# Best Gravel Bikes (2026)

Updated: 2026-09-29 · Source: https://pedaloracle.com/bikes/gravel-bikes/

## What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike looks like a road bike but has a longer, more stable geometry, lower gearing and room for wide 38–50 mm tyres. That makes it fast on tarmac and comfortable on gravel roads, forest tracks and light trails. Most have mounts for racks, mudguards and bikepacking bags, which makes them the most versatile drop-bar bike you can buy.

**Great for:**
- Mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths
- Bikepacking and weekend adventures
- One bike that can commute, train and explore

**Skip it if:**
- You only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed
- You want to ride technical, rocky singletrack (get a mountain bike)

## What to look for

1. Tyre clearance of at least 40 mm
2. Low gearing — a 1x drivetrain with a big cassette or a sub-compact 2x
3. Mounts for racks, mudguards and frame bags if you plan to travel

# Recommended models and prices

## Europe (EUR)

> Gravel bikes are best for mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths. Expect to pay under €/$1,100, €/$1,100–3,000, €/$3,000+ depending on level. Top picks in Europe — entry-level: VAN RYSEL Gravel Discovery AF Microshift Acolyte 1x8 (€750); mid-range: CUBE Nuroad C:62 Pro (€2,499); performance: CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLX (€3,999). Best electric option: ROSE Backroad AL Plus Cues (€3,500).

| Level | Typical price | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | under €/$1,100 | VAN RYSEL Gravel Discovery AF Microshift Acolyte 1x8 (€750) |
| Mid-range | €/$1,100–3,000 | CUBE Nuroad C:62 Pro (€2,499) |
| Performance | €/$3,000+ | CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLX (€3,999) |
| Electric | from €3,100 | ROSE Backroad AL Plus Cues (€3,500) |

- **VAN RYSEL Gravel Discovery AF Microshift Acolyte 1x8** — €750 · Entry-level · Aluminium, Microshift Acolyte, 11.5 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Decathlon](https://www.decathlon.de/p/gravelbike-gravel-discovery-af-microshift-acolyte-1x8-grun/342143/c261m8752080)
- **VAN RYSEL GRVL AF Microshift Sword 1x10** — €1,000 · Entry-level · Aluminium, Microshift Sword, 10.8 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Decathlon](https://www.decathlon.de/p/gravelbike-grvl-af-microshift-sword-1x10-braun/344794/c156m8881766)
- **Canyon Grizl 6** — €1,799 · Mid-range · Aluminium, SRAM Apex XPLR, 10.5 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-de/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6/4444.html)
- **Canyon Grail CF 7** — €2,499 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX RD-RX822 12s, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-de/gravel-bikes/race/grail/cf/grail-cf-7/4508.html)
- **CUBE Nuroad C:62 Pro** — €2,499 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX RD-RX820, 8.7 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Bike-Discount](https://www.bike-discount.de/de/cube-nuroad-c-62-pro-cedar-n-stone)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced 3** — €2,600 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano RD-U6020 11f Cues, 9.5 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/de/revolt-advanced-3)
- **CUBE Nuroad C:62 EX** — €2,999 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX Di2 RD-RX827-SGS, 8.8 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Bike-Discount](https://www.bike-discount.de/de/cube-nuroad-c-62-ex-surfblue-n-black)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced 2** — €3,000 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX RX-820, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/de/revolt-advanced-2)
- **ROSE Backroad AL Plus Apex XPLR 1x12** — €3,100 · e-bike · Aluminium, 250 Wh, SRAM Apex XPLR — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at ROSE](https://www.rosebikes.com/p/rose-backroad-al-plus-apex-xplr-1x12-2726041)
- **ROSE Backroad AL Plus GRX RX810 1x11** — €3,200 · e-bike · Aluminium, 250 Wh, Shimano GRX RX810 — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at ROSE](https://www.rosebikes.com/p/rose-backroad-al-plus-grx-rx810-1x11-2726044)
- **Canyon Grail CF 7 Speed** — €3,499 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Rival XPLR AXS RD 13s, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-de/gravel-bikes/race/grail/cf/grail-cf-7-speed/4509.html)
- **ROSE Backroad AL Plus Cues** — €3,500 · e-bike · Aluminium, 250 Wh, Shimano CUES — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at ROSE](https://www.rosebikes.com/p/rose-backroad-al-plus-cues-160226)
- **ROSE Backroad AL Plus EQ** — €3,800 · e-bike · Aluminium, 250 Wh, Shimano CUES — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at ROSE](https://www.rosebikes.com/p/rose-backroad-al-plus-eq-160228)
- **CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLX** — €3,999 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM GX Eagle AXS™ Transmission, 8.4 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Bike-Discount](https://www.bike-discount.de/de/cube-nuroad-c-62-slx-glintsand-n-black)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0** — €6,500 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Force eTap AXS E1, 8.3 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/de/revolt-advanced-pro-0)
- **Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9** — €6,999 · e-bike · Carbon, Bosch Performance Line SX BDU314Y · 400 Wh, SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission, 15.9 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-de/electric-bikes/electric-gravel-bikes/grizl-on/grizl-onfly-cf-9/4281.html)

