Eight exciting race gravel bikes for 2027: Aero, lightweight and wide tyres

Race-Gravel 2027: Fast doesn’t necessarily mean narrow

The new 2027 race gravel bikes are increasingly moving away from the old image of a road bike with a slight tread pattern on the tyres. The Canyon Grail accommodates 57-millimetre-wide tyres, whilst the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 can even take 58-millimetre-wide ones. Both are still designed for speed. The extra clearance allows for tuning the bike for rough or muddy routes, but doesn’t mean you have to fit the widest tyres every time. On smooth gravel, a different combination of width, tread pattern, casing and tyre pressure may be more suitable.

Manufacturers also pursue different approaches when it comes to aerodynamics. A narrow, integrated cockpit can influence the rider’s position; a tall carbon wheelset, by contrast, is only one part of the overall system. Look has opted for an integrated cockpit that is adjustable in both width and length. Ridley combines the aero front end with new race geometry. Depending on the price tier, Van Rysel offers either a one-piece carbon frame or separate components on the RCR-G. Such differences help determine which target groups the manufacturers are aiming for with their model variants.

When it comes to gear changes, the electronic 1×13 groupset has rivalled many top-of-the-range models. The SRAM Force XPLR combines a 10–46 cassette with a full-mount rear derailleur. However, this is by no means a hard and fast rule in gravel racing: The Megamo Silk 05 sticks with two chainrings, whilst the Silk 04 features an MTB cassette with a particularly wide gear range. Anyone who frequently rides at high speeds on tarmac should therefore not simply compare the number of sprockets – the overall design is what matters.

From the wide range of 2027 gravel models, we have selected eight particularly exciting new releases.

Canyon Grail Gen 3: Aero front end and 57-millimetre tyre clearance

The Third-generation Grail combines two features that used to be pitted against each other more often: an aerodynamic front end and space for very wide tyres. However, the CF, CF SLX and CFR models differ significantly. A storage compartment is only available from the CF SLX model onwards; the cockpit and mudguard mounts also vary. The high-quality Pace cockpit can be dismantled for transport. Anyone requiring a specific frame feature must therefore check the exact model.

• Price: CF 7 from 2,499 euros, CF SLX from 4,499 euros, CFR from 6,999 euros
• Category: Race Gravel
• Frame: Carbon, internally routed cables; storage compartment on CF SLX/CFR models, mudguard mounts on CF/CF SLX models
• Drive/Gearbox: Single-drive models only; the specific group depends on six trim levels
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes; model and rotor dimensions vary depending on the specification
• Wheels/tyres: A range of different specification packages, including Canyon GR 50 carbon wheels; no standard tyre for all builds
• Maximum tyre clearance: 57 mm
• Cockpit: CF without Pace handlebars, high-quality builds with an integrated, detachable Pace cockpit
• Weight: from 7.8 kg for the CFR AXS
• Special features: Cyclite bag system, flexible VCLS Aero seatpost

Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0: the aero pioneer is getting significantly wider

The Kanzo Fast 2.0 It increases the tyre clearance compared with its predecessor from 42 to 58 millimetres. Added to this are new geometry, frame storage space and concealed mountings for a top-tube bag. Despite the option of mudguards, it remains a specialist racing bike: there are no additional luggage mounts on the fork, and mechanical or double derailleurs are not fitted.

• ​Kanzo Fast 2.0 SRAM Red XPLR 1x13
  Price: 11,699 euros
  Gear system: SRAM Red XPLR, electronic, 1x13
  Wheels: DT Swiss GRC 1400 Dicut
  Tyres: expected to be Vittoria Terreno T30 TLR, 55 mm
• Kanzo Fast 2.0 SRAM Force XPLR 1x13
  Price: 6,999 euros
  Gear system: SRAM Force XPLR, electronic, 1x13
  Wheels: Forza Skiron RS, 50 mm high hookless carbon rims, carbon spokes
  Tyres: expected to be Vittoria Terreno T30 TLR, 55 mm
• Kanzo Fast 2.0 SRAM Rival XPLR 1x13
  Price: 5,499 euros
  Gear system: SRAM Rival XPLR, electronic, 1x13
  Wheels: Forza Skiron CG40
  Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T30 TLR, 55 mm
• Kanzo Fast 2.0 Frameset
  Price: 4,499 euros
  Frame and fork, Deda Aero seatpost, CeramicSpeed SLT headset and 4ZA Nimbus Pro cockpit

