{"id":50800,"date":"2023-06-14T12:00:04","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T10:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=733272"},"modified":"2023-06-14T12:36:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T10:36:02","slug":"10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of the best aluminium gravel bikes in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"> Our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Paul Norman\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Wednesday, 14 June 2023 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>The best aluminium gravel bikes \u2013 also often called alloy gravel bikes \u2013 offer great value for money. Since aluminium gravel bikes are cheaper to manufacture than carbon gravel bikes or titanium gravel bikes, they are ideal if you\u2019re just dipping your toe into gravel riding and don\u2019t want to spend too much.<\/p>\n<p>Aluminium gravel bikes also tend to make great <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/whats-the-best-bike-for-commuting\/&quot;\">commuter bikes<\/a>, because they\u2019re robust and can take wide tyres but still usually enable you to fit <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bike-mudguards\/&quot;\">gravel mudguards<\/a> and a rear rack.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes that our expert testers \u2013 who clock up thousands of hours of ride time and years of experience between them \u2013 have ridden and rated.<\/p>\n<p>Towards the bottom of the page, we\u2019ve got a <a href=\"&quot;#buyersguidealloy&quot;\">buyer\u2019s guide to aluminium gravel bikes<\/a>, which explains why they feature among the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes\/&quot;\">best gravel bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re attracted to aluminium gravel bikes because of their value for money, you can also check out our guides to the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-bikes-under-2000\/&quot;\">best gravel bikes under \u00a32,000<\/a> and the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/cheap-gravel-bike\/&quot;\">best gravel bikes under \u00a31,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Best aluminium gravel bikes in 2023<\/h2>\n<h3>Boardman ADV 8.9<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul><li><strong>Buy now<\/strong> from <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1519955&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halfords.com%2Fbikes%2Fadventure-bikes%2Fboardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-2021---s-m-l-xl-frames-389606.html&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" sponsored=\"\">Halfords<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-677627\" 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\/05\/Boardman-ADV-8.9-01-53a053b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" boardman=\"\" adv=\"\" road=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Boardman\"\/><\/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 Boardman ADV 8.9 remains startling value.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Dave Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,150 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Good spec for the money; energetic ride; proper all-rounder<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Handlebar can transmit vibration at high tyre pressures<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>The Boardman ADV 8.9 uses the brand\u2019s alloy frame. It still offers excellent value and spent two years as our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/bike-of-the-year\/&quot;\">Budget Bike of the Year<\/a>. Its alloy frame provides plenty of stiffness for good power transmission and it\u2019s equipped with quality Boardman finishing kit.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s equipped with a Shimano GRX RX400 10-speed groupset, which gives a wide range of ratios, mechanical disc brakes and tubeless-ready wheels. Although the cables run externally, the shifting still functions well. It\u2019s about the cheapest you can get a \u2018real\u2019 gravel bike that rides well and doesn\u2019t make too many spec compromises.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve also reviewed the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/road-bikes\/boardman-adv-8-6-review\/&quot;\">Boardman ADV 8.6<\/a>, which has the same alloy frame but is equipped with a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset and offers an even lower-priced entry into the world of <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/what-is-gravel-riding\/&quot;\">gravel riding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/boardman-adv-8-9\/&quot;\">Read our full Boardman ADV 8.9 review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy now<\/strong> from <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1519955&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halfords.com%2Fbikes%2Fadventure-bikes%2Fboardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-2021---s-m-l-xl-frames-389606.html&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" sponsored=\"\">Halfords<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Canyon Grail 6<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/2020\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-611843\" 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\/12\/2021-Canyon-Grail-6-4c7f358.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Canyon\" grail=\"\" title=\"&quot;2021\" canyon=\"\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> While it\u2019s a gravel bike, the Grail 6 feels completely at home on the road too.