{"id":34944,"date":"2022-03-29T18:00:19","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T16:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=558631"},"modified":"2022-03-29T18:24:20","modified_gmt":"2022-03-29T16:24:20","slug":"what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a gravel bike? Here\u2019s everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Paul Norman\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. It\u2019s easy to see why, with gravel bikes offering versatility in abundance and the opportunity for riders to get off the beaten track.<\/p>\n<p>A gravel bike has a lot to offer the everyday rider looking to mix up their riding on a machine capable of handling the rough stuff, without handicapping itself much on the tarmac.<\/p>\n<p>So what exactly is a gravel bike? In this guide, we\u2019ll cover the key features of a gravel bike.<\/p>\n<p>Otherwise, to read about the latest and greatest gravel machines reviewed by BikeRadar, check out our guide to the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes\/&quot;\">best gravel bikes<\/a> on the market today.<\/p>\n<h2>What is a gravel bike?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668623\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-7-3f02725.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A gravel bike is a drop-bar machine designed to cover ground quickly over a variety of terrain.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>A gravel bike is a drop-bar bike designed to let you ride over many different surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>The drop handlebar and sporty geometry means you can make good progress on the road \u2013but, with wider tyres, lower gearing and stable handling, you can also head off-road with confidence.<\/p>\n<p>Riding a bike designed for multi-terrain excursions means you can link together <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/uk-gravel-routes\/&quot;\">gravel routes<\/a> in new ways, taking in sections of gravel roads, forest tracks, trails, byways and bridlepaths. Or you can load up your gravel bike with camping kit for a multi-day <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/heres-what-you-need-for-a-bikepacking-adventure\/&quot;\">bikepacking<\/a> adventure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668614\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-16-701962a.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A gravel bike may look similar to a road bike but the geometry is subtly adapted for off-road capability.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Like any bike category, a gravel bike from one manufacturer can look very different from another \u2013 and that\u2019s, even more, the case here, with some gravel machines pitched more towards road speed and light off-road riding, and others bearing more resemblance to mountain bikes.<\/p>\n<p>Choosing the right gravel bike for you depends on the type of riding you have planned. So let\u2019s take a closer look at the design features that define the typical gravel bike.<\/p>\n<h3>Gravel bike frame material<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668635\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-67a189d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Carbon fibre and aluminium are the most popular frame materials for a gravel bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"&quot;font-size:\">Like most other bikes, gravel bikes are made from a variety of <\/span><a style=\"&quot;font-size:\" href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/quick-guide-to-bike-frame-materials\/&quot;\">frame materials<\/a><span style=\"&quot;font-size:\">. <\/span>The most common options are aluminium and carbon.<\/p>\n<p>Aluminium is affordable, durable and relatively lightweight, making it a good material for a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/cheap-gravel-bike\/&quot;\">budget gravel bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A carbon frame is typically lighter than an aluminium chassis. Carbon can also be engineered to fine-tune stiffness and comfort, and can offer more opportunities for aerodynamic tube shapes (yes, aero gravel bikes are a thing).<\/p>\n<p>Aluminium and carbon aside, you\u2019ll also find options for steel and titanium gravel bikes.<\/p>\n<h3>Gravel bike geometry<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668629\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-387c5d7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gravel bikes normally have a longer wheelbase and slacker angles than road bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Although it looks similar to a conventional road bike, gravel bike geometry is designed for more stable handling off-road. That normally means a longer wheelbase and slacker angles for the frame and forks.<\/p>\n<p>A gravel bike will typically give you a more upright riding position than <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/road-bike-geometry-explained\/&quot;\">road bike geometry<\/a>, with a longer head tube and shorter reach.<\/p>\n<p>That should result in more comfort on long rides and also lets you shift your weight around to tackle obstacles and off-road descents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668622\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-8-314b83d-e1648077527565.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Canyon\u2019s VCLS leaf-spring seatpost is designed to improve comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The frame\u2019s tubes will often be shaped to cushion the ride too, particularly in the rear triangle, where curved and flattened sections in the chainstays and seatstays will help with in-saddle comfort. Some seatposts, including Canyon\u2019s VCLS leaf-spring post, are also designed for extra vibration absorption.