Best Gravel Bikes
The results of Gravelution.com's "Best Gravel Bikes" are based on our (i) inspired minds, (ii) precise opinions, and (iii) subjective expertise as it relates to cycling products in general. We don't receive any compensation from these bike companies (unfortunately). But sometimes, they let us ride their bikes, which is cool . . .
So how do these bikes make our list? Well basically, all legitimate gravel bikes have disc brakes, thru axels, durable frames, low bottom brackets, and on-and-on. So we've boiled these rankings down to anecdotal & "street cred" factors that you might not glean from the manufacturer's websites. All that to say, if the bike is in our "Best Gravel Bikes" ranking, then rest assured that it's a really good & beautiful bike. As we ride and research each bike more & more, we'll update these rankings because our opinions will evolve. So enjoy these reviews of our favorite gravel bikes on the planet . . . because the Gravelution is here.
For your benefit, we are limited our Top Gravel Bikes to ONE DOZEN! Enjoy!
So how do these bikes make our list? Well basically, all legitimate gravel bikes have disc brakes, thru axels, durable frames, low bottom brackets, and on-and-on. So we've boiled these rankings down to anecdotal & "street cred" factors that you might not glean from the manufacturer's websites. All that to say, if the bike is in our "Best Gravel Bikes" ranking, then rest assured that it's a really good & beautiful bike. As we ride and research each bike more & more, we'll update these rankings because our opinions will evolve. So enjoy these reviews of our favorite gravel bikes on the planet . . . because the Gravelution is here.
For your benefit, we are limited our Top Gravel Bikes to ONE DOZEN! Enjoy!
1) Cannondale Topstone Gravel Bike
Score: 9.5 of 10
Frame: Carbon or Aluminum (the carbon version (above) has the "Kingpin" suspension in the rear triangle. The aluminum model does not).
Price: $1,050 to $6,750.
Drivetrain: 2x Drivetrain.
Tires: 37 mm (but easily fits 40 mm, which is what I ride on my Topstone now)
Bells & Whistles: Well, the most interesting side of this bike is the odd, but nice, Kingpin suspension pivot point on the rear triangle. Honestly, I don't feel it much when I ride it. But I guess I like to know it's there?
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: The Topstone is returning for 2021 as our FAVORITE gravel bike on the market. We simply love it. It rides beautifully on gravel, and is very impressive on the road as well. We've ridden it far & wide from pavement, to dirt roads, to cyclocross races. The Topstone is a very capable gravel bike. And for more details on those Topstone rides, check out this Gravelution.com webpage. My only "little" complaint? The WTB Riddler TCS 37 C Tires which are just too thin for a gravel bike. I upgraded mine to 40C Maxxis Ramblers. Easy to do.
Cool Factor: High. This bike breathes "Los Angeles hipster."
Best Color: "Midnight" pictured above.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A hatchet strapped to your top tube & beer in your CamelBak.
Who Rides It? Cannondale dudes like Lachlan Morton . . . and in the spring of 2020, our favorite (former) GCN presenter Matt Stephens.
*Note: The 2021 Cannondale Topstone also comes with a Lefty Oliver front fork with 30mm of travel. It's genius. Check it here.
Frame: Carbon or Aluminum (the carbon version (above) has the "Kingpin" suspension in the rear triangle. The aluminum model does not).
Price: $1,050 to $6,750.
Drivetrain: 2x Drivetrain.
Tires: 37 mm (but easily fits 40 mm, which is what I ride on my Topstone now)
Bells & Whistles: Well, the most interesting side of this bike is the odd, but nice, Kingpin suspension pivot point on the rear triangle. Honestly, I don't feel it much when I ride it. But I guess I like to know it's there?
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: The Topstone is returning for 2021 as our FAVORITE gravel bike on the market. We simply love it. It rides beautifully on gravel, and is very impressive on the road as well. We've ridden it far & wide from pavement, to dirt roads, to cyclocross races. The Topstone is a very capable gravel bike. And for more details on those Topstone rides, check out this Gravelution.com webpage. My only "little" complaint? The WTB Riddler TCS 37 C Tires which are just too thin for a gravel bike. I upgraded mine to 40C Maxxis Ramblers. Easy to do.
Cool Factor: High. This bike breathes "Los Angeles hipster."
Best Color: "Midnight" pictured above.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A hatchet strapped to your top tube & beer in your CamelBak.
Who Rides It? Cannondale dudes like Lachlan Morton . . . and in the spring of 2020, our favorite (former) GCN presenter Matt Stephens.
*Note: The 2021 Cannondale Topstone also comes with a Lefty Oliver front fork with 30mm of travel. It's genius. Check it here.
2) Santa Cruz Stigmata Gravel Bike
Score: 9.35 of 10
Frame: Only Carbon (the aluminum version has been laid to rest).
Price: $3,499 to $4,599.
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x Drivetrain.
Tires: Up to 44mm.
