Gravel bikes are often lauded for their versatility. While they remain inherently practical due to their wider tyre clearance and relaxed geometry, in recent years they have become specialised and nuanced. There are gravel bikes designed for fast gravel races, for off-grid bikepacking, for rugged trails, and much in between. But are there options for those on a tighter budget?
Like the best road bikes, the best gravel bikes can be expensive, and with bike prices increasing across the board it has become harder to find high performing yet affordable models. However, we’ve tested a number of gravel bikes that fit the bill and have selected our favorites here. We’ve chosen them for their general performance as well as for their ability to shine in specific areas, which will hopefully help you to make a more informed choice when buying your first gravel bike.
As mentioned some gravel offerings can perform admirably as all-purpose machines for those who only have room for one bike. That said, we also have dedicated guides to the best commuter bikes and the best winter road bikes should they interest you. And once you’ve made your choice, we’ve also got guides to the best gravel clothing and best gravel shoes so you can equip yourself for the riding ahead.
A relaxed riding position and plenty of mounts mark the Topstone 4 out as an ideal long-distance companion. Well-considered components keep the costs down without spoiling functionality, but its geometry is better suited to off-road trails than road sections.
An excellent budget option, Boardman's ADV 8.6 is tubeless-ready and has a wide-range 9-speed drivetrain ready for off-road exploration. Although the frame lacks a bit of compliance, the included rack and mudguard mounts mean that it can double up as a commuter or winter bike.
Huge tire clearance, a carbon fork and a plethora of luggage mounts make the ever-popular Diverge a sure-fire winner. In this guise, the gearing is aimed at easier trails and lanes rather than big hills.
GT's iconic triple-triangle design provides a smooth ride thanks to the lengthened seat stays, and the wheels are tubeless-ready albeit shod with dry weather tires. The 8-speed drivetrain works well enough but is orientated more to road use and the brakes are a bit sub-par.
Decent value and good tire clearance on offer from the Triban GRVL 520. The geometry held it back a little off-road though and the supplied tires slowed it down on-road.
Featuring women-specific geometry, the updated Devote is a great entry point for new gravel riders. Highlights include flip chip tech that allows you to adjust both the wheelbase length and the tyre clearance.
The aluminium Topstone 4 mixes a quality frameset with a range of budget components to help keep the price down. However, we found that the 10-speed 1x Microshift drivechain worked really well, despite it being a far less used brand than Shimano or Sram. Likewise the ProMax mechanical disc brakes, which surprised us with their ability to stop quickly regardless of the surface. We also like the wide, flared bars, which allow plenty of room for a bar bag. In fact, the frame is loaded with mounting points, making this a good match for bikepacking adventures.
We found the geometry to be relaxed and the ride to be stable, leaving us feeling in control even when navigating tricky off-road terrain.
While the knobbly tyres work well on the trails, we found they made the bike feel sluggish on the road and slow to accelerate. Of course it’s not its primary purpose, but given that a lot of gravel rides require some time on the tarmac too, it’s worth considering. Similarly, if you want a gravel bike to ‘do it all’ then you may need to think about a tyre or wheel swap here.
The ADV 8.6 from Boardman is a great first gravel bike. It offers a wide gear range courtesy of the 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset that pairs a 48/32t chainset with an 11-34 cassette. We also appreciated that the wheels and tyres are tubeless-ready; we found running the 38mm Schwalbe G-One tyres tubeless helped to take some of the harshness out of the firm alloy frame and its chunky tube shapes.
Those tube shapes do have their advantages though. We found the ADV 8.6 quick to accelerate on and off-road. As for the riding position, it falls somewhere between stretched out and upright, so a reasonable balance. Control is aided by the wide bars that feature a subtle flare we really liked. While the groupset helps to make the bike a good all-rounder we can’t help think it might be better off with a dedicated gravel groupset, such as Shimano GRX, allowing for an even lower bottom gear for those steep and loose trails.
All told, this bike offers exceptional value for money, with decent components used throughout. If you’re after a dedicated gravel groupset however you’ll need to stump a bit more cash for the ADV 8.9.
The Diverge Comp is certainly a versatile bike. The alloy frame and full carbon fork are loaded with mounting points, six for bottles and bags, and two more for front and rear fenders. It means it’s adaptable for both bikepacking, touring and commuting.
