Test: In the past few weeks we have examined 13 gravel bikes up to 2.600 euros. What we noticed during the test period, which bikes surprised us and our conclusion on the Gravelbikes Test 2018.
Update 2020: 30 gravel bikes tested in two test fields
Gravel bike test 2020: Beginners up to 2.000 euros: 16 current models up to 2.000 euros in the test
Test: In our editorial office, the past few weeks and months have clearly been under the bright rising star of gravel bikes - we are devoting an entire month to the gravel all-rounders. An essential part of our Gravel February is also a comprehensive test of current entry-level bikes. We took a very close look at a total of 16 bikes up to 2.000 euros […]
Gravel bikes test 2020: high-end up to 8.000 euros: 15 current gravel racers in the test
Test: In the last few weeks and months we have had the pleasure of testing a total of over 30 current gravel bikes, spread over two or three test fields. The crème de la crème can be found in our high-end test. Here the manufacturers were not set a price limit when they were invited to the test - accordingly, there are some test candidates for which [...]
Gravelbikes Test 2018 – Finding #1: Not all Gravelbikes are the same
After a first warm-up lap on all test candidates, the first thing we realized was that the term gravel bike only seems to be a niche of a niche, but at the same time it also describes an enormous range of different bikes and even bike types. From racing bikes with slightly wider tires to trekking bikes with racing handlebars, everything was there.
To illustrate this broad spectrum of different orientations, we looked at the stack-to-reach values of our test field. If you don't know what to do with it: To put it very simply, this value describes the relationship between frame height and frame length and thus serves as a good indication of how sporty the respective geometry is. Different stems, handlebars, etc. can of course still influence this in the final assembly, so the diagram is nothing more than a rough guide.
Two extreme representatives with racing handlebars serve as reference bikes: on the one hand the new Specialized Venge with a stack-to-reach of 1,43 and therefore an extremely sporty seating position and on the other hand a Tout Terrain Grande Route - a genuine randonneur with a stack -to reach of 1,65. As the diagram shows, our test bikes fall somewhere between these two poles: While sporty representatives are almost on the same level as a Specialized Venge, others offer an extremely tour-oriented basic orientation.
That's why you should think carefully before you buy: What is the bike going to be used for in practice? How important are attachment points for luggage or fenders? What percentage of real “terrain” will really be? And even more so than with other types of bikes, we consider a test ride to be crucial before buying a gravel bike.
All information about Shimano's new gravel group GRX
Product news: Shimano GRX: All information about the new gravel group
Product news / Gravel: Gravel bikes have long since outgrown their former niche and with their increasing popularity, the need for components specially tailored to the universal racers is also increasing. Shimano's answer to this is GRX - a complete series of special Gravel components that break new ground in several respects. We have all the information about the new Shimano […]
Gravelbikes Test 2018 - Finding #2: Tires make the difference
Unfortunately, the extent of the influence of tires on the handling of the respective bike is still often underestimated. They are responsible for the contact between the bike and the ground, a successful balance between rolling resistance, grip and comfort is the key to a well-rounded riding experience. With perhaps hardly any other type of bike, the tire used plays such an important role as with a gravel bike - in addition, it often shows in advance where the manufacturer classifies its bike.
Except for the Drössiger Gravel PIT all our test bikes are equipped with 28″ wheels on which tires of different widths and profiles are mounted. Here the bandwidth ranges from a slender 30mm at the Specialized Diverge Comp E5 up to 51mm at Ghost Fire Road Rage. Some bikes also offer the option of installing smaller 650b wheels with fat MTB tires. The rolling circumference remains almost the same, comfort and grip increase as well as the weight. Among other things, this offers space for thicker 650b tires Merida Flintwhich Rondo Ruut and also the one mentioned Drössiger Gravel PIT, which is even delivered from the factory.
However, width is not everything, the profile also makes a significant contribution to grip, comfort and handling. Manufacturers usually rely on all-rounders such as the GravelKing SK from Panaracer or the G-One from Schwalbe, which roll well on asphalt but also offer a minimum of grip off-road. By the way, it is not only worth converting to tubeless for weight reasons, which is possible with most of our tested bikes without much effort. Rolling resistance and puncture resistance also decrease when driving without a tube.
Gravelbikes Test 2018 - Finding #3: Weight isn't everything
Okay, admittedly, while we weren't exactly shocked, we were at least extremely unimpressed by the weights on most of the test bikes. Only two candidates are under 9kg, most even over 9,5kg. This is sporty in view of the set price range, but the test also showed that the weight of the complete bike does not play such a decisive role in the targeted area of use of a gravel bike as one would actually assume.
Hilly terrain, relaxed rolling passages and no timekeeping: This is what everyday life looks like on most gravel bikes. That's why we are happy to accept a few grams of excess weight - for example for mounting options. The biggest differences can be felt in the wheel weight: It was pleasing here that there were hardly any outliers and the manufacturer's own wheel sets also weighed pleasingly little.
