As trails become more crowded and phones distract drivers on the road, riders are turning the pedals toward remote stretches of backcountry gravel. It’s arguably safer, makes you a better rider, and is undeniably fun.
While adventurous riders have been riding all manner of bikes on dirt roads for many decades, gravel biking has seen a recent explosion in popularity. The cycling industry has taken notice, and there are now loads of models on the market made specifically for gravel riding. But gravel riding is somewhat hard to define. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of sport that includes everything from rough pavement to singletrack and every type of dirt road in between.
Gravel bikes have evolved from modified road bikes and cyclocross bikes into the machines we’re more familiar with today. Though they may look a lot like beefed-up road bikes, modern gravel bikes have increased clearance for larger tires, relaxed geometries, and some even come with front suspension and dropper posts. Today’s gravel bikes are capable, comfortable, and efficient across a wide range of terrain and surfaces.
With so many brands and models to choose from, finding the right gravel bike can be a challenge. Fear not, our team has been testing gravel bikes since 2021, and this list represents the best options we’ve tried so far. Whether you’re a seasoned gravel aficionado or just getting into the sport, we’ve got recommendations to suit your needs and meet your budget.
Editor’s note: We updated this guide on May 16, 2024, with the addition of five new models, including the value-packed Ari Shafer, the mountain bike-inspired YT Szepter Core 4, and the race-ready Ventum GS1. We also added information and photos to our buying advice to help readers when searching for their next gravel bike.
The Best Gravel Bikes of 2024
- Best Overall Gravel Bike: Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon
- Best Budget Gravel Bike: Ari Shafer Carbon
- Best Entry-Level Gravel Bike: State 6061 All-Road
- Best Gravel Bike With Front Suspension: YT Szepter Core 4
- Best Gravel Bike for Racing: Ventum GS1
- Best Gravel Bike for Bikepacking and Touring: Ritchey Outback
- Frame Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 20 lbs., 1 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 47 mm (tested); 650b x 2.1″
- Available Sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Pros
- Future Shock 2.0 (giving the bike 20 mm of suspension)
- SWAT internal storage
- 700mm or 650b wheels
- Fantastic fit positions you “in” the bike
- Reach and slack is exceptionally comfortable
- Range of models/prices to choose from
Cons
- Expensive (but there are less expensive models)
- Upright geometry doesn't have the raciest feel
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Weight: 20 lbs., 2 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 50 mm
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Pros
- Impressively versatile
- Great prices for complete builds
- Stable, comfortable geometry
- Plenty of bottle and accessory mounts
- Custom 23-point setup
- carbon wheel upgrades available
Cons
- Not the lightest
- No builds come with suspension forks
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum w/ carbon fork
- Weight: 21 lbs., 13 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 45c or 650b x 55c
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L
Pros
- Affordable – builds between $1,400 and $2,400
- Versatile all-around performance
- Carbon fork for chatter reduction and comfort
- Available as a carbon frame too
Cons
- Not super light but respectable for an aluminum frame
- Aluminum frames lack extra mounting options on top tube and underside of downtube
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Weight: 21 lbs., 14 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 45 mm
- Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Pros
- Suspension fork and dropper post make for confident and comfortable descending
- Outstanding build for the price
- Stable at speed
- Comfortable geometry
- Integrated fenders
Cons
- Matte finish is harder to keep clean
- Heavier weight (still pretty light)
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Weight: 19 lbs., 2 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 48c
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Pros
- Stable at speed but responsive to steering inputs
- Laterally stiff
- Lightweight
- Numerous mounting bosses
