Gravel Bikes Vs Hybrid Bikes

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply an excellent array of both Gravel Bikes and Hybrid Bikes - both of which are great options for customers not looking for the specialist designs and capabilities of either a mountain bike or a road bike. The two choices here - between a gravel bike and a hybrid bike is a tricky one for a lot of people, both bikes do everything relatively well - but there are some important differences which you can match to your riding style, requirements and preferences.

In this post, we look at some of the differences between Hybrid Bikes and Gravel Bikes - allowing you to make your own conclusion as to which one will best suit your needs.

Geometry

Gravel Bike Geometry, whilst relaxed - is still more competitive than a hybrid bike. The riding position of a gravel bike is designed for greater speed and handling Vs a hybrid bike. Both gravel bikes and hybrid bikes have been designed with longer trips in mind, so both can accommodate panniers and luggage options.

The best choice for you will depend upon what you need it for - if you plan on riding for speed, on road and off road - choose a gravel bike. If you intend on simply riding to the shops and on a smaller commute, a hybrid bike will be the best option. The riding position of a hybrid bike is much more upright, which makes it perform both better and worse in many situations.

Regardless of which bike you choose, both are very capable with good levels of fitness.

Gravel Bike Vs Hybrid Bike Cost

There are a range of cheaper hybrid bikes on the market, but good quality hybrid bikes from the best bike brands still command a decent budget. Gravel bikes are a relatively new addition to the bike industry, and the extra capability of a gravel bike both on road and off road - with higher end frame materials, sees Gravel Bikes often being the more expensive option.

Gravel Bike Vs Hybrid Bike Tyres

Both Gravel Bikes and Hybrid Bikes can accommodate a wide range of tyres  - suiting different riding conditions across different seasons and weather conditions. Hybrid bikes will usually have extra clearance compared to gravel bikes - which allows for a greater range of tyres to be fitted.

Whilst some choose a skinny tyre for their hybrid bike - allowing for the quickest possible performance, many hybrid bike riders will fit larger and thicker tyres for more comfortable performance on day to day riding, tackling kerbs and potholes of the daily commute much easier.

Gravel Bikes are fitted with thicker tyres Vs hybrid bikes - which provides more grip, stability and performance in off road conditions, making them a perfect tyre choice for the rough roads of the UK.

Gravel Bike Vs Hybrid Bike Handlebars

The handlebars of a gravel bike Vs a hybrid bike provide a noticeable difference in the design of these bikes. Gravel bikes will often have drop handlebars - allowing the rider to adopt a more aggressive and race like position. Hybrid bikes will have flat handlebars, keeping the riding position upright, ideal for the commute.

Gravel Bike Vs Hybrid Bike Weight

Although it’s commonplace to think that gravel bikes are lighter than hybrid bikes - but this is not always the case. Both bikes are however, very lightweight - and any bike which uses carbon fibre in it’s frame will provide lightweight performance and handling.

Gravel Bike Vs Hybrid Bike, What to Choose?

At Westbrook, we would often recommend a gravel bike over a hybrid bike. These bikes are the perfect do it all option, and provide performance not unlike the mountain bikes of yesteryear - with the same focus on lightweight performance.

Both types of bike present great value, and electric hybrid bikes and electric gravel bikes are also available.