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth considering the type of terrain that you\u2019re likely to want to use your gravel bike on and choosing a bike designed to handle that.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re predominantly wanting to ride on roads, with the occasional off-road track to mix things up, you\u2019ll probably want a bike that rides more like an endurance road bike.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, many of the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-endurance-road-bikes\/&quot;\">best endurance road bikes<\/a> now come with the tyres and clearance (up to 35mm, in many cases) to handle light gravel riding.<\/p>\n<p>If, on the other hand, you expect to ride your gravel bike mainly on technical off-road terrain, there are machines that come with really wide tyres on smaller <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/what-is-650b\/&quot;\">650b wheels<\/a> and a layout that looks more similar to <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/the-ultimate-guide-to-bike-geometry-and-handling\/&quot;\">mountain bike geometry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Gravel bike tyres<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668625\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-5-afd21a8.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gravel bikes have chunky tyres for off-road capability.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"&quot;font-size:\">A key feature of gravel bikes is lots of tyre clearance and, in turn, the opportunity to run significantly bigger tyres than a road bike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"&quot;font-size:\">We\u2019ve seen a trend towards more and more tyre clearance on the latest gravel bikes \u2013 the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/canyon-grizl-review\/&quot;\">Canyon Grizl<\/a>, for example, offers clearance for 50mm tyres with <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/700c-wheels\/&quot;\">700c wheels<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The extra volume of gravel bike tyres lets you run low pressures of 40psi or less, adding comfort and traction on uneven surfaces.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668633\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-1-ad7aa05.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> With gravel bikes offering so much versatility, it\u2019s important to match tyre choice to your riding intentions to get the most out of your machine.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Tyre choice can make a big difference to how your bike rides, and the conditions\/terrain it\u2019s best suited to.<\/p>\n<p>There will likely be a tread pattern but how much tread you need depends on your intentions for the bike. Dry trails may only need a light file or diamond tread, while tyres for muddy winter tracks will have more aggressive patterns with side lugs, for extra grip and traction.<\/p>\n<p>Choosing the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-tyres\/&quot;\">best gravel tyres<\/a> for your bike ultimately means weighing up rolling resistance, grip and puncture protection.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668615\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-15-bad6c30.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gravel tyres have a tread pattern to aid grip.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-wheels\/&quot;\">Gravel bike wheels<\/a> will usually be designed to run <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/tubeless\/&quot;\">tubeless tyres<\/a> (without an <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-inner-tubes\/&quot;\">inner tube<\/a>). A tubeless setup lets you keep tyre pressure down with a lower risk of risk of pinch flats \u2013 where the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-inner-tubes\/&quot;\">inner tube<\/a> gets trapped between the tyre and the rim in a normal clincher setup.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/which-tubeless-sealant-works-the-best\/&quot;\">tubeless sealant<\/a> in the tyre will seal small holes caused by thorns, flints and other causes, forming a seal around small cuts in the rubber before too much air escapes. It is still possible to <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/how-to-repair-tubeless-puncture\/&quot;\">repair a punctured tubeless tyre<\/a> if the hole is too large for sealant to plug.<\/p>\n<p>A gravel bike\u2019s frame and fork blades will be designed with enough room for large tyres, leaving enough extra space to handle any mud that they inevitably collect, though clearances do vary from one bike to the next.<\/p>\n<h3>Gravel bike wheels<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668636\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-gravel-bike-3-b6fff6e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Most gravel bikes now come with 700c wheels.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>When it comes to gravel bike wheels, 650b and 700c wheels are both popular, although the bigger wheel size (700c) is more common. 650b wheels have a slightly smaller diameter and can be shod with even wider tyres, for additional traction, while keeping the rolling diameter of the wheel plus tyre similar to a road bike, for comparable gearing and ride feel.<\/p>\n<p>However, most gravel bikes come equipped with 700c wheels and tyres as standard. There are also more tyre options for 700c wheels.<\/p>\n<h3>Disc brakes<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668619\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-11-9d63086.