divide Fat (5.0″)
	See Price	See Price

Tailfin Carbon Rack

Best Carbon Fiber

Price: $465 ($$$$$)

Weight Capacity: 59.5lbs / 27kg

Rack Weight: 11.8oz / 335g (with pannier mounts fitted)

Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.9″

Tailfin’s unique ultralight racks have brought a new perspective to bike travel.

Their modular packing system is based on a lightweight rack that is compatible with 99% of bikes on the market. The mounting design lets you attach a rack to your seat post and thru-axle (or via traditional threaded rack mounts if you have them). Once you initially install the hardware, you can then take the rack on and off in seconds.

A Tailfin rack can be used to mount any of Tailfin’s extensive line of specially designed panniers and bags – we especially like the Tailfin AP20 Trunk Bag and various panniers. Alternatively, if you already have a favorite pannier set, you can fit them too with the right adapters.

There is great heel clearance on this model, and it’s full-suspension compatible thanks to its special pivot design. In addition, it can clear wide off-road tires to the tune of 26×4.0, 27.5×3.5, and 29×2.9.

If you like this rack concept but the carbon model is too expensive, a heavier alloy version drops the price by a third, and offers cargo cage mounts for additional bag options. A cool thing is that Tailfin products are designed to be modular, so if you initially purchased the alloy rack you can later buy carbon arch and top stay, and switch over to a lighter rack.

	Tailfin Carbon Rack	Tailfin Alloy Rack
	See Price	See Price

Ortlieb Quick Rack

Best For Easy Take Off

Price: $100 ($$)

Weight Capacity: 44.1lbs / 20kg

Rack Weight: 1.2lbs / 580g

Tire Clearance: 2.35″

Ortlieb is synonymous with rugged bike travel thanks to their durable panniers that have been a bike travel staple for over 40 years. Recently they have brought their German engineering and durability to the lightweight bike rack market.

The Ortlieb Quick Rack quickly transforms whatever bike you have into a bike for short tours or around-town errands. Similar to the Tailfin, it fits 99% of bikes on the market, and once you do the initial hardware attachment, it takes just seconds to fit or remove the rack.

There are two versions of the Quick Rack. The regular model has a platform on top if you want to cinch down a dry bag or fit a “rack pack”. If you are only using panniers, the Quick Rack Light will be the go. It eliminates the upper platform, which reduces the weight by 5.3 oz (150 g).

The Quick Racks are also compatible with Ortlieb’s vast line of panniers. It’s important to remember that this rack isn’t a replacement for a permanent rack, and it’s vital to stick to the weight capacity, or you can risk damage or breakage.

	Ortlieb Quick Rack (Platform)	Ortlieb Quick Rack Light (No Platform)
	See Price	See Price

Tubus Vega Classic

Best Minimalist Rack

Price: $150 ($$$)

Weight Capacity: 55lbs / 25kg

Rack Weight: 1.2lbs / 540g

Tire Clearance: 2.35″

The Tubus Vega is the sleeker and lighter alternative to the Logo (featured above). By omitting the lower pannier rails of the Logo, the Vega can be built lighter while maintaining a very respectable load capacity.

Built on Tubus’ legacy of engineering, the Vega exemplifies reliability, making it an ideal choice for moderate loads. Whether you opt for a dry bag on top of the rack, panniers, or both – the Vega accommodates the usual gear configurations with ease.

As it uses the upper platform of the rack for mounting panniers, you get some extra ground clearance compared to other racks for navigating challenging terrain.

The rack comes in two different sizes: one for 26″/700C wheels and one for 27.5/29″ wheels. If in doubt, simply go for the Vega 29 model (it’s an inch taller). We have fitted 27.5 x 2.8″ tires into the Vega 29 rack with enough clearance on either side.

Like all Tubus racks, if you experience a failure within the first three years of use, Tubus will ship you replacement parts anywhere in the world. This is unbeatable peace of mind for a bike traveler!