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Matthew Loveridge \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,649\/$1,699\/\u20ac1,499\/AU$2,349 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Top components for the cash; amazing performance for the money; gravel-specific gear ratios<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Older model had better spec for the price<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Unlike the carbon Grail, the alloy version has a conventional <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-handlebars\/&quot;\">gravel handlebar<\/a> and stem setup. Some riders may prefer this.<\/p>\n<p>Canyon offers a quality spec for the price, with a 10-speed Shimano GRX RX400 groupset including the hydraulic disc brakes. The alloy wheels come from DT Swiss with quality 40mm Schwalbe G-One Bite gravel tyres.<\/p>\n<p>The gravel-specific gearing means there\u2019s the range for off-road riding, and that\u2019s paired with a confidence-inspiring ride on gravel and decent tarmac performance. We\u2019ve also reviewed the women\u2019s-specific <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/canyon-grail-al-6-wmn-long-term-review\/&quot;\">Canyon Grail 6 WMN<\/a>, although that bike has now been superseded by the offer of smaller sizes of the standard Grail 6.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/canyon-grail-6-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener\" noreferrer=\"\">Read our full Canyon Grail 6 review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3>Focus Atlas 6.8<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" atlas=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-613382\" 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\/2021\/01\/23_Focus_Atlas_6.8_gravel_bike-cover-f29262b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" focus=\"\" atlas=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" in=\"\" a=\"\" forest=\"\" title=\"&quot;Pack\"\/><\/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 Focus Atlas 6.8 presents superb value for money.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Felix Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,899\/\u20ac1,999\/AU$3,099 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Touring and bikepacking-friendly; progressive geometry; excellent-value package<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Boost spacing limits wheel upgrades; top tube bag rattles<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Focus makes a carbon Atlas, which sits above this good-value alloy model. The alloy Atlas we\u2019ve tested is well configured for bikepacking, with plenty of mounting points, but its progressive geometry means it\u2019s also effective for more technical off-road use.<\/p>\n<p>The groupset is a mix of Shimano\u2019s top GRX 800 and mid-range GRX 600. That\u2019s paired with tough Alex rims on wheels with Boost spacing and 45mm WTB Riddler <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-tyres\/&quot;\">gravel bike tyres<\/a>. The Boost spacing means any wheel upgrade is likely to require an <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-wheels\/&quot;\">MTB wheelset<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/focus-atlas-6-8-review\/&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener\" noreferrer=\"\">Read our full Focus Atlas 6.8 review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Focus\" atlas=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Kinesis Tripster AT<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" tripster=\"\" at=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-619153\" 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\/2021\/02\/Kinesis-Tripster-AT-01-131d26d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" kinesis=\"\" tripster=\"\" at=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Kinesis\"\/><\/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 AT stands for all-terrain.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Robert Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,850 (mudguards extra \u00a360) as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Wonderfully thought-out frame; great handling and lots of fun; good mudguards<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Occasional mis-shifts; slippery saddle<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>With AT signifying all terrain, the Tripster AT from Sussex-based Kinesis is a bike designed for all-road riding including gravel, tarmac, commutes and winter training. As such, it\u2019s very practical with mounts for mudguards, but also space for 52mm tyres if you want to head off-road.<\/p>\n<p>The Tripster AT is an enjoyable ride with enough stiffness for sprints, as well as tackling gnarlier off-road terrain. There\u2019s the gearing from the SRAM <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/1x-drivetrains\/&quot;\">1x drivetrain<\/a> to tackle climbs and the simplicity to manage hostile conditions. We rated the sturdy mudguards, which are an extra, highly.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/2021-kinesis-tripster-at-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Kinesis Tripster AT review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;kinesis\" tripster=\"\" at=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Vaast A\/1<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-outline=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.0 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" a1=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-639121\" 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\/2021\/07\/Vaast-A1-01-88c8732.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" vaast=\"\" a=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Vaast\" a:1=\"\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> Vaast tells us magnesium is lighter, stronger and more corrosion-resistant than aluminium and steel.