Jan Timmermann
· 30.06.2026
Gravel bikes are so popular at the moment because they combine versatility like almost no other type of bike. They are suitable for everyday use and longer road rides, as well as for riding on gravel tracks, forest trails and gentle terrain.
At the same time, it offers plenty of options for carrying luggage on bikepacking adventures. At a time when many people want to travel flexibly, independently and actively, the gravel bike is perfectly in tune with the spirit of the times. Here are the most exciting stories about gravel bikes, fresh from Eurobike 2026.
Following on from the ‘Big Ben’ mountain bike prototype, Faction Bike Studio also unveiled the Atlas, a gravel bike based on 32-inch wheels. The concept bike was on display at the TRP stand at Eurobike. It is currently being used as a development platform to investigate the effects of the oversized wheels on handling, geometry and integration.
To compensate for the greater height of the wheels, Faction has opted, amongst other things, for an extreme -35-degree stem, whilst the frame allows for short 435-millimetre chainstays despite accommodating 2.1-inch-wide tyres. The in-house developed frame construction combines carbon tubes with aluminium sleeves.
The show bike is fitted with high-quality components such as a TRP Classified Vistar Powershift drivetrain, Easton 32-inch carbon wheels and Schwalbe G-One RX Pro tyres. The Atlas is not intended for mass production, but is designed to serve as a technology demonstrator for Faction Bike Studio’s development work.
At Traka 2026, there were rumours circulating about the prototype of the Canyon x DT Swiss All-Terrain Racing Team’s bike; now, that very same bike was on display as a show bike at the Eurobike trade fair. This previously unrevealed race gravel bike is a new version of the Canyon Grail CFR.
According to the information at the exhibition stand, the prototype is designed to incorporate the World Tour team’s findings on aerodynamics. Notable features include large tube diameters and clearance for 29 x 2.1-inch Schwalbe gravel tyres, despite the aerodynamic seat tube. The bike on display is the race bike of the German rider Juri Hollmann. Canyon has so far kept the weight and price under wraps.
The TOOT Racing X23 was developed as a state-of-the-art track bike for elite Olympic cycling and combines additive manufacturing, aerodynamics and personalised rider customisation. The frame and fork are made from Scalmalloy, a high-strength aluminium-magnesium-scandium alloy.
Using 3D printing technologies, the geometry is precisely tailored to the anatomy and performance characteristics of the athletic customer base. By combining 3D scans, simulations and wind tunnel tests, the result is a bicycle in which the rider and the machine are regarded as a single aerodynamic system. The X23 is UCI-approved and was developed for use at the highest international level.
With the Corsa Strasbourg Ti, Eddy Merckx presents a high-quality titanium bike designed to combine sporty handling with excellent long-distance capabilities. The titanium frame is intended to offer the combination of low weight, high corrosion resistance and a comfortable ride typical of the material. The bike is aimed at ambitious gravel cyclists who are interested in both fast rides and extended bikepacking adventures.
Modern geometry, generous tyre clearance, numerous mounting options for bags and accessories, and neat integration of cables and components make the Corsa Strasbourg Ti a versatile companion for a wide variety of terrain. The model combines the classic aesthetics of a titanium frame with contemporary gravel technology, underlining the premium standards of this long-established Belgian brand.
Another exciting story comes from the Canyon x DT Swiss All-Terrain Racing Team. This time, it’s from the British rider Alex McCormack. Riding his super-aerodynamic Canyon Speedmax CFR time trial bike, he raced to a new Guinness World Record for the most kilometres cycled in seven days.
In just one week, McCormack covered no less than 3,826.47 kilometres, beating the existing record by a mere 13 kilometres. In very cold and wet conditions, the exceptional athlete burned around 75,000 calories in the process. The shopping list for his provisions came to a total of 671.90 euros.
To prevent hypothermia, his team had to supply him with pre-warmed water bottles and an extra-large hot water bottle. When McCormack could no longer lift his head because his neck muscles had given out, an elastic strap was attached to his helmet so that he could still see the road.
The Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 consistently builds on the current trend for aerodynamic race gravel bikes with generous tyre clearance and is uncompromisingly aimed at sporty riders. The carbon frame combines striking aero shapes, a fully integrated cockpit and clearance for tyres up to 58 millimetres wide, optimising aerodynamics, rolling resistance and control in equal measure.
As well as weighing around 8.1 kilograms and having a planned price of 7,500 euros, the new top-of-the-range model boasts practical features such as an integrated frame storage compartment, a bolt-on top tube bag, preparation for a power supply system with a hub dynamo, and specially developed aero panniers.
The prototype, which has already been tested in gravel races, is set to be available from September and underlines Ridley’s ambition to help shape the next generation of fast gravel road bikes.
Raymon is unveiling its new Kenthii Ultimate race gravel bike for the first time at Eurobike. The carbon model features a sporty, aerodynamic design and largely does away with external mounting points. Instead, it has an integrated storage compartment in the down tube.
Shifting on the top-of-the-range model is handled by the SRAM Force XPLR AXS, whilst a one-piece carbon cockpit, Fulcrum Sharq carbon wheels and 50-millimetre-wide Continental Terra Adventure tyres round off the high-quality specification.
The bike can be fitted with gravel tyres up to 55 millimetres wide. As shown here, the Kenthii Ultimate costs 6,499 euros. Models starting at 3,499 are planned. All trim levels are set to feature electronic gear changes.
Although Eurobike 2026 was largely dominated by new e-bike models, many manufacturers also showcased some very interesting gravel bikes and road bikes. The gravel segment, in particular, is currently going through a phase of exploration that is especially exciting. This stream of new products is being driven by the ever more impressive performances in the racing scene. - Jan Timmermann, TOUR editor

Editor