You can fit the Tubus Vega to some bikes without rack mounts. If your rear wheel axle is quick-release, you can use the Tubus Adapter Set for the lower mounts, and a Salsa Rack Lock seatpost clamp for the upper struts.

	Tubus Vega Classic 26″ or 700C Black	Tubus Vega Classic 29″ Black
	See Price	See Price

Tubus Airy

Best Titanium Rack

Price: $399 ($$$$$)

Weight Capacity: 57.3lbs / 26kg

Rack Weight: 12.7oz / 360g

Tire Clearance: 700 x 47mm

The Tubus Airy boasts an irresistible coolness factor, proudly holding the title as the pioneering titanium rack in the market. Its titanium build strikes an impeccable balance between featherlight design and unwavering durability.

Despite its remarkable lightweight nature, the Airy stands strong and is capable of handling impressive loads. It’s rated to carry 57.3 lbs (26 kg) while tipping the scales at a mere 12.7 oz (360 grams). Yep, it can carry 72 times its weight!

For those meticulously counting every gram yet wanting the flexibility to use any type of pannier (or secure a dry bag on top), this rack fits the bill perfectly.

Moreover, any travel-induced scratches or blemishes on your Airy can be easily buffed out. This makes the Airy not just strong but forever new-looking.

You can fit the Tubus Airy to some bikes without rack mounts. If your rear wheel axle is quick-release, you can use the Tubus Adapter Set for the lower mounts, and a Salsa Rack Lock seatpost clamp for the upper struts.

	Tubus Airy Titanium
	See Price

Tumbleweed Mini Pannier Rack

Best Rack For Cargo Cages

Price: $139 ($$$)

Weight Capacity: 66lbs / 30kg

Rack Weight: 12.7oz / 660g

Tire Clearance: 29 x 3.5″

As the 2020 Bikepacking.com Gear of the Year Award recipient, this rack stands out as an excellent choice for adventure cyclists – this steel rack can withstand proper off-road terrain.

The steel Mini Pannier Rack has triple boss mounts on the legs so you can mount cargo cages, or water bottle cages with expandable capacity for trips like the Baja Divide. The platform on the top is generously large (12″ x 5″), which will be perfect for cinching down an extra-large dry bag.

Despite its versatility, the Mini Pannier Rack isn’t for everyone – it’s best paired with mini bikepacking panniers that match the small surface area of the rack. You will also have to have threaded bosses on your frame to mount this rack (it’s not thru-axle compatible).

It’s worth noting there is another Tumbleweed rack model called the T Rack, which is an extra-minimalist version that’s not intended to fit panniers. Instead, you will be using cargo cages for your luggage on the sides, and the top platform will be a great substitute for a bikepacking seat pack.

Both racks have notably large tire clearance for up to 26 x 4.75” or 29 x 3.5″.

	Tumbleweed Mini Pannier Rack	Tumbleweed T Rack
	See Price	See Price

Surly Rear Rack

Best Bombproof Rack For Very Wide Tyres

Price: $155 ($$$)

Weight Capacity: 80lbs / 36kg

Rack Weight: 2.78lbs / 1.26kg

Tire Clearance: 29 x 3.0″

On the hunt for an ultra-durable rack with wide tire clearance? Look no further. The Surly rear rack is the epitome of robustness, boasting an impressive maximum weight limit that embodies Surly’s reputation for durability.

What distinguishes the Surly Rear rack from Tubus options is its height adjustability. This feature ensures compatibility with various tire sizes and also helps keep your weight and center of gravity as low as possible for improved stability.

This steel rack comes in black or silver and tips the scales at almost three pounds making it the heaviest contender on our list. However, keep in mind its 80-pound (36kg) weight capacity surpasses most bike racks – your legs will probably give out before this rack does.

