Gravel Bike Review
Thanks to our extensive testing for our 'Gravel Bike Of The Year' awards, we have spent lots of time with the most popular models out on the market today.
We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.
We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00Winner of our Gravel Bike of the Year test, the Giant Revolt stands to be a fantastic
00:09option for riders who really do want a bike with a split personality.
00:14The Revolt stands out thanks to its ability to cater to a wide range of preferences.
00:19It boasts unique features such as the versatile seatpost setup, compatibility with both proprietary
00:25and round seatposts, meaning it offers increased options for suspension seatposts.
00:30The adjustable rear dropouts enhance its functionality, allowing for aggressive racing performance
00:35in the short position and improved stability in the long position.
00:40This functionality is only compounded by the wide tyre clearance.
00:44There's ample mounting points on the frame which further increase its utilitarian nature
00:49for carrying gear.
00:51The Revolt impresses with its exceptional frame compliance, effectively absorbing impacts
00:56while maintaining lateral stiffness for precise handling.
00:59It's competitive on price, starting at under £3,000 for the base model and £5,500 for
01:06the top-end version.
01:08This makes it a very attractive proposition.
01:10However, its relatively high headtube stack at 586mm might limit customisation for some
01:17riders.
01:18Nonetheless, the Revolt's exceptional performance across various terrain solidifies its position
01:24as a standout gravel bike, demonstrating its prowess in both racing and stability, earning
01:29it recognition and appreciation in the industry and with customers alike.
01:41The latest iteration of the Diverge gravel bike showcases a standout feature, the all-new
01:46Rear Future Shock, which was designed to enhance rider comfort and bike balance.
01:52Specialized engineers combined rear-end compliance with all the benefits of suspension seatposts,
01:57creating a system that smoothly adjusts to uneven terrain while maintaining saddle height.
02:02The bike's weight remains competitive, with the whole system adding only 400g to the frame.
02:08Specialized offers various models in the Diverge STR line, including the top-end S-Works version
02:13retailing at $14,000, and the Expert and Pro models priced at $9,500 and $7,500 respectively.
02:21The bike boasts a fat 11R carbon frameset, Future Shock 2.0 in the front and the innovative
02:28Rear Future Shock, providing ample tyre clearance and compatibility with 650b x 2.1 or 700c x
02:3647mm tyres.
02:38Despite its higher price point, the Diverge STR's suspension system effectively improves
02:43ride comfort, stability and traction, catering to both racing and adventure enthusiasts.
02:50This bike will sit in the Halo category for many, and we really don't love how much
02:54this bike costs.
02:55We also think that the fit and ride feel will take some time to get used to and to set up.
03:01However, once dialed in, the STR works brilliantly on a myriad of terrains and parkours.
03:13Canyon recently updated its Grail gravel bike, and has since gone on to garner significant
03:17attention after successful wins in various races, but most importantly, the UCI Gravel
03:23World Champs.
03:24The new model reflects Canyon's desire to improve gravel racing performance and aerodynamics,
03:29with a focus on streamlining the bike and enhancing stability without compromising agility.
03:35The update includes changes to the tube shapes, the handlebars and the seatpost, resulting
03:40in a saving of over 9 watts at 45 km per hour compared to the previous version.
03:46The integration of in-frame storage and the introduction of the Load Fidlock Quickloader
03:52further optimise the bike's functionality.
03:54Notably, the shift from the double-decker bar to a traditional bar-stem steering design
03:59has improved the rider experience, especially in terms of handling and adaptability to different
04:05riding positions.
04:07Canyon's emphasis on aerodynamics is evident in the streamlined design and the integration
04:12of the gear groove on the handlebars, allowing for various accessories and aero extensions.
04:18Despite early concerns about the lengthening of the wheelbase, we found the Grail maintains
04:22its lively and agile feel, with enhanced stability in the corners and quick line changes on rough
04:29descents.
04:30Canyon's CFR version offers additional carbon layout modifications for reduced weight and
04:36increased stiffness, while the CF-SL provides an entry-level option with fewer integrated
04:41features but at a more competitive price.
04:50It's rare to find a bike in the sub-$1,000 category, but the Triband 120 Gravel Bike
04:56is known for its affordability and happily comes in well below that price threshold.
05:02It offers practical features such as external cable routing, mounts for mudguards and pannier
05:07racks and a threaded bottom bracket.
05:09Despite its limitations, including the absence of expected additional mounts and less-than-ideal
05:15aesthetics, the bike's carbon fork and MicroShift 1x10 drivetrain with a built-in clutch really
05:21do stand out at this price point.
