Adventure, endurance, comfort. You’ll get all of this and more with a gravel bike, so let’s go on a gravel adventure! But where do you start? Although the bikes, products and technologies specifically for the gravel discipline seem overwhelming, what it comes down to is personal preference. All you need is an expert guide, and we’re here to help.

Here are the 5 main components you need to consider:

1. Frame; carbon or aluminium. Carbon frames are lighter and absorb more road shock, but are significantly more expensive. If you’re just starting out, an alloy gravel bike will do the job. This is entirely budget dependent.

2. Wheels; like the frame, carbon or aluminium. Carbon wheels are lighter and absorb more road shock, but are significantly more expensive. If you’re just starting out, alloy wheels will do the job and can be more robust and reliable. This is also budget dependent.

3. Tyres; this depends on how much clearance there is between your frame and your tyres. The bigger the clearance, the wider the tyres you can put on your bike. Wider tyres mean better control, grip, and, durability. But if you go too wide, you could slow your rolling resistance. It’ll depend on the type of riding you want to do.

4. Gear ratios; most modern gravel bikes come with either a “one-by” front chain ring (paired with 10, 11, or most recently, 12 gears on your cassette), or “two-by” front chain rings (paired with 10, 11, or most recently, 12 gears on your cassette, giving you 20 – 24 gears). One-by is the newest technology, the least complicated, and light. Two-by offers a wider variety of gears but is slightly heavier and increases chances of cross-chain or similar mechanicals. 

5. Suspension; some gravel bikes offer front, rear, stem, and/or seat post suspension. Although these help improve comfort, these extras can mean more expenses and add to the list of items to service and maintain.

With your preferences and our guidance, we’ll get you gravel rolling on your perfect gravel machine. We’ll consider your budget, goals, and ambitions before we help you choose. Leave us your details, and let’s get you going on the adventure of a lifetime.