Comparison · updated
Gravel bike vs mountain bike
Two good bikes, two different jobs. Here's which one fits how you ride — with prices, sizes and our picks.
Side by side
| Gravel bike | Mountain bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths; Bikepacking and weekend adventures; One bike that can commute, train and explore | Forest roads, fire roads and flowing trails; Beginners who want to learn mountain biking without spending a fortune; Cross-country racing and fast climbing |
| Skip it if | You only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed | You ride rough, rocky or steep trails most of the time |
| Entry-level | under €/$1,100 | under €/$900 |
| Mid-range | €/$1,100–3,000 | €/$900–2,500 |
| Performance | €/$3,000+ | €/$2,500+ |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | S, M, L, XL |
| Models in our list | 16 (EU)23 (US) | 11 (EU)17 (US) |
| Electric versions | yes | yes |
Choose a gravel bike if…
- Mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths
- Bikepacking and weekend adventures
- One bike that can commute, train and explore
Choose a mountain bike if…
- Forest roads, fire roads and flowing trails
- Beginners who want to learn mountain biking without spending a fortune
- Cross-country racing and fast climbing
Top picks
EuropeGrizl 6
Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.
- Aluminium
- SRAM Apex XPLR
- 10.5 kg
Grail CF 7
Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.
- Carbon
- Shimano GRX RD-RX822 12s
- 9.2 kg
Talon 1
Trade the traffic queue for a lap through the woods.
- Aluminium
- microSHIFT Advent RD-M7015 11-fach
- 100 mm
- 13.6 kg
PDQ AL 1
A hardtail for woodland loops and off-road exploring.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 120 mm
Top picks
United StatesTambora A4
Take the longer route home, with tyres ready for the gravel detour.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Grx
Grizl 6
Take the scenic shortcut when the tarmac gives up.
- Aluminium
- SRAM Apex XPLR
- 10.5 kg
Talon 1
Trade the traffic queue for a lap through the woods.
- Aluminium
- microSHIFT Advent RD-M7015 11-fach
- 100 mm
- 13.6 kg
Xtrada 6
A hardtail for woodland loops and off-road exploring.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 120 mm
Frequently asked questions
Is a gravel bike better than a mountain bike?
A gravel bike is faster on roads and smooth dirt and great for long distances. A hardtail mountain bike has suspension and wider tyres, so it's more capable and confident on rough, rooty trails.
Which is cheaper, a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
A good mountain bike is usually cheaper. Entry-level gravel bikes cost under €/$1,100 and mountain bikes under €/$900; mid-range €/$1,100–3,000 vs €/$900–2,500.
Can a gravel bike do what a mountain bike does?
Partly. A gravel bike isn't ideal if you only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed. A mountain bike isn't ideal if you ride rough, rocky or steep trails most of the time.