Comparison · updated
Touring bike vs gravel bike
Two good bikes, two different jobs. Here's which one fits how you ride — with prices, sizes and our picks.
Side by side
| Touring bike | Gravel bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Multi-day and multi-week trips with panniers; Long-distance, loaded riding; Riders who value reliability over weight | 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 mostly do day rides without luggage | You only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed |
| Entry-level | under €/$1,000 | under €/$1,100 |
| Mid-range | €/$1,000–2,500 | €/$1,100–3,000 |
| Performance | €/$2,500+ | €/$3,000+ |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Models in our list | 4 (EU)2 (US) | 16 (EU)23 (US) |
| Electric versions | yes | yes |
Choose a touring bike if…
- Multi-day and multi-week trips with panniers
- Long-distance, loaded riding
- Riders who value reliability over weight
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
Top picks
EuropeKathmandu EXC
Pack the panniers and give the map a little less authority.
- Aluminium
- Shimano CUES RD-U8020
- 16.3 kg
Kathmandu ONE
Pack the panniers and give the map a little less authority.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Cues RD-U4020-SGS
- 17.4 kg
Grizl 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
Top picks
United StatesFour Corners 1 CUES
Load up and follow the road a little further.
- Steel
- Shimano CUES RDU3020
600ADX
Pack the panniers and give the map a little less authority.
- Aluminium
- Pinion C1.12
- 15.4 kg
Tambora 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
Frequently asked questions
Is a touring bike better than a gravel bike?
A touring bike is built to carry heavy racks and panniers for weeks, with a stable steel frame and very low gears. A gravel bike is lighter and faster, ideal for light bikepacking with frame bags and everyday riding.
Which is cheaper, a touring bike or a gravel bike?
A good touring bike is usually cheaper. Entry-level touring bikes cost under €/$1,000 and gravel bikes under €/$1,100; mid-range €/$1,000–2,500 vs €/$1,100–3,000.
Can a touring bike do what a gravel bike does?
Partly. A touring bike isn't ideal if you mostly do day rides without luggage. A gravel bike isn't ideal if you only ever ride smooth tarmac and want maximum speed.