Bike types in the test: What is the difference between gravel, cyclocross and all-road?
Jens Klötzer
· 18.10.2024
The drawer has an ambivalent reputation. On the one hand, it stands for order and clarity, from the chemist's cabinet to the screw rack. On the other hand, thinking in drawers is frowned upon, as it is known to restrict the world view and also blocks the opportunity to open new drawers. Categorisation is also a constant theme in the world of cycling. The quest for clarity and organisation for consumers meets the out-of-the-box mentality of passionate developers. The industry sometimes manages to subdivide its cupboard compartments so finely that sometimes there is only one bike inside.
Alongside mountain bikes, this is particularly evident at the interface between road and off-road racing bikes. There are three terms wafting around this balancing act between tarmac and mud puddles. They are united by the claim to combine the agility of a road racer with a certain suitability for bumpy and unpaved surfaces, because they look like a racing bike but roll on wider and sometimes also profiled tyres.
Road bike types: Short and sweet
Our test rides with the three racers reveal astonishing things. The cyclocross racing bike, once the ultimate all-purpose vehicle with racing handlebars, has lost much of its suitability for everyday use with the advent of new categories. Strictly geared towards competition, it seems rather limited today. The differences between all-road and gravel bikes are surprisingly small, at least in our set-up. When deciding which bike to buy, it depends on which surface is predominant and whether there is still potential for change in the direction of road or off-road.
If you are not specifically racing, there is no longer any reason for a crosser. Allroad and gravel mean a much broader range of use. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE editor.
Three identical and yet different types of racing bike
The classic cyclocross road bike, the omnipresent gravel bike and the so-called all-road bike vie for potential customers who want to be sporty on different surfaces. Are these terms categorically different, and if so, how? We put three current example bikes to the test and put everything from smooth race tracks to root carpets under the wheels. Experience shows: When it comes to the difficult balancing act between tarmac and gravel, the ideal bike depends very much on what type of surface is present and in what proportions, how often and how steeply it goes up and down and whether manoeuvrable, playful handling or good directional stability is required.
The terrain is primarily an issue for the tyres, which can be adapted relatively easily as long as the frame leaves enough space: The wider the tyres, the rougher the terrain can be. However, the gearing, geometry and riding position are also factors that influence the handling and can be more or less well coordinated. The testers agree that the manufacturers have put well thought-out models on the wheels for the respective intended use - and yet the characters of the tyres differ. Canyon-Crossersthe Gravel bikes from Giant and the Allroad bikes from Parlee relatively clearly, as can be seen on the identical test laps with all three bikes.
Cyclocross bike: The Canyon Inflite
BIKE editor and tester Adrian Kaether, for example, describes the Inflite from Canyon as "a very pointed bike", meaning that you shouldn't be fooled by the very similar appearance of the three bikes. The Inflite is designed for cyclocross races, where very specific characteristics are required that are not necessarily desirable in everyday life without a stopwatch. The Inflite is very manoeuvrable, which makes it unpleasantly nervous at high speeds, especially when there is a lot of bumping. Adrian also felt the high centre of gravity due to the higher bottom bracket when riding off-road; the bike is "not as plush" on the trail as the other two candidates.
Added to this are the comparatively narrow knobby tyres due to the regulations and a narrow gear range, which lacks easy uphill and fast road gears. "The Canyon is no fun on long distances," says test lab employee Matthias Fischer. "In tight bends and with repeated speed changes, it's very entertaining to ride," he says. Then the necessary riding technique in difficult terrain becomes a challenge and that's what makes it fun to ride. But in the long run, the fun turns into effort, which is why all testers would recommend other bikes for longer tours.
People have completely forgotten how close the cross bike is to the road bike - a real fun machine on short rides. For longer tours, the other types are better suited, depending on the amount of terrain. - Matthias Fischer, test lab employee
Giant gravel bike and Parlee all-road bike
The gravel bike from Giant and the all-road bike from Parlee, on the other hand, are made for long rides where your concentration will eventually wane. "The Revolt is very forgiving and almost stoically irons through the terrain," says tester Matthias. Compared to the Canyon, it's almost boring to ride, but it's also fun to ride, thanks to its outstanding comfort on long rides. The Parlee gives a very similar impression, which is surprising as the two bikes have very different roots.
Everyone would agree that all-road bikes feel more comfortable on the road and gravel bikes feel more comfortable off-road, but the differences are less marked than expected. However, this can quickly change if different tyres are fitted. Not all off-road racers are the same. What looks similar can feel very different. It is therefore important to think carefully about which routes you want to drive and which customisations should be possible. Then the first tyre will go straight into the right drawer.
The most important differences between the road bike types at a glance
Jens Klötzer
Editor
