Introduction To Gravel Cycling: FAQs

Gravel cycling is rapidly gaining popularity among road bike and MTB riders looking for speed and versatility. As Gravel cycling is still relatively new to a lot of riders, we've put together this list of FAQs to cover some of the most common questions about them, including the differences between gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes, the benefits of Carbon gravel bikes, and tips for finding the best gravel bike for your needs.

What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike is a versatile bicycle designed for riding on various surfaces, including gravel roads, dirt trails, and tarmac. Gravel bikes typically look similar to road bikes at first glance, but feature wider tyres for better traction, more comfortable geometry for long rides, and multiple mounting points for carrying gear. They are ideally suited for adventure cycling, bikepacking, and mixed-terrain riding, but also make great bikes for a quick blast down your local singletrack too.

What are the benefits of a carbon gravel bike?

Carbon gravel bikes offer several advantages over their aluminum counterparts. Carbon frames are generally lighter than alloy, which makes climbing easier and handling better. They also provide better vibration damping, resulting in a smoother ride on rough terrain and can even have flex-based suspension built in, such as the Kingpin suspension system on the Cannondale Topstone range.

Gravel bike vs cyclocross bike: What's the difference?

Cyclocross bike and gravel bikes bear an obvious resemblance to each other, but there are some differences that set them apart. Cyclocross bikes are built specifically with racing in mind, so the frame design reflects this, with aggressive geometry and high top tubes to allow the bike to be carried on a shoulder. Gravel bikes are designed with more comfort in mind, and offer much more versatility. Mudguards can often be fitted around wider tyres, and most gravel bikes will have mounts for pannier racks or bikepacking bags.

What makes the best gravel bike?

Obviously, the best gravel bike will be different things to different people, depending on what it is they're looking for and how they intend to use it. When looking at frame materials, think what level of performance you are hoping for. A Carbon gravel bike will provide better performance, but it will come at a higher cost than an alloy one. If you aren't too perfromance orientated however, this is a great area to make a saving. Most modern gravel bikes will have generous tyre clearance, but it is still something to give a little consideration to, in order to make sure that the kind of tyres you plan on using will fit ok. If you are planning on bikepacking, choosing a frame with plenty of mounts will likely be advantageous to carry your equipment.

Can I find a budget gravel bike?

Absolutely! While high-end carbon gravel bikes can be expensive, there are many budget-friendly options available. Look for aluminum frames, which offer a good balance of performance and affordability. The GT Grade range offers great performance with excellent value for money, making it a great budget gravel bike.

Why choose a Giant gravel bike?

One of the best things about a Giant gravel bike is the value for money they offer. Giant manufacture the majority of the components on their bikes in-house, which allows them to offer a bike of the same quality and performance as their rivals for less money, making them a great deal.

What makes a Cannondale gravel bike stand out?

A Cannondale gravel bike will always be packed full of innovation, such as the Kingpin suspension and Lefty forks. This not only makes them visually striking, but often lighter than the competition and more comfortable to ride. The Cannondale Topstone range begins as a budget gravel bike offering, and goes right up to their hi-mod carbon gravel bike selection for those looking for the ultimate in performance.

Conclusion

Gravel cycling opens up a world of adventure and versatility for cyclists. Whether you're looking for the best gravel bike, comparing gravel bikes vs cyclocross bikes, or searching for a budget-friendly option, there's something out there for everyone. Road bike riders looking to extend their repertoire to take on some fire roads and railways or Mountain bike riders looking to put more miles in, gravel bikes make a great versatile ride.