Gravel bikes on test: Ten models around 2000 euros in the TOUR test

Short & sweet

Gravel bikes with aluminium frames and simple components dominate the price range up to 2000 euros, making the bikes quite heavy.

At the same time, the models prove to be true quick-change artists; they can be transformed into a bikepacking or commuter bike in just a few simple steps and for relatively little money.

Gravel bikes in the test

The gravel bike has long since arrived in the centre of the road bike world. The trend has become a mass phenomenon. The off-road bikes are quietly and secretly outstripping their road counterparts. For some manufacturers, they even lead the sales statistics. Initially viewed critically by many, the gravel bike is a success story.

What's more, there is no longer just one gravel bike, but Many different game types. The industry's calculation is to "pick up" every cyclist with various concepts. Does this also work in the 2000 euro price category? TOUR put ten candidates between 1899 and 2200 euros to the test. There are also answers to the question of the right tyre width and what you should look out for in the gearbox.

>> Gravel bikes: Three recommended models for everyday use & commuting

Gravel bikes on test - weight battle

In the attractive price segment, there is widespread agreement on the concept and frame material. You sit upright in the saddle on almost all models; with plenty of space for bags, they can also be transformed into loyal companions for multi-day tours. In addition to the standard mounts on the down tube and seat tube, there are also threaded eyelets on the fork and seat stays for attaching pannier racks. The Corratec stands out in particular here, with a frame set that is covered in mounting points and even offers space for accessories on both sides of the head tube.

Mounts for mudguards, which are part of the repertoire of all models, round off the travel-ready profile, arm the bikes for everyday city life or make them a training vehicle in winter. This gives them an edge over most road bikes and offers a wide range of uses.

Despite their versatility, almost all models struggle with the same problem: weight. Robust aluminium frames dominate the price range; the forks of Corratec, Poison and Stevens are also made of aluminium, which means that the framesets of this trio weigh around three kilos each - and are therefore on a par with significantly cheaper models. Giant and Radon show that an aluminium frame does not always have to be heavy.

Exception: Carbon

With Canyon and Cube, two manufacturers have managed to put a bike with a lightweight carbon frame on the tyres. Compared to the heaviest aluminium frame from Focus, these only weigh half as much. The Cube is the only bike that remains just under nine kilos, which means that it competes with gravel bikes from higher price ranges and can be ridden quickly over gravel paths. When it comes to the wheels, all manufacturers use aluminium rims which, in addition to the price advantage, are also less susceptible to stone chips and scratches. The differences are sometimes enormous.

The lightest wheelset on the Rose and the heaviest on the Corratec are separated by almost one kilo. Seven wheelsets weigh in at more than four kilos. The weight is more bearable on a gravel bike than on a road racer. This is especially true for travelling companions like the test candidates, with which no speed records need to be set. However, when the total weight is almost twelve kilos, as with the Corratec, the riding pleasure is limited even on flat off-road rides - with luggage, progress is ultimately slow.

Wide tyres influence riding comfort like no other component. Tyres between 40 and 45 millimetres are recommended.

Successful mix of damping and rolling resistance

More important, however, is the question of how the wheels react to bumps and vibrations in the terrain. The tyres play a central role here. Generally speaking, the wider the tyres, the better they absorb vibrations and the more comfortably you sit in the saddle. This is especially true when stiff aluminium frames, such as those of the test candidates, have hardly any suspension effect. 40-millimetre tyres are the most common, as tyres of this width offer a successful mix of damping and rolling resistance.

Many manufacturers now approve their bikes for tyres over 50 millimetres. Special solutions such as lowered chainstays (Canyon, Fuji), adjustable wheelbase (Giant), the option of smaller 27.5 mm wheels (Focus, Rose) or wide hubs (Focus) are usually required to prevent these from rubbing on the frame.

The ten test candidates roll ex works on high-quality tyres between 38 (Giant) and 50 millimetres (Corratec). All tyres can also be ridden without an inner tube, which means that less tyre pressure is required and damping and puncture protection benefit.

Gravel bikes on test - Shimano sets the tone

Shimano sets the tone for the gears with the mechanical GRX, which features a stabiliser in the rear derailleur to prevent the chain from jumping off. While the trend on more expensive gravel bikes is towards drivetrains with one chainring and up to 13 sprockets (Campagnolo Ekar) on the rear wheel, the crank with two chainrings and usually a ten-speed cassette dominates in this price category. Because many parts can be combined within the gravel-specific Japanese product family, this results in a wide range of gear ratio options.

Components from secondary suppliers are also often compatible; Fuji and Giant, for example, use favourable cranks from FSA and Praxis. Shimano currently offers two mechanical series with ten or eleven sprockets as well as an electronic series with eleven sprockets, optionally with one or two chainrings. The groupsets differ in weight and workmanship, but with the exception of the Di2 version, there is no significant difference in function. The only difference is that the 400 brake fitted to all models is slightly more susceptible to wear, as the plastic pistons can wear out more quickly than the more expensive metal or ceramic versions.

