There is no one-size-fits-all tire, but we do have some recommendations regarding tread patterns, sizes, and widths. Overall, the Lauf Anywhere is a truly awesome all-rounder… I’ve spent the last six months riding it… I have managed to rack up 4,500km… The Anywhere will handle pretty much whatever adventure your imagination can think of…. In this category, we really like Schwalbe’s fast-rolling and surprisingly grippy 700c x 38mm G-One. In short, the versatile Stigmata is now just as at home on the cyclocross course as it is on far-off backroad adventures. I waited a while to join the Fat Bike club, but really happy with my choice. While installation has become significantly easier over the last few years due to improvements in the technology, you still get the occasional tire-and-rim combination that just doesn’t want to inflate. If you don’t feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: E-bikes are a blast to ride.What we don’t: They’re also very expensive and very heavy. Most notably, it forgoes thru-axles (which add stiffness and inspire confidence during fast descents) in favor of the quick-release style. But now I have made peace with the idea tha… The Grail’s proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbe’s 40-millimeter G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. All that said, there’s a reason behind the saying “steel is real.” In short, it’s hard to ignore the ride characteristics, burly feel, and long-term durability of a steel build. One of the best and least expensive upgrades you can make to your bike is upgrading to tubeless tires. In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. In the end, the choice often comes down to cost: hydraulic brakes come with a bump in price, while mechanical brakes can be found on most budget-friendly models. Further, you get thru-axles for a stiffer ride in the rough stuff and tubeless-ready wheels (in our opinion, it’s is a no-brainer to set up your gravel bike this way for less weight, fewer flats, and more grip). If you choose to go the online route, most bikes shipped to your home will require some assembly. In general, you should look for frame clearance to accommodate up to 700c x 45mm tires, multiple mounting locations (three or more) for water bottles and food, longer wheelbases that are more stable at high speeds, and disc brakes to handle long descents over varying road conditions. You also might come across steel (including the Surly Straggler and Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ) or titanium (like the Moots Routt YBB), but these are far less common. The steel-framed ADV 3.1 is a prime example: for $1,399 (and often marked down further during sales), the ADV is a solid all-rounder that can confidently tackle adventures ranging from gravel road exploration to extended weekend bikepacking outings. During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). Lauf just announced their new lineup with a few new colors that look amazing. For more background information, see our gravel bike comparison table and buying advice below the picks. A rare ‘XL’ size caters to riders 6’3” and taller. That said, we prefer 2x setups for more mountainous terrain. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. While people have been taking their road bikes onto unpaved roads for decades, this emerging category has a number of thoughtful design features that make the experience much more enjoyable. The new Lauf True Grit gravel bike is available now in three builds ranging from $3690 to $6390, and frame and fork only for $2,690. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, it’s important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. It’s not for everyone, but for riders that stick to relatively tame terrain and want a race-ready screamer, the Aspero is a great choice.See the Cervelo Aspero GTX 810 2x. Are you comfortable with some assembly? Has no real complaints with the fork's on-road performance. Although I had been dreading the prospect of fighting with the internal cabling, the whole process was considerably easier than anticipated. It’s worth noting that Cannondale also offers the Topstone with a lighter carbon frame and their minimalist Kingpin rear suspension that helps cushion harsh impacts.See the Cannondale Topstone 1. Lauf True Grit, Weekend Warrior, 1×11. Gears: 2 x 10. Starting with fit, it can be challenging—and especially for first-time buyers—to determine the right-sized bike from the comfort of your couch. Tires in the 35- to 38-millimeter range are more versatile and a great choice for those who split their time evenly between pavement and gravel. Geometry Tires: 700c x 40mm. Anywheres are available in four builds, for differing tastes and budgets. Cyclocross bikes are typically stripped of additional braze-ons for fenders or racks, both of which you’ll likely find on a gravel bike. At 27+ pounds, the ADV is the heaviest