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Disc brakes are standard on gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Disc brakes are now commonplace on the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-road-bikes\/&quot;\">best road bikes<\/a> and ubiquitous on gravel bikes. In fact, the arrival of hydraulic <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/road-disc-brakes-everything-you-need-to-know\/&quot;\">road disc brakes<\/a> for drop-bar gear shifters helped pave the way for gravel bikes. Many cheaper gravel bikes will be specced with mechanical disc brakes.<\/p>\n<p>Disc brakes offer consistent, effective stopping, whatever the conditions \u2013 crucial for gravel bikes \u2013 and leave plenty of room for the wide tyres required for off-road riding.<\/p>\n<h3>Gravel bike gearing<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668618\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-12-ac6f4cf.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> 2x or 1x? You decide.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gearing is key when it comes to <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-setup\/&quot;\">gravel bike setup<\/a>. If you\u2019re heading off-road, you\u2019ll need lower gears to tackle steep climbs and trickier terrain. With grip reduced on loose surfaces, you can\u2019t get out of the saddle so easily when climbing, so need to spin up the gradient to avoid wheel slip.<\/p>\n<p>Most gravel bikes now have gravel-specific gearing, with Shimano (<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/groupsets\/shimano-grx-review\/&quot;\">Shimano GRX<\/a>), SRAM (<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/sram-rockshox-zipp-xplr\/&quot;\">SRAM XPLR<\/a>) and Campagnolo (<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/groupsets\/campagnolo-ekar-groupset-review\/&quot;\">Campagnolo Ekar<\/a>) all offering drivetrain options.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668616\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-14-9e75907.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A 2x gravel setup uses a double crankset at the front with super-compact chainrings.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The key decision is between a 1x setup (with a single chainring at the front) or 2x setup (with two chainrings on a double crankset).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/road\/super-compact-chainsets-the-next-big-thing-for-road-cyclists\/&quot;\">Super-compact chainsets<\/a> are now common on 2x gravel cranksets. Dropping the chainring sizes to 48\/31t or 46\/30t, in the case of Shimano\u2019s GRX gravel groupset, and pairing this with, at the least, a 11-32t or 11-34t <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/workshop\/bike-cassettes\/&quot;\">cassette<\/a> puts tough climbs within reach.<\/p>\n<p>If you plan on riding your gravel bike off-road on steep or technical terrain, suitable gearing is vital and we\u2019d recommend erring on the side of caution \u2013 it\u2019s better to have a bail-out gear and not use it, then not have a low enough gear for climbing, especially if your bike is weighed down with <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bikepacking-bags\/&quot;\">bikepacking bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668611\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-19-589c619.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A 1x setup keeps things simple with a single chainring at the front, paired with a wide-ranging cassette.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Single ring groupsets are another popular choice for <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/what-is-gravel-riding\/&quot;\">gravel riding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Removing the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/sram-and-shimano-front-derailleur-types-and-mounts-explained\/&quot;\">front derailleur<\/a> and using just one chainring makes for a simpler system, with less to go wrong. You get as much range (or more) as a double chainset, just in slightly larger jumps between gears on the cassette (although the latest 12-speed groupsets have made this less of an issue).<\/p>\n<p>The chainring will typically have alternating wide and narrow teeth which, along with a clutched rear derailleur, helps keep the chain in place and running smoothly when it gets bumpy.<\/p>\n<h3>Accessory mounts<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668621\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-9-47f116e.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Going bikepacking? Extra mounting points for bags and accessories will come in handy. Fork mounts like this are used to carry additional luggage.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Another typical feature of gravel bikes is lots of mounts for accessories and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/cycling-luggage\/&quot;\">luggage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Some gravel bikes, including the Canyon Grizl and Grail, have mounts for <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mudguards-fenders-a-buyers-guide\/&quot;\">mudguards<\/a> (fenders). Pannier rack mounts are also common, making gravel bikes a great choice for all-weather <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/fitness-and-training\/cycling-to-work-guide\/&quot;\">cycling to work<\/a>\u00a0or as a wide-tyred <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-winter-road-bikes\/&quot;\">winter road bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A typical set of mounting points will also include bolts for a third water bottle under the down tube, for long rides where it may be difficult to top-up on water. You can also use these to hold a tool keg in a bottle cage, keeping your pockets free.