High-end gravel bike test 2020: These are the best gravel bikes up to 10.000 euros

High-end gravel bikes test 2020: We have spent the past few weeks testing well over 30 gravel bikes. In our high-end category, there are bikes between reasonably cheap 2.599 and a whopping 8.999 euros - our conclusion.

Since this season at the latest, the gravel bike has outgrown its infancy and has found itself as a bicycle category. This can be seen very clearly in our high-end test field, which shows a wide range of different bikes, but makes one thing clear: Even in the highest price ranges, versatility is very important and, with the exception of a few test candidates, all bikes allow the installation of mudguards or even a luggage rack . This is also a clear development in comparison to our last gravel test less than two years ago.

Nice for us testers, but also for potential buyers are the different frame materials that give the bikes character and all have their right to exist on gravel bikes - regardless of whether it's carbon, steel, aluminum, titanium or even magnesium.

The differences in performance are slightly greater on the high-end bikes than with our beginners. But that is not surprising, after all, the price discrepancies are also significantly larger here. However, what we said about our inexpensive gravel bikes also applies to the high-end bolides: We can recommend any of our test candidates without a headache – if the area of ​​use fits. In order to provide a little help here, we have included a few specialists from our test field in our conclusion in addition to the test winner and the price/performance king.

High-end Gravelbikes Test 2020: Our test winner

BMC Urs One

The most expensive is not always the best - but in the case of our high-end gravel bikes this is the case: The BMC Urs One is very expensive at just under 9.000 euros, but it can offer great performance, a frame that has been thought out down to the last detail and is extremely versatile convince with noble optics. The MTT system with elastomer in the rear and the wide tires ensure a lot of comfort, but thanks to the sporty geometry and low weight you don't have to pay for a lack of liveliness. Even for everyday use, the noble Swiss bike is well prepared - not only mudguards and a luggage rack can be attached, the fork even has a cable guide for a hub dynamo. By the way: If you can't or don't want to spend 9.000 euros, you can also find a "cheap" entry-level model in the Urs Four for 2.999 euros - with cutbacks in the equipment, but the same high-quality frame.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Canyon Grail CF SLX 8.0 Etap

The Canyon Grail CF SLX 8.0 Etap is only just beaten by our test winner in practice - but it is a lot cheaper. The equipment is hardly worse, the weight is hardly higher. There's no question: the top version of the Grail CF is a great bike. However, opinions differ on the comfortable but visually controversial hoverbar construction. You also have to make a few minor compromises when it comes to versatility: luggage racks cannot be attached to the Grail.

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High-end Gravelbikes Test 2020: Our price/performance winner

Vaast A/1

The A/1 from industry newcomer Vaast from the USA was one of the most exciting bikes in the test field for us. This was primarily due to the frame material used - because instead of the "usual suspects" a completely new magnesium alloy is used here, which is said to be lighter and more comfortable than aluminum and more sustainable than carbon. In practice, the Vaast really knows how to impress with its great liveliness and extremely successful geometry. In terms of comfort, it doesn't come close to the best of the best, but it's significantly more forgiving than most of its aluminum counterparts. On the plus side, the Vaast can also boast a cleverly put together equipment package at a really fair price of 2.599 euros. A clear bargain tip on our part, especially for those who like to ride bikes far from the mainstream.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Bergamot Grandurance Elite

Technically much more classic than the Vaast is the somewhat more expensive Bergamont Grandurance Elite, whose carbon frame, which is really beautifully designed for the coming season, pushes the weight below the 9kg mark and is pleasingly versatile. Here, too, the equipment is really successful in view of the relatively low price and hardly gives any reason for criticism.