bike on our list (not including Cannondale’s Synapse e-bike, which really is a different category). In the end, it depends on how comfortable you are choosing, sizing, and assembling a bike.Back to Our Top Gravel Bike Picks Back to Our Gravel Bike Comparison Table. At well over $9,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). And finally, tubeless setups can be a bit of a mess should you ever need to put a tube in your tire. Lower your tire pressure by 3 to 5 psi and repeat this process again until you barely feel the item. The carbon fiber Icelandic gravel bike employs the corporate’s signature Grit SL fork to present you 30mm of undamped, progressive journey. The steel frame and wide 650b x 50mm tires make for a comfortable ride, but they also add a lot of weight. At this price point, however, there are some entry-level components in the build. For anything from surprise impacts with rocks to rough washboard roads, this feature will considerably dampen your ride and reduce arm fatigue. In general, long gravel rides pass through far fewer service areas, meaning you’ll need to stock up on food, water, and other gear before heading out. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but the Shimano parts are a little better tuned for off-road riding with easier-to-manipulate shift levers. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. The Anywhere rode well on gravel, fire-trails, asphalt and manicured trails. With additional mounting locations for food, water, and gear, the Warbird more effectively moonlights as a backcountry adventure machine. For a reasonable $1,499, you get a 2 x 10 Shimano drivetrain that works well across most terrain along with a healthy selection of mounting locations for racks, bottles, and gear. The bikes share the same Shimano GRX 800/600 drivetrain and GRX 400 brakes, and we’ve found Cannondale’s aluminum builds are impressively comfortable (a common knock on aluminum is it’s too harsh). Lauf Carbonara Review by Kevin Breitenbach By Gomez on June 20, 2016 in Components, Forks So I’ve got to start this review with an admission of guilt, I’ve held the Lauf Carbonara hostage for the last few months. …you get the best of both worlds and the ability to adapt the horse to the course… This is still one of my favorite handlebars… The shape is unique but extremely comfortable… If you’re looking everywhere for a gravel bike, try looking Anywhere. The True grit seems great & someone in the local gavel fb group has a Lauf Fork on his Niner MCR. If you plan to mix in a fair amount of extended and steep climbing and prioritize efficiency, it’s best to stick with a traditional, road-inspired design. Alternatively, if comfort is your main priority or you spend almost all of your time on gravel, then a 650b tire and wheel combo makes a lot of sense. In parsing out the differences, the 650b Kona has wider tires and does a nicer job cushioning impacts on washboard roads, while the narrower and faster-rolling Diamondback is the superior option for commuting and mixing in longer stretches on pavement. That said, you get a little more cushion with the Trek and a very similar component group (including the same GRX 810 drivetrain) while saving $100. Gravel bikes—also known as adventure or all-road bikes—are built to handle terrain ranging from forest service roads to pavement, dirt, and even mellow singletrack. Price goes up with the added tech (Cannondale's Topstone Lefty 3 runs $4,000), but if you spend a good amount of time at speed on exceptionally rough roads, it may be worthwhile to consider one of the models listed above. Similar to Trek’s Checkpoint SL 6 above, the most noteworthy component on the Diverge is its suspension that delivers a relatively high 20 millimeters of travel. Plus, eliminating tubes in favor of sealant can drop a little rotational weight from your kit. Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Typical Santa Cruz craftsmanship and attention to detail.What we don’t: Not the best value. We’d be remiss not to include Salsa’s venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. Lauf offers carbon gravel bikes and super light carbon suspension forks for mountain bikes, fat bikes and gravel bikes. There are only two build kits currently offered (plus a frame-only option), but the GRX model is well-appointed with high-end 800-series components, an all-carbon frame, and off-road extras like a dropper post and meaty tires. Next, lay an object larger than a pencil in your driveway or on the sidewalk—a wooden dowel or mixing spoon handle works great—and ride over it at a comfortable speed (about 10mph). What does the frame weigh? Thanks! All that said, we do have some general advice on how to find an appropriate psi. I did 10 miles. From leading budget options to range-topping carbon rigs, below are the top gravel grinders of 2021. The G//C Force listed here is purpose-built to own gravel roads with a race-oriented ethos, smartly spec’d build kit, and high-quality, tubeless-ready wheels and tires made by Donnelly themselves (the bike comes stock with 700c wheels, but it can also accommodate 650b). And although the Warbird’s high-performing TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes are one of the better options of their kind on the market, they simply can’t match the ease of use or stopping power of the hydraulic version on the Giant. 