Look G85 Cezal RS: Race version with customisable cockpit

The G85 Cezal RS Compared to the standard G85, it features a lighter carbon frame and a lower-set aero cockpit. The Force and Red versions both feature Fulcrum carbon wheels and 45-series tyres. Despite full cable integration, the front end can be configured in a range of widths and lengths.

• Price: Force XPLR €6,990, Red XPLR €8,999
• Category: Race Gravel
• Frame: Carbon, painted, approx. 1,000 g in size M; cables routed entirely internally
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Force or Red XPLR AXS, electronic 1×13, 10–46
• Brakes: Hydraulic Sram Force or Red; rotor dimensions not specified
• Wheels/tyres: Fulcrum Sharq Carbon; Hutchinson Touareg, 45 mm
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm at the rear, 57 mm at the front.
• Cockpit: Integrated, customisable LOOK Aero Carbon RS3
• ​Weight: Force 8.3 kg, Red 7.9 kg
• Special features: Frame set: 3,290 euros; compatible with gravel suspension forks up to 60 mm

Van Rysel RCR-G: three cockpit and wheel sets

The RCR-G features a lightweight, high-modulus carbon frame with an aerodynamic front end. All three specifications feature electronic shifting via SRAM XPLR 1×13; the differences lie primarily in the wheelsets and cockpit. The Red features a one-piece carbon unit and tall carbon rims, the Force has a separate stem and carbon wheels, whilst the Rival comes with aluminium rims. Anyone looking at the entry-level price should therefore not automatically expect the same specification as the top-of-the-range model.

• Price: Rival €3,199, Force €4,199, Red €6,599 >> available here
• Category: Race Gravel
• Frame: High-modulus carbon and carbon fork, UDH, bottle cage and top tube bag mounts
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Rival/Force/Red XPLR AXS, each 1×13 with 10–46
• Brakes: SRAM hydraulic groupset brakes
• Wheels/tyres: Rival VR 30 Aluminium, Force VR 35 Carbon, Red VR 50 Carbon; Continental Terra Comp TLR, 45 mm
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm
• Cockpit: Red integrated as a single unit, Force/Rival separately
• Weight: Rival 8.6, Force 8.2, Red 7.8 kg
• Special features: 885 g frame weight (unpainted) in size M, according to the manufacturer

Megamo Silk: seven trim levels for 2027

The Silk It retains its race geometry and the two carbon lay-ups, SLR and SL. New additions are the Silk 04 with a wide-range MTB cassette and the Silk 05 with Shimano GRX Di2. The Silk 03 replaces the 02; the more basic models, the 06 and 07, remain in the range. Despite the wide variety of models, the focus remains clear: fast gravel racing rather than heavily laden bikepacking. Binding 2027 retail prices for the range were not yet available.

• Category: Race Gravel.
• Frame: SLR Carbon on Silk 00–05, SL Carbon on 06–07, UDH and internally routed cables
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM or Shimano, depending on the model; Silk 04 with Rival/Eagle 1×12, 10-52, Silk 05 with GRX Di2 2×12
• Brakes: Hydraulic SRAM or Shimano disc brakes, depending on the specification
• Wheels: These include, amongst others, the Zipp 303 XPLR S and the Fulcrum Lite GR
• Maximum tyre clearance: 47 mm at the rear, 52 mm at the front
• Cockpit: Integrated carbon cockpit on high-end models
• Other special features: SLR frame: 940 g in size M, according to the manufacturer

Colnago G5-X: a new road bike platform for long distances

The G5-X combines a new carbon frame with 53 millimetres of tyre clearance, a storage compartment and six mounting positions. The Rival version comes with a separate handlebar, whilst the Force and Red versions feature the one-piece carbon cockpit. This makes a fast gravel racer an attractive option even for long, self-supported races.

