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Gravel Bike Review
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Apr 1, 2025
Thanks to our extensive testing for our 'Gravel Bike Of The Year' awards, we have spent lots of time with the most popular models out on the market today. We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.
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winner of our gravel bike of the year test the giant revolt stands to be a fantastic option for
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riders who really do want to bike with a split personality the revolt stands out thanks to its
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ability to cater to a wide range of preferences it boasts unique features such as the versatile
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seatpost setup compatibility with both proprietary and round seatposts meaning it offers increased
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options for suspension seat posts the adjustable rear dropouts enhance its functionality allowing
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for aggressive racing performance in the short position and improve stability in the long
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position this functionality is only compounded by the wide tire clearance there's ample mounting
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points on the frame which further increase its utilitarian nature for carrying gear the revolt
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impresses with its exceptional frame compliance effectively absorbing impacts while maintaining lateral stiffness for precise handling it's competitive on price starting at under 3 000
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pounds for the base model and five and a half thousand pounds for the top end version this
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makes it a very attractive proposition however its relatively high head tube stack at 586 millimeters
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might limit customization for some riders nonetheless the revolt's exceptional performance across various terrain solidifies its position as a standout gravel bike demonstrating its prowess
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in both racing and stability, earning it recognition and appreciation in the industry
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and with customers alike. The latest iteration of the Diverge gravel bike showcases a standout
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feature, the all-new rear future shock, which was designed to enhance rider comfort and bike balance
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Specialized engineers combined rear-end compliance with all the benefits of suspension seat posts, creating a system that smoothly adjusts to uneven terrain while maintaining
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saddle height. The bike's weight remains competitive, with the whole system adding
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only 400g to the frame. Specialized offers various models in the Diverge STR line
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including the top-end S-Works version, retailing at $14,000, and the Expert and Pro models priced
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at $9,500 and $7,500 respectively. The bike boasts a FACT 11R carbon frame set
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future shock 2.0 in the front and the innovative rear future shock providing ample tire clearance and
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compatibility with 650b by 2 inch or 700c by 47 millimeter tires Despite its higher price point the Diverge STR suspension system effectively improves ride comfort stability and traction catering to both
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racing and adventure enthusiasts. This bike will sit in the halo category for many, and we really
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don't love how much this bike costs. We also think that the fit and ride feel will take some time to
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get used to and to set up. However, once dialed in, the STR works brilliantly on a myriad of terrains
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and parkours. Canyon recently updated its Grail gravel bike and has since gone on to garner
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significant attention after successful wins in various races, but most importantly, the UCI
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Gravel World Champs. The new model reflects Canyon's desire to improve gravel racing performance
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and aerodynamics, with a focus on streamlining the bike and enhancing stability without compromising
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agility. The update includes changes to the tube shapes, the handlebars and the seat post
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resulting in a saving of over 9 watts at 45 kilometers per hour compared to the previous
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version. The integration of in-frame storage and the introduction of the Load Fidlock Quickloader
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further optimize the bike's functionality. Notably, the shift from the double-decker bar
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to a traditional bar stem steerer design has improved the rider experience especially in terms
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of handling and adaptability to different riding positions. Canyon's emphasis on aerodynamics is
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evident in the streamlined design and the integration of the gear groove on the handlebars
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allowing for various accessories and aero extensions. Despite early concerns about the
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lengthening of the wheelbase we found the Grail maintains its lively and agile feel with enhanced
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stability in the corners and quick line changes on rough descents. Canyon's CFR version offers
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additional carbon layout modifications for reduced weight and increased stiffness, while the CFSL provides an entry-level option with fewer integrated features but
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at a more competitive price. It's rare to find a bike in the sub-$1,000 category
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but the Triban 120 gravel bike is known for its affordability and happily comes in well below that price threshold
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It offers practical features such as external cable routing mounts for mudguards and pannier racks and a threaded bottom bracket Despite its limitations including the absence of expected additional mounts and less than ideal aesthetics the bike carbon fork and micro shift 1x10 drivetrain with a built clutch
