Gravel Bikes

Gravel Bikes, Why Choose It?

Gravel bikes are designed for those who love to explore without worrying too much about the type of terrain, from paved roads to dirt roads. Gravel bikes are in fact a perfect combination of road bike and the mountain biking. Designed to tackle mixed routes, they combine the smoothness and lightness of racing bikes with some of the typical characteristics of MTBs, such as wider and knobby tires, a stable geometry and the possibility of mounting accessories for transport.

How do you recognize a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are distinguished by a series of technical features that make them ideal for tackling a variety of terrains, combining elements of road bikes and mountain bikes.

Chassis

Most frames are made of aluminum and carbon.

• Aluminum is a popular choice due to its good value for money, offers good rigidity and has greater impact resistance.
• Carbon is appreciated for its lightness (it weighs on average 200-500 grams less than an aluminum one) and for its ability to absorb vibrations, offering a smoother ride on rough terrain and uphill.

Gravel bikes are characterized by a more relaxed geometry than racing bikes: the slacker head angle, the longer wheelbase and the higher head tube guarantee greater stability and comfort, especially on uneven terrain. Compared to a mountain bike, however, the frame is lighter and slimmer, designed to offer a smoother and more fluid ride.

Tyres

The gravel mountain wider tires than road bikes, generally between 35mm and 45mm, to ensure grip and comfort on uneven surfaces. Some models can include tires up to 50 mm. ​On the contrary, compared to MTBs, gravel tires are narrower and less knobby, to ensure greater speed and less friction on asphalt and compact surfaces.
Many gravel bikes use tubeless tires, which reduce the risk of punctures and allow for lower pressures, improving grip on rough terrain.

handlebar

The Gravel handlebars are similar to those of racing bikes, but with a greater flare in the lower corners, offering a wider and more stable position when riding over rough terrain. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, have straight, wider handlebars designed to maximize handling on technical trails.

Which gravel bike is best to start with?

If you’re thinking about getting into gravel, the good news is that there are now plenty of models designed specifically for beginners. An entry-level gravel bike should offer a good balance of comfort, versatility, and sturdiness, without necessarily requiring a large investment.

• Aluminum frame: ideal for those looking for a lightweight but durable solution, with a good quality-price ratio. Some basic models also offer a carbon fork, to reduce weight and absorb vibrations better.
• Simple and versatile transmission: For starters, a double chainring (2x) setup can offer a wider range of gears, which is useful for both climbing and flowing sections. A 1x drivetrain can also be suitable if you prefer simplicity and are aiming for more off-road riding.
• 38–42mm tires: a perfect intermediate size for those who want to experiment with mixed terrain. Make sure the frame allows enough clearance to fit wider tires in the future.
• Mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes: even on entry-level models, disc brakes are now standard. Mechanical ones are cheaper and easier to maintain, but hydraulic ones offer more power and modulation.
• Provision for luggage racks and bags: If you plan on cycle touring or multi-day rides, choose a model with eyelets and attachments for mudguards, bags and racks.

For those who are approaching the world of gravel for the first time, an interesting alternative could be to opt for electric gravel which, thanks to assisted pedaling, are ideal for tackling challenging routes with less effort but without giving up the pleasure of exploration.

What is the best gravel bike brand?

At La Bicicletteria you will find a wide selection of gravel from the best brands.

La Bicicletteria, with over 30 years of experience in the cycling sector, offers a curated selection of gravel bike brands, ideal for cyclists of all levels. Among the best-selling brands available in our catalog we offer gravel bikes Orbea, Bianchi And Bottecchia.​