Top 18 Best Gravel Bikes Reviews In 2021: January Update!

Today, gravel bikes have become the most popular type of sporty bikes due to their versatility.

Gravel bikes are not only more capable than road bikes, but they are also more efficient than mountain bikes. Thus, you could ride it on any terrain and for any purpose.

It’s not easy to find out the best gravel bike since there are many different models on the market. You will have to consider a wide range of factors to purchase the best one for you.

To help you make your decision easier, I’m going to write a review of op 18 best gravel bikes in 2021. Keep reading and you’ll find your need!

Best Gravel Bikes Comparison Chart 2021

These best gravel bikes are made of different material and designed with different sizes and weight. Thus, I make this comparison chart to help you compare and get the most suitable option more easily.

What Are The Best Gravel Bikes To Buy?

Depending on your skill levels as well as riding condition, you could choose the best gravel bike for your own.

• Best Overall: Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 Gravel Bikes
  
• Best Budget: Takara Shiro Gravel Bikes
  
• Best for Women: Genesis Gravel Bikes
  
• Best for Speed: Diamondback Haanjo 7C Gravel Bikes
  
• Best with Suspension: Norco Revolver 2 Gravel Bikes
  
• Best for Bikepacking: Pure Cycles Gravel Bikes
  
• Best for Short Riders: Populo Quest Gravel Bikes
  
• Best for Tall Riders: Triban RC 520 Gravel Bikes
  

Top 18 Best Gravel Bikes Reviews In 2021

Buying a gravel bike is not easy since you have to consider many factors as well as features of this bike. If you need more description and information about the best gravel bikes, Let’s see the following review.

Best Overall: Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 Gravel Bikes

Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 gravel bike is one of the best gravel bikes under 1000 on the market. This bike is not only the greatest option for touring but it also has many excellent features.

It has a sleek design with a glossy finish and a beautiful color combination. This bike starts with an 8-speed drivetrain so you could control and change the speed depending on your riding needs effortlessly. At high speed, you will never have to worry about losing control or falling due to its high-quality mechanical disc brakes.

This bike comes with a durable frame that is made of premium 6061-T6 aluminum. Thanks to this frame, Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 gravel bike has become one of the best gravel bikes for touring and light bikepacking. It could hold a ton of adventure bags and water bottles.

You don’t need an eight thousand dollar guitar to rock and roll and you don’t need an eight thousand dollar bike to roll the rocks. Just purchasing the Journeyman Claris 650 and you could ride on varied terrains with a solid upright position and sporty handlebars.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	27 pounds
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum
Color	Silver; Dark Olive
Brand	Salsa

See also:

• Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2021
• Top 11 Best Cruiser Bikes Reviews In 2021
• Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts In 2021
• Top 25 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 In 2021: January Update!
• Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021

Santa Cruz Gravel Bikes

Santa Cruz is a popular brand in the world with many high-quality products. Not only well known by its skateboards, but Santa Cruz is also very successful with the bike segment, especially gravel bikes. One of the best gravel bikes 2021of Santa Cruz is the Nomad model that I’m going to review right now.

This bike is equipped with factory wheels that boost the durability and stability on the road. Also, these wheels are very strong and large so when you roll over the bumps or rocks, you will still feel comfortable.

This bike is designed to offer the best performance on any terrains. Though it is just compatible with a single-speed drivetrain, this bike is still able to go uphill and downhill easily. Moreover, it comes with the high-grade VPP suspension and custom builds, which make this bike ride almost smoothly.

On the other hand, this bike is a little bit heavier than other same range bikes on the market. Also, if you prefer more gears of speed on your bike, this Santa Cruz bike is not an ideal choice.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	32.7 pounds
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Carbon C/ Carbon CC
Color	Blue
Brand	Santa Cruz Bicycles

Best with Suspension: Norco Revolver 2 Gravel Bikes

If you are looking for the best gravel bike with full suspension, this Norco Revolver 2 gravel bike is a worth-considering option.

This bike has a full suspension frame and suspension fork from RockShox. Thus, I believe this is one of the most comfortable bikes that you could find on the market. Like most other gravel bikes, this bike is made of a high-quality aluminum frame. Thanks to this material, it is very light in weight but still strong and durable enough to hold a large weight load.

In addition, it has a hydraulic disc braking system. This kind of brake is the best one manufactured for gravel bikes. You will be safe when riding on this bike, even at high speed. This braking system offers a great stopping power in any condition.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	12.9 kg
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum
Color	Olive
Brand	Norco Bicycles

Niner RLT 9 Gravel Bikes

The next item in my top-list is Niner RLT 9 gravel bike which could be considered the best gravel bike 2018 and the best gravel 2021 Reddit.