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High-end Gravelbikes Test 2020: Our Sprinter

Scott Addict Gravel 10

Especially among the high-end gravel bikes, we had a few candidates that moved so incredibly fast, regardless of the surface, that you could almost think you were sitting on a "real" racing bike. Of course you have to make a few compromises with such race gravel bikes... in terms of comfort, mounting options and also suitability for touring. But these are all points that should hardly play a role for buyers of such bikes. In any case, the Scott Addict Gravel 10 drove itself into our racer hearts; at just over 8kg it is one of the lightest bikes in the field, the seating position is very sporty and the frame is extremely stiff. With the Shimano GRX Di2 with two chainrings, you also have a wide range and small gear jumps to always be able to pedal the right cadence.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Open UPPER

Of course, the sprinters shouldn't be without the lightest bike in our test field by far: The Open UPPER is an incredibly fun gravel bike for those who can't go fast enough even on gravel. In our custom setup with Easton parts, it put a big grin on our faces almost every time we tried it. As with the Scott, mudguards cannot be mounted here either and the comfort is not quite on the level of the more tour-oriented bikes - but to be honest... 7,7kg - who cares?!

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High-end gravel bikes test 2020: Our off-roader

Falconry Aristos CX

With its titanium frame and the optically extravagant Lauf leaf spring fork, the Aristos CX from the small Bavarian manufacturer is first and foremost a case for real two-wheelers. But it is also exactly the right bike for those who want to really let it rip away from tame gravel and like to keep their fingers off the brakes even with roots, small steps and stones. The large-volume 650b tires work together with the Lauf fork to absorb even rougher bumps, and the geometry, which is clearly inspired by MTB, also conveys a lot of security. Also nice for individualists: Thanks to the modular system of the Falkenjagd, almost every component and almost every add-on part can be determined by yourself.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Storck Grix Pro CX Extreme

The gravel newcomer from Storck is a little less comfortable, but still fully suitable for trails and a real fun machine. Thick 650b tires are also fitted here, which improve both comfort and smoothness at the same time when the air pressure is adjusted. A clear plus point for the Grix: The diverse mounting options, which means that the Storck Gravelbike should also be able to take part in extensive bikepacking adventures without any problems.

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High-end gravel bikes test 2020: Our bike packer

Kona Libre DL

Gravel bikes are now perhaps the most popular companions for bikepacking adventures. It doesn't matter whether it's day trips through German low mountain ranges or multi-week trips on the fringes of civilization. Bikes like the Kona Libre DL show why this is the case: the geometry is comfortable, as is the frame, which also has countless mounting points for bags, metal plates or racks. Thanks to the large-volume 650b tires, you can continue where the paved paths end and the wide range of the 2-way GRX gear system also allows you to climb steep ramps. A big advantage of the Kona Libre DL is that, despite its suitability for touring, it is nice and lively and also goes forward well with every start. Oh yes: the effect paint looks great - tour or not!

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Salsa Warroad Ultegra

Hardly any bike shows more clearly than the Salsa Warroad that suitability for touring and sportiness are by no means mutually exclusive. A geometry based on classic racing bikes meets low weight, Roadplus tires and a wide range of mounting options on the pleasantly comfortable carbon frame. The seating position is also designed for sporty riders, but can be mitigated with a few interventions, such as spacers under the stem.

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High-end gravel bikes test 2020: Our all-rounder

Trek Checkpoint SL7

If our gravel test has shown anything, it's how versatile these bikes can be - a great example of the gravel bike as an all-rounder is the Trek Checkpoint SL 7. Acceleration? Check! Comfort? Check! assembly points? Check! Yes, there are niche Gravellers everywhere who are better in their respective specialisms, but in the overall package hardly any other bike can do it as well as that of the Americans. It's the perfect bike for those who just don't want to be too specific about what they plan to do with their new gravel darling: from a winter training bike to a sporty touring companion to a classic gravel bike.

For a detailed test

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Alternative: Rose Backroad GRX Di2

With the Backroad, Rose has had an excellent gravel all-rounder in its portfolio for some time, which was already convincing when it was presented in our previous gravel test. The carbon frame is neither too sporty nor too toury and can easily be converted from a gravel racer to a bikepacking bike and commuter. In the variant we tested with the GRX Di2 group including additional levers on the upper link, the bike from the direct seller from Bocholt also cuts an excellent figure off-road.

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