Gravel Bikes – Explore New Routes with Confidence

Gravel bikes are the ultimate go-anywhere machines, designed for riders who want to push beyond paved roads and embrace a true sense of adventure. Blending the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the toughness and control of a mountain bike, gravel bikes give you the freedom to ride wherever your curiosity takes you—from smooth tarmac to rocky trails, gravel tracks, forest paths, and everything in between.

Gravel riding has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. Gravel bikes are incredibly versatile, offering the perfect platform for adventure rides, long-distance touring, fast gravel racing, everyday commuting, or simply exploring local bridleways and backroads.

What makes gravel bikes stand out?

Adventure-ready geometry: Gravel bikes are built with a longer wheelbase, slacker head angles, and slightly taller front ends compared to traditional road bikes. This combination improves stability and control, especially on rough or loose surfaces, while keeping the riding position comfortable enough for long hours in the saddle.

Big tyre clearance: One of the defining features of gravel bikes is their wide tyre clearance. Most models can run tyres between 38mm and 50mm, allowing you to run lower pressures for better grip, smoother ride quality, and improved handling across gravel, dirt, and even mud.

Mounts for racks, bags, and bottles: Gravel bikes are adventure-ready straight out of the box. You’ll often find multiple mounting points for fitting bikepacking bags, racks, extra water bottles, or mudguards—making them ideal for multi-day bikepacking trips or long rides into the wild.

Strong, durable frames: Whether built from lightweight carbon fibre, rugged aluminium, or classic steel, gravel bike frames are designed to absorb punishment without compromising performance. Many models also feature dropped chainstays and flared handlebars to improve tyre clearance and handling.

Powerful disc brakes: Consistent, reliable braking is essential when you're riding mixed terrain. Gravel bikes use hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes to deliver strong stopping power in all weather conditions, giving you control and confidence when descending loose or muddy trails.

Comfort and versatility: Despite their off-road capabilities, gravel bikes are fast, efficient, and surprisingly comfortable on the road too. Many cyclists now choose a gravel bike as their "one bike to do it all," whether for fitness rides, commuting, light touring, or weekend escapes.

Who should choose a gravel bike?

• Riders who want the freedom to explore backroads, gravel paths, and off-road trails

• Adventure cyclists and bikepackers planning long-distance or overnight trips

• Commuters looking for a tough, dependable bike that handles all weather and surface conditions

• Fitness riders and weekend explorers wanting a more adventurous alternative to a traditional road bike

Popular gravel bike models: Giant Revolt, Trek Checkpoint, Specialized Diverge, Cannondale Topstone, Canyon Grizl, Orbea Terra

Typical gravel bike price range: £1,000 – £6,000+

(depending on frame material, drivetrain specification, and added features like integrated storage or suspension systems.)