Gravel

A road bike is designed for the road, for maximum speed. Off the road, comfort and stability are minimised, and speed and safety are compromised. The gravel bike, on the other hand, is more versatile: It’s fast on the road and beyond – whether on gravel tracks, forest paths or easy trails. If you regularly venture off the tarmac, you’ll find that, overall, you ride faster and with greater control on a gravel bike.

Yes, a gravel bike is ideal for beginners. The generally more upright riding position, wide tyres and stable handling ensure safety and comfort. At the same time, it’s sporty enough to really put your foot down during training and touring. You’ll quickly get used to the shifting and handlebars; the latter are usually wider than on a road bike.

A gravel bike is ideal for anyone who wants to ride fast and competitively, but also wants to explore more than just tarmac roads. Or for riders who appreciate the relief offered by a drop bar on long, varied routes. Another advantage is the balanced geometry in terms of riding position and handling characteristics.

For many people, the gravel bike strikes the perfect balance. It is ideal for fast commuters and touring cyclists, bikepacking adventurers and sporty cyclists who want the flexibility to switch between roads, gravel and dirt tracks. Is a road bike too restrictive for you, a mountain bike too much and a hybrid bike too laid-back? If you're looking for a versatile bike for everyday use, sport and leisure, the gravel bike is a true all-rounder.
 

Yes, gravel bikes are surprisingly fast on tarmac too; depending on how you use them and the tyres you fit, they can even be very fast. The sporty geometry and lightweight frame without suspension ensure efficient power transfer and a fast ride. Although they do not match the acceleration and top speed of a comparable road bike, they do offer greater comfort and versatility on varied terrain or poor road conditions. If a road bike pulls away from you on the road, you’ll often catch up with it there. 
 

Gravel bikes are designed for long distances, with their comfort levels varying depending on the category and intended use. Especially on long days in the saddle, the balanced riding position takes the strain off your back, shoulders and bottom, whilst your hands can frequently change grip and wide tyres effectively absorb bumps. This ensures a high level of riding comfort even on rides lasting several hours over varying terrain, and helps to reduce fatigue.

Gravel bikes are among the most popular bikes for adventure travel and have really helped to establish the bikepacking trend. Adventure gravel bikes such as the Rose Backroad or Backroad AL feature numerous mounting points for panniers, bottle cages and accessories. Wide tyres, balanced handling and a versatile drop bar are also ideal. 

The combination of comfort, options to carry luggage, off-road capability and speed makes these gravel bikes ideal for multi-day tours. On top of that, there are features such as a storage compartment in the frame and a charging port for devices on the handlebars. The Backroad Unsupported, the leading model in bikepacking, even offers a built-in lighting system and self-powered charging via a hub dynamo. 
 

A good gravel bike should be equipped with reliable hydraulic disc brakes, sufficient clearance for wide tyres, a shifting system suited to varied terrain, and sturdy, wide wheels. Depending on the intended use, attachment points for luggage, a power metre for measuring power output during training, and high-quality carbon components can all help to improve comfort and reduce weight.

A gravel bike is usually ideal for the daily commute. It combines efficient riding on tarmac with a high level of safety on poor-quality roads, cycle paths or gravel sections. With integrated or retrofittable mudguards, lights and a luggage rack, it becomes a versatile bike for commuting. Expensive carbon gravel bikes and racing models are only recommended to a limited extent. There should be a suitable place to store these bikes at the workplace.

Good-quality gravel bikes for beginners start at between 1,000 and 1,500 euros. Here you’ll find components from well-known manufacturers, particularly hydraulic disc brakes. Advanced or more ambitious cyclists often spend between 2,000 and 4,000 euros on lighter frames, higher-quality components and extras. Premium models with top-of-the-range equipment can be significantly more expensive. Carbon gravel bikes usually start at 3,000 euros, but can sometimes be found for less in the sales.

The most important thing is choosing the right frame in terms of frame size and the intended use. As well as the tyres that are already fitted, look out for differences in tyre clearance, gear ratios and mounting options for luggage and accessories. Hydraulic disc brakes should be fitted as standard. Anyone who regularly rides in the dark and in all weathers should tailor their equipment specifically to these requirements and, for example, look out for mudguards or retrofit options.