05:24The Pro Max DSK brakes, though competent, lack power and modulation, but the Triband
05:30tubeless ready wheels do contribute to the bike's overall versatility.
05:34While the bike handles well on moderate trails, its performance on rough terrain is limited
05:39by a slightly skittish feel during descents.
05:42As a commuter, the bike's slick centre tread and comfortable ride quality make it suitable
05:46for urban use, although the gearing's gaps and braking performance might pose issues
05:51for some riders.
05:53Priced at $899 or £599, the Triband 120 Gravel Bike represents incredibly good value for
06:00money, but for those willing to spend a little more, the SawRespect Vita Substance V2 Gravel
06:06Bike offers enhanced features and aesthetics for an additional cost.
06:10The Triband 120 Gravel Bike remains a really good option for those who want to explore
06:15what the world of gravel has to offer without forking out too much.
06:24As seen in our top endurance bikes for 2024, the Vitus Venon Evo is potentially one of
06:30the most versatile bikes out there.
06:33Designed to merge the features of endurance road bikes and gravel bikes, its tyre clearance
06:37ranges from 28mm to 45mm, catering to different riding preferences.
06:43The Evo GR version offers gravel-specific group sets, with higher-end models incorporating
06:48aero components for enhanced speed on gravel paths.
06:52The bike features a monocoque frame with a press-fit bottom bracket and integrated
06:56cable routing suitable for both mechanical and electronic group sets.
07:01The design includes drop seat stays for added comfort and a geometry that balances between
07:05endurance road bikes and more racy gravel bikes.
07:09We love the Venon's aesthetic appeal, efficient riding experience and its handling on challenging
07:15terrain, showcasing its versatility beyond its intended niche.
07:20Despite some limitations with the handlebar's minimal space for additional attachments,
07:25and the potential issue for the bike skipping in strong crosswinds, the Vitus Venon Evo
07:30offers a well-rounded, value-for-money option for riders looking for a versatile, high-performance
07:35bike.
07:41Acknowledging that any slice of the gravel spectrum contains its own smaller spectrum,
07:46we love it when a bike can do both gravel and tarmac really well.
07:50Much like the Vitus Venon, the BMC Kias presents a great option for those looking to do a little
07:56bit of everything.
07:57The BMC Kias takes things up another notch compared to its rivals.
08:01Sure, the frame is a little heavier, but the riding position – and the ride itself – is
08:06even closer to that of a road bike.
08:09It makes you wonder whether all road bikes really have a place anymore.
08:13The Kias is at least an equal on tarmac, but still more capable off-road.
08:18The place of endurance road bikes such as the Giant Defy and Trek Domane even starts
08:22to become questionable.
08:24But both those brands are quite fortunate that the Kias isn't compatible with mudguards.
08:28Otherwise, those questions would really start to be asked in earnest.
08:32If you don't care about mudguards, though, a Kias with 35mm slick tyres – same as can
08:37be fitted to a Defy or Domane – would be a weapon on the road, but would leave your
08:42gravel riding options wide open.
08:51The newly launched Merida Silex has gained attention not only for its anticipated debut,
08:56but also for Matej Mohoric's triumph at the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships, where
09:02he rode an unreleased version of the bike.
09:06With a focus on testing its capabilities, the bike is promoted as an adventure option,
09:11Staying true to its original concept, the Silex boasts a mountain bike-inspired geometry,
09:16making it versatile for commuting and bikepacking.
09:19Merida has adjusted the Silex's geometry, providing a 69.5 degree head angle and increasing
09:26tyre clearance to accommodate up to 45mm rubber, although slightly training behind its competitors
09:32with a 50mm clearance option.
09:35The bike features ample mounting points for luggage and mudguards, and is equipped with
09:39robust 180mm rotors, enhancing its braking power without significant weight implications.
09:46When we tested the bike, the Silex showcased its impressive stability and handling on various
09:51terrains, including challenging climbs and technical descents.
09:56Despite its limitation on tyre clearance, the Silex remains an engaging and versatile
10:00option for multiple riding styles, demonstrating its prowess in aiding Mohoric's win at the
10:06championships.
10:08So there we have it, those are the top gravel bikes we think are worth considering in 2024.
10:13Let us know, which of these bikes would you pick?
10:16If you enjoyed the video, then please do drop it a like, subscribe to the channel for more
10:20content and we will see you again very soon.