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a32,469\/$2,500 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Magnesium alloy frameset with novel trussed chainstays; good vibration absorption; quality spec for the price<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Creaky seatpost<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Okay, the A\/1 is not aluminium, but it is alloy (as are <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-steel-gravel-bikes\/&quot;\">steel gravel bikes<\/a> and <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-titanium-gravel-bikes\/&quot;\">titanium gravel bikes)<\/a>, in this case magnesium alloy. Vaast says it\u2019s lighter than steel, aluminium or titanium, but stronger and more corrosion-resistant than everything but titanium.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a dropped driveside chainstay with a truss, which provides room for 40mm 700c or 47mm 650b tyres. The wheels are Stan\u2019s with Maxxis Rambler tyres and the test bike was equipped with a 1x Shimano GRX RX600 11-speed drivetrain with a carbon Praxis crankset.<\/p>\n<p>The geometry is designed for fast gravel grinding and you can fit a <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-dropper-posts\/&quot;\">gravel dropper post<\/a>. There\u2019s a sprightly spring to the frame over rougher ground, that doesn\u2019t detract from the stiff, responsive pedal feel. The straight-legged carbon fork is a little at odds with the plusher rear, however. The main bugbear was a creaking seatpost.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/vaast-a-1-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Vaast A\/1 review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;vaast\" a1=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Voodoo Nakisi<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" nakisi=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-678989\" 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\/05\/Voodoo-Nakisi-01-180618d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Voodoo\" nakisi=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Voodoo\"\/><\/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 Voodoo Nakisi is a bargain starter gravel bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a3650 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Cheap and cheerful; well kitted out<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Heavy<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Voodoo is Halfords\u2019 in-house MTB brand, but it has strayed into gravel territory with the Nakisi, which is a bargain gravel option, although it could cover commuting duties as well. Mounts for mudguards and a rack ensure the bike\u2019s versatility and there\u2019s wide tyre clearance too.<\/p>\n<p>Despite its price, Voodoo has specced a 9-speed Shimano Sora groupset, rather than the cheaper 8-speed Claris. This provides a good gear range and enables you to tackle hills more comfortably despite the bike\u2019s 11kg-plus weight.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/voodoo-nakisi-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Voodoo Nakisi review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Voodoo\" nakisi=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Ribble Gravel AL Enthusiast SRAM Rival 1x<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-half=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" gravel=\"\" al=\"\" enthusiast=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-694482\" 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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-01-5d2dbab.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" ribble=\"\" gravel=\"\" al=\"\" sram=\"\" rival=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Ribble\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> You\u2019ll get an impressive spec for the price.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,999 \/ $1,967 \/ \u20ac1,964 \/ AU$2,853 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Great on technical terrain; fairly lightweight build; well-specced for the price<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Long reach; draggy tyres; large 42-tooth chainring<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>We were impressed by the quality of the welds on the Ribble Gravel AL, which offers a quality spec with 650b Mavic Allroad wheels, making for great capability over rougher ground. There\u2019s tyre clearance for 47mm 650b or 45mm 700c rubber.<\/p>\n<p>As usual, Ribble gives you plenty of stock spec and upgrade options, with the review bike featuring SRAM Rival 1 11-speed mechanical shifting. Finishing kit comes from Ribble\u2019s in-house Level brand.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/ribble-gravel-al-enthusiast-sram-rival-1x-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Ribble Gravel AL SRAM Rival 1x review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Ribble\" gravel=\"\" al=\"\" enthusiast=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-outline=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.0 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" topstone=\"\" alloy=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-690775\" 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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike2-48de9c0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Cannondale\" topstone=\"\" alloy=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Cannondale\" bike_2=\"\"\/><\/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 Topstone Alloy 2\u2019s versatility makes it a compelling choice within the wide gravel spectrum.