- A little less expensive than the comparable retail models
Cons
- Still pricey
- Direct-to-consumer model, so cannot test ride at a shop
- Not as compliant as adventure-oriented gravel bikes
- Frame Material: Ritchey Logic Steel w/ carbon Adventure fork
- Weight: 5 lbs., 10 oz. (frame and fork)
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 48mm or 650b x 2.0"
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Pros
- Upright and tight position, yielding cockpit-like comfort in the saddle
- Classic mountain bike geometry is comfortable
- Versatility: Can run 700c or 650b with up to 2″ tires
- Carbon fork with bosses for cages
- Beautiful TIG-welded frame
Cons
- Long wheelbase puts tire behind the rider, causing the bike to lose traction on some sandy ascents
- Exposed cable routing can get in the way of many modern frame bags
- Definitely more biased toward touring and bikepacking
Best of the Rest
- Frame Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 19 lbs., 5 oz. (size L, custom build)
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 50 mm or 650b x 2.1"
- Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Pros
- Smooth ride for a carbon frame
- Excellent cornering characteristics
- Reasonable price for a high-end carbon frame
- Universal derailleur hanger for ease of maintenance
Cons
- Only compatible with 1x drivetrains
- No rack or fender bosses
- Frame Material: carbon
- Weight: 18 lbs., 6 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 46 mm or 650b x 61 mm (2.4")
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Pros
- Upright and tight position, yielding cockpit-like comfort in the saddle
- Clean internal cable routing
- Geometry feels confident and fast on variable terrain
- Versatility. Can run 700s or 650b with up to 2.4″ tires
Cons
- “Crunched” cockpit may not fill all
- Can only run as a 1x
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Weight: 20 lbs., 5 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 45 mm
- Sizes Available: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 cm
Pros
- You can throw this bike around with confidence
- Wide drop bars provide added stability
- Ample space in the stays for 650b wheels/tires
- Dropper seat post
- Reach and slack is exceptionally comfortable
- Lots of bosses to mount bottles and cages
Cons
- Stack height and slack won’t suit riders who prioritize speed over comfort
- Color may not appeal to everyone
- Stock wheels aren't amazing
- Frame Material: 4130 chromoly steel
- Weight: 27 lbs., 13 oz.
- Tire Clearance: 700c x 45c or 650b x 53c (2.1")
- Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L
Pros
- Very affordable pricing
- Many affordable upgrade options
- Comfortable and stable frame geometry
- Plentiful mounting bosses on frame and fork
- Steel frame big tires offer smooth ride
- Available with 700c or 650b wheels/tires
Cons
- Heavy
- Weak mechanical disc brakes (upgradeable)
Gravel Bike Comparison Chart
Gravel Bike Model | MSRP | Frame Material | Weight | Tire Clearance | Sizes Available |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon | $8,200 | Carbon | 20 lbs., 1 oz. | 700c x 47 mm (tested); 650b x 2.1″ | 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm |
Ari Shafer Carbon | $3,299 (Elite build) | Carbon | 20 lbs., 2 oz. | 700c x 50 mm | XS, S, M, L, XL |
State 6061 All-Road | $1,400-2,400 | 6061 Aluminum | 21 lbs., 13 oz. | 700c x 45c or 650b x 55c | XS, S, M, L |
YT Szepter Core 4 | $4,499 | Carbon | 21 lbs., 14 oz. | 700c x 45 mm | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Ventum GS1 | $2,999-7,199 | Carbon | 19 lbs., 2 oz. | 700c x 48c | XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL |
Ritchey Outback | $1,599 (frame only) | Ritchey Logic Steel | 5 lbs., 10 oz. (frame and fork) | 700c x 48mm or 650b x 2.0″ | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Revel Rover | $4,599-6,999 | Carbon | 19 lbs., 5 oz. | 700c x 50 mm or 650b x 2.1″ | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
OPEN WI.DE. | $4,999 and up | Carbon | 18 lbs., 6 oz. | 700c x 46 mm or 650b x 61 mm (2.4″) | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Kona Libre CR/DL | $3,799 | Carbon | 20 lbs., 5 oz. | 700c x 45 mm | 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 cm |
State 4130 All-Road | $899 | 4130 Chromoly Steel | 27 lbs., 13 oz | 700c x 45c or 650b x 53c (2.1″) | XS, S, M, L |
Why You Should Trust Us
How We Tested Gravel Bikes

