The Best Gravel Bikes of 2024: The Top Picks for Adventurous Cyclists?
Discover the top gravel bike brands and find the perfect gravel bike for your off-road adventures and mixed-terrain riding.
Published March 19, 2024
Gravel biking has taken the cycling world by storm, and in 2024, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. With more and more riders discovering the thrill of exploring off-road trails and scenic back roads, manufacturers have been quick to respond with innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.
In this comprehensive gravel bike guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best gravel bike brands of 2024, highlighting their standout models and unique features.
A video titled “10 Amazing Gravel Bikes To Consider in 2024
” from the “David Arthur – Just Ride Bikes” YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
Gravel biking has seen growth, with riders exploring off-road trails and scenic back roads.
Top brands for 2024 include Specialized, Trek, Canyon, Giant, and Cannondale, known for their innovative designs and technology.
When selecting a gravel bike, consider frame material, tire clearance, gearing, brake type, and cargo mounts.
Gravel bikes are versatile, suitable for commuting, road riding, and off-road adventures.
Specialized has long been a leader in the cycling industry, and their commitment to gravel riding is evident in their impressive lineup of bikes. The Diverge series, in particular, has garnered a loyal following among gravel enthusiasts.
Illustration of a gravel bike at a bike shop with many other books in the background.
Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon
The Diverge Pro Carbon is a top-of-the-line gravel bike that combines performance and versatility. With its lightweight FACT 9r carbon frame, Future Shock 2.0 suspension system, and SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 drivetrain, this bike is ready to tackle any terrain. The Rovalx Terra CL carbon wheels provide exceptional durability and ride quality, while the Pathfinder Pro 38mm tires offer excellent traction and comfort.
“The Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon is the perfect blend of speed and capability. It’s my go-to bike for long gravel adventures and fast-paced group rides.”
The Head HE03A bike impresses me with its versatility and ample storage options that keep my gear organized. Its durable build withstands the demands of my active lifestyle, providing a comfortable ride.
2. Trek
Trek has a long history of producing high-quality bikes, and their gravel offerings are no exception. The Checkpoint series has quickly become a favorite among riders looking for a versatile and reliable gravel bike.
The Checkpoint SL 7 is a premium gravel bike that’s built for speed and comfort. With its 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame, IsoSpeed decoupler, and Shimano GRX 810 2×11 drivetrain, this bike is ready for any adventure. The Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 TLR wheels provide a smooth and efficient ride, while the 40mm Bontrager GR1 Team Issue tires offer excellent grip and puncture protection.
Feature
Benefit
IsoSpeed decoupler
Enhances comfort and reduces fatigue on rough terrain
Shimano GRX 810 drivetrain
Provides reliable and precise shifting performance
Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 TLR wheels
Offer a fast and smooth ride with tubeless compatibility
Features and benefits of the Trek Checkpoint SL 7.
Canyon, a direct-to-consumer brand, has been making waves in the gravel scene with their innovative designs and competitive pricing. The Grail series has quickly become a favorite among riders looking for a high-performance gravel bike without breaking the bank.
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 eTap
The Grail CF SLX 8 eTap is a top-tier gravel bike that’s designed for speed and efficiency. With its carbon frame, unique double-decker handlebar design, and SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 drivetrain, this bike is ready to take on any challenge. The DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline carbon wheels provide exceptional stiffness and acceleration, while the Schwalbe G-One Bite 40mm tires offer excellent traction and rolling resistance.
“The Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 eTap is a game-changer. The double-decker handlebar provides unparalleled comfort and control, while the SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain delivers lightning-fast shifts. It’s the perfect bike for long, fast gravel rides.”
Experience the Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 eTap for yourself and see why it’s one of the best gravel bikes on the market.
4. Giant
Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, has been quick to embrace the gravel riding trend. Their Revolt series offers a range of bikes that cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0
The Revolt Advanced Pro 0 is a top-of-the-line gravel bike that’s built for performance and versatility. With its Advanced-Grade Composite frame, FlexPoint rear suspension system, and Shimano GRX RX-815 2×11 drivetrain, this bike is ready for any terrain. The Giant CXR-1 Carbon WheelSystem provides exceptional stiffness and acceleration, while the Maxxis Receptor 700x45c tires offer excellent traction and puncture protection.
Cannondale has been a leader in the cycling industry for decades, and their gravel bikes are no exception. The Topstone series offers a range of bikes that cater to both recreational and competitive riders.
Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 1
The Topstone Carbon Lefty 1 is a unique and innovative gravel bike that’s designed for maximum performance and comfort. With its BallisTec Carbon frame, Kingpin suspension system, and Lefty Oliver fork, this bike is ready to tackle any terrain. The SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 drivetrain provides precise and reliable shifting, while the HollowGram 23 Superlight Carbon wheels offer exceptional stiffness and acceleration.
“The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 1 is a true marvel of engineering. The Lefty Oliver fork and Kingpin suspension system provide unparalleled comfort and control on even the roughest terrain. It’s the perfect bike for riders who demand the best.”
A gravel bike is a type of bicycle designed for riding on unpaved roads, gravel paths, and mixed terrain. These bikes typically feature wider tires, a more relaxed geometry, and additional mounts for cargo and accessories compared to traditional road bikes.
Gravel biking offers several benefits, including:
Increased versatility, allowing riders to explore a wider range of terrains
Improved comfort, thanks to the more relaxed geometry and wider tires
Enhanced stability and traction on loose or uneven surfaces
Opportunities for adventure and exploration in scenic, off-the-beaten-path locations
When selecting a gravel bike, consider the following factors:
Frame material (carbon, aluminum, steel, or titanium)
Tire clearance (look for bikes that can accommodate wider tires, typically 35mm or more)
Gearing (choose a drivetrain that suits your riding style and the terrain you’ll be tackling)
Brake type (disc brakes are the most common choice for gravel bikes due to their superior performance in all weather conditions)
Mounts and eyelets (look for bikes with ample mounts for cargo, fenders, and other accessories)
Yes, gravel bikes are highly versatile and can be used for commuting and road riding in addition to off-road adventures. The wider tires and more relaxed geometry may result in slightly slower speeds on pavement compared to dedicated road bikes, but the increased comfort and stability can make up for this in many situations.
Final thoughts
The gravel bike market has exploded in recent years, and in 2024, there are more options than ever before. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a versatile and comfortable bike or a competitive racer looking for the ultimate in performance, there’s a gravel bike out there for you. The brands highlighted in this guide – Specialized, Trek, Canyon, Giant, and Cannondale – are just a few of the many options available, but they represent some of the best and most innovative bikes on the market. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring the world of gravel riding!
HHey there! I'm Glen Greenwell, a Phoenix native with a passion for gravel biking and off-road adventures. I run Grizzly Gravel Bikes, a blog dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and insights for navigating gravel trails, choosing the right gear, and planning unforgettable cycling adventures.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor
Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.
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