If you’ve ever tried to ride down a gravel road on your road bike, you know that it can be a struggle — and that’s when it pays to choose from the best gravel bikes. Designed with special geometry, gravel bikes fall somewhere between road bikes and cyclocross bikes. The tall head tubes help you sit upright, and the sloping top tube enables you to stand up comfortably for greater control on rough trails. The most important part? The tires; they’re designed to give you traction on loose rocks. As you look at different gravel bike models, consider the size, the brakes, and the included components.
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1. RALEIGH Bikes Willard 1
Looking for a bike good for road and trails? The Willard 1 from Raleigh Bikes has you covered. It’s engineered with a geometry that helps you stay confident and in control, whether you’re biking to work or pedaling through the forest. Both the front and back of the bike feature through axles that deliver a dynamic ride with a high level of responsiveness. Rely on the wide tires to keep you upright and stable on a wide range of road types and riding conditions. This model comes in a wide variety of sizes to fit any rider.
2. Tommaso Sentiero
When you need a mountain bike that is good on roads, it’s hard to beat the Tommaso Sentiero. With its aluminum frame and SST steel fork, this bike is lightweight enough to help you maneuver but strong enough to handle the bumps and drops of a rough road. We love the Claris crankset, which is engineered to stand up to anything you can throw at it. Durable rims are built to handle tough terrain, and the wide tires give you ample traction for any route.
3. Diamondback Bicycles Haanjo 2
Stand out on the road when you’re riding the Haanjo 2 from Diamondback Bicycles. With its neon-colored aluminum alloy frame, this bike increases your visibility, whether you’re riding on the road or through the forest. The frame is made with an endurance geometry for lasting comfort, and the DB steel fork is designed to help you handle gravel with ease. When it’s time to slow down, you can trust the dual disc brakes for fast, efficient stopping. This bike comes with pedals to eliminate the extra expense.
4. Hiland Gravel Bike
Designed specifically for gravel, this Hiland bike has your back in town or in the woods. It all starts with the gravel geometry, which gives you the ability to steer and maneuver through tricky routes. Wide tires provide plenty of stability on soft, loose, and hard surfaces, and the sturdy disc brakes help you stay in control on any incline. Need a commuter bike? This model is drilled in multiple places to allow you to attach racks, fenders, or other accessories.
5. Tommaso Illimitate Shimano Tiagra
Explore new ground when you’re riding the Tommaso Illimitate Shimano Tiagra gravel bike. Designed for both road and dirt-trail riding, this bike is engineered to give you traction and control anywhere you go. The aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork help dampen the vibrations from rough roads, and the Shimano Tiagra groupset offers killer performance at any speed. With its wide tires and sturdy rims, this bike is a true all-terrain model.
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6. Tommaso Siena
Planning a new adventure? The Tommaso Siena bike is a great fit. With its compact aluminum frame and steel fork, this bike is durable but lightweight — you won’t have any trouble controlling it, even on loose gravel. The Shimano Tourney groupset and Claris crankset perform beautifully, whether you’re biking to work or heading out into the forest. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll feel confident knowing that the Avid BB5 disc brakes are ready to help you stop on a dime, even in wet weather. Select from a huge range of gears to fit the right option for steep and flat terrain.
7. Schwinn Vantage RX 2
Sleek and strong, the Schwinn Vantage RX 2 gives you the power and speed you need to conquer new trails. The fun starts with the adventure frame, which uses Schwinn’s Smooth Ride Technology and a soft-tail suspension to give you a comfortable experience. The Sora drivetrain provides 18 speeds to suit any road, and the sturdy tires and alloy rims are durable enough for the road or the gravel. Riding for long hours? Rely on the carbon sport fork to help you steer comfortably.
8. Mongoose Artery Sport
Looking for a bike that’s equally easy to ride in the city or out in the country? Head straight to the Mongoose Artery Sport. Built with an aluminum frame for strength and weight reduction, this rugged bike is a breeze to control. The linear pull-brakes also play a part in giving you ample riding confidence. When you head onto gravel roads, rely on the double-wall rims, wide tires, and Shimano crank to deliver stability and durability.
9. Mongoose Men’s Elroy
When you need an affordable adventure bike to add to your collection, the Mongoose Men’s Elroy is a great fit. Built around a versatile adventure-geometry frame, this bike is made for versatile riding. You’ll be just as comfortable pedaling around the neighborhood as you will riding down forest roads. Use the included frame bag to take snacks along for the ride, or use the included frame to store your gear. With its Shimano Tourney derailleurs and micro shifter, you can transition from one gear to another with an effortless motion.
10. RALEIGH Bikes Willard 2
Engineered to handle gravel, pavement, and more, the Willard 2 from Raleigh Bikes is the perfect choice for riders who want versatility. The easy-to-handle geometry gives you a feeling of confidence, and the extra-wide tires provide traction in any type of weather. When you need to ride to work, use the built-in mounts to attach a rack or another accessory.
A gravel bike gives you the power to transition from the road to trails with loose rocks without losing speed. Versatile and durable, these bikes expand your capabilities. By choosing from the best gravel bikes, you can hit the trail with confidence.
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By BCR Staff
October 2019