You might have noticed a big push towards gravel bikes lately. We’ve seen bike builders across the board delivering more and more gravel bikes to cater for a growing interest in these go-anywhere bicycles. 

But what is the hype all about? What is a gravel bike and should you be checking one out? We’re going to break it down today. 

So what is a gravel bike?

If you’re new to cycling, then a gravel bike might look like a ‘traditional’ road bike but with chunky tyres. And while that is true, they’re changed in many areas to make them easier and more comfortable over rough surfaces – and not just gravel. 

But they also get lower gearing so it’s easier to slog it up hills while those drop handlebars are usually a little wider than a road bike’s to make the whole thing more stable when you’re going over some really sticky terrain. 

Are they designed differently from road bikes?

That’s right. Again, though it might look initially like a gravel bike is just like an on-road version, they’re actually given slightly different geometry to make things more comfortable. They’re a little more upright – though you can still lower into the drops for a more ‘aero’ position – and this helps when you need to push your weight in different directions. 

It’s all about mixed-terrain cycling; most gravel bikes can easily tackle on-road stretches but are a dab hand when it comes to rough rides too. 

Are the gears different too?

Yup. Things get slippy when you’re on a gravel ride, so you’ll want a good section of low gears to help you pull up tricky climbs. You’ll find that most gearset manufacturers now produce gravel-specific setups, too. 

I see that they’ve got bigger tyres – is that a feature of gravel bikes?

It sure is. More tyre clearance means that gravel bikes can run chunkier rubber with better treads. This helps when travelling over mud and loose surfaces, but it also makes the whole bike more supple when on the road. You’re also able to run these larger tyres at much lower pressures than a usual road bike tyre, which really helps with traction. 

Most gravel bikes you’ll find on sale today will give you the option of running tubeless tyres, too. These self-sealing tyres are great for when you’re riding through tricky areas prone to thorns or twigs and they also prevent the chance of a pinch-puncture – when you accidentally put a hole in the inner tube when fitting a new tyre – because they don’t use an inner tube at all. 

You’ll find that most bikes come with 700c wheels – just like a road bike. There are loads of tyre choices out there, too, with certain options geared towards rolling resistance and others more focused on outright grip. 

Can I fit accessories to a gravel bike?

You sure can. The rise in popularity of ‘bikepacking’ has meant that many gravel bikes today can now be used for lengthier rides and stays in the great outdoors, which is why you’ll find most have loads of mounting points for panniers, racks and bottles. There are loads of bikepacking bags available to help you take more gear with you on your adventures. 

Some bikes will also have mounting points for mudguards to help keep you as clean as possible. 

Are gravel e-bikes a thing?

Yes. Just as with the mountain biking scene, you can get a good variety of gravel e-bikes that can help give you an extra boost when you’re riding. Notable examples include the Canyon Grail:On, 3T’s Exploro RaceMax Boost and the Topstone Neo Carbon from Cannondale. You’re definitely spoilt for choice!

Is a gravel bike right for me?

That entirely depends on what type of riding you’re doing! If you’re mainly off-road, then a dedicated road or endurance bike will still be the best option. But if you like the idea of heading onto some gravel tracks or through some light green lanes then a gravel bike gives you the extra capability that you need to do it. 

However, if you’d like to venture even further off the beaten path, then an XC mountain bike could be a better fit.