Then there’s the FutureSHock front suspension system that provides 20mm of travel. We found that while we didn’t really notice it during our rides, we did finish them with far less fatigue in the hands and wrists than we typically experienced when riding gravel trails. It's off-road capabilities are further enhanced by decent tyre clearance and Sram Apex hydraulic brakes that were nothing less than superb.
About that tyre clearance, the bike comes fitted with 38mm Pathfinder Sport, which while a decent all-road option weren’t best suited muddy tracks. We swapped out the stock 700c wheels (which aren’t tubeless compatible) for some 650b hoops fitted with 2.1” tyres resulting in bags of fun on tricky terrain, aided by the wide, flared bars.
Wheels: WTB ST i 23 tubeless-ready rims on Formula hubs
Max tire clearance: 42mm
Sizes: 44 - 61cm
Weight: 10.9kg
Reasons to buy
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Smooth-riding triple triangle frame
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Sensible budget component choice
Reasons to avoid
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Tektro brakes lack bite
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Fairly narrow tire clearance
While the Grade’s ‘triple triangle’ frame design might look a little unconventional, it works. During our testing we found that it delivered a comfortable ride whether it be tarmac, gravel or compacted trails. GT says its the longer seats that add extra compliance.
The 8-speed chainset, comprising Shimano and FSA parts worked well, although we did experience some sizable jumps between gears. The mechanical disc brakes were less assured however and we found themselves having to break earlier than we were used to when using hydraulics. Their lack of bite was particularly noticeable on tricky descents.
We found that the 37mm WTB Riddler tyres performed well during drier rides as well on the roads and, along with the wheels, can be set up tubeless, which from experience we know will help to improve the ride quality further, adding more comfort and improved grip.
Geometry doesn't quite match the competition off-road
While some gravel bikes are built for speed, Triban’s GRVL 520 is better suited to slower rides over rugged terrain and bikepacking trips. The former is achieved in part thanks to the 650b wheels, equipped with 47mm tyres, and 1x11 Sram Apex groupset, both of which felt at home off-road. The latter comes courtesy of a multitude of mounting points. Add in the external cabling routing and you have a bike well-suited to rides that take you off the beaten path.
Unsurprisingly this did make the GRVL 520 feel a little sluggish when we found ourselves riding on the road; if you’re looking a gravel bike that’s a little quicker and can handle tarmac, the Triban is also offered in build option that features 700c wheels and a 2x 11-speed groupset, with a subcompact chainset.
The updated Devote features a lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame and a carbon composite fork that’s designed to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. The geometry been tweaked from previous models, making it a little more performance-focussed; in essence it’s a little lower at the front end then before.
Control over tricky terrain is aided by the D-fuse bars that have both a 5-degree backsweep and some flare at the drops. There’s also clearance for tyres as wide as 53mm thanks to the flip chip dropouts, which allows you to go long and stable, or shorter for a more responsive ride (here the maximum tyre clearance is 45mm). The D-fuse bars are paired with a D-Fuse seatpost, both designed to absorb the lumps and bumps of the trail, while helping to reduce fatigue on long rides whatever the terrain.
While there are a number of build options, this entry-level Devote comes equipped with a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset and Tektro mechanical disc brakes.
Best for durability
Kona's Rove AL is a reliable workhorse for gravel adventures and commuting
QR axles make it a bit more of a faff to avoid brake rub
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Chainrings are a little large for a gravel bike
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Kona is no stranger to beefy touring bikes and now gravel bikes. It's got a reputation for no-nonsense, robust bikes with budget spec options that are durable and hassle-free.
This entry-level Rove is one of their aluminum alloy offerings and is available in either 700c or 650b builds at the same price. With chunky 47mm WTB Venture tires fitted and mounts on the fork legs in addition to standard mudguard and rack eyelets, the Rove is a great choice for anyone wanting to dip their toe into the world of bikepacking.
Best for tamer trails
Trek's Domane is technical a road bike with clearance for wider tires it can handle some rough stuff
If you feel like you are more of an adventure touring or all-road rider the Trek Domane AL line of frames is a good fit. The endurance bike geometry works well both on and off-road and there's clearance for tires up to 35mm. In today's world 35mm isn't big but it's more than enough to tackle well-groomed gravel roads.
For a lot of people, this makes perfect sense as a first, or only, bike. Everything that makes it capable of heading off-road also makes it versatile. There are mounts for racks and fenders if you want to do some bikepacking or commuting, and weekend use just means changing tires.