This bike is known as ‘All-road Mountain Bike’ since it has many excellent features and functions. Especially, this is a perfect option for gravel grinders and cyclocross on the market.

It comes with the RLT geometry which helps you seat on the right position when riding and avoids tired arms and knees. Thus, this bike is really comfortable to ride on a long time. Also, it has the aluminum frame which is lightweight so everyone could handle it easily.

However, this bike is not designed with the suspension so it might be not smooth on bumpy roads.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	21 pounds
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum
Color	Grey
Brand	Niner

Diamondback Haanjo 5C Gravel Bikes

If you prefer some high-end gravel bike, I highly recommend this Diamondback Haanjo 5C model. Diamondback is one of the best bike manufacturers and you could see its products all around the world.

Even though Haanjo 5C is an old version but it’s still a great gravel bike that you should purchase. This bike includes a pair of black alloy platform pedals which is very durable. Also, the full carbon frame is truly lightweight and it is equipped with the geometry. Thus, you could enjoy your long-distance rides comfortably and smoothly.

Additionally, the Shimano 27-gear drivetrain offers a wide range of speed that you could change the speed rapidly. With this functionality, you also could climb hills as well as go downhills with samely speed.

However, I really expect more superior features at this price.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	21.8 pounds
Shipping Weight	30.8 pounds
Frame Material	Carbon
Color	Not available
Brand	Diamondback Bicycles

Best for Women: Genesis Gravel Bikes

Want to buy a new bike for your daughter? This Genesis gravel bike is the best option. Your kids will definitely love this bike.

It comes with a sleek design and aesthetic color combination of purple, black, and silver. Unlike other gravel bikes on the market, this bike is made from steel instead of aluminum. Therefore, it is really strong and durable for long uses. However, this material makes the Genesis model a little bit heavy.

With the low height frame, this bike is perfect for young ladies and low riders. Also, it has a responsive braking system that offers strong stopping power and protects riders from losing control of the speed.

For long-distance travel, this bike still provides the best performance with the comfortable padded saddle.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	55.12 x 25.6 x 36.25 inches
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Steel
Color	Purple
Brand	Genesis

Best for Speed: Diamondback Haanjo 7C Gravel Bikes

If Diamondback Haanjo 5C could not satisfy your requirement, let’s go to Diamondback Haanjo 7C gravel bike. This is an upgrade version equipped with many great features.

Firstly, it comes with the full monocoque carbon fork that completely matches the handmade carbon frame. Thanks to this solid structure, this bike is not only lightweight but also strong and durable for longer usage. Moreover, this fork is equipped with a through axle that offers precise steering, rack, and fender.

The 2×11 drivetrain is beneficial and powerful that provides a wide range of speed for your riding needs. Also, it has 700x37c tires that are able to absorb shock and harsh surfaces while still rolling well on pavement.

Additionally, this bike features with a hydraulic disc braking system that offers a great stopping power so you will be protected from almost dangerous situations.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	20.3 pounds
Shipping Weight	36.1 pounds
Frame Material	Carbon
Color	Orange
Brand	Diamondback Bicycles

Marin Bikes Attack Trail 6.9 Gravel Bikes

The next item that I want to review in my top-list is Marin Bikes Attack Trail 6.9 gravel bike. As the advertisement, the manufacturer says this bike “redefines what an all-mountain bike can do” so let’s see what it really can do below!

We will start with the suspension of this best gravel bike. This bike features with the most modern type of suspension – Quad Link 2.0 suspension. Thus, it could ride smoothly on almost terrains.

It comes with Shimano clipless pedals which is light and comfortable. Also, the height-adjustable seat is really useful which could fit your height easily. You will be kept in the right position when riding on this bike.

On the other hand, I think its price is higher than other gravel bikes, at least in my top-list. With this price tag, it needs more outstanding features.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum alloy
Color	White
Brand	Marin

Best Budget: Takara Shiro Gravel Bikes

If you are looking for the best gravel bike for beginners, this Takara Shiro model is a great choice. Also, it is considered one of the best gravel bikes under 500 on the market.

This bike comes with a high-quality tensile steel frame which is strong and durable. Though it’s not as lightweight as other aluminum gravel bike, its weight is still acceptable. Also, steel is a perfect carrion-proof material.

It is equipped with many components that could work as shock absorbers. The 36 spoke alloy rims and big 700×40 tires make this bike roll over the bumpy terrains smoothly. Moreover, these features will help your movement more controllable.