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really do stand out at this price point the pro max dsk brakes though competent lack power and
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modulation but the tri-band tubeless ready wheels do contribute to the bike's overall versatility
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While the bike handles well on moderate trails, its performance on rough terrain is limited by a
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slightly skittish feel during descents. As a commuter, the bike's slick centre tread and
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comfortable ride quality make it suitable for urban use, although the gearing's gaps and
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braking performance might pose issues for some riders. Priced at $899 or £599, the Tri-Band
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120 gravel bike represents incredibly good value for money, but for those willing to spend a little
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more the sorra spec'd vita substance v2 gravel bike offers enhanced features and aesthetics for
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an additional cost the triband 120 gravel bike remains a really good option for those
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who want to explore what the world of gravel has to offer without forking out too much
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as seen in our top endurance bikes for 2024 the vitus venom evo is potentially one of the most
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versatile bikes out there designed to merge the features of endurance road bikes and gravel bikes
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its tire clearance ranges from 28 millimeters to 45 millimeters catering to different riding
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preferences the evo gr version offers gravel specific group sets with higher end models
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incorporating aero components for enhanced speed on gravel paths the bike features a monocop frame
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with a press fit bottom bracket and integrated cable routing suitable for both mechanical and
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electronic group sets the design includes drop seat stays for added comfort and a geometry that
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balances between endurance road bikes and more racy gravel bikes we love the venus aesthetic
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appeal efficient riding experience and its handling on challenging terrain showcasing its versatility
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beyond its intended niche despite some limitations with the handlebars minimal space for additional
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attachments and the potential issue for the bike skipping in strong crosswinds the vitus venon evo
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offers a well-rounded value for money option for riders looking for a versatile high performance bike
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acknowledging that any slice of the gravel spectrum contains its own smaller spectrum we love it when a bike can do both gravel and tarmac really well much like the Vetus Venon the BMC Kais presents a great option for those looking to do a little bit of everything
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The BMC Kais takes things up another notch compared to its rivals
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Sure, the frame is a little heavier, but the riding position and the ride itself is even closer to that of a road bike
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It makes you wonder whether all road bikes really have a place anymore
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The Caius is at least an equal on tarmac, but still more capable off-road
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The place of endurance road bikes such as the Giant Defy and Trek Domane even starts to become
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questionable, but both those brands are quite fortunate that the Caius isn't compatible with
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Mudguards. Otherwise, those questions would really start to be asked in earnest
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If you don't care about Mudguards though, a Caius with 35mm slick tyres
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same as can be fitted to a Defy or Domane, would be a weapon on the road
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but would leave your gravel riding options wide open. The newly launched Merida Silex has gained attention not only for its anticipated debut
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but also for Matej Mohoric's triumph at the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships
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where he rode an unreleased version of the bike. With a focus on testing its capabilities
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the bike is promoted as an adventure option. Staying true to its original concept
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the Silex boasts a mountain bike-inspired geometry, making it versatile for commuting
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and bikepacking. Merida has adjusted the Silex's geometry, providing a 69.5-degree head angle and
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increasing tyre clearance to accommodate up to 45mm rubber, although slightly trailing behind
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its competitors with a 50mm clearance option. The bike features ample mounting points for luggage
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and mug guards, and is equipped with robust 180mm rotors, enhancing its braking power
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without significant weight implications. When we tested the bike, the Silex showcased its
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impressive stability and handling on various terrains, including challenging climbs and technical descents. Despite its limitation on tyre clearance, the Silex remains an engaging and
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versatile option for multiple riding styles, demonstrating its prowess in aiding Mohoric's
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win at the championships. So there we have it those are the top gravel bikes we think are worth
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considering in 2024. Let us know which of these bikes would you pick? If you enjoyed the video
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then please do drop it a like, subscribe to the channel for more content and we will see you again
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very soon
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