What is Gravel?
Having first appeared in the United States many years ago, Gravel is a nascent discipline in Europe but one with growing popularity, thanks to its fun nature and the emergence of dedicated races and rides. Allowing you to mix road sections, trails, tracks and forest paths with ease, Gravel is defined above all by a unique state of mind: that of setting off on an adventure, going off the beaten track and being able to go anywhere with one and the same bike. A discipline where the pursuit of pleasure takes precedence over the pursuit of performance.
The particularities of Gravel bikes
Resembling a cyclocross bike in aesthetic terms, the Gravel bike is less physically and technically demanding. It is characterised by several distinctive elements that guarantee maximum versatility and great riding comfort, including over long distances. A Gravel frame is thus sloping (From the English "slope" (incline), this term is used to describe frames whose top tube connecting the seat tube to the head tube is angled.) to ensure great riding pleasure on all types of terrain. The head tube angle is more open, the bottom bracket is lower and the chainstays are longer.
Gravel bikes are also equipped with disc brakes, flared drop handlebars to optimise riding efficiency, and shorter developments at the rear often paired with a single front chainring. Finally, certain models benefit from Gravel Plus technology allowing the fitting of either 650B or 700C wheels, with tyres ranging from 25 to 55 mm in section, even though the standard is more often between 35 and 40 mm. In all cases, opt if possible for a Tubeless / Tubeless Ready wheel/tyre system — that is, without an inner tube — which will allow you to gain in comfort, efficiency, grip and above all to greatly reduce the risk of punctures, which are very common in this discipline.
A Gravel bike and much more!
Incredibly versatile, the Gravel bike sits at the crossroads of many paths.
Beyond its initial use, it can also be suitable for going on a touring trip or a bikepacking adventure (some models have eyelets for mounting racks and mudguards), commuting to work, going on a long road ride or discovering the pleasure of cyclocross in a more accessible way, even if once again, a gravel bike is very different from a cyclocross bike, with a far less specific geometry.
Which bike suits my riding style?
As you will have understood, there are as many types of Gravel models as there are ways of approaching this hybrid discipline. Depending on your current equipment and your philosophy, your choice will obviously not fall on the same frame, starting with its material.
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Steel
Steel frames will guarantee excellent comfort and solidity. They will be very well suited to a primarily off-road practice, on technical and rough terrain.
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Aluminium
An aluminium frame is the choice if you are looking for a lighter and more dynamic bike, with a predominantly road-oriented use. This material will also be the most accessible in terms of budget.
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Carbon
Carbon frames will perfectly meet the expectations of the most demanding riders or those wishing to treat themselves to a model that is lightweight, comfortable and responsive all at once.
If you already own a mountain bike and want to experience new pleasures, you can opt for a bike fitted with 700c wheels, with 35 or 38 mm tyres and a Compact (50/34) or Sub-Compact (46/36) drivetrain.
Conversely, if you come from a road cycling background, a more off-road-oriented Gravel bike (with 650B wheels, large 45 or even 50 mm tyres, and a single chainring drivetrain) could prove to be an interesting complement.
Finally, if you are looking for an all-purpose bike, opt for the most versatile model possible, accepting both 650B and 700c wheels — even going as far as acquiring an extra pair of wheels to have two bikes in one — and adaptable in terms of drivetrain (single chainring allowing easy changes of ring size depending on the route profile, double chainring with a long-cage rear derailleur, ...).
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