29ers... From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. It’s barely compromised on tarmac with the right tyres and it’ll fly along unmade roads with gleeful abandon. Plush 40mm tires are stock, providing a supple ride on many surfaces. A hanger is provided for a wireless front derailleur and 2x chainring setup. I’ve ridden a lot of gravel bikes over the past dozen years, and the True Grit ranks as among the absolute best I’ve ridden. This unique tech and impressive performance do come at a cost. But if you’re more interested in gravel races than mellow rides, the lighter carbon-framed Revolt Advanced 2 is a solid buy. And a final note: we recommend running anywhere from 3 to 8 psi less in your front tire than the back as most of your weight is over the rear. If you’ve never heard of Donnelly Cycling, you’re not alone. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Good looks and quality components at a reasonable price.What we don’t: Buying consumer-direct has its own set of challenges. The glass fiber ‘Smoothie’ handlebar flexes to compensate for frame judder. As expected from the brand, the Aspero models put a premium on climbing speed and responsiveness with a high-quality and very lightweight carbon frame, upright geometry that gives it a quick-handling and nimble feel, and a nice spec sheet with efficiency-minded components. It's incredibly easy to compare specs, prices, and parts online, and bike selection and shipping has improved dramatically in recent years. Germany-based Canyon might not have the name recognition of many of the brands on this list, but their Grail AL 6 adventure bike is an excellent all-around value. Canyon Grail AL 6 ($1,699) Frame: Aluminum. And with a comfortable upright seating position and mounting locations for racks and panniers, it makes for a solid commuting and touring companion too. For a step down in price, check out Donnelly’s G//C Rival, which shares the same carbon frame and wheel compatibility as the Force but with a slightly downgraded drivetrain.See the Donnelly G//C Force. Further, its wide 47-millimeter tires do an admirable job soaking up the kind of bumps, ruts, and rocks that you often find on forest service roads. To help, many major online retailers such as REI Co-op, Jenson USA, and Backcountry provide geometry charts and size recommendations for most of their models. The elite-level build listed here also features the crisp shifting of SRAM’s electronic Force AXS drivetrain. As with any budget offering, the Rove AL 650 has its fair share of compromises. Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. Cervelo has made their name in light, fast, and aerodynamic pavement racers, and they’ve taken that expertise into the gravel world with their Aspero collection. REI’s in-house bike brand, Co-op Cycles, isn’t known for pushing the envelope in terms of frame design or technology, but what they offer is a major focus on value. Tack on off-road-ready features like protection along the chain stays and downtube and dropper post compatibility (note: a dropper is not included), and you get a nice option for road riders looking to add a gravel grinder to their quiver. The beauty of building a bike yourself, is that you can spec it exactly as you like. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. A handy bottle-opener is affixed to the frame, in place of a front derailleur. If there was anything I’d recommend they do, it’s to broaden its size range. In essence, they are more capable than road bikes yet more efficient than mountain bikes, transitioning nicely from daily commutes to weekend adventures. All that said, it can be a challenge converting your bike to tubeless. For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsa’s Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). Both offer a nice entry point into the world of gravel riding, but the more capable Kona gets the edge for us.See the Diamondback Haanjo 2. The “softail” design—first used on the company’s mountain bikes in the 90s—delivers 20 millimeters of rear micro-suspension that effectively reduces the harshness of rough roads. And finally, e-bike laws still are evolving and changing, so it’s important to know the rules before you head out. For less than $100 more, alternatives like Canyon’s Grail 6 above are lighter, have a wider gear range, feature better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and include thru-axles for a more efficient ride. If you’ve ever spent