Gravel Bike Review

Cycling Weekly

Thanks to our extensive testing for our 'Gravel Bike Of The Year' awards, we have spent lots of time with the most popular models out on the market today.  We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.

Transcript

00:00winner of our gravel bike of the year test the giant revolt stands to be a fantastic option for

00:10riders who really do want to bike with a split personality the revolt stands out thanks to its

00:16ability to cater to a wide range of preferences it boasts unique features such as the versatile

00:22seat post setup compatibility with both proprietary and brown seat posts meaning it offers increased

00:28options for suspension seat posts the adjustable rear dropouts enhance its functionality allowing

00:34for aggressive racing performance in the short position and improve stability in the long

00:39position this functionality is only compounded by the wide tire clearance there's ample mounting

00:45points on the frame which further increase its utilitarian nature for carrying gear the revolt

00:51impresses with its exceptional frame compliance effectively absorbing impacts while maintaining

00:57lateral stiffness for precise handling it's competitive on price starting at under 3 000

01:02pounds for the base model and five and a half thousand pounds for the top end version this

01:08makes it a very attractive proposition however its relatively high head tube stack at 586 millimeters

01:15might limit customization for some riders nonetheless the revolt's exceptional performance across various

01:22terrain solidifies its position as a standout gravel bike demonstrating its prowess in both racing and

01:28stability earning it recognition and appreciation in the industry and with customers alike

01:40the latest iteration of the diverge gravel bike showcases a standout feature the all-new rear future shock

01:47which was designed to enhance rider comfort and bike balance specialized engineers combined rear end

01:53compliance with all the benefits of suspension seat posts creating a system that smoothly adjusts to

01:59uneven terrain while maintaining saddle height the bike's weight remains competitive with the whole

02:04system adding only 400 grams to the frame specialized offers various models in the diverge str line including

02:11the top-end s works version retailing at 14 000 and the expert and pro models priced at nine and a half

02:18thousand and seven and a half thousand respectively the bike boasts a fat 11r carbon frame set future

02:25shock 2.0 in the front and the innovative rear future shock providing ample tire clearance and

02:31compatibility with 650b by 2.1 inch or 700c by 47 millimeter tires despite its higher price point the diverge str

02:41suspension system effectively improves ride comfort stability and traction catering to both racing and

02:47adventure enthusiasts this bike will sit in the halo category for many and we really don't love how

02:53much this bike costs we also think that the fit and ride feel will take some time to get used to and

02:59to set up however once styled in the str works brilliantly on a myriad of terrains and parkours

03:13canyon recently updated its gray or gravel bike and has since gone on to garner significant attention

03:18after successful wins in various races but most importantly the uci gravel world champs the new model

03:25reflects canyon's desire to improve gravel racing performance and aerodynamics with a focus on

03:30streamlining the bike and enhancing stability without compromising agility the update includes

03:36changes to the tube shapes the handlebars and the seat post resulting in a saving of over 9 watts

03:42at 45 kilometers per hour compared to the previous version the integration of in-frame storage and the

03:49introduction of the load fidlock quick loader further optimize the bike's functionality notably the shift

03:55from the double decker bar to a traditional bar stem steerer design has improved the rider experience

04:01especially in terms of handling and adaptability to different riding positions canyon's emphasis on

04:08aerodynamics is evident in the streamlined design and the integration of the gear groove on the handlebars

04:14allowing for various accessories and aero extensions despite early concerns about the lengthening of

04:20the wheelbase we found the grail maintains its lively and agile feel with enhanced stability in the

04:26corners and quick line changes on rough descents canyon cfr version offers additional carbon layout

04:33modifications for reduced weight and increased stiffness while the cfsl provides an entry-level option

04:40with fewer integrated features but at a more competitive price it's rare to find a bike in the sub-1000

04:52dollar category but the tri-band 120 gravel bike is known for its affordability and happily comes in

04:59well below that price threshold it offers practical features such as external cable routing mounts for