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668620\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-10-38da6d1.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Top tube mounts can be used with a compatible bag to keep snacks and essential supplies at close hand.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Some gravel bikes also feature mounts for a bag on top of the top tube, behind the stem. These can be used to attach a compatible bag, useful for snacks and essential supplies on long rides or during <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/gravel-racing\/&quot;\">gravel races<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You might find additional mounts on the fork blades, to bolt-on extra bottle cages or luggage, and some bikes have a mount for a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/bike-dynamos\/&quot;\">dynamo light<\/a> on the fork crown.<\/p>\n<h3>Other features<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668613\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/03\/Canyon-gravel-bike-17-b17fd75.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The unique hover bar on the Canyon Grail is designed to improve comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Bars that flare out to the drops are a common feature on gravel bikes. The flared drops provide additional stability, improving handling and control off-road because you have extra leverage, particularly if you\u2019re descending fast.<\/p>\n<p>The bars will usually have quite a shallow drop, so that you don\u2019t have to reach down too far.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-dropper-posts\/&quot;\">dropper seatpost<\/a> may feature on higher-spec gravel bikes \u2013 and especially those aimed at the gnarlier end of the gravel riding spectrum.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668639\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Grizl-with-suspension-c2e28c6.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gravel suspension forks are growing in popularity.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Dropper posts are controlled by a lever on the bars to lower or raise your saddle, letting you get it out of the way on steep or rough descents.<\/p>\n<p>Increasingly you\u2019ll find suspension features on gravel bikes, too, whether via a suspension fork or areas designed to flex, built into the frameset and finishing kit.<\/p>\n<h2>Electric gravel bikes<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-455763\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-electric-gravel-bike-8cf8a20.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> If you want to power up climbs, consider an electric gravel bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-electric-bikes\/&quot;\">Electric bikes<\/a> are quickly growing in popularity and that includes e-gravel bikes. A growing number of electric gravel bikes are emerging from a range of brands.<\/p>\n<p>E-gravel bikes provide electric assistance while you pedal (up to a certain speed, when the motor will cut out) \u2013 handy when tackling steep climbs or if you want to venture further off the beaten track.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-455744\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/07\/Canyon-Grail-On-photos-8-6aaf651.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Ebike motors are often housed in the bottom bracket area.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>The amount of assistance you get will depend on the specific electric bike motor used, while range depends on the battery size, the terrain you\u2019re riding and the level of assistance required (most systems offer a number of assistance levels).<\/p>\n<h2>Gravel bike vs road bike<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668640\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Endurace-CF-8-502f226.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Road bikes and gravel bikes share a similar layout at first glance.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>As we\u2019ve mentioned above, a gravel bike will typically have a less aggressive setup than a road bike. That means that you sit more upright and in a more relaxed position, for improved stability and comfort. Plus you\u2019ll have room for wider tyres with extra tread and a wide gear range that includes lower ratios.<\/p>\n<p>But despite this, when weighing up a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-vs-road-bike\/&quot;\">road bike versus a gravel bike<\/a>,\u00a0you\u2019ll probably find the latter isn\u2019t a lot slower on the road than a conventional road bike, particularly if you tailor your tyre choice towards riding on tarmac.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you plan to stick to the tarmac, the speed and efficiency of a road bike will win out in the long-term.<\/p>\n<h2>Gravel bike vs cyclocross bike<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668641\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Inflite-553089b.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Cyclocross bikes are racier than gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Wide tyres, big clearance, lower gearing \u2013 these are all features of <a style=\"&quot;font-size:\" href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-cyclocross-bikes\/&quot;\">cyclocross bikes<\/a>, so just what is the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-vs-cyclocross-bike\/&quot;\">difference between a CX bike and a gravel bike<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>Well, whereas a gravel bike is designed for endurance riding and exploring, a traditional cyclocross bike is geared towards racing, usually over an hour or less.