If your budget stretches a bit further, there are three alloy Domane models with higher-spec finishing kit in the range.
Best for singletrack
Marin's Nicasio proves that when it comes to gravel steel can also be real
Dual-pull brake calipers offer better performance over single-pull
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Good range of mounting options
Reasons to avoid
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QR wheel axles make it harder to avoid brake rub
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Large jumps between the gears
One of the few steel gravel bikes that you'll find in the 'budget' price range the Marin Nicasio+ is a great choice for budding bikepackers. There are loads of water bottle cage mounts, and you'll have plenty of options for storage alongside traditional rack and guard mounts too.
It comes with a single-ring groupset, making for a simpler mechanical set-up, with plenty of gear range and a clutched derailleur, although with only 9 speeds, there are quite large jumps between ratios. The Nicasio+ is fitted with 47mm WTB Horizon tires, so there's lots of rubber between you and the trail for extra comfort and grip.
Best for tuneable geometry
Giant's Revolt 2 allows you to adjust the chainstay length to match the demands of your ride
(Image credit: Giant)
10. Giant Revolt 2
Best for tuneable geometry
Specifications
Brakes: Shimano Sora shifters w/ Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brakes
Quite narrow clearance in the shorter chainstay configuration
The Giant Revolt comes with a flip chip in its rear triangle that lets you keep the chainstay length short for a more lively ride on tires up to 42mm or lengthen them for massive 53mm tire clearance.
Giant uses its compact frame geometry and fits its D-Fuse D-shaped seatpost to help increase saddle comfort, while a carbon fork adds damping to the front end. If you have a bit more in your budget, the Giant Revolt 1 offers 10-speed Shimano GRX gearing and hydraulic braking while still coming in just below our upper price limit.
How to choose a budget gravel bike
What frame material should I expect in a budget gravel bike?
Inexpensive frames are sometimes steel but mostly aluminum. Metal frames are robust, durable, and inexpensive to manufacture. Alloy frames tend to be a little lighter than budget steel frames but steel is easier to repair if you find yourself in a remote region of the world.
Even at this price point, you will often find a carbon fork, which along with the wide tires will help take some of the road buzz out of your ride.
Whatever material you end up with be sure to protect it for use with bags. Use a strong, clear, adhesive material anywhere that a bag will come in contact with the frame. Even the best bags will wear through the paint.
What groupset and shifting should I expect on a budget gravel bike?
At this price point, there are a few different options on the market, from SRAM's Apex 1X groupset to double chainrings or even triples. Budget Shimano Sora or Claris options help to keep costs down and simplify shifting with 8 or 9-speed setups. These are road groupsets, rather than specifically gravel ones though, so they don't have a clutch to help keep the chain in place on bumpy terrain.
A gravel-specific groupset like Shimano GRX or SRAM Apex 1 will give you a better set-up for gravel riding than a road groupset, but is not often specced on lower-priced gravel bikes, as it's more expensive than 8 or 9-speed options.
Often gravel bikes will come with a single chainring set-up with a wide-range cassette to give you the range you need. It's a good option, but better with an 11 or 12-speed set-up; with the cheaper groupsets with a smaller number of sprockets, you may find the jumps between gears a bit wide.
The other option to give you lower gear ratios is a subcompact two-chainring groupset. Subcompact usually means either a 48/32t or 46/30t chainset, rather than the 50/34t that's typical on road bikes. The advantage of a two-chainring groupset is that you get more gear ratios, and smaller jumps as you move up the cassette.
The SRAM Apex 1 groupset is an excellent option at any price range.
(Image credit: Nils Nilsen)
What brakes should I expect on a budget gravel bike?
Mechanical disc brake setups are almost always specced at the sub-£1000/$1500 mark. These are less costly than hydraulic disc brakes but still yield benefits over rim braking systems, particularly for gravel bikes. Disc brakes make it possible to fit big tires and wide wheels without any decrease in braking power.
Even cable-actuated disc brakes offer greater power and modulation than cantilever brakes. Disc brakes will also save your wheelsets from wearing out in mucky conditions, unlike rim brakes.
Although not as powerful as hydraulic disc brakes, cable-operated brakes can be easier to maintain. Future upgrades are also always possible.
What wheels and tires should I expect on a budget gravel bike?
Even at this cheaper end of the gravel bike market, you can now choose between standard 700c wheels or smaller 650b wheels. A lot of these bikes will be compatible with both sizes too, so you can change as you like or even have a pair of each with different tires fitted.
