Best list Gravel Allround: Off-road racer for every purpose
Best list Gravel Allround: The gravel bikes in the middle are neither trail-oriented nor extremely sporty. They offer numerous options and are quite complex, as the tests from Velomotion.de show. We explain what this category is all about and where there are similarities and differences.
The specialization does not stop at the gravel bike: Many manufacturers now offer MTB-like models with suspension forks, dropper posts and particularly wide tires; On the other hand, more and more gravel bikes are looking to join forces with racing bikes with a stretched sitting posture, a strong elevation between saddle and handlebars and limited options for attaching bags or accessories.
Despite this polarization, there is still a broad and quite diverse middle – gravel bikes for travel, tours and everyday life. They are models that differ from each other in many details, but of course also have similarities. This includes (at least in our opinion) first of all not using suspension components, because you really only need them on a gravel bike for intensive trail use. Then an all-rounder should enable the installation of mudguards and carrier systems and have the appropriate threaded holes.
Gravel all-round: Balanced geometry with differences
Another thing that all-road gravel bikes have in common is a fairly balanced geometry that doesn't make any extreme swings in one direction or the other. Different to Trail models The “standard” gravel bikes are designed to mount normal-length stems; The front frame and therefore the reach are not as long as with the Trail gravel bike. While this usually has a steering angle of around or below 70°, an angle of 71-72° is standard on normal gravel bikes. Compared to Race gravel bike The sitting posture is more upright, which is due to the slightly longer head tube.
The steering angle: Neither very flat nor very steep
Depending on the stem length and angle and the number of spacers underneath it, the sitting posture on the all-round gravel bike can of course be individually adjusted and made more sporty or more comfortable. In this respect too, the “middle” of gravel bikes is extremely versatile. There are manufacturers who tailor their all-rounders to be more comfortable with a compact, upright sitting position, for example for use as a fast commuter bike. It is always advisable to take a look at the geometry table or try it out in the bike shop.
No disadvantage with an aluminum frame
There is a wide range when it comes to material. While gravel race bikes are also welcome Carbon Because they should of course be light, titanium and steel are also common in the all-round sector. And of course (as everywhere) aluminum, which is usually found on mid-range models as an inexpensive alternative to the carbon frame. Since such wheels are usually more attractive in terms of price-performance than carbon versions, they are much more than just a savings program: with the same component group and a similar wheel set, an aluminum wheel can easily be a thousand euros cheaper, but perhaps a kilo heavier. And while the former is clearly noticeable in your wallet, the latter is hardly noticeable off-road.
The circuit: Single or double possible
There are no clear specifications in this segment when it comes to switching either. The different equipment variants that bike manufacturers usually offer usually include models with a mono or double chainring. This way you can choose a bike that suits your individual use: If you primarily ride off-road, choose the “one-by” version; If you also want to use the gravel bike as a racing bike or plan to go on long tours with it, you should use the double chainring, which offers a slightly larger range of gear ratios with a narrower gradation at the same time. The matter is quite clear when it comes to tires: Typically, tires around 40 mm wide are installed, although the trend among many wheel manufacturers is towards 45 mm. Pretty much all current gravel bikes offer enough space for such tires.
And what about the purchase amounts? All-round gravel bikes are available in all price ranges. They are in the majority of affordable bikes anyway, as are manufacturers that only offer a single gravel platform. In the higher price ranges, the all-rounders face more and more competition from more specialized trail or race bikes. Incidentally, now is a good time to look for a gravel bike: manufacturers and retailers want to reduce excess capacity, and so you can currently buy one at reasonable prices.
Selected models from the Velomotion test field show how versatile the “Gravel Allround” category is. The spectrum ranges from steel bikes with many attachment options, which can also be ridden in a sporty way, to bikepacking carbon bikes with sporty roots - just a lot of choice in the middle.