Gravel Special: The best new gravel bikes - 10 affordable gravel bikes on test

Whether on tarmac, dirt tracks or forest paths: The gravel bike is the road bike for all occasions and is therefore very popular right now. What do you need to consider when buying? What is important for the frame? What is important in terms of equipment? Our test with ten bikes costing around €2,000 clarifies the most important questions

What is a gravel bike?

What exactly constitutes a gravel bike is not regulated anywhere. The only thing manufacturers agree on is that gravel bikes have racing handlebars, wider tyres (from 37 millimetres), disc brakes and a gear system that also has easy gears for steep climbs in the terrain. However, the riding positions and the range of use targeted by the manufacturers are very different. This is also shown by our test of ten bikes costing between €1,600 and €2,300. Despite this relatively narrow price range, they differ considerably in terms of technology and character. Two of the ten bikes have carbon frames, eight have aluminium frames. All bikes come with hydraulic disc brakes and gears from Shimano. The components used are either from the 105 groupset with 2 x 11 gears, originally developed for road racing bikes, or the new GRX groupset, specially designed for gravel bikes.

Important: Which tyres to use on gravel and off-road?

A blanket recommendation is difficult, but the trend towards tubeless tyres on gravel bikes is no coincidence: All ten test bikes are basically suitable for this, nine of them came with tubeless tyres; only the Trek Checkpoint would need to have tyres replaced. Tubeless tyres are ridden without a tube, as is the case with cars. They require special rims, which are fitted to all wheels.

Tubeless technology offers great advantages, especially on gravel bikes: less weight, better puncture protection, more comfort and more grip. In addition, the lack of friction between the inner tube and tyre wall reduces rolling resistance. On the other hand, initial fitting is more complicated.

The test field of ten gravel bikes at a glance

BrandModelPrice (RRP in euros)CanyonGrail AL 7.01.699CorratecAllroad A11,699CubeNuroad SL1,699FeltBroam 301,699FujiJari 1.11.999GiantRevolt 01,599GTGrade Carbon Expert2,299MeridaSilex 7001,999StorckGrix Pro 1052,299TrekCheckpoint ALR 51.999

How TOUR tests

With the Gravel Special in TOUR 5/2020, we are introducing a new evaluation procedure for gravel bikes. The biggest differences to the previous grading system, which was based on road racing bikes, are in the disciplines of comfort and weight.

The Comfort grade is no longer solely dependent on the laboratory measured values on the frame and seatpost or the fork, but also takes into account the influence of the tyres. For this purpose, we have determined the spring characteristics of typical tyre widths. For gravel bikes, the suspension stiffness of a 40-millimetre tyre with 3 bar pressure and the measured values of the frameset are included in the comfort rating. Comfort at the front and rear is also weighted at 10 % each (previously: 5 % at the front, 15 % at the rear).

The grading of the Complete weight has been adapted to the higher weights of the bikes resulting from the tyres and the mandatory need for disc brakes. From now on, bikes with a total weight of 7.5 kilograms or less (previously: 6.8 kilograms) will receive a 1.0. At the other end, bikes weighing 10.8 kilograms or more will receive a 5.0.

You can find more information on our measurement methods at www.tour-magazin.de/technik.

You can download the complete test with all details, measured values and grades below for 1.99 euros.

Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has its price. That's why we guarantee independence and objectivity. The TOUR tests are based on standardised and reproducible test procedures, which we always disclose. TOUR articles can be bought - TOUR test victories cannot!

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