Gravel bikes in the test - the results at a glance

How to read the test graphics in the individual descriptions:

In order to visualise the characteristics of the test bikes with their various functional and dynamic characteristics, we have added a five-axis diagram to the individual descriptions. This allows all the strengths and weaknesses of the models to be recognised at a glance. The characteristics on the individual axes are made up of measured values, subjective impressions of the test riders and the influence and interaction of the installed components.

The larger the blue area, the better the wheel in question. You can find an explanation of the TOUR measurement method here on our website.

Gravel bikes in the test - The models in the individual description

Canyon Grizl CF SL 6

• Price1999 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9,7 Kilo

Since its market launch two years ago, the Grizl has become one of the mail order company's best-selling platforms. As is so often the case with Canyon, the CF SL 6 also offers the right balance between price and performance. As one of two models in the test field, the versatile bike is based on a carbon frame that can compete with significantly more expensive companions in terms of weight. The fact that the Grizl comes relatively close to the ten-kilo limit is mainly due to the heavy aluminium wheelset.

However, the relatively sporty riding position and direct steering behaviour elegantly conceal this. In terms of suspension comfort, the Canyon is one of the best on the market thanks to its low carbon seatpost and voluminous tyres - there is room for up to 50 mm tyres with 700C wheels. Mounting points on the frame and fork equip the Grizl for bikepacking excursions. The CF SL 6 is Canyon's most affordable carbon gravel bike.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 1111/531/55 grammes
• Frame sizes** 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
• Seat/top tube/head tube 515/565/139 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 595/395 millimetres/1.51
• Wheelbase/caster 1035/64 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss C 1850 Spline/Schwalbe G-One Bite 45 millimetres (front/rear: 1830/2380 grams)

Strengths: Lightweight frame set; high suspension comfort; large tyre clearance; many sizes

Weaknesses: Heavy wheelset

>> The Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 gets an overall TOUR score of 2.0

Corratec Allroad Travel 1

• Price1899 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 11,7 Kilo

"Try cosiness" is the motto of the Allroad Travel 1, which weighed almost twelve kilos on the TOUR scales. Chasing speed on the gravel motorway and fast changes of direction are not its strong points, but that's not what the Corratec is designed for. Rather, it is a flawless bike packer, luggage can be attached to almost every frame tube, mudguards and pannier rack can be retrofitted without any problems.

Although this makes the bike heavier, other virtues count when travelling by bike: Thanks to the long wheelbase, the bike is stable on the track, although the 50-millimetre saddle shoes could hardly be narrower given the low saddle comfort. In addition, the cranked handlebars put the rider in a riding position suitable for long distances. The Bavarian manufacturer also offers a more affordable bikepacking model as well as sportier versions with aluminium or carbon frames.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 2070/912/71 grammes
• Frame sizes** 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61
• Seat/top tube/head tube 550/570/159 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 609/390 millimetres/1.56
• Wheelbase/caster 1075/73 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/Circuit Shimano GRX 400 (2x10; 46/30, 10-36 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** ZZYZX 700C Disc/Schwalbe G-One Bite 50 millimetres (front/rear: 2055/2682 grams)

StrengthsSmooth running; countless mounting eyelets; large tyre clearance

Weaknesses: Heavy

>> The Corratec Allroad Travel 1 gets an overall TOUR rating of 2.4

Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro

• Price2199 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 9,0 Kilo

The C:62 Pro is the most affordable Nuroad with a carbon frame and is an expert for fast gravel laps thanks to its low weight. The nine kilos for the complete bike are not only a unique selling point in this price range, even more expensive race models are sometimes heavier. In addition to the lightweight frame set, the bike benefits from the low weight of the wheels, which are fitted with fast tyres.

The smooth-running bike is correspondingly fast off-road, and even on tarmac it moves quickly in a comparatively stretched riding position. The carbon seat post and the factory-fitted tyres provide good damping, but for more suspension comfort, a maximum of 45 mm tyres fit through the frame and fork. The single-speed drivetrain with gear reduction is easy to operate and offers sufficient reserves on steep sections, but the jumps between gears are somewhat large.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 1180/488/74 grammes
• Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 61
• Seat/top tube/head tube 500/560/154 millimetres
• Stack /Reach/STR*** 595/381 millimetres/1.56
• Wheelbase/caster 1040/69 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 600/812 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Newmen Evolution X.R. 25 /Schwalbe G-One Allround 40 millimetres (front/rear: 1671/2206 grams)

Strengths: Lightweight; good suspension comfort; fast tyres

WeaknessesLimited gear range; only five sizes

>> The Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro was awarded an overall TOUR score of 1.9, making it the test winner.