	Surly Rear Rack Black	Surly Rear Rack Silver
	See Price	See Price
	See Price	See Price
	See Price	See Price
	See Price	See Price
	See Price	See Price

Tubus Grand Tour

Best Bombproof Rack For Wide Tyres

Price: $255 ($$$$)

Weight Capacity: 88lbs / 40kg

Rack Weight: 1.68lbs / 760g

Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.35″

The ultimate round-the-world touring rack is the Tubus Grand Tour. This steel rack has the highest weight capacity of any rack here, and all in a package that’s 40% lighter than the Surly Rear Rack!

There are finer details on the Grand Tour that make it a bit more expensive too, such as the lower mounting points (3D printed) that do not require any additional spacers, even with disc brakes.

Your panniers will sit nice and low on the Grand Tour as it uses dedicated rails, keeping your center of gravity in check.

Like all Tubus racks, if you experience a failure within the first three years of use, Tubus will ship you replacement parts anywhere in the world. This is unbeatable peace of mind for a bike traveler!

We would award this rack the best overall, but the Logo Classic simply offers better value for money.

	Tubus Grand Tour Black
	See Price
	See Price

Ibera RA5 Rack

Best Budget Rack

Price: $50 ($)

Weight Capacity: 55lbs / 25kg

Rack Weight: 1.68lbs / 760g

Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.6″

The Ibera might be a budget-friendly pick, but it doesn’t miss out on any features.

It’s height adjustable and has lower pannier rails to can keep the center of gravity of your panniers nice and low. The pannier rails are also set further back, which means it will offer excellent heel clearance.

In addition, this rack has clearance for seat stay disc brake calipers and has pins on the rack so that your panniers won’t slide on the rails.

The Ibera RA5 is not a rack for long-term heavy-duty use though – it’s built to a price. If you are planning a long trip, the extra money spent on a more durable rack will be well worth it.

It’s important to keep in mind that there’s a plethora of budget bike racks out there for even cheaper, but inexpensive racks very rarely last the distance. The Ibera is the cheapest model we are comfortable recommending.

	Ibera RA5
	See Price

Rear Bike Rack Buying Advice

Rack Material

Steel – Most of the racks on this list are made of steel. Steel provides a great nexus between durability, load capacity, and weight – all at a reasonable price point.

Aluminum – This material is a hit-and-miss for racks. The best aluminum racks are very stiff, very durable, and will last a lifetime. However, far too many rack brands use aluminum that is too soft (or they forgo durable surface treatments), resulting in failures and giving the material a bad name. Needless to say, we have picked out durable aluminum models only.

Carbon Fiber or Titanium – If you want a particularly lightweight setup or have an eye on aesthetics, titanium or carbon fiber racks could fit the bill. Even though they are made from lightweight materials, the racks on this list won’t sacrifice durability one bit. That said, you will be paying for this pleasure.

Attachment Style

Threaded Frame Mounts – Threaded frame eyelets are the most common way to fit a rear rack. In the past, these mounts were the only way to attach a rear rack – now, there are many other solutions.

Axle Mounts – Not all bikes have lower frame mounts. Mounting a rack directly to the axle is a great way to maximize the weight capacity of a rear rack as it allows for a very stiff structure. The Tailfin and Old Man Mountain racks are great examples of axle mounts done right, and Tubus racks can be attached via the axle using a special mounting kit.

Seat Post Mounts – Some racks employ special quick-release clamps that will lock on the seat post. This allows for the easy attachment and removal of a rack – the Ortlieb and Tailfin racks are prime examples. It’s worth noting you can also mount most racks to your seat collar – Salsa makes some nice collars with built-in eyelets.

Seat Stay Mounts – These upper mounts connect directly to the seat stays of the frame, and will work on full-suspension bikes.

Weight Capacity

Sticking to the weight limit set by the manufacturer will ensure your rack lasts a lifetime. If you do exceed this limit, it’s much more likely your rack will bend and break, especially on rough roads.

Even if you don’t plan to exceed the manufacturer’s limits, higher-weight capacity racks are significantly stiffer (with less side-to-side sway) and will be more reliable in the long term.

Tire Clearance

You will need to make sure your rack can comfortably fit your tire width. This is especially important if you’re riding off-road, as mud, grit, and rocks can jam in between the rack and tire.