It’s designed with the 21-speed drivetrain that is powerful and great for speed. You will be able to go up hills as easily as go downhills.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	54 x 29 x 8 inches
Weight	42.6 pounds
Shipping Weight	42.8 pounds
Frame Material	Tensile Steel
Color	Navy Blue
Brand	Takara Tomy

Retrospec AMOK Gravel Bikes

Retrospec AMOK gravel bike is one of the best budget picks in my top-list. It comes in a low price tag but high-quality construction.

About the frame, this bike is made of a premium 6061 aluminum alloy frame which is both lightweight and strong. Thus, this bike could roll over the smooth surfaces as well as the off-road. You could explore any road with this versatile unit.

This Retrospec gravel bike comes with the Tetra mechanical disc braking system which is equipped to enhance the control. Although this type of brake is not the most efficient one, it’s still responsive in almost all conditions.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	33 pounds
Shipping Weight	37 pounds
Frame Material	Aluminum alloy
Color	Black
Brand	Retrospec

Diamondback Haanjo 1 Gravel Bikes

Another product from Diamondback that I want to review for you is this Diamondback Haanjo 1 gravel bike. This bike has many excellent features that will make you love it immediately.

This bike features an aluminum alloy frame that is really lightweight. its total weight is just about 21 pounds so everyone could handle it effortlessly. However, it doesn’t mean this bike is weak. It could hold large weight capacity and it’s truly durable. Thus, this bike is ideal for bikepacking.

It comes with a 9-speed drivetrain that is powerful enough for climbing hills. Also, you could control the speed entirely with the mechanical disc braking system.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	25.1 pounds
Shipping Weight	40.5 pounds
Frame Material	Aluminum Alloy
Color	Matte Black
Brand	Diamondback Bicycles

Lauf Anywhere Core Apex Gravel Bikes

Lauf Anywhere Core Apex gravel bike is another great option for you. Also, if you prefer a lightweight model, this bike could be the best candidate in my top-list.

It is designed with the aluminum alloy frame which is really light in weight and convenient to store. The full frameset including Anywhere frame, axles, and the saddle is just about 1600g. Also, aluminum is a durable and strong material so you will never have to worry about breaking when using this bike.

Moreover, this bike is equipped with a hydraulic braking system that offers great stopping power. This feature is beneficial to help you control the speed and avoid dangers.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	20.7 pounds
Shipping Weight	30 pounds
Frame Material	Carbon
Color	Black
Brand	Lauf

Tommaso Siena Gravel Bikes

Tommaso is one of the best gravel bike brands on the market. Last year, they released a new version of gravel bike that is the Tommaso Siena Disc. If you are looking for the most versatile gravel bike, this one is for you.

The Siena comes with many high-quality features. The first impressive thing is its tires. They are big volume 700x40c tires which could roll over rocky terrains almost smoothly. Moreover, you could have better balance and control in any condition.

Personally, I think this bike is more suitable for commuting and daily road biking. The aluminum frame comes with the compact geometry making this bike is truly light in weight yet durable and strong. Along with this is the lifetime warranty for the frame and fork.

This bike uses a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain so you will have a wide range of gearing options for your riding demands. It is powerful enough for you to climbing hills easily with normal speed.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Brand	Tommaso

Best for Short Riders: Populo Quest Gravel Bikes

The Populo Quest gravel bike is one of the best gravel bikes under 500 that you could find on the market. This bike is not only ideal for gravel roads but also works well on urban streets.

This bike comes in a wide range of sizes that could fit almost riders with different weight and height. Also, it is made of a durable 4130 Chromoly steel frame that is light in weight. The drop handlebars combined with the Velo Venture saddle offers the most comfortable riding experience.

With 16 gears of speed, this bike is powerful and easy to control. You could change the speed from low to high quickly depending on your own riding needs. At high speed, you are still kept in safety due to the responsive disc braking system.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	35.4 pounds
Frame Material	Cro-Mo steel
Color	Black
Brand	Populo

Best for Bikepacking: Pure Cycles Gravel Bikes

Every mountain biker should own a good gravel bike and this Pure Cycles gravel bike is one of the best options. This bike is 90% pre-assembled so when you purchase it, assembly is just a snap.

You will have two selections with the speed, one is 16-speed and another is 18-speed. With a wide range of speed, this bike could go fast and low based on your riding needs easily. Also, the mechanical disc brakes offer a great stopping power. You will have better speed control in any riding condition and terrain.