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,800\/$1,925\/\u20ac2,199\/AU$3,199 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Plentiful accessory mounts boost versatility; great tyres for light gravel and road riding<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> 10-speed groupset; relatively narrow tyres<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Cannondale has been making quality aluminium bike frames since the 1990s and its accumulated expertise shows in the Topstone Alloy. Post-update in mid-2022, the bike now has 45mm tyre clearance, extra mounting points and features dropped seatstays.<\/p>\n<p>The 2 spec tested includes 10-speed Shimano GRX shifting and 37mm<a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/tyres\/gravel-bike-tyres\/vittoria-terreno-dry-tlr-tyre-review\/&quot;\"> Vittoria Terreno Dry<\/a> tyres on WTB rims. The tyres are a bit narrow and smooth-treaded for more technical or muddy rides, but roll well on smoother surfaces and tarmac.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/cannondale-topstone-alloy-2-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2 review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Cannondale\" topstone=\"\" alloy=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Merida Silex 400<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-outline=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.0 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" silex=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-561632\" 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\/Merida-Silex-400-01-78a221d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" merida=\"\" silex=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Merida\"\/><\/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 Silex features a tall front end, long top tube, slack head angle and short stem.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,400\/\u20ac1,499\/AU$2,199 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Unusual MTB-inspired geometry; quality hydraulic disc groupset; good overall value<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Sticky freehub; narrow rim width<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>The Merida Silex comes at gravel from an MTB perspective, which translates to a long reach and a high stack. Along with the short stem, this makes the bike eminently flickable off-road and leads to great handling.<\/p>\n<p>Other features set the bike up for mixed use, with mudguard and rack mounts and fork leg bosses for <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/routes-and-rides\/bikepacking\/&quot;\">bikepacking<\/a>. The 400 spec is equipped with 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel shifting. We\u2019d go wider than the 38mm Maxxis Rambler tyres provided for more off-road grip though.<\/p>\n<p>The bike can fit either <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel\/&quot;\">700c or 650b gravel wheels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve also reviewed the carbon-framed <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/merida-silex-6000-review\/&quot;\">Merida Silex+ 6000<\/a>, if you\u2019re looking for a higher spec.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/merida-silex-400-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Merida Silex 400 review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Merida\" silex=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h3>Vitus Substance VRS-1 HT Apex<\/h3> <div class=\"&quot;editorial-rating-summary\" editorial-rating-summary--=\"\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars\"> <div class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__icons&quot;\"> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-fill=\"\"\/> <i data-grunticon-embed=\"\" class=\"&quot;icon-rating-star\" icon-star-outline=\"\"\/> <\/div> <span class=\"&quot;ratings-stars__value&quot;\"> <span class=\"&quot;sr-only&quot;\">4.0 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" substance=\"\" vrs-1=\"\" ht=\"\" apex=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"bikeradar.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-694474\" 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\/08\/Vitus-Substance-VRS-1-HT-Apex-01-b31938d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Pack\" shot=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" vitus=\"\" substance=\"\" vrs-1=\"\" ht=\"\" apex=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Vitus\"\/><\/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 Substance caters well to most riders.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<ul><li>\u00a31,999\/$2,800\/\u20ac2,700\/AU$3,800 as tested<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Rudy suspension fork is a highlight; plenty of mounting points; comfortable geometry with decent reach measurement<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Heavy; entry-level drivetrain<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>The alloy Substance VRS-1 HT Apex may sit below Vitus\u2019 carbon gravel bikes, but its 30mm-travel RockShox Rudy XPLR <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/gravel-bike-suspension\/&quot;\">gravel bike suspension fork<\/a> sets it apart, as does its dropper seatpost. The shock fork helps to handle larger obstacles more comfortably, for smooth riding on gravel, while the dropper is great for downhills, enabling us to ride blue-rated MTB trails.<\/p>\n<p>Those extras lead to a lower-spec drivetrain though, with SRAM Apex 1 11-speed mechanical, although you do get a DT Swiss gravel wheelset. The extras add up to an 11kg-plus weight though.