We have listed the maximum tire widths for all racks here to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Rack Height

A shorter rack height helps keep your pannier’s center of gravity low, so your bike is easier to handle over rough and varying surfaces. Some racks like the Tubus Logo feature extra low rails for your panniers, which helps reduce the bag’s center of gravity even further.

Rack Pannier Support Area

The ‘pannier support area’ is the surface that the pannier sits on. With a larger rack surface area for your panniers to rest on, they will be extra supported, twisting less and putting less stress on your pannier hooks.

Please note that the pannier support area can be quite small on some of the more minimal racks (eg. Tumbleweed). It’s best to use smaller panniers on racks with this characteristic.

Upper Rack Mounting Struts

If you use a smaller bike frame, you may need to find longer upper struts for your rack. We have made sure to select racks with extra long struts available.

They’re available in 240mm, and 350mm lengths from Tubus. Surly has aftermarket upper struts that are 300mm in length. Ibera sells 280mm struts, and Tumbleweed includes 300mm upper mounting struts with their racks.

Rack Heel Clearance

If the chain stays on your bike are on the shorter side (440 mm or shorter), or you have particularly large feet, you may need a rack designed for extra heel clearance.

We have many racks listed here that shift your panniers further rearward (eg. Tubus Logo or Tailfin), and we also have a separate article on ten racks that provide additional heel clearance HERE.

Disc Brakes

If your bike uses a rear disc brake on the top of the seat stay, you will need to determine if a rack is capable of clearing the caliper. We’ve tried to pick only disc brake-suitable racks, but sometimes you’ll need to use a foot extension set like this one from Tubus.

It’s worth noting that any of the axle-mounted racks will clear brake calipers just fine.

Full Suspension Bikes

Fitting a rack to a full-suspension bike is tricky because the rack needs to move up and down with the rear wheel.

Tailfin racks have a unique pivot design that allows the rack to move with the suspension but still connect to the main frame via the seat post.

A rack on a full suspension bike can alternatively attach to the seat stays and rear axle. The Old Man Mountain rack is designed to be mounted in this manner, so it won’t interfere with your rear wheel’s movement.

The post The 10 Best Rear Racks for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

Like other planetary gear hubs, the Kindernay promised a long-lasting drivetrain with less maintenance, zero gear adjustment, instant shifts, and components that are less susceptible to wear and damage.

The Kindernay 7 and 14-speed hubs had a few defining features:

• The gearboxes could be separated from the hub shell and you could move them between multiple wheelsets
• They used hydraulic trigger shifters
• They were designed specifically for 12mm thru-axles
• They were lighter than the competition (and only 400 grams heavier than a Shimano Deore derailleur setup!).
• They had a higher torque rating than other internal gear hubs
• They had a wider gear range than other internal gear hubs
  

Unfortunately, I’ve just heard some bad news from Kindernay…

The Kindernay Bankruptcy

The company behind Kindernay, CA Technology Systems, recently filed for bankruptcy according to an article on Shifter.no.

The trustee of the company is currently considering selling the assets and rights to the gear hubs. A date for a possible auction has not yet been set.

At this stage, aftersales support for existing Kindernay users is unknown. Hopefully, a large array of spare parts will be made available to a bicycle shop or distributor.

The Kindernay Void

It’s always sad to see a high-quality, niche cycling product disappear from the market. While not perfect, the Kindernay hubs had some appealing advantages over the competition.

Unlike most other internal gear hubs, these hubs were designed for mountain biking. The 7-speed hub added very little weight to a bike compared to a 1X drivetrain (300 grams extra unsprung mass), and the hydraulic trigger shifter was a welcome alternative to the grip shifters found with most internal gear hubs.

A defining feature was the Kindernay system’s modularity. This meant you could own one expensive gearbox that could be transferred between wheels. For example, you could leave the gearbox in your mountain bike year-round, but swap it into your fat bike in winter, or touring bike when you set out for your annual adventure.