Focus Atlas 6.7

• Price1899 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 11,3 Kilo

While Focus is now offering the Atlas as a carbon version for the first time (Gravel bikes for adventure & bikepacking), the aluminium models remain unchanged. The basic 6.7 model defines itself as a robust companion. Mounting points on the frame and fork make the Focus suitable for touring, but a top tube bag is only included with the more expensive models. With eyelets for pannier racks and mudguards, it can be converted into a commuter bike.

The solid straight-line stability and upright riding position emphasise the bike's design as a touring bike. The standard tyres conceal the low damping on the slippery saddle and handlebars. More comfort could be achieved with smaller 27.5 wheels, then there is room for 53 millimetre wheels. This is also made possible by the special MTB dimensions on the rear triangle, but not all wheels will fit due to the larger installation width (148 millimetres).

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 2203/502/75 grammes
• Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL
• Seat/top tube/head tube 525/565/144 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 604/386 millimetres/1.56
• Wheelbase/caster 1050/78 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/Circuit Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160 / 160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** WTB ST i23; Novatec/WTB Riddler 45 millimetres (f./h.: 2044 / 2600 grams)

StrengthsHigh running smoothness; tidy appearance; many mounting eyelets

Weaknesses: Heavy; only five sizes; not compatible with all wheels

>> The Focus Atlas gets an overall TOUR score of 2.4

Fuji Jari 1.3

• Price1899 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 10,6 Kilo

Fuji describes the Jari as a "chameleon", which the US company offers in three equipment variants. Although the aluminium model does not change colour, it is still adaptable. With numerous mounting points for luggage and mudguards, the Jari 1.3 is a loyal companion for tours with lots of luggage. An extremely upright riding position and smooth ride round off the long-distance concept.

There is a rubber cover on the underside of the top tube for carrying passages, but the heavy Fuji also presses on the shoulder with the detail familiar from cyclocross bikes. Due to the high overall weight, the ride is rather leisurely over hill and dale. On stony surfaces, you have to slow down anyway, as the suspension with the factory-fitted tyres is a little meagre and the saddle is relatively uncomfortable. For more suspension comfort, however, tyres up to 50 millimetres wide can be fitted thanks to the lowered chainstay.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 1925/540/71 grammes
• Frame sizes** 46, 48, 52, 54, 55,5, 57,5, 60
• Seat/top tube/head tube 560/565/171 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 614/374 millimetres/1.64
• Wheelbase/caster 1035/70 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift FSA Omega BB386 Evo/Shimano GRX 400 (2x10; 48/32, 11-32 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** WTB ST i23/WTB Raddler 40 millimetres (f./h.: 1734 / 2355 grams)

Strengths: Many mounting eyelets; large tyre clearance; many sizes

WeaknessesRelatively high total weight; simple FSA crank

>> The Fuji Jari gets an overall TOUR score of 2.3

Giant Revolt 0

• Price1899 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 10,4 Kilo

The most expensive Revolt with an aluminium frame is a remarkable bike. This is mainly due to the concept of the Taiwanese manufacturer, who has sent a record-breakingly light frameset into the race and made the compromise of relatively low stiffness values. Paired with the carbon seat post and the factory-fitted tubeless tyres, the Giant, which according to the manufacturer allows a maximum payload of 150 kilos, is on a par with a gravel bike with a carbon fibre frame.

Another unique feature is the flip-chip dropout, which can be used to change the wheelbase by ten millimetres. In the short position, the Revolt is extremely agile, in the long position it is smoother - and allows tyres up to a maximum width of 53 millimetres. The tuning tip is obvious when you look at the wheels: at just under 4500 grams, they are very heavy.

• Weight* Frame/fork/headset bearing 1573/493/72 grammes
• Frame sizes** S, M, ML, L, XL
• Seat/top tube/head tube 495/570/164 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 618/382 millimetres/1.62
• Wheelbase/caster 1035/56 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Practice/Shimano GRX 810 (2x11; 48/32, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Giant S-X2 Disc/Giant Crosscut AT2 38 millimetres (f./h.: 1895 /2521 grams)

Strengths: Lightweight frame set; high suspension comfort; large tyre clearance

Weaknesses: Heavy wheels; simple practical crank; only five sizes

>> The Giant Revolt 0 gets an overall TOUR score of 2.4

Poison Taxin Alu Gravel

• Price: 2200 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 10,9 Kilo

With its baby blue paintwork and pink handlebar tape, the Taxin Alu Gravel stands out from the competition. But the Poison doesn't just stand out visually, the bike also has its own technical peculiarities - and is closer to a cyclocross bike than a gravel bike. The damping in particular is below average by today's technical standards.

As the maximum tyre clearance of 40 millimetres is already ex works, there is hardly anything that can be done about the suspension comfort. In addition, the extremely rigid frame set, on which mudguards and pannier rack can be mounted, and the robust wheels with e-bike rims are very heavy.