For easier terrain or longer rides where efficiency is key 700c wheels are a good choice. Choose 650b wheels to run wider, chunkier tires for more technical terrain. The larger volume tires add extra comfort over rooty and rocky trails.
Tires make a huge difference to the quality of your ride and are also an easy element to switch out when you buy a bike. Having said that, it's good to see so many great tires fitted as standard, even at a budget level.
For mud and loose gravel look for more aggressive tread on the center line and shoulders. Slick, or file tread, tires will be faster for road, dry conditions and less technical terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that entry-level wheels can come at the cost of greater weight. Heavier wheels take more energy to get moving and can feel sluggish. When you're convinced that gravel riding is for you, wheels are a good first upgrade.
WTB Resolute gravel tires on a gravel bike
What finishing kit should I expect on a budget gravel bike?
Many budget gravel bikes come from brands that offer their own in-house finishing kit, for example, Triban's seatpost, stem, handlebars, bar tape and saddle. This helps to keep costs low, and although not the flashiest, these parts tend to be well-made and robust. Finishing kit is easy to swap out if you fancy an update at any point in the future too.
Handlebars are the one piece of the finishing kit you might want to really pay attention to. Flared bars of around 12° can give a more stable position in the drops for rough descents. They also accommodate bikepacking bags more easily.
What are the best upgrades for my budget gravel bike?
Once you're happy that your new gravel bike is the best steed you've ever owned, you might want to consider a few upgrades to make the ride even more enjoyable. If you've got a little over $1,500/£1,000 to spend initially, you might consider these features for your first bike too.
SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Lever
Although it sounds strange, better braking can actually help you go faster. With more powerful braking from hydraulic disc brakes, you can stop faster. With great braking performance at your fingertips, you'll have more confidence to let rip on the descents.
If you don't already have flared handlebars on your bike, consider this upgrade for confident descending and more room for bikepacking bags up front.
Your wheels can make a huge difference to the quality of the ride, and unfortunately, at lower price points the quality of these can suffer. Upgrading your original wheelset to a lighter and higher quality build can make the world of difference.
Don't feel stuck with the tires that come on your bike. Your preferred terrain and conditions might need something different. Experiment with different volumes and tread types until you find some that work for you. You may need a different set of tires for summer and winter riding to get the most out of your budget gravel bike, swapping between them to compensate for the changes in trail conditions.
Setting up your wheels tubeless can be one of the biggest (although not always the easiest) upgrades to your bike out of the box. With no tube to worry about you can run lower pressure for better traction and a more comfortable ride. Tubeless sealant can also seal small punctures before you even know something happened.
What extras do I need for gravel riding?
If you're looking to keep your spending on your new gravel bike under control, don't forget to budget for the extras you'll need.
Although you can ride on a set of the best flat pedals, it's easiest to ride off-road on clipless pedals, but you need an MTB-style two-bolt system rather than a road-going three-bolt one. The best pedals for off-road riding are two-sided for easier engagement, clear mud well and are robust.
You'll need a matching pair of two-bolt shoes for gravel riding, as the recessed cleats and grippy soles are essential when you need to walk your bike.
Don't forget to factor in a helmet, summer gloves in case you take a tumble and winter gloves to keep your hands from freezing. If you don't want to ride in road gear, there's also a good selection of gravel bike clothing for more versatility or a more relaxed look. Finally don't forget sunglasses to help keep dirt and bugs out of your eyes.
If you're planning to use your gravel bike for bikepacking or even for commuting, there's a whole range of bikepacking bags to make packing and carrying easier. We've got a comprehensive list of everything you need to go bikepacking - there's quite a lot of it.
But if you're looking for a budget gravel bike, the answer is: probably not.
The vast majority of gravel bikes are still rigid and perform just fine. We'd only suggest looking into suspension forks for your gravel bike if you've got the budget and you're tackling more challenging terrains.
How we test
Where we've been able to link to a review, it means that we've put the bike through its paces. This means we've ridden it across a variety of terrain to assess its suitability for gravel riding, considering a range of factors such as its ride quality, comfort over longer distances and its suitability for alternative uses such as winter road riding and commuting. This being a 'budget' guide, value for money was a key consideration too.
Where we haven't yet had the chance to review an item, we're still confident in recommending it as one of the best, because we either know the brand really well and have probably tested another product or the previous version and can still happily recommend it as one of the best.
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