Cheap Gravel Bikes

What's a gravel bike?
A gravel bike, otherwise known as an adventure or all-road bike, is a do-it-all versatile bike designed for multi terrain riding; handling smooth road tarmac, the gravel of canal paths and the dirt & roots of forest singletrack and bridleways alike. Gravel bikes are popular amongst UK riders for touring, bike trekking and bikepacking, as well as daily commuting.

Gravel Bikes vs Road Bikes
Similar in shape to a road bike at first glance, a gravel bike features a more upright riding position, with lower gearing, wider tyre clearance and higher volume tyres for extra grip. The wheelbase of a gravel bike will be longer than that of a road bike, with more relaxed geometry for extra stability. Handlebars are typically wider, and gravel bikes almost exclusively use disc brakes rather than the traditional caliper brakes of road cycling. This provides the increased braking power necessary when riding more challenging terrain. Cheaper gravel bikes tend to utilise mechanical disc brakes, with the majority of mid to high end models featuring full hydraulic braking systems for additional power and less maintenance.

Gravel Bike Framesets
Most gravel bike frames are constructed from alloy, steel or carbon, with a few high end bikes comprising of titanium framesets. Alloy is typically the most cost effective and is found on the cheapest gravel bikes, with lightweight yet stiff carbon reserved for gravels bikes in the £2000 plus category. Steel frames offer a forgiving ride, although often with a slight weight penalty. The vast majority of adventure bikes feature rigid forks, with a few expensive models featuring short travel suspension systems. Gravel frames also often provide mudguard and luggage mounts for greater versatility, thus appealing to bike packers, touring cyclists and commuters who wish to stay clean.

Wheel sizes for gravel riding
Wheels vary between 650b and 700c, and are interchangeable on most gravel bikes; the smaller diameter 650b (27.5") wheels providing additional tyre clearance, and thus enabling riders to run wider and higher volume tyres for increased grip. Gravel bike tyre volume is greater than that of a road bike, but narrower than a mountain bike to reflect the bike's purpose of riding both form of terrain.

Gravel Gearing
Gravel bikes are either fitted with a single chainring up front (1x drivetrain) for simplicity or a double chainring and front derailleur (2x) for those who require wider gearing.

Gravel Bike Components
An adventure bike's drop handlebars appear similar to a road bike's setup, but most models feature flared ends to increase width and control when riding fast, tricky sections. Overall width is still far less than that of a mountain bike's flat or riser bars, and if you're not confident of riding with narrow bars, then some hybrids offer a similar riding experience to a gravel bike, albeit with flat bars instead of drops. Alternatively I also have a section dedicated to electric bikes, including a few gravel E-Bikes for those who would like additional assistance up the hills.

To Conclude
So there you have it; a highly versatile, fast yet fun riding bike aimed at those who wish to ride on mixed terrain with just the one bike. Below you can search for a gravel bike; simply select your size, budget or frame material and I'll do the rest! Whether it be the best budget gravel bikes under £1000, or mid range models in the £2000-3000 range, I'll do my best to help!