The great advantage of the mail-order company is its modular system, in which the bike can be configured as desired - for a wider range of gears, for example with a double crankset or with expensive Classified technology that combines hub and derailleur gears.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 2043/925/67 grammes
• Frame sizes** 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Seat/top tube/head tube 540/565/160 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 598/372 millimetres/1.61
• Wheelbase/caster 1055/67 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 600/800 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss 545 D, Novatec /Panaracer Gravelking SK 40 millimetres (front/rear: 1849/2481 grams)

StrengthsSmooth running; many options in the configurator; eyelets for mudguards & co.

Weaknesses: Heavy; little suspension comfort; narrow tyres; limited gear range

>> The Poison Taxin Alu Gravel gets an overall TOUR rating of 2.7

Radon Regard 10.0

• Price1999 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9,9 Kilo

The Regard 10.0 is an absolute bestseller for the Bonn-based mail order company. Although the price has risen by 200 euros since its market launch last year, the aluminium model is still notoriously sold out. For understandable reasons: The all-rounder is based on one of the lightest framesets on the market, is equipped to a high standard with Shimano's GRX 810 and can be converted into a vehicle for commuters or adventurers thanks to mounts for mudguards, pannier racks and bags.

The stable Regard feels most at home on light gravel tracks; the suspension comfort with the standard tyres is a little too low for rough terrain. However, tyres up to 45 millimetres wide can fit through the frame and fork. The single drive works perfectly, but has a limited gear range. However, Radon will soon be offering a model with a double crankset for 1299 euros.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 1779/456/98 grammes
• Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 61
• Seat/top tube/head tube 535/555/166 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 590/384 millimter/1.54
• Wheelbase/caster 1040/67 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 810 (1x11; 40, 11-42 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 810 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Mavic Allroad Disc/Continental Terra Speed 40 millimetres (front/rear: 1742/2378 grams)

Strengths: Lightweight frame set; very smooth running

Weaknesses: Limited gear range; heavy wheelset; only five sizes

>> The Radon Regard gets an overall TOUR score of 2.1

Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400

• Price1999 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 10,0 Kilo

The Backroad AL GRX RX400 is the entry-level model in the Bocholt-based mail-order company's extensive gravel range - and at first glance it is almost indistinguishable from the more expensive versions with carbon frames. The workmanship with the semi-integrated cockpit is top-notch, the equipment is functional. The wheelset in particular stands out with its low weight in this price category and is one kilo lighter than the heaviest model in this test.

The emphatically upright riding position, smooth ride and mounting points for mudguards and pannier rack make the Backroad a loyal companion. The Rose reaches its limits on rough terrain - both in terms of suspension comfort and grip. However, the frame and fork leave room for tyres up to 45 millimetres wide, with 27.5-inch wheels the limit is 50 millimetres. Rose offers six other versions with aluminium frames.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 1860/464/91 grammes
• Frame sizes** 46, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59
• Seat/top tube/head tube 510/565/176 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 608/378 millimetres/1.61
• Wheelbase/caster 1040/68 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Rose R25, Newmen/Schwalbe G-One R 40 millimetres (front/rear: 1606/2146 grams)

Strengths: Lightweight wheelset; good spring comfort; many sizes

WeaknessesHigh maintenance costs

>> The Rose Backroad gets an overall TOUR score of 2.2

Stevens Prestige

• Price1999 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 10,6 Kilo

The Prestige is the "little brother" of the Camino, which the Hamburg-based company presented last year, and unlike the fast carbon model, it is based on an aluminium frame. Because Stevens has also dispensed with carbon fibre for the fork, the frameset is very heavy at almost four kilos. Although the relatively light wheels reduce the overall weight somewhat, the Prestige accelerates sluggishly and doesn't come close to the agility of the Camino Pro (TOUR 5/2022).

But that's not what it's supposed to be, rather the neatly finished bike is designed for bikepacking. This is demonstrated by the upright riding position, balanced handling and mounts for luggage and mudguards. The weak point is the below-average damping, which even slightly wider 45-millimetre tyres cannot conceal. In addition to the Prestige, Stevens has two other aluminium gravel bikes in its range.

• Weight* Frame/fork/steering bearing 2055/898/84 grammes
• Frame sizes** 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Seat/top tube/head tube 540/590/172 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 631/393 millimetres/1.61
• Wheelbase/caster 1060/67 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift Shimano GRX 600/810 (2x11; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 mm)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Fulcrum Rapid Red 900/Schwalbe G-One Bite 40 millimetres (front/rear: 1718/2244 grams)

Strengths: Wide range of gears; lightweight wheels; many mounting eyelets

Weaknesses: Heavy frame set; little spring comfort

>> The Stevens Prestige gets an overall TOUR score of 2.4