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Gravel Bike
Where and How Do You Ride?
Size

Geometry

Frame Material


Wheel Size

Tires


Components

Suspension and Dropper Posts

Accessories and Mounts

FAQ
Gravel bikes are a relatively recent style of bike that has been optimized for use on gravel roads. For lack of a simpler explanation, they are a bit of a hybrid between road bikes and cross-country mountain bikes.
They borrow similar looks and frame designs from road bikes for low weight and efficiency and pull more relaxed geometry and larger tire clearance from mountain bikes for comfort and control over rough surfaces. Most, but not all, gravel bikes have drop handlebars like you find on a road bike and roll on wider, knobbier tires that provide enhanced grip and cushion on less perfect surfaces.
While they may look strikingly similar, gravel bikes and road bikes have some relatively significant differences. The most notable of these is increased tire clearance to accommodate wider and knobbier gravel tires. Most gravel bikes these days have clearance for tires up to 40 to 45 mm through the frame and 45 to 50 mm in the fork.
Gravel bikes also typically have geometries that have been adapted for off-road riding. This includes slacker head tube angles, taller stack heights, reach, and wheelbases that are optimized for comfort and control when riding on gravel. Of course, there are many variations of gravel geometry, with some bikes leaning towards racing, others towards comfort, and many falling in-between.
Additionally, the frames are often beefed up a bit in key areas to add durability and made more compliant in other areas for added comfort over rough surfaces. Many gravel bikes will also feature the addition of braze-ons and threaded mounts on the frame and fork to add accessories and bags for adventurous rides.
Need? No. Want? Maybe. It really comes down to your preferences and the terrain that you’re riding. Having ridden many different gravel bikes in the past few years, our testers have had the chance to try numerous gravel bikes with front suspension and a lot more without.
While it is certainly nice to have for rough, chunky roads or when taking your gravel bike into terrain where it probably shouldn’t go, it’s far from necessary for most people most of the time. If you take the time to consider the terrain and conditions you ride most often, and even the places you aspire to ride, you should be able to determine if it’s something you need. Some people ride smooth gravel, some people ride rough gravel, and some people ride chunky trails like they’re on a mountain bike.
Additionally, general comfort may be a deciding factor. If your hands and wrists go numb from vibration, a suspension fork may help reduce the frequency and severity of that happening. Another factor to consider is added weight. A suspension fork will add at least an additional pound of weight to your bike (possibly more) compared to a rigid carbon fork. Still, the added weight may be a reasonable tradeoff for the comfort and control that suspension can provide. Again, it’s up to you.
Of course, you can. Gravel bikes are similar to road bikes in many ways, but they have increased tire clearance, more relaxed geometries, and beefed-up frames to handle the rigors of off-pavement riding. For anyone looking to save a bit of money by not needing two different bikes — one for road and one for gravel — a gravel bike will work pretty well as a quiver of one.
While it may not be quite as light or zippy as a dedicated road bike, many high-end gravel bikes are pretty darn close. For pure road riding, however, you’ll benefit from swapping over to road bike tires for decreased rolling resistance. Many folks will even go so far as to purchase an additional road wheelset to make swaps between gravel and road modes quicker and easier.
Additionally, the slightly more relaxed geometry of many gravel bikes may make them a great commuter bike option. This way, you can hit trails, gravel roads, and pavement on the way to work without skipping a beat. Plus, you’ve got a bike for tackling gravel rides on the weekends, too.
Gravel bikes can be surprisingly capable and versatile. Most of them are plenty capable of riding smoother mountain bike trails under a skilled pilot when ridden with a little bit of caution. Some bikes are better suited for this than others, particularly those with more relaxed geometries, suspension forks, and dropper posts.
In fact, many modern gravel bikes are far more comfortable and capable than mountain bikes from the early 90s. It does take some skill to navigate more difficult trails safely, however, so it’s up to the rider to use their best judgment when deciding what to ride on their gravel bike.
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