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/bikes\/gravel-bikes\/vitus-substance-vrs-1-ht-apex-review\/&quot;\">Read our full Vitus Substance VRS-1 HT Apex review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-container&quot;\" data-position=\"&quot;adhoc&quot;\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-title\" monetizer-title=\"\" style=\"&quot;background-color:\" color:=\"\">Latest deals<\/h5> <div id=\"&quot;monetizer__deals&quot;\" data-type=\"&quot;price-comparison&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;shopId&quot;:&quot;608&quot;,&quot;market&quot;:&quot;gbp_en&quot;,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;flxmmtwnoj&quot;,&quot;searchKeywords&quot;:&quot;Vitus\" substance=\"\" vrs-1=\"\" ht=\"\" apex=\"\"\/> <div class=\"&quot;monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text\" body-copy-extra-small=\"\" editor-content=\"\"\/><\/div> <h2 id=\"&quot;buyersguidealloy&quot;\">Buyer\u2019s guide to aluminium gravel bikes<\/h2>\n<h3>What are the advantages of aluminium gravel bikes?<\/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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-694486\" 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\/08\/Ribble-Gravel-AL-SRAM-Rival-1X-05-f5f5648.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Male\" cyclist=\"\" in=\"\" blue=\"\" top=\"\" riding=\"\" the=\"\" ribble=\"\" gravel=\"\" al=\"\" sram=\"\" rival=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Ribble\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> Aluminium tends to be the material of choice for brands\u2019 entry-level gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Aluminium gravel bikes tend to be the entry-level offering in the gravel bike ranges of larger brands, with pricier models swapping to carbon fibre frames. As such, they offer a cheaper alternative if you\u2019re just getting into gravel and aren\u2019t sure if it\u2019s for you or what you want.<\/p>\n<p>That also means they tend to offer lower-priced specs, which is an advantage when it comes time for parts replacement \u2013 components wear quickly in off-road conditions.<\/p>\n<p>As with the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-aluminium-road-bikes\/&quot;\">best aluminium road bikes<\/a>, you may find you get more for your money from an aluminium gravel bike.<\/p>\n<h3>Are aluminium gravel bikes heavy?<\/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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-690786\" 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\/07\/Cannondale-Topstone-Alloy-2-gravel-bike13-456d3af.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;Male\" cyclist=\"\" riding=\"\" the=\"\" cannondale=\"\" topstone=\"\" alloy=\"\" gravel=\"\" bike=\"\" title=\"&quot;Cannondale\" bike_13=\"\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> Some aluminium gravel bikes are lighter than similarly priced carbon gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>Not necessarily, it depends on how they\u2019re constructed. Hydroforming changes the shape and wall thickness of aluminium tubing and can dramatically decrease the weight of the bike\u2019s frame. You\u2019ll see frames referred to as triple-butted when the tubing has been made thinner in its middle than at its ends.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, aluminium frames can be lighter than similarly priced carbon frames, so don\u2019t discount aluminium gravel bikes because of their weight.<\/p>\n<p>A few choice component upgrades, such as a swap to the <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-gravel-wheels\/&quot;\">best gravel wheels<\/a>, could also dramatically decrease the bike\u2019s weight and change its performance.<\/p>\n<h3>Aluminium gravel bikes vs carbon gravel bikes<\/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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-720921\" 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\/2023\/03\/DSC00087-ff387dc-e1679478834195.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;SRAM\" rival=\"\" etap=\"\" axs=\"\" gx=\"\" eagle=\"\" mullet=\"\" drivetrain=\"\" on=\"\" giant=\"\" revolt=\"\" x=\"\" title=\"&quot;SRAM\"\/><\/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=\"\"\/> You\u2019re more likely to find costlier components, such as electronic SRAM drivetrains, on carbon gravel bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"> <i>Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<p>As mentioned above, brands tend to offer their carbon gravel bikes with higher specs. Combined with a lower frame weight that can appreciably decrease the mass of a carbon gravel bike over an aluminium one, particularly if you\u2019re prepared to pay more.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re also more likely to find items such as SRAM\u2019s 12-speed wireless AXS groupset on carbon gravel bikes than on aluminium gravel bikes.<\/p>\n<p>As entry-level models, aluminium gravel bikes tend to be generalist machines designed for all-round gravel riding.<\/p>\n<p>However, gravel bikes are becoming more specialist, so if you\u2019re looking for a gravel race bike or a gravel bike to tackle steeper, more technical terrain, you\u2019re more likely to find such a bike with a carbon frame.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":50801,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023.jpg",1600,1067,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/06\/10-of-the-best-aluminium-gravel-bikes-in-2023.jpg",1600,1067,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":"Our pick of the best aluminium gravel bikes","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/50800"}],"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\/50801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}