These unique features will be missed.

What Are The Kindernay Hub Alternatives?

The closest internal gear hub currently is the Rohloff Speedhub. It has the same number of gears (14), a similar gear range (526% vs 543%), and almost identical gear steps (13.6% vs 13.9%).

After 25+ years of production, Rohloff hubs have an excellent track record for reliability and longevity. One owner has even cycled over 470,000km on one! These hubs have also been tested to have low frictional losses, which means the maximum amount of your pedal power will go toward driving you forward.

There are some other new internal gear hubs worth mentioning too.

The 3X3 Nine is a 9-speed hub that’s made in Germany and offers a choice between an electronic shifter and a regular grip shifter.

This hub has a bigger gear range (554%) and fewer gears than a Kindernay. This results in rather large gear steps of 23.8%, almost twice that of the Kindernay or Rohloff hubs.

Large gear steps like this are indicative that 3×3 is targetting the electric bike market. As e-bikes accelerate faster, it’s not uncommon to find yourself changing two or three gears at once on a typical drivetrain. Larger gear steps ultimately mean less shifting is required on eBikes, however, it also makes the hub less suitable for standard bikes as you might find yourself ‘in between gears’ more frequently.

Another indication that the hub is designed around eBikes is that it will handle 250Nm of input torque from a mid-drive motor. This is significantly more than both Kindernay (160Nm) and Rohloff (130Nm).

Interestingly, the 3×3 hub is lubricated with grease instead of oil. This lubrication choice has allowed 3×3 to reduce the hub maintenance. The grease change interval is a lengthy 25,000km, a figure five times further than the oil-change interval of a Rohloff hub (5000km).

Another fascinating German-made gear hub that’s available for pre-order is the Revolute Hub1.

This six-speed hub has been primarily designed around eBike use, so it too can handle 250Nm input torque. This hub has a narrower gear range (400%) than most gearboxes, and larger gear steps too (30%+).

An interesting feature of the Revolute hub is that it doesn’t spin backward! This means that when you stop on a hill, you do not need to pull your brakes to prevent the bike from rolling backward. This will be especially handy with heavily laden cargo bikes but could be nice on a regular bike too.

Lastly, don’t overlook the Shimano Alfine hubs.

These are notably quiet in operation, well-priced, and generally reliable. I really like the electronic shifting versions, which help to boost the reliability of the hub, and you can pair these hubs with the excellent Shimano Di2 drop bar shifters on a gravel or commuter bike.

Summary

The modular design of the Kindernay was nifty, the hubs were lightweight, and the hydraulic trigger shifter was a neat alternative to the usual grip shifter.

It’s sad to see Kindernay file for bankruptcy. I hope a sale of the assets and rights to the hub comes to fruition, and that the hubs can live on through another company.

Luckily for consumers, there are still a handful of other high-quality internal gear hubs available. For alternatives similar to Kindernay, I’d recommend looking into Rohloff, 3X3, Revolute, and Shimano Alfine hubs.

The post The Kindernay 14-Speed Gear Hub is No Longer (They Went Bankrupt) appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.

But technology has come a very long way since the 1800s, especially when it comes to textiles – so, perhaps a rope, or “String Drive” bike is the ultimate solution?

In this article, I’ll introduce you to a very special chainless drivetrain that uses Dyneema ropes to propel you forward. These bikes were produced from 2011 to 2021 and used similar ropes to those found in fancy bicycle spokes, paragliding lines, sailing ropes, and even human-powered helicopters.

Here are some quick facts about String Drive to whet your palate: it’s completely grease and oil-free, it has 19 non-overlapping gears, you can change the gears while stationary, and the gears don’t ever require adjustment.

To prove that String Drive is no gimmick, Ferenc Szonyi (an ultra-endurance cyclist) used this drivetrain in the insane Race Across America, a non-stop 4,800 km cycling event (3000 mi). In just 11 days and 10 hours, the athlete on the String Bike completed the route. That’s a crazy 422 km (or 262 mi) per day!