<\/p>\n<p>Someone choosing a bike for <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/fitness-and-training\/cyclocross-racing\/&quot;\">cyclocross racing<\/a> will look for more aggressive geometry with faster handling. This helps you accelerate fast and steer around tight obstacles on a racecourse, rather than remain comfortable on an all-day (or multi-day) gravel riding epic.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/cyclocross-tyres\/&quot;\">cyclocross bike\u2019s tyres<\/a> will normally be narrower, to comply with race regulations (UCI-sanctioned events only permit tyres up to 33mm wide) and help cut through muddy or sandy ground.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, there might not be as much clearance as a gravel bike and you probably won\u2019t get as many mounting points for mudguards and other accessories either.<\/p>\n<h2>Gravel bike vs mountain bike<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668642\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Spectral-125-8c994a9.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Mountain bikes offer geometry, tyres and suspension better suited to more extreme off-road riding.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Gravel bikes borrow many features from <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-you\/&quot;\">mountain bikes<\/a>, such as their geometry designed for stability, suspension features, wide tubeless tyres and wide-range gearing.<\/p>\n<p>But the drop bars and more aggressive gearing of gravel bikes make them more enjoyable if your rides include any tarmac or faster, less technical off-road terrain.<\/p>\n<p>However, while gravel bike gearing may be significantly easier than road gearing, it\u2019s not a match for the range offered by a proper <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/mountain-bike-groupsets-everything-you-need-to-know\/&quot;\">mountain bike groupset<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-tyres\/&quot;\">Mountain bike\u00a0tyres<\/a> will also be wider and grippier, and mountain bikes will offer more effective suspension than what you\u2019ll find on even the most cushioned gravel bikes.<\/p>\n<p>For light off-road terrain, a gravel bike is just as effective and will be lighter than an equivalent mountain bike, but once you start venturing onto technical trails, mountain bikes are the winner.<\/p>\n<h2>Gravel bike vs hybrid<\/h2>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C169,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C228,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C312,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C313,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-668643\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/10\/Canyon-Commuter-b2c9db8.jpeg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C349&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A hybrid bike offers an alternative to a gravel bike for commuting.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Canyon<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Like gravel bikes, the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-hybrid-bikes\/&quot;\">best hybrid bikes<\/a> will usually have wider tyres and lower gear ranges than a road bike. However, a hybrid will have a flat handlebar, rather than drop bars.<\/p>\n<p>Hybrids tend to be geared more towards road use and cycle commuting, so they\u2019ll usually have less aggressive tread patterns on their tyres.<\/p>\n<p>Without lots of mud to deal with, there may be less clearance in the frame, but you\u2019re still likely to find mounting points for mudguards.<\/p>\n<p>Still, that all leads to less off-road ability, so while hybrid bikes are a good option as a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/whats-the-best-bike-for-commuting\/&quot;\">commuting bike<\/a>, or for leisure riding on light trails, if you do venture onto anything remotely technical, or place a greater priority on speed, you\u2019ll have to take things more gently. In this scenario, we\u2019d recommend a gravel bike.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Paul Norman Published: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at 12:00 am Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. It\u2019s easy to see why, with gravel bikes offering versatility in abundance and the opportunity for riders to get off the beaten track. A gravel bike has a lot to offer the everyday rider looking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":34945,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"15"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know.jpg",1920,1278,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-768x511.jpg",768,511,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-1024x682.jpg",800,533,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-1536x1022.jpg",1536,1022,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/03\/what-is-a-gravel-bike-heres-everything-you-need-to-know.jpg",1920,1278,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Paul Norman Published: Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at 12:00 am Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. It\u2019s easy to see why, with gravel bikes offering versatility in abundance and the opportunity for riders to get off the beaten track. A gravel bike has a lot to offer the everyday rider looking&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/34944"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}