• Price: Rival €4,900, Force €5,750, Red €9,200
• Category: Race-Gravel with an endurance option
• Frame: Carbon monocoque, storage compartment, UDH, BSA-68 bottom bracket and six mounting positions
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Rival, Force or Red XPLR AXS E1, all 1×13, 40 teeth, 10–46; frame also compatible with electronic 2-speed set-ups
• Brakes: SRAM hydraulic groupset brakes
• Wheels/tyres: Rival/Force Vision TC45 Carbon with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RH TLR 50 mm; Red Zipp 303 XPLR SW with Goodyear XPLR Inter TLR 50 mm
• Maximum tyre clearance: 53 mm
• Cockpit: Rival Deda-Alu handlebars plus stem; Force/Red one-piece CC.01 Wide Carbon
• Other special features: 27.2 mm round seatpost, three Fidlock mounts included

Ducati GraviaX R: sporty design with optional panniers

With the GraviaX R Ducati is expanding its 2027 cycle collection to include a carbon gravel bike. The geometry is said to be sporty, without being aimed exclusively at short races. Tool holders and bag mounts come in handy on long rides. Important for potential modifications: with a single-chainring setup, Ducati specifies 50 millimetres of tyre clearance; with a double-chainring setup, only 45. The weight of 8.2 kilograms refers to the specific R version in size M, excluding pedals.

• Price: 5,990 euros
• Category: Race-Gravel/All-round
• Frame: Carbon monocoque, tool holder in the down tube and pocket mounts
• Drive/Gearbox: Sram Force XPLR AXS, electronic single-chainring drivetrain; according to Ducati, the frame is also suitable for double-chainring set-ups
• Brakes: SRAM hydraulic groupset brakes
• Wheels/tyres: Ducati G-Line Carbon, 42 mm rims; Continental Terra, 700×45C
• Maximum tyre clearance: 50 mm with 1x magnification, 45 mm with 2x magnification
• Weight: 8.2 kg

Thok Grow Pro: Power metre and Zipp carbon wheels

The Grow Pro is the most expensive version of Thok’s first non-motorised gravel platform. For €4,990, it features an electronic SRAM Force AXS groupset with a GX-T-Type rear derailleur and a 10–52 cassette, a Quarq power metre as standard, and Zipp carbon wheels.

• Price: 4,990 euros
• Category: Race Gravel
• Frame: UD carbon monocoque, internally routed cables, integrated storage compartment
• Drive/Gearbox: SRAM Force AXS with GX-T-Type rear derailleur, 1×12, 44 teeth, 10–52
• Brakes: SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes
• Wheels/tyres: Zipp XPLR S Carbon, tubeless-ready; Schwalbe G-One R, 45-622
• Cockpit: Integrated Thok carbon handlebars
• Special features: Quarq power metre

Anyone who wants to ride at a sporty pace, particularly on mixed terrain, and can do without the standard power metre will find the Grow Comp For €3,990, an alternative featuring the same carbon frame, electronic SRAM Rival AXS with an S1000 T-Type rear derailleur, Miche Sterrato 45 carbon wheels and 45-millimetre tyres. The Grow FR It costs 2,990 euros and is aimed at cyclists looking for a more affordable way to get started on the platform: it combines a mechanical SRAM Apex XPLR/Eagle groupset with DT Swiss G1800 aluminium wheels and a separate FSA handlebar. It could also be a viable option for touring. Anyone interested should check before purchasing whether the luggage mounts and tyre clearance are suitable for their own plans.

What you really should compare before buying

When it comes to race gravel bikes, weight, aerodynamics and tyre clearance are not a three-way contest with a clear winner. A wide tyre can save time and energy on a rough course; on a smooth racetrack, other priorities may apply. The riding position is just as important: an expensive, fully integrated cockpit is of little use if the width or stem length isn’t right.