Comparison · updated
Gravel bike vs road 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 | Road bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mixed rides on tarmac, gravel roads and forest paths; Bikepacking and weekend adventures; One bike that can commute, train and explore | Fitness riding and training on tarmac; Group rides, sportives and long days in the saddle; Riders who want to go as far and fast as possible on roads |
| Skip it if | You only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed | Most of your riding is on gravel or trails |
| Entry-level | under €/$1,100 | under €/$1,000 |
| Mid-range | €/$1,100–3,000 | €/$1,000–3,000 |
| Performance | €/$3,000+ | €/$3,000+ |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Models in our list | 16 (EU)23 (US) | 13 (EU)14 (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 road bike if…
- Fitness riding and training on tarmac
- Group rides, sportives and long days in the saddle
- Riders who want to go as far and fast as possible on roads
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
Endurace AllRoad
Long roads and café stops: this one is keen to stretch its legs.
- Aluminium
- Shimano CUES U6020-10
- 10.8 kg
Defy Advanced 4
Long roads and café stops: this one is keen to stretch its legs.
- Carbon
- Shimano CUES U6030
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
Endurace AllRoad
Long roads and café stops: this one is keen to stretch its legs.
- Aluminium
- Shimano CUES U6020-10
- 10.8 kg
Strattos 7 105
Drop bars and tarmac miles, with a drivetrain ready to keep you rolling.
- Carbon
- Shimano 105
Frequently asked questions
Is a gravel bike better than a road bike?
Pick a road bike if you ride almost only on tarmac and want every last bit of speed. Pick a gravel bike if you want one drop-bar bike for tarmac, gravel, commuting and luggage — for most riders it's the more useful bike, and only slightly slower on the road.
Which is cheaper, a gravel bike or a road bike?
A good road bike is usually cheaper. Entry-level gravel bikes cost under €/$1,100 and road bikes under €/$1,000; mid-range €/$1,100–3,000 vs €/$1,000–3,000.
Can a gravel bike do what a road bike does?
Partly. A gravel bike isn't ideal if you only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed. A road bike isn't ideal if most of your riding is on gravel or trails.