Of course, there are downsides to a rope drivetrain too. So, let’s dive deep into the technology and determine if we will see ropes on bicycles again.

How Do String Drive Bicycles Work?

I know it looks crazy and complicated, but it’s actually rather simple in operation.

You pedal in a circular motion just like normal, however, instead of rotating a chainring, the crank arms move two levers that pull on ropes attached to either side of your rear wheel. The levers take it in turns to pull your wheel forward, with the ropes winding and unwinding neatly on the rear drums.

Incredibly, Dyneema ropes have a higher strength under tension than a bicycle chain.

A 3.5mm rope can handle over 16,700N of force, which is twice the industrial standard for bicycle chains (8000N). To put this into context, the best Tour de France sprinters don’t even hit a quarter of the tensile strength of these ropes. That’s pretty impressive considering these ropes float in water!

The gear ratios are changed by moving the front pulley up and down recesses in the lever arms. There are 19 gear options, where the highest gear is about three times larger than the smallest (304% range). This is equal to a traditional road bike drivetrain (53-39tT + 11-25T), or Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub.

You can choose between three rear drum sizes that can either give you lower gears for the hills, or higher gears for the flat.

The ropes typically last 1000 to 2000 kilometres, and as they don’t absorb water, they can be used in wet conditions and even snow. That said, grit significantly affects longevity, so while it can handle extreme conditions, it performs best when the conditions are good.

Let’s talk about advantages.

The Advantages of String Drive Bicycles

To start, this drivetrain runs smoothly and silently without any grease or oil. This virtually eliminates drivetrain maintenance, and means that you’ll never get grease on your hands or pants ever again.

Once set up, String Drive doesn’t require any gear adjustment, and the gears won’t ever skip when you change them. In fact, you can change gears any time with this drivetrain: that’s while stationary, while coasting down a hill, and even under a full pedal load.

There is also no rear derailleur to damage or bend out of whack, and while the lever arms are large and exposed, they sit high and out of harm’s way.

Interestingly, the advantages we’ve discussed so far are all shared with an internal gear system paired with a belt. Let’s now discuss the advantages exclusive to String Drive.

Firstly, the pedals automatically rest at the most favourable starting position, so you can just get on your bike and ride.

While most drivetrains wear out the front and rear sprockets, as well as the chain or belt, the only regular consumable on String Drive is the ropes, which are about $10 each. The spare ropes can be easily stored inside your seatpost, and anyone can change them in about five minutes without removing the rear wheel.

String Drive is also designed to minimise the ‘crank dead spot’. It does this by decreasing the gear ratio at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke, and increasing it when you can exert the most force. This provides torque to the rear wheel over a longer duration, which is said to be more efficient – it has the same effect as using an oval chainring on a chain drive bike.

When you remove the rear wheel, the entire drivetrain stays with the frame. This makes for easy wheel removal and it’s great for transport too – you can put the dirty wheels into bags, and the bike travels cleanly. The bike will also stand up by itself without its rear wheel fitted.

When these bikes were available, the price was quite reasonable. City bikes were just over €1000 (~US $1100), which was excellent considering that the frame and many of the high-quality components were manufactured in Europe.

The last advantage is that the gears are spaced very close together, which allows you to almost always find the perfect gear ratio. This is not dissimilar to the Enviolo hub we recently analysed. To illustrate just how close these gear ratios are, each step on an 11-21t cassette (1-tooth difference between each gear) is still 50% larger than what String Drive offers (7.5% vs 5%).

String Drive has shown some significant advantages, so what are the downsides?

The Disadvantages of String Drive Bicycles

One reason why String Drive never took off is that the drivetrain cannot be installed on any bike. Instead, a specially designed frame must be used – one with the right guides and attachments, and with notably wide dropouts to fit the two rear drums.

Not only did the frame need to be special, but almost all components and spare parts were exclusive to StringBike, making them hard to obtain.