05:05mud guards and pannier racks and a threaded bottom bracket despite its limitations including the absence

05:12of expected additional mounts and less than ideal aesthetics the bike's carbon fork and micro shift

05:181x10 drivetrain with a built-in clutch really do stand out at this price point the pro max dsk

05:25brakes though competent lack power and modulation but the tri-band tubeless ready wheels do contribute to the

05:32bike's overall versatility while the bike handles well on moderate trails its performance on rough

05:37terrain is limited by a slightly skittish feel during descents as a commuter the bike's slick center tread

05:44and comfortable ride quality make it suitable for urban use although the gearing's gaps and braking

05:50performance might pose issues for some riders priced at 899 or 599 pounds the tri-band 120 gravel bike

05:58represents incredibly good value for money but for those willing to spend a little more the saw respect

06:04vita substance v2 gravel bike offers enhanced features and aesthetics for an additional cost

06:10the tri-band 120 gravel bike remains a really good option for those who want to explore what the world

06:15of gravel has to offer without forking out too much

06:18as seen in our top endurance bikes for 2024 the vitus venom evo is potentially one of the most versatile

06:31bikes out there designed to merge the features of endurance road bikes and gravel bikes its tire

06:36clearance ranges from 28 millimeters to 45 millimeters catering to different riding preferences the evo gr

06:44version offers gravel specific group sets with higher end models incorporating aero components

06:49for enhanced speed on gravel paths the bike features a monocoque frame with a press fit bottom bracket

06:55and integrated cable routing suitable for both mechanical and electronic group sets the design

07:01includes drop seat stays for added comfort and a geometry that balances between endurance road bikes

07:07and more racy gravel bikes we love the venin's aesthetic appeal efficient riding experience and

07:14it's handling on challenging terrain showcasing its versatility beyond its intended niche despite some

07:20limitations with the handlebars minimal space for additional attachments and the potential issue for

07:26the bike skipping in strong crosswinds the vitus venin evo offers a well-rounded value for money option

07:32for riders looking for a versatile high performance bike

07:35the bmc caius takes things up another notch compared to its rivals sure the frame is a little heavier but the

08:04riding position and the ride itself is even closer to that of a road bike it makes you wonder whether

08:10all road bikes really have a place anymore the caius is at least an equal on tarmac but still more capable

08:16off-road the place of endurance road bikes such as the giant defy and trek to mane even starts to become

08:22questionable but both those brands are quite fortunate that the caius isn't compatible with mudguards

08:28otherwise those questions would really start to be asked in earnest if you don't care about mudguards

08:34though a caius with 35 millimeter slick tires same as can be fitted to a defy or de mane would be a

08:40weapon on the road but would leave your gravel riding options wide open

08:44the newly launched merida silex has gained attention not only for its anticipated debut

08:56but also for mate mohoric's triumph at the 2023 uci gravel world championships where he rode an unreleased

09:04version of the bike with a focus on testing its capabilities the bike is promoted as an adventure

09:10option staying true to its original concept the silex boasts a mountain bike inspired geometry

09:16making it versatile for commuting and bike packing merida has adjusted the silex's geometry providing

09:22a 69.5 degree head angle and increasing tire clearance to accommodate up to 45 millimeter rubber

09:29although slightly training behind its competitors with a 50 millimeter clearance option the bike features

09:35ample mounting points for luggage and mug guards and is equipped with robust 180 millimeter rotors

09:42enhancing its braking power without significant weight implications when we tested the bike the silex

09:48showcased its impressive stability and handling on various terrains including challenging climbs and

09:54technical descents despite its limitation on tire clearance the silex remains an engaging and versatile

10:00option for multiple riding styles demonstrating its prowess in aiding mohoric's win

10:05at the championships so there we have it those are the top gravel bikes we think are worth considering

10:12in 2024. let us know which of these bikes would you pick if you enjoyed the video then please do

10:18drop it a like subscribe to the channel for more content and we will see you again very soon

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