## United States (USD)

> Gravel bikes are best for mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths. Expect to pay under €/$1,100, €/$1,100–3,000, €/$3,000+ depending on level. Top picks in the US — entry-level: State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road 12-Speed ($1,000); mid-range: Marin Gestalt 3 ($2,099); performance: State Bicycle Co. Carbon All-Road v2 SRAM Rival AXS ($3,500). Best electric option: Ride1Up CF Racer1 Gravel ($2,295).

| Level | Typical price | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | under €/$1,100 | State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road 12-Speed ($1,000) |
| Mid-range | €/$1,100–3,000 | Marin Gestalt 3 ($2,099) |
| Performance | €/$3,000+ | State Bicycle Co. Carbon All-Road v2 SRAM Rival AXS ($3,500) |
| Electric | from $2,295 | Ride1Up CF Racer1 Gravel ($2,295) |

- **State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road Flat Bar Advent X** — $900 · Entry-level · Steel, microSHIFT Advent X — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/4130-all-road-flat-bar-mint-chocolate-chip-10-speed-udh)
- **State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road 12-Speed** — $1,000 · Entry-level · Steel — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/4130-all-road-alpine-bloom-12-speed-udh)
- **Marin Gestalt base** — $1,099 · Entry-level · Aluminium, Shimano Claris — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at Marin](https://marinbikes.com/products/2026-gestalt-base)
- **Polygon Tambora A4** — $1,800 · Mid-range · Aluminium, Shimano Grx — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at BikesOnline](https://www.bikesonline.com/products/polygon-tambora-a4-gravel-bike)
- **Canyon Grizl 6** — $1,999 · Mid-range · Aluminium, SRAM Apex XPLR, 10.5 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6/4444.html)
- **Priority Apollo Drop Bar Aluminium** — $1,999 · Mid-range · Aluminium, Shimano Alfine 11, 10.9 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Priority Bicycles](https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/priority-apollo?variant=42605256769613)
- **State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road SRAM Rival XPLR AXS** — $2,000 · Mid-range · Steel, SRAM Rival XPLR AXS — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/4130-all-road-root-beer-sram-rival-axs)
- **Marin Gestalt 3** — $2,099 · Mid-range · Aluminium, Shimano GRX — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at Marin](https://marinbikes.com/products/2026-gestalt-3)
- **Ride1Up CF Racer1 Gravel** — $2,295 · e-bike · Carbon, Geared 250W hub motor · 252 Wh, SRAM Apex, 13 kg — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at Ride1Up](https://ride1up.com/product/cf-racer1/)
- **State Bicycle Co. Carbon All-Road v2** — $2,400 · Mid-range · Carbon — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/carbon-all-road-v2-colorado-blue)
- **Polygon Bend R6X** — $2,500 · Mid-range · Aluminium — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at BikesOnline](https://www.bikesonline.com/products/polygon-bend-r6x-gravel-bike)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced 2** — $2,800 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX RX-820, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-advanced-2)
- **Superior XR 6.5 GR** — $3,000 · Mid-range · Shimano Grx — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at BikesOnline](https://www.bikesonline.com/products/superior-xr-6-5-gr-gravel-bike-new)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced 1** — $3,200 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Apex XPLR — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-advanced-1)
- **Canyon Grail CF 7** — $3,499 · Mid-range · Carbon, Shimano GRX RD-RX822 12s, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/race/grail/cf/grail-cf-7/4508.html)
- **Priority Gemini Smart.Shift Aluminium** — $3,499 · Performance · Aluminium, Pinion Smart.Shift C1.12i, 12.0 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Priority Bicycles](https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/gemini?variant=40148833763405)
- **State Bicycle Co. Titanium All-Road SRAM Rival AXS** — $3,500 · Performance · Titanium, SRAM Rival AXS — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/titanium-all-road-sram-rival-axs)
- **State Bicycle Co. Carbon All-Road v2 SRAM Rival AXS** — $3,500 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Rival AXS — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at State Bicycle Co.](https://www.statebicycle.com/products/carbon-all-road-v2-team-edition-sram-rival-axs)
- **Priority Apollo Drop Bar Titanium** — $3,999 · Performance · Titanium, Shimano Alfine 11, 10.7 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Priority Bicycles](https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/priority-apollo?variant=42605256835149)
- **Marin DSX E** — $4,199 · e-bike · Aluminium, Bosch SX Sprint, 250W, 55Nm, Class 3 (28mph, 45Km/h) · 400 Wh, Shimano Deore — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at Marin](https://marinbikes.com/products/2026-dsx-e-int)
- **Canyon Grail CF 7 Speed** — $4,299 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Rival XPLR AXS RD 13s, 9.2 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/race/grail/cf/grail-cf-7-speed/4509.html)
- **Superior XR 9.7 GR** — $6,000 · Performance · Carbon — Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour. [View at BikesOnline](https://www.bikesonline.com/products/superior-xr-9-7-gr-carbon-gravel-bike-new)
- **Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0** — $7,000 · Performance · Carbon, SRAM Force eTap AXS E1, 8.3 kg — Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up. [View at Giant](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-advanced-pro-0)