The design of the drivetrain itself also made it a hard sell. This is because the left side drum occupied the same location as a disc brake rotor, which meant the drivetrain was only compatible with rim brakes. While rim brakes offer acceptable performance, disc brakes have become the industry standard – limiting the versatility of this drivetrain.

Modern drivetrains are ideally eBike compatible too. Unfortunately, there was no easy way to make a String Drive electric bike as the components occupied the same space as mid-drive and rear hub motors.

The Dyneema ropes also wore out quickly compared to other drive options. The best chains offer top-level performance for between 4000 and 7000km, while modern belts can last upwards of 30,000km (both with contamination). In comparison, Dyneema ropes only lasted 1000 or 2000km.

A grip shifter needed to be used to change gears on a String Bike. Some users found these shifters stiff to rotate, especially when they were wet. Grip shifters don’t integrate very neatly on drop bar bikes compared to modern brake/shift levers either.

As you need lever arms, ropes, and drums on both sides of the bike, there was a weight penalty of approximately one kilogram (2.2lbs) compared to a derailleur bicycle.

A String Drive bike was also likely less efficient than a chain drive bike. Converting from rotary motion to reciprocating motion, and then back to rotary motion is never particularly efficient, and additionally, this drivetrain has many sliding surfaces that generate friction.

That said, the drive efficiency might just be superior to a gearbox or internal gear hub. The fact that four amateur cyclists could average 33km/h for 24 hours on String Bikes (Hungaroring 24H race), or that an endurance cyclist could cover over 420km per day (in the RAAM) suggests that drivetrain losses are not unreasonable.

The String Drive gear range was also small by modern standards (304%). It worked fine for most urban environments, but it became a bit limited if you wanted to climb both steep hills and have the gears for high-speed cruising too. For context, most road bike drivetrains now offer a 450% gear range and off-road drivetrains regularly exceed 500%.

Why Didn’t String Drive Take Off?

With the pros and cons laid out, you should have an idea about why String Drive didn’t take off.

Ultimately, the proprietary frame and components made it a really difficult sell, as did the clunky grip shifter, additional weight, lower drive efficiency, and short wear life of the ropes.

Furthermore, String Drive didn’t come out at a great time. It was developed just as disc brakes were becoming standard on bicycles, right when electric bikes were turning into the largest area of growth in the bike industry, and just as belt drive and internal gear systems had finally become a suitable alternative to chains and derailleurs.

Let’s finish this article with some of String Drive’s interesting quirks.

Other Interesting String Bike Quirks

Firstly, you can pedal backward and the bike will move forward! This is because the levers will always pull the ropes, no matter the direction your pedals are moving.

You also have the opportunity to set different gear ratios for each crank arm by using different-sized rear drums. This could be useful for those with a leg injury, or for training up a leg with a muscular weakness.

The reduction in ‘crank dead spot’ is another fascinating quirk. As I previously mentioned, String Drive was designed to decrease the gear ratio at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke and increase it when you can exert the most force.

While this sounds like a genius idea, it’s actually inconclusive whether there is a biomechanical advantage to using an elliptical driving path. According to carefully controlled biomechanical studies, your ankle movement changes when you ride with non-circular chainrings, and this change in movement effectively cancels out any possible additional power generated at your knees and hips.

That said, some people prefer the ‘feel’ of non-circular chainrings, and others say that they notice less strain on their knees, so I think reducing the crank dead spot is still an idea worth pursuing.

Summary

I honestly thought String Drive was a bit silly when I began investigating it. But after analysing every aspect of its design, I’m actually really impressed. The entire drivetrain is well thought out, and I had no idea that Dyneema rope tensile strength was so high.

The ropes are clean, maintenance-free, cheap, and easy to replace. I can certainly see how the designers imagined their bicycle drivetrain revolution, but unfortunately, they did not anticipate just how important disc brakes, electric motors, gearboxes, and belts would be in the decades to come.

The post Are Chainless String Drive Bicycles a Genius or Terrible Idea? appeared first on CYCLINGABOUT.