Beginner gravel bike test 2020: These are the best gravel bikes up to 2000 euros

Beginner gravel bikes test 2020: We have spent the past few weeks testing well over 30 gravel bikes. For us, more than a dozen of them fell into the entry-level category up to 2.000 euros – our test result.

In our entry-level test field, things are tight – very tight. Despite the big differences in our test field - in terms of weight, alignment, geometry and price - this is because virtually every bike works very well on its own as a system. This applies to a Canyon Grail AL 7.0 weighing less than 9,5kg as well as a Bombtrack Hook 1 weighing over 12kg. That doesn't make our job as testers any easier, but it makes it all the nicer because all the manufacturers have done a very good job.

We can therefore also say with a clear conscience: Depending on the rider, the area of ​​use and personal expectations, we can recommend every bike in our entry-level test field. However, in order to give interested parties a helping hand, we have selected one representative for each of the "gravel stereotypes".

Beginner Gravelbikes Test 2020: Our test winner

Canyon Grail AL 7.0

The aluminum version of the Canyon Grail Gravelbikes in its top version convinced us the most of all entry-level bikes. The frame is light and surprisingly comfortable, the carbon fork is a nice touch in this price range. As usual from the direct seller from Koblenz, the equipment is very high-quality in view of the low price: In addition to the 2-way GRX drive of the 600 series, it is the DT Swiss wheels in particular that do it for us. In practice, the bike impresses with great acceleration and a sporty but not too extreme seating position. Only the somewhat limited mounting options are a small drop of bitterness - the Grail AL 7.0 only allows the attachment of mudguards.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Bombtrack Hook 1

If quick acceleration isn’t that important and you’re more focused on comfort and a variety of mounting options, you can also take a look at the Bombtrack Hook 1 – even if you have to make a few compromises in terms of equipment here compared to the Canyon Grail AL 7.0.

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Beginner gravel bikes test 2020: price/performance winner

Triban RC 520 Gravel

Based on the RC 520 endurance bike, discounter Decathlon is launching its first gravel bike, the Triban RC 520. The equation works surprisingly well if you're willing to make a few compromises. No, the RC 520 Gravel is far from a perfect bike, but for just under 1.000 For €105, you get a truly impressive package: a versatile frame with a carbon fork and rock-solid specs, including a 17 drivetrain and semi-hydraulic brakes. The wheels are surprisingly light, but unfortunately, the rims are very narrow at 36mm. Wide tires are out of the question anyway: the frame's maximum width is XNUMXmm.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Giant Revolt 1

If you are willing to spend a few euros more and/or simply prefer to buy from a specialist retailer, the Giant Revolt 1 is also a really hot price tip. The frame offers a few more attachment points and is very comfortable for a beginner. The tire clearance is also excellent - the equipment with the Tiagra group including the corresponding hydraulic disc brakes is also impressive in this price range. Unfortunately, the 17mm rims are also very narrow here.

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Beginner Gravelbikes Test 2020: The everyday hero

Bull's Grinder 3

For many cyclists, a gravel bike is a versatile, sporty companion for everyday use. Especially for sporty commuters, whose way to work does not only lead over paved paths, it makes perfect sense to get on a gravel bike. The Bulls Grinder 3 is perfect for this job. Here, a relaxed geometry meets a lot of comfort and features that make everyday life easier: In addition to the almost obligatory eyelets for mudguards and luggage racks, the grinder has the Monkey Link System, which allows you to attach and detach the appropriate lighting with a magnet in a matter of seconds .

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Bergamot Grandurance 6

Just as versatile, a bit more sporty and less comfortable, but still fully suitable for everyday use: An exciting and somewhat cheaper alternative to the Grinder 3 is the Bergamont Grandurance 6, which also knows how to please with its really fresh and eye-catching look. If you want to use the bike for everyday use, you should also take a look at the two special RD variants - here the bike is already equipped with mudguards, a luggage rack and even a lighting system for the way to work.

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Beginner Gravelbikes Test 2020: The athlete

Cinelli Zydeco 2020

Just because you're not willing to pay several thousand euros for your new gravel bike doesn't mean that you don't want to be sporty with it. But there are also some very sporty gravel bikes in the slightly cheaper price segment up to 2.000 euros, which are ideal as bad weather training bikes, as versatile cross bikes or just as fun machines. A classic representative of this category is the Cinelli Zydeco 2020 - no wonder, after all, the Zydeco was the entry-level crosser from the traditional Italian manufacturer up to this year and was only "trimmed" for gravel for the 2020 model year - it still has its crosser genes can preserve.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Steven's Prestige

Anyone who primarily sees a versatile crosser under the keyword Gravel should take a look at Stevens. The North Germans have a long-standing cyclocross tradition, which can also be seen in the Prestige Gavelbike, for example. Light, well equipped and not for leisurely tours - the sportiness of the Stevens gravel bike wants to be tamed, but then the Prestige should give its buyers a lot of pleasure - especially if a crosser heart beats in the chest.

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Beginner gravel bikes test 2020: The off-roader

Drössiger Gravel Pit gold piece

Even if "the gravel bike" has now established itself as a bicycle category and has definitely found its way into the market, the bikes have lost none of their diversity. Road bikes for mountain bikers, mountain bikes for road bikers and everything in between. An essential part of the Gravel philosophy, however, is the freedom not to have to stop even on unpaved paths and to be able to even take one or the other easy trail under the tires. Those who attach particular importance to the latter could be happy with the Gravel Pit Goldstück from Drössiger. Here and there, the sporty geometry shows clear affinities with mountain bikes, wide tires and stable 650b wheels offer comfort and grip. Thanks to numerous mounting points, the bike is also a very good companion for the next bikepacking tour.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Nukeproof Digger Comp

For those who want to really rip through roots and stones with the gravel bike, Nukeproof has the right bike in the range with the Digger: Wide, off-road tires, preparation for a retractable seat post and a 500(!) mm wide handlebar are clear that the Brits actually see themselves as gravity and mountain bike specialists.

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Beginner Gravelbikes Test 2020: All test candidates at a glance

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