## Size chart (typical)

| Size | Rider height | Inseam | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 150–160 cm (4′11″–5′3″) | 68–74 cm | 49–50 cm |
| S | 158–168 cm (5′2″–5′6″) | 72–78 cm | 51–52 cm |
| M | 167–178 cm (5′6″–5′10″) | 77–83 cm | 54 cm |
| L | 177–186 cm (5′10″–6′1″) | 82–87 cm | 56 cm |
| XL | 185–195 cm (6′1″–6′5″) | 86–91 cm | 58 cm |
| XXL | 193–205 cm (6′4″–6′9″) | 90–97 cm | 60–61 cm |

## FAQ

### What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike looks like a road bike but has a longer, more stable geometry, lower gearing and room for wide 38–50 mm tyres. That makes it fast on tarmac and comfortable on gravel roads, forest tracks and light trails. Most have mounts for racks, mudguards and bikepacking bags, which makes them the most versatile drop-bar bike you can buy.

### How much does a gravel bike cost?

Entry-level gravel bikes cost under €/$1,100, mid-range models €/$1,100–3,000 and performance models €/$3,000+. Electric versions (gravel e-bikes) start around €3,100 / $2,295.

### What is the best entry-level gravel bike?

In Europe our pick is the VAN RYSEL Gravel Discovery AF Microshift Acolyte 1x8 (€750). In the US it's the State Bicycle Co. 4130 All-Road 12-Speed ($1,000). Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.

### What is the best mid-range gravel bike?

In Europe our pick is the CUBE Nuroad C:62 Pro (€2,499). In the US it's the Marin Gestalt 3 ($2,099). Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.

### What is the best performance gravel bike?

In Europe our pick is the CUBE Nuroad C:62 SLX (€3,999). In the US it's the State Bicycle Co. Carbon All-Road v2 SRAM Rival AXS ($3,500). Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.

### What size gravel bike do I need?

As a rule of thumb: XS for 150–160 cm (4′11″–5′3″), S for 158–168 cm (5′2″–5′6″), M for 167–178 cm (5′6″–5′10″), L for 177–186 cm (5′10″–6′1″), XL for 185–195 cm (6′1″–6′5″), XXL for 193–205 cm (6′4″–6′9″). Sizes differ between brands, so check the manufacturer's chart — or take the Pedal Oracle quiz and enter your height and inseam to get your size for each recommended bike.

### Is a gravel bike good for the road?

Yes. With a fast set of 32–38 mm tyres a gravel bike is only slightly slower than a road bike on tarmac, and far more comfortable and capable when the road ends.

### How much does a good gravel bike cost?

Entry-level gravel bikes start around €600–1,000. The sweet spot is €1,200–3,000 for lighter frames and better gearing. Carbon race gravel bikes cost €3,000 and up.

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