# Gravel bike vs 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.

| | 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 |

## FAQ

### 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.

Guides: https://pedaloracle.com/bikes/gravel-bikes/ · https://pedaloracle.com/bikes/road-bikes/ · Source: https://pedaloracle.com/compare/gravel-bike-vs-road-bike/