Gravel bikes are also commonly referred to as adventure bikes or all-road bikes. manufacturers build them to navigate all terrains ranging from single-track roads, dirt roads, forest service roads, to even pavements.
Gravel bikes are usually better than road bikes and more efficient than mountain bikes. These bikes occupy that unique space between efficiency and capability. While there are still more than a few debates on what a gravel bike really is, they all share some common features.
High volume tires for rough roads, more upright seat positioning, and multiple attachment points for extra gear are common in all gravel bikes. How well these bikes handle the task allocated to them is what determines how good they are.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best gravel bikes available on the market using certain design features. From the beautiful, the awkward, the weird, to the most wondrous designs, we have you covered.
Best Gravel Bikes 2023
1. Cannondale Topstone 105
An aluminium-frame bike winning the top spot was a surprise to us, but Topstone 105 is sleek, it is versatile, and it has a competitive price. It comes equipped with hydraulic brake discs, wide wheels, and a Shimano 105 drivetrain.
Topstone not only comes cheap but also handles riding bumps like a champ. It lacks pedals and is tubeless, however it still isn’t a lightweight bike by any measure.
Specs
- Aluminium frame
- Shimano 105 drivetrain
- 2 x 11 gears
- Hydraulic disc brake
- 700c x 37mm wheels
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality components
- Versatile
- Handles bump brilliantly
Cons
- Heavy
- Lacks a pedal and is set up tubeless
2. Mason Definition 2 Rival 1X
Including a few new technological nuances has brought Mason Definition 2 Rival up-to-date with current trends. Rear over the quick release and speccing of the thru-axles front are some of what Mason has added to this model.
It has a beautiful finish with quality specifications and an excellent performance in UK riding.
Specs
- SRAM Rival 1 HRD
- 51kg weight
- 54cm size
- Mechanical Ultegra Hydro
Pros
- Versatile
- Has some new innovations
- Intuitive use
- Long-lasting
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
3. Canyon Grail Al 7.0
Grail 7.0 is surprisingly cheap for its amazing quality. This alloy version abandons the traditional hover bar of Grail for a more modern standard cockpit. It has an 80mm stem, hydroformed tubing, full carbon fork, and oversized steering.
Canyon Grail A1 performs excellently despite its low durability.
Specs
- 700c x 40mm wheels
- 80mm stem
- Hydroformed tubing
- 25-inches of steering
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Light
- Has a full carbon fork
- Adopts a standard cockpit
- Cheap
Cons
- Lacks durability
4. Giant Revolt Advanced 2
Giant Revolt is one of the highest-quality bikes available in this 2023 for such a price. While its carbon frame may be too expensive, it is light and compliant. Revolt is basically a top-notch bike that far exceeds similar models.
Specs
- Carbon frame
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 2 x 11 gears
- Shimano 105 drivetrain
- 700c x 38mm tires
Pros
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Powerful drivetrain
- Smooth sailing
- Offers a more mellow ride
Cons
- Carbon frame not worth the price jump
- Expensive
5. Trek Checkpoint SL 5
Trek Checkpoint has continued to dominate gravel bike racing this year with Checkpoint SL 5 as their genus locus. SL 5 has an IsoSpeed feature that acts like a mountain bikes rear suspension. The technology decouples the seat and top tubes to create a smooth ride with less jarring by reducing vibrations.
Specs
- Carbon frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2 x 11 gears
- Shimano 105 drivetrain
- 700c x 40mm wheels
Pros
- Excellent for races
- IsoSpeed excellent for smooth rides
Cons
- Expensive
- Giant Advanced 2 above has better performance
6. Salsa Journeyman Claris 700
Having a large budget to blow on gravel bikes doesn’t mean you should. If your interest lay in casual back-roads exploration and exploring some shortcuts to work, Salsa is enough to do the job.
It comes in a quality aluminium frame with numerous extra gear attachment points. Claris 700 works with a Shimano Claris drivetrain with no end to the handlebar and wheel sizes.
Specs
- Aluminium frame
- Mechanical Disc brake
- 2 x 8 gears
- Shimano Claris drivetrain
- 700c x 38mm wheels
Pros
- Cheap
- An impressive number of attachment options
- Expert manufacturer
- Many accessory sizes
Cons
- Downgraded components
- No thru-axle and other features
- Wire-bread tires add weight
7. Genesis Datum 20
Datum is another heavy bike that atones for its abysmal performance with its ride quality. While it is slightly lower and longer than expected, it comes a 72-degree to help you with a stable and safe feel.
Specs
- 29kg in weight
- 700c x 45mm wheels
- 72-degree head angle
- 2mm Seatpost
Pros
- Leaf-spring swallows road vibrations
- Comfortable
- Confidence-inspiring long and low position
- 15mm thru-bolt in the fork
- Springy
- Awesome look
Cons
- Pricy
- Heavy
8. Salsa Warbird Tiagra
Warbird was originally released in 2013 by Salsa to rapacious applause, and the new Tiagra has a lot of tweaks to its geometry. Warbird is now comfortable with 2-inch wide tires, 650b tires, improved stability, and additional mounting placements.
They add versatility to gravel bikes the new Waxwing fork that features three-pack mounts.
Specs
- Carbon frame
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 2 x 10 gears
- Waxwing fork
- 700c x 40mm wheels
Pros
- Excellent at racing
- Durable and flexible
- Additional attachment points for extra gear
- Stable at high speeds
Cons
- Expensive
- The mechanical disc is no match for hydraulic
9. Specialized Diverge Sport
Diverge Sport is another carbon frame gravel bike that is more fairly priced than Salsa Warbird. Its suspension (up to 20mm of travel) is what sets it apart from other carbon frames. Diverge sport excels at descending rough washboard roads.
Specs
- Carbon frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2 x 11 gears
- 700c x 38mm wheels
Pros
- Diverge line-up is extensive
- Lightweight
- Excellent suspension
- Large wheels
Cons
- Expensive
10. Diamondback Haanjo 3
Haanjo 3 follows Diamondback’s budget-friendly nature to a tee. It is an entry-level bike that does everything well enough and at a cheap enough price to be called excellent.
Specs
- Aluminium frame
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 2 x 9 gears
- Six sizes
- 700c x 37mm
- Shimano Sora drivetrain
Pros
- Many size options available
- Cheap
- Additional mounting locations
Cons
- Not as many size options as other models
- Heavy
- Price seems inflated