This bike is comfortable to ride on a long-distance journey. Thanks to its adjustable handlebars and saddle, you will be kept in the right position when seating on it. It’s really good for your health, especially if you have arms or knees problems.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	27 pounds
Shipping Weight	39 pounds
Frame Material	4130 chromoly steel
Color	Green
Brand	Pure Cycles

Raleigh Grand Sport Gravel Bikes

The Raleigh Grand Sport is a classic steel heritage that comes at an affordable price. This bike is ideal for daily road rides and commuting.

The Grand Sport comes with the steel frame which is strong and durable. However, in comparison with other same-range bikes, this bike is a little bit heavier. It includes a pair of pedals and a Brooks Cambium saddle that could offer the most comfortable experience.

The 8-speed drivetrain of Shimano Claris is really efficient that provides 16 gears of speed options. Along with this are the Promax dual-pivot brakes that are able to stop this bike immediately in almost conditions.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	57.5 x 10.2 x 31.5 inches
Weight	31.5 pounds
Shipping Weight	35.2 pounds
Frame Material	Steel
Color	Not available
Brand	Raleigh

Best for Tall Riders: Triban RC 520 Gravel Bikes

Triban RC 520 gravel bike is one of the top gravel bikes for beginners. This bike is retailed at the price of $900 that is an affordable number for an excellent gravel bike.

It is equipped with the latest Shimano 105 R7000 groupset which is high-quality and durable. You could do basic riding skills with this bike safely and easily. It comes with the aluminum frame so it’s lightweight and anybody could handle it effortlessly.

Moreover, the hydro-mech disc brakes offer a precise stopping power so if you are a beginner, controlling the speed is not a matter. However, this bike is quite high for going down hills and for short riders.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	Aluminum
Color	Black
Brand	Triban

Marin gestalt x11 Gravel Bikes

If you want a gravel bike that could work well on any terrain, from on-road to off-road, this Marin Gestail X11 is a worth-considering model. Also, this bike is the newest gravel bike in my review which is released this year.

This bike uses the drop bar and Marin Beyond Road Concept Elite saddle to keep you in the upright position during riding. Thanks to these features, your arms and knees will never be tired.

Also, it comes with the carbon fiber fork that provides a smooth rolling experience. Along with this are thru-axles on the front and rear that help this bike overcome aggressive terrains easily.

Product Specs

Item Dimensions	Not available
Weight	Not available
Shipping Weight	Not available
Frame Material	6061 aluminum
Color	Not available
Brand	Marin

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Gravel Bikes In 2021

Frame material

The frame is the most important part of a bike. This feature decides the weight, durability, and versatility of a gravel bike. Thus, you have to learn about the frame before purchasing a gravel bike, especially the frame material.

The most common materials of gravel bike frames are aluminum and carbon. You could also find the steel frame gravel bikes but they are less popular.

Carbon frame gravel bikes are the top lightweight bike that are truly suitable for riders who love speed. However, they generally come at high price tags.

Aluminum frame gravel bike is likely the best option when they meet almost requirements. They are light in weight enough for ease of store and use. Also, this material is more durable than carbon or steel.

Drivetrain and Gears

You could choose the 1x drivetrain or the 2x drivetrain based on your riding needs. They are the two most popular types of drivetrain on the market.

While 1x drivetrain offers fewer gears of speed and it is more simple to control, 2x drivetrain comes with more gearing options but it is a little bit heavier.

If you just want to use this gravel bike for daily road biking or rolling terrains, I will recommend the 1x drivetrain one. On the other hand, if you prefer a more powerful gravel bike for easily climbing hills, the 2x drivetrain will be a more suitable option.

Brakes

Safety features are always essential. In general, gravel bikes come with the mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes.

The main difference between them is the stopping power and simplicity. In short, hydraulic disc brakes are more powerful and easier to control than mechanical disc brakes. thus, they usually have a higher price.

FAQs

Are gravel bikes any good?

Yes, they are. Gravel bikes are versatile on both on-road and off-road. They offer great power, a wide range of speed to help you move more enjoyably and easily.

How do I choose a gravel bike?

You should know your own riding needs. Do you prefer an all-road bike or a speed-focused bike? Is the weight important? Then, Let’s check the frame style, drivetrain, wheels and tires of a gravel bike to find the answer.

What is the lightest gravel bike?

It is the Lauf Anywhere Core Apex gravel bike. Its total weight is just about 20 pounds.

Why are gravel bikes so expensive?

Gravel bikes are featured with many high-quality components and materials. For example, carbon fiber frame costs much money than other materials like steel or aluminum.

Should I buy a gravel or road bike?

I will say it is the gravel bike. This bike is designed for all-terrain rides while road bike could not work well on rough surfaces, off-road,…