Have around a grand to spend on a gravel bike? We head to the wet ‘n’ wild Wiltshire gravel trails to see how four entry-level contenders hold up
Words Warren Rossiter Photography Russell Burton
The Bike Test
Need to know
Just what should you look for in a more wallet-friendly gravel bike in 2024? We bring you up to speed…
The gravel sector is extremely diverse these days, encompassing a huge range of terrain and events, from epic transcontinental endeavours to fast races on wide-open plains and the tricky natural terrain that was the domain of mountain bikes. And so the design and technology has rushed to keep up. The high end is littered with everything from full-suspension bikes to lightweight carbon racers that wouldn’t look out of place in the professional peloton. At the more affordable end, you’ll often see steel frames (which have a classic feel and tend to be favoured by bikepackers) through to aluminium (often the most affordable option) and even some carbon (it’s light and balances stiffness and compliance).
01 Styles
Style-wise there are endurance-road-bike-inspired creations through to those with mountain bike-inspired geometry. Bikes that feel more familiarly road-bike-like are great options for those riding a mix of tarmac and terra, and could also make a superb longer-distance commuter bike as they often have frame mounts and mudguard provision. More mountain-bike-like designs will inspire confidence on trickier terrain thanks to the stability of their handling.
02 Wheels and tyres
Tyres are often substantially larger and knobblier than on road bikes, with tyre widths from 30mm to 48mm. As well as 700c wheels, you may see smaller-diameter 650b wheels used with higher-volume tyres. Many of the best gravel bike tyres have a fast-rolling centre tread with knurling or side knobs to improve cornering on mixed surfaces. Tubeless tyres are also commonly found on gravel bikes because the tubeless sealant can help prevent punctures.
03 Geometry
Gravel geometry favours stability and comfort. The best gravel bikes have a longer wheelbase than most road bikes thanks to longer chainstays and slacker head-tube angles. Head-tubes are generally taller as well, for a more relaxed riding position. Features such as slender chainstays or a skinny seatpost are designed to flex in order to absorb road chatter.
04 Handlebars
