Which drivetrain to choose for Gravel?

You may be looking for a Gravel bike to head out on adventures along tracks and trails… We want to draw your attention to the importance of choosing the right drivetrain to ride comfortably on road and beyond. With the right gearing, you will be able to maintain an ideal pedalling cadence throughout your rides.

Type of terrain, type of riding, difficulty of the terrain, fitness level, single chainring or double chainring… Probikeshop helps you choose the drivetrain best suited to your Gravel riding.

Why choose a Gravel-specific drivetrain?

A central component of your Gravel bike, the drivetrain must combine several qualities: reliability, efficiency and durability. It must be prepared to ride on all types of terrain: rolling, loose, rough, technical, muddy…

More reliable and more efficient Gravel bike drivetrains

It is perfectly possible to opt for a road bike drivetrain that is compatible with Gravel riding. But a specifically adapted system offers more simplicity, reliability and efficiency. In short, it responds precisely to the demands of the terrain and the discipline.

Specialist drivetrain brands offer 100% Gravel systems with optimised components. Gravel derailleurs borrow technologies from both Road and MTB. The design of Gravel levers differs slightly from Road levers to improve handlebar grip.

Gearing optimised for Gravel riding

The question of gearing is without doubt the most important one. The average speed on a Gravel ride is lower than on a Road ride and higher than on an MTB ride. Compared to an MTB, the front chainring on a Gravel bike is larger and the cassette range is reduced.

Brands offer Gravel drivetrains in single chainring or double chainring configuration (Sub-Compact crankset). You have a wide choice of combinations for chainring tooth count and for the range and spacing of the cassette sprockets.

The choice of configuration (single or double chainring) and gearing (chainring and cassette teeth) depends on your Gravel riding style and your level.

The main players in the Gravel drivetrain market: Sram, Shimano and Campagnolo

The essential drivetrain brands are all represented here: Sram, Shimano and Campagnolo. Shimano was the first to launch a 100% Gravel drivetrain, with its groupset GRX released in 2019.

Shimano GRX

The SHIMANO GRX drivetrain is specially designed for trail riding. It is efficient, reliable, quiet and stable. It is available in single chainring and double chainring versions, with 4 range levels:

RX400: mechanical 2x10 speed drivetrain (30/46-tooth chainring);

RX600: mechanical 1x11 and 2x11 speed drivetrain (single 40-tooth chainring / double 30/46);

RX800: mechanical 1x11 and 2x11 speed drivetrain (single 40 or 42-tooth chainring / double 31/48);

RX815 Di2: electronic 1x11 and 2x11 speed drivetrain (single 40 or 42-tooth chainring / double 31/48).

The GRX rear derailleur uses the Shadow RD+ chain stabiliser, which limits chain bounce and slap. The lever design has been revised to offer a 100% Gravel grip. The textured finish improves grip on the hoods. The pivot point of the brake lever has been repositioned 18 mm higher to facilitate caliper actuation.

Campagnolo Ekar

The Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain is the only one to offer a single chainring system with a 13-speed cassette! It is presented as the lightest drivetrain on the Gravel market.

The Campagnolo Ekar crankset is available with 4 chainring options:

Gravel Adventure: 38-tooth chainring;

Pure Gravel: 40-tooth chainring;

Fast Gravel: 42-tooth chainring;

Gravel Race: 44-tooth chainring.

 

The cassette Ekar 13-speed is available in 3 versions:

Gravel Endurance: 9-36 teeth (sprocket steps: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 27, 31, 36 teeth);

Gravel Race: 9-42 teeth (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 30, 36, 42 teeth);

Gravel Adventure: 10-44 teeth (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 23, 27, 32, 38, 44 teeth).

Sram XPLR

The Sram XPLR drivetrain is a 12-speed single chainring system, wireless and cable-free, based on eTap technology and AXS connectivity. It uses exclusive components:

The Red XPLR eTap AXS / Force XPLR eTap AXS / Rival XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur;

The XPLR 10-44 cassette (sprocket steps: 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 38, 44 teeth).

The Sram XPLR system incorporates the brand's best technologies, such as X-Sync teeth, which guarantee optimal chain engagement. The Red XPLR derailleur features the Orbit system, a silicone-based hydraulic damper that helps reduce chain slap on rough terrain. It also reduces unwanted noise. The eTap electronic drivetrain ensures very precise and fast gear changes.

Single chainring or double chainring crankset?

When choosing your Gravel drivetrain, a first (essential) question will arise: single or double chainring?

The advantages of the single chainring for Gravel

The single chainring offers several advantages, starting with weight and simplicity of use. Eliminating the front derailleur and the left-hand lever saves a few grams on the drivetrain. Without a front derailleur, the bike picks up less mud, leaves and twigs…

On the trail, you only have one lever to manage, allowing you to focus fully on your riding. If your Gravel riding favours technical/committed off-road routes in an MTB style, the single chainring is an interesting solution. You will spend less time getting confused with gear changes on transitions.

However, pay attention to the spacing and range of the sprockets. With wider cassettes — up to 13 speeds — a single chainring is sufficient for relatively rolling and accessible routes. But if you have to tackle steep gradients, you may find yourself lacking flexibility in your pedalling. More generally, the single chainring will suit riders with a good level of fitness.

The advantages of the double chainring for Gravel

The first advantage of the double chainring is that it offers a wider development range at both ends of the cassette. You climb more smoothly and find a suitable gear on fast tarmac sections.

The double chainring is an interesting choice for cyclists who have come to Gravel with a Road mindset. They will ride efficiently with plenty of gear and find the ideal cadence to climb demanding hills with ease. On the mechanical side, the double chainring also helps to optimise the chainline by avoiding excessive use of the outer teeth.

In Gravel, the double chainring is recommended for versatile routes, those that are most balanced between road and trail. It helps you find the right rhythm on steep terrain or long bikepacking rides. This configuration is best suited to beginner or leisure Gravel riders.

Mechanical or electronic drivetrain?

Now well established on the Road, electronic drivetrains offer several advantages: ease of use, precision and speed of execution. A simple press of the gear lever allows you to change gear instantly. This ease of use is appreciated on Gravel rides, making it easier to tackle varied terrain with confidence. Furthermore, electronic drivetrains simplify maintenance and promise slower wear of your components.

However, comfort and smoothness come at a cost: the price of an electronic drivetrain is the main barrier to purchase. An electronic failure can also be problematic. But if you regularly monitor your battery, there is no reason to be left stranded.