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Gravel bike vs. cyclocross bikeWhat's the difference?

Jens Klötzer

 · 01.02.2022

Gravel bike vs. cyclocross bike: what's the difference?Photo: Kerstin Leicht
The gravel bike once developed from the cross bike and is still closely related to it. However, there are typical differences that turn all-rounders into specialists. We explain the most important of the two types of bike.

Gravel bike - the most important features

Geometry, components and handling: Modern gravel bikes like the Canyon Grizl differ from classic cross bikes in most respects.Photo: Kerstin LeichtGeometry, components and handling: Modern gravel bikes like the Canyon Grizl differ from classic cross bikes in most respects.

Frame geometry for gravel bikes

Flat steering angle, long wheelbase and plenty of fork travel for a smooth
straight-line stability. Low bottom bracket for better road holding

Seating position

Wide range depending on the gravel bike model, but tends to be more upright and suitable for long distances

Tyres

Wide range from 32 to over 50 millimetres wide and different profiles from road to mud. Some smaller wheels (27.5 inch) for even wider tyres. Usually tubeless tyres.

Translation of

Wide gear range and suitable for beginners with significant reduction in the mountain gears on gravel bikes. Chainrings with large jumps, usually 48/32 or 46/30. For single drivetrains, wide-range cassettes with large gear jumps

Brakes

Brake disc diameters of 160 millimetres are standard at the front and rear, and in some cases 180 millimetres at the front wheel.

Handlebars

Relatively wide and often flared at the ends for better off-road control on gravel bikes

Additional features

Many mounting and transport options for luggage, water bottles, tools or mudguards

Cyclocross bike - the most important features

Many cyclocross bikes - such as the Giant TCX Advanced Pro - are classic competition bikes and have been specially developed for racing on cross courses.Photo: Kerstin LeichtMany cyclocross bikes - such as the Giant TCX Advanced Pro - are classic competition bikes and have been specially developed for racing on cross courses.
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Frame geometry for cross bikes

Steeper angles and the shortest possible wheelbase for very manoeuvrable steering behaviour - this allows foot contact with the front wheel. Comparatively high bottom bracket so that the chainring does not touch down on obstacles and you can pedal through bends

Seating position

Stretched riding position in contrast to a gravel bike with a lot of weight on the front wheel

Tyres

Limited by UCI regulations to 28 inches with a width of 33 millimetres. Different profiles for dry to muddy surfaces. Tubular tyres from special suppliers are often glued on, but the proportion of tubeless tyres is increasing

Translation of

Small jumps, little bandwidth. Typical gradation with two chainrings 46/36 with (deliberately) many overlaps, sometimes also single chainrings with a narrowly stepped road bike cassette

Brakes

140-millimetre discs are usually sufficient for the requirements on the short circuits

Handlebars

Rather narrow and classically shaped for more manoeuvrability on narrow courses

Additional features

Often only one bottle cage can be fitted, but the top tube is specially shaped so that the bike can be shouldered better in running sections

Even if the gravel bike and the cyclocross bike look almost the same at first glance, there are typical differences between these two types of road bike.Photo: Kerstin LeichtEven if the gravel bike and the cyclocross bike look almost the same at first glance, there are typical differences between these two types of road bike.

Jens Klötzer

Jens Klötzer is a qualified industrial engineer and TOUR's expert for components of all kinds: brakes, gears, wheels and tyres - Jens puts everything through its paces. He collects historic racing bikes and owns both a modern time trial bike and a titanium gravel touring bike. When travelling, he likes to explore unknown roads in Eastern Europe - on wide but fast tyres.

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