Gravel bikes 2027: Four exciting models for all-round riding and adventure

​Versatility doesn’t start with the frame material

A carbon gravel bike can be light and fast without compromising on a luggage rack, mudguards or off-road capability. With the Arid, Mondraker presents a versatile carbon platform featuring an integrated down tube storage compartment and generous tyre clearance. Scott has increased the tyre clearance on the Addict Gravel to 57 millimetres and tuned the frame for greater compliance. Van Rysel combines an upright riding position with a storage compartment and more than 15 attachment points on the EDR-G. These bikes thus offer different answers to the same question: how can a gravel bike remain sporty, universally suitable for varied routes and comfortable when the ride gets longer?

When choosing between all-round and adventure tyres, the planned terrain is the first thing to consider. If you mainly ride on tarmac, firm forest tracks and short sections of gravel, you may need less tyre volume than someone who spends days on rough tracks. The maximum tyre clearance is therefore a reserve, not a recommendation to actually fit the widest tyre. The tread pattern, carcass and tyre pressure are also crucial. An integrated storage compartment can hold the essentials for training rides and short tours, but for long tours and multi-day adventures, its opening must remain accessible even when a frame bag is fitted.

When it comes to spec, it’s worth looking beyond the buzzword ‘carbon’. The material of the wheels and the gear components naturally depend on the model variant and the price. However, affordable doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. The KTM Gravelator Pro 2X’s mechanical double drivetrain offers smaller gear steps than a widely spaced single cassette. What’s more, the mechanics are more accessible for DIY repairs. Of course, the current benchmark is SRAM’s electric 1x13 drivetrain. Particularly when it comes to the cockpit and drivetrain, it’s important to bear your primary intended use in mind when choosing components. The Scott Addict Gravel platform impressively demonstrates the variety of cockpit and drivetrain options possible within the same carbon platform.

What makes a carbon gravel bike truly suitable for adventure riding?

The requirements for fast training rides and short to medium-length tours do not differ significantly. But what else makes a gravel bike ideal for real adventures? A lightweight frame makes it easier to carry and helps with acceleration, but says little about its suitability for long rides with luggage. More important are a comfortable, not overly stretched riding position and sufficiently low gears to be able to pedal the heavy overall weight up even steep climbs. A tyre clearance of over 50 mm allows you to fit tyres with a high air volume – important for carrying heavy loads, puncture protection, traction and comfort on varied terrain. Added to this are sensibly positioned mounting points for luggage and, if required, for mudguards.

Mondraker Arid Carbon: A Spanish adventure bike with a storage compartment

The Mondraker Arid is all about versatility for everyday use, multi-day tours and rough terrain. The newly developed Stealth-Air carbon frame features an integrated storage compartment in the down tube (‘Carry-On’), a UDH derailleur hanger and numerous mounting points on the frame and fork for bags and bottle cages. With its balanced geometry, the Arid combines a smooth off-road ride with agile handling.

• Price: from approx. 3,199 euros
• ​Category: All-round/Adventure
• Frame: Stealth-Air-Carbon with integrated storage compartment, UDH derailleur hanger, internally routed cables, numerous mounting points on the fork and frame
• Drive/Gearbox: Depending on the model, 1×12 or 1×13 drivetrains (e.g. SRAM Rival / Force XPLR or Shimano GRX)
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes throughout (160/160 mm), depending on the groupset
• Wheels/tyres: Mavic Allroad Pro Carbon or Aluminium with Maxxis tyres
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
• Cockpit: Ergonomic gravel handlebar set with flare
• Weight: approx. 8.8 to 9.5 kg depending on the model variant, according to the manufacturer
• Special features: Modern gravel geometry for excellent off-road stability

KTM Gravelator Pro 2X: finely spaced gears for touring

The Gravelator Pro 2X features a carbon frame even in the under-2,000-euro price range. In keeping with its intended use, the frame comes with a storage compartment and numerous attachment points. The mechanical 2×12 GRX groupset with a 46/30-tooth crankset offers precise gear changes and a wide gear range. Weighing in at 10.6 kilograms (TOUR measurement), the focus is clearly not on lightweight construction at any cost.

• Price: 1,899 euros
• Category: All-round/Adventure
• Frame: Carbon frame and carbon fork with mounting points, integrated storage compartment, internally routed cables
• Drive/Gearbox: Shimano GRX mechanical, 2×12, 46/30 teeth and 11–36 cassette
• Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic, 160/160 mm
• Wheels/tyres: KTM Pro Gravel CL by Ibex, tubeless-ready; Maxxis Reaver EXO/TR Dual, 454 mm
• Cockpit: Separate KTM Team II handlebars and stem, 20° flare
• Weight: 10.6 kg (TOUR measurement)
• Special features: Luggage rack and mudguard options

Scott Addict Gravel: a wide range of models

The Addict Gravel combines a carbon frame designed to be specifically compliant with plenty of tyre clearance and storage space. Its geometry is designed to instil a sense of calm on fast descents without compromising its sporty character. Several models are available featuring Shimano GRX mechanical groupsets as well as Sram electronic groupsets. Anyone planning to use the bike for travelling or challenging day trips should carefully compare the specific specifications and fit-out options.

• Price: Various trim levels from 2,799 euros
• Category: All-round/Adventure
• Frame: HMF or HMX carbon, a rear triangle designed for targeted flex and an integrated tool solution within the frame
• Drive/Gearbox: Depending on the model, either a mechanical GRX 1×12 or an electronic SRAM Rival (Rival, Force or Red)
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm discs, depending on the groupset
• Wheels/tyres: Wheelsets and tyres depending on the specification
• Maximum tyre clearance: 57 mm
• Cockpit: Integrated carbon cockpit or separate aluminium components, depending on the model

Van Rysel EDR-G: 15 fixing points

The EDR-G prioritises a relaxed riding position, a storage compartment and more than 15 attachment points. Two rigid versions are complemented by a model featuring a 40-millimetre RockShox suspension fork. In practical testing, the EDR-G GRX impressed with its smooth ride. Those who prefer a more stretched-out and low riding position should choose their size carefully: the riding position is decidedly upright.

• Price: Various models from 2,199 euros, ranging from GRX to Force AXS and featuring a suspension fork
• Category: Adventure
• Frame: Carbon fibre, tool compartment, numerous mountings for bags and mudguards; fork channel for dynamo light
• Drive/Gearbox: GRX mechanical 1×12, 10–51; Force models electronic 1×13, 10–46
• Brakes: Depending on the version, Shimano GRX or SRAM Force hydraulic brakes
• Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss G1800/Schwalbe G-One R Performance 45 mm or carbon wheelsets
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
• Cockpit: Separate handlebars/stemSpecial features: Available with a suspension fork (RockShox Rudy XPLR with 40 mm of travel)