time on washboard roads at speed, you’ll understand why this is so important. Although they are heavier and roll slower than 700c wheels, the larger footprint and lower air pressure allows them to float over obstacles much more smoothly. … Niner may not be a familiar name to many road cyclists, but this Colorado-based company has been pushing out quality dirt-focused models for about 15 years. Alternatively, XC pedals and shoes still are lightweight yet feature a much more walkable and more comfortable outsole. What do you give up with the Chamois Hagar’s unique build? I even convinced my brother-in-law to get one. ‘Long-4-Speed’ geometry keeps things stable at speed and on unruly surfaces. California-based Specialized is one of the biggest names in cycling, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a winner in the gravel-focused Diverge line. Farr Aero Gravel Alloy bars. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. And one final note: if you’re upgrading or replacing tires on an existing bike, it’s important to make sure you have enough room for these larger sizes. Added up, you’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly equipped and well-made carbon design at this price point. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondale’s first go at a gravel-focused model was a huge success in our opinion. Maxxis Velocita tires proved to be a solid all-round option, on and off-road. If the goal is covering ground quickly and efficiently, we recommend checking out a more focused design like Co-op Cycles’ ADV 2.2, which cuts over 1 pound of weight and features more performance-oriented geometry for $100 more. We love 1x drivetrains for their simplicity, ease of use, and generally lower weight. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, use fluid rather than cables to initiate the brakes. It’s also not uncommon to pay an “oversized” shipping fee. On the flip side, titanium undoubtedly is pricey, but Moots uses a high-quality, U.S.-made version that’s welded in-house at the company’s headquarters. But the Grail AL 6 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer-direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 6. For $2,600, you get a light and compliant carbon frame, a smooth-shifting Shimano GRX 22-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and ample clearance for tires up to 45 millimeters wide for damping rough roads. The only downside is if you simply don’t fit on the three sizes Lauf currently offers. Those who already own a hardtail might be wondering: “Can’t I just ride my mountain bike on gravel roads instead of purchasing something new?” And the answer is a resounding “yes.” In fact, we actually encourage riders to use what they already have whenever possible. As Jan Heine defines it, underbiking is “riding a bike that is only marginally suited to the environment where we ride.” For the cool kids, that means skidding a roadie or cross bike down a dirt road or slice of singletrack. While small, niche bike companies have dominated the gravel race scene for years, this growing category has recently started to attract the big players. Other thoughtful features include a rubber downtube protector to ward off high-speed rock impacts and a chainstay guard to help keep the chain quiet on bumpy rides. While Lauf largely employ the Easton EC70 range on their factory builds, I used a combination of Ritchey Logic WCS, the new 3T SuperGhiaia bars and a full SRAM Force 1x groupset. Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ranked higher? I have to admit: I almost cried when I boxed the bike up and shipped it back to Lauf. But for mountain bikers looking for a familiar, fun feel while bombing down their local forest service road or even popping off small features, Evil’s gravel grinder has a lot of appeal.See the Evil Bikes Chamois Hagar. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 37mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we don’t: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. So if you ride mostly smooth trails with few corners, or perhaps you're thinking of adding them to your cyclocross bike or gravel racing machine, then the Lauf may be ideal, but as an alternative to a telescopic suspension fork it falls short of the mark. What is it Gravel bikes are all the rage in the drop-bar world right now, and where a lot of new ideas - or new takes on old ones - are being entertained. By reports, Maxxis Velocita tires didn’t perform well in mud or slippy dirt. One of only two steel-framed designs on our list, the Surly Straggler is a gravel bike with a do-it-all personality. The shop was reputable, and I don't think they'd be playing with a bike or brand that didn't have value. How much will shipping cost? LAUF originally designed this fork for gravel bikes (LAUF GRIT), and then adapted to MTB (LAUF TR BOOST) and FAT bike use (LAUF CARBONARA). Frame: CarbonGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Lightweight carbon frame and Shimano GRX drivetrain at a reasonable price point.What we don’t: For some, the carbon frame may not be worth the price increase over the Topstone above. In terms of shoes, we recommend an option like Giro’s Cylinder or Shimano's ME3—they’re light, affordable, stiff enough for efficient power transfer, and still very comfortable for time spent off the bike. For pedals, we like Shimano's clipless 520 SPD in particular—we’ve put over 5,000 miles on ours and have been very impressed. There's just no replacement for a great local shop, the bike and trail advice that goes with it, and the ability to ride a certain model beforehand and easily get replacement parts and service. The main advantage to these beefier tires is their ability to run lower air pressure, which results in a more forgiving ride and greater traction. Mounts The elastomers of old provided better performance. Within the Niner lineup, you can get GRX components, but they’re only available in top-end 800-spec models that start at about $3,000.See the Niner RLT 9 2-Star. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2’s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). Sweep and flare enhanced the comfort of the Smoothie handlebar. From weekend gravel rides to daily commutes, the Cannondale Topstone is an excellent option. In short, the main differences between the two relate to power and ease of use. In addition, the IsoSpeed decoupler does add a little complexity to the design and will require occasional maintenance. Whether that’s worth the added expense is up to you.See the Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX See the Women's Juliana Quincy GRX. The Anywhere could feel harsh on long and intense gravel races. Why do we have the Giant Revolt Advanced 2 ranked below the Cannondale? What pushes the Straggler towards the bottom of our list? In short, they roll fast on tarmac, weigh very little, and provide an ample amount of comfort and traction. Using bikepack bags, the Anywhere handled well and remained stable. Of note, Specialized’s Diverge lineup is expansive, starting at $1,200 and going all the way up to $10,000, so most riders should be able to find exactly what they’re looking for.See the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bike’s smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. In addition, you get less-powerful mechanical brakes and the tires aren’t the best in slippery and dicey conditions, so many backcountry explorers will want to upgrade those right off the bat. While these larger sizes will be heavier and roll slower on pavement than the skinnier options above, the added comfort and traction they provide off-road is well worth the tradeoff. RRP: £99.99. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the gravel rig is undeniably pricey at $4,199 for the GRX model, which includes the high-end 800 groupset. While gravel bikes share a lot in common with road models, pavement-oriented shoes typically have smooth and flat outsoles that make walking on gravel uncomfortable and cumbersome. In terms of design, the Topstone features a gravel-specific Shimano GRX drivetrain complete with hydraulic disc brakes, proven WTB Riddler 37-millimeter tires, and appropriately wide wheels for soaking up bumps (the wheel and tire combo also is easy to set up tubeless). It’s also worth noting the max tire width for the Aspero is 42 millimeters, which is a few millimeters less than most designs on this list. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Last but not least, if you frequent gravel more than pavement, we recommend opting for a tire that is 40 millimeters or wider. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we don’t: Cannondale’s Topstone performs better across most categories. After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decades—long before the advent of this niche category. Frame: CarbonGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 42mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Excels at racing but can still carry gear for overnight trips.What we don’t: At this price, we expect hydraulic disc brakes and slightly better components. First and foremost, buying from a consumer-direct company like Canyon sometimes can be a pain: customer service can be hit or miss, plus you don’t get the convenience of walking into your local bike shop to ride the bike or get replacement parts before buying. It may take a while to get accustomed to the Lauf Grit SL and its radical looking suspension fork. Moreover, you miss out on a vibration-dampening carbon fork (the Kona’s is stiffer alloy), and it sports less-powerful mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic. Not only does it make the uphills more bearable, but it also allows you to cover ground more quickly with less effort.
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