Gravel bikes test 2018: Our test result
All bikes including their strengths and weaknesses, prices and links to the respective individual tests can be found in our list of the best.
Leaderboard: Gravel bikes up to €2.600 tested
Update 2022: Gravel bikes in two test fields in the test Gravel bikes test 2019: Key data and test field We have decided to limit the maximum price for our test field to 2.600 euros. The background: Despite their suitability for the masses, gravel bikes are still more likely to be a second or third bike than the main bike for most cyclists out there. In this respect […]
Gravel bikes test 2018: Our test winner
Ghost Fire Road Rage 6.9 LC
After having over a dozen gravel bikes under our butts, a surprise finally comes first: the Ghost Fire Road Rage 6.9 LC. At first glance, of course, the thick 29″ MTB tires dominate here, but apart from that, the chic carbon bike has a lot to offer: There are numerous fastening eyelets to make the bike a perfect companion for longer bikepacking adventures and The geometry also plays a role here: The seating position is quite sporty ex works, but due to the sloping top tube and the good balance, this can be significantly mitigated with a few adjustments. But back to the tyres: unsurprisingly, they offer significantly more reserves and comfort off-road than classic Gravel tires, but the rolling resistance was also quite pleasing, at least on gravel.
Gravel bikes test 2018: price/performance winner
BH Gravel-X Alu 1.5
Not everyone can or wants to invest €2.500 in a gravel bike. This applies above all to those for whom the off-road racer should be more of an addition to the fleet than "one for all". The BH Gravel-X Alu 1.5, which is available in stores with an RRP of €1.399, proves that you can get a solid bike that works “out of the box” for comparatively little money. The equipment with Shimano 105 and mechanical disc brakes is not a case for the ice cream parlor, but does its job reliably in practice. The aluminum frame convinces with a good balance between comfort and acceleration and offers thru-axles at the front and rear. Even if the BH was one of the heavier bikes in the test field with a total weight of almost 10kg, it was quite lively to ride, which is certainly also due to the comparatively light wheels made in-house.
Alternative: Bergamot Grandurance 6
Gravel bikes test 2018: The racing machine
Orbea Terra M31 D19
The "Gravelbike" drawer covers an incredibly wide range of different bikes. The Orbea Terra M31 is exactly the bike for those who see it as a racing bike with off-road genes - or in other words: a long-distance cross bike. The bike from the Basque Country offers a stiff carbon frame with an extremely sporty seating position, on which light Fulcrum wheels are mounted, keeping the total weight well under 9kg. The perfect bike for winter training or exploration tours with alternating gravel and asphalt. Even individualists will be happy with the Terra: Orbea's MyO program allows you to customize the color of the frame - at no extra charge. By the way: If the bandwidth of the built-in Sram Rival 1-speed drivetrain is not enough for you, you can also find a variant with Shimano 30 in the form of the Terra M105.
Alternatives: BMC Roadmachine X | Scott Speedster Gravel10
Gravel bikes test 2018: The touring specialist
Fuji Jari 1.1
At the other end of the spectrum of use for gravel bikes is the demand for touring: a sporty pendulum bike? Check. Ready for bikepacking adventures? Check. A bike that embodies these characteristics like no other in our test is the Fuji Jari 1.1. The rather relaxed geometry also makes touring riders happy, the versatile frame with mounting options for countless bags, racks and mudguards is a perfect basis for a multi-day tourer. Also: In the golden paintwork, the bike is simply incredibly good to look at.
Alternatives: Rondo Ruut ST Gravel Plus | Bull's Grinder 3
Gravel bike test 2018: all-rounder
Rose Backroad Force
Many do not see a special bike in a gravel bike, but the opposite: In a way, the Swiss army knife of the drop bar world. The Rose Backroad, which was presented only recently, almost completely lives up to this admittedly high claim. The geometry of the carbon frame is almost perfectly balanced to make everyone from racers to touring riders happy, the quality of the add-on parts and the weight of the complete bike are unrivaled in this class. Clever solutions for mudguards and even luggage racks transform the noble carbon bike into a sporty commuter or a powerful tourer in no time at all.
Alternatives: Drössiger Gravel PIT | Specialized Diverge Comp E5
Daniel says
Very successful and informative test. Thanks a lot for this!
Eninio says
And which providers build GRAVEL up to Rh 64?
Thomas says
I would like to take a look at the Ghost in store. Unfortunately, the bike is not even available in the whole of Hamburg.
French says
How good that I ordered the Ghost 2 weeks ago ^^ Can't wait!
Very successful test. Would have saved me a lot of time. You really have to gather the information together. You still don't have a driving impression.
Svato says
Hello Velomotion Team,
really great test the only thing I'm missing there is the weight limit of the frame
very important information for me as a heavy rider and with bikepacking