Bells & Whistles: Like the Orbea Terra below, Santa Cruz alleges that this gravel bike works equally well as a cyclocross bike (which, to us, is appealing). So we tried it out. We raced a whole season of cyclocross on our Stigmata while ALSO riding tons of gravel. And the bike lived up to the challenge! And that's why we've ranked this bike 2nd. We absolutely LOVE it. Add to that the fact that the Stigmata's simplistic design is simply stunning. Moreso in real life. Look at it. LOOK AT IT! The Stigmata's actual frame geometry looks a lot like the Cannondale Topstone. For more color on our time with the Stigmata, click here.
Resale Value: Stellar.
The Ride: Aggressive race-like feel that corners really well, but still is versatile as a burly road bike, all day gravel grinder, AND cyclocross race bike. But beware, the Stigmata might lean more toward being a cyclocross bike than it does a gravel bike.
Cool Factor: Very high. Super clean.
Best Color: Gloss Fog & Copper (only available in the 2019), or the Mustard, pictured above.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Levi jacket.
Who Rides It? Scott Chapin & Steve Peat & Rippin' Catholics.
Frame: Only Carbon (the aluminum version has been laid to rest).
Price: $3,499 to $4,599.
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x Drivetrain.
Tires: Up to 44mm.
Bells & Whistles: Like the Orbea Terra below, Santa Cruz alleges that this gravel bike works equally well as a cyclocross bike (which, to us, is appealing). So we tried it out. We raced a whole season of cyclocross on our Stigmata while ALSO riding tons of gravel. And the bike lived up to the challenge! And that's why we've ranked this bike 2nd. We absolutely LOVE it. Add to that the fact that the Stigmata's simplistic design is simply stunning. Moreso in real life. Look at it. LOOK AT IT! The Stigmata's actual frame geometry looks a lot like the Cannondale Topstone. For more color on our time with the Stigmata, click here.
Resale Value: Stellar.
The Ride: Aggressive race-like feel that corners really well, but still is versatile as a burly road bike, all day gravel grinder, AND cyclocross race bike. But beware, the Stigmata might lean more toward being a cyclocross bike than it does a gravel bike.
Cool Factor: Very high. Super clean.
Best Color: Gloss Fog & Copper (only available in the 2019), or the Mustard, pictured above.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Levi jacket.
Who Rides It? Scott Chapin & Steve Peat & Rippin' Catholics.
3) Salsa Warbird Gravel Bike
Score: 9.15 of 10
Frame: Aluminum & carbon options.
Price: $1,999 to $4,299.
Drivetrain: The Warbird has a 1x or 2x drivetrain.
Tires: 40 mm.
Bells & Whistles: Just a beautiful & simple bike. Less is more! This is the bike that begat all gravel bikes . . . the OG Gravel Bike.
Resale Value: Very good. No weird Lefty forks or Hover bars to throw off a potential buyer. And the Warbird design is just beautiful. You could hang it on your wall for art's sake.
The Ride: More nimble (i.e. race ready) than your average gravel bike. The Warbird bike feels long (reach & wheelbase) and so it resembles more of a road bike fit than an upright comfortable gravel bike. But gravel racers love it for that reason.
Cool Factor: High. Simple & ascetically pleasing. Its functionality is art.
Best Color: Raw Carbon. It looks stellar and sounds even better. Why mess with paint? In fact, I would name my Warbird "The Raw Carbon." That said, the 2020 camouflage Warbird above is also . . . eye-catching.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Race Number from Dirty Kanza.
Who Rides It? Gravel Racers.
For more deets on Gravelution.com's experience with the Salsa, click here.
Frame: Aluminum & carbon options.
Price: $1,999 to $4,299.
Drivetrain: The Warbird has a 1x or 2x drivetrain.
Tires: 40 mm.
Bells & Whistles: Just a beautiful & simple bike. Less is more! This is the bike that begat all gravel bikes . . . the OG Gravel Bike.
Resale Value: Very good. No weird Lefty forks or Hover bars to throw off a potential buyer. And the Warbird design is just beautiful. You could hang it on your wall for art's sake.
The Ride: More nimble (i.e. race ready) than your average gravel bike. The Warbird bike feels long (reach & wheelbase) and so it resembles more of a road bike fit than an upright comfortable gravel bike. But gravel racers love it for that reason.
Cool Factor: High. Simple & ascetically pleasing. Its functionality is art.
Best Color: Raw Carbon. It looks stellar and sounds even better. Why mess with paint? In fact, I would name my Warbird "The Raw Carbon." That said, the 2020 camouflage Warbird above is also . . . eye-catching.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Race Number from Dirty Kanza.
Who Rides It? Gravel Racers.
For more deets on Gravelution.com's experience with the Salsa, click here.
4) Canyon Grail Gravel Bike
Score: 9 of 10
Frame: Carbon (The aluminum Grail does away with the hover bar, thereby giving it a more traditional vibe).
Price: $1,999 to $5,299.
Drivetrain: 1x Drivetrain (aluminum frame) and 2x Drivetrain (carbon frame).
Tires: 40 mm Schwalbes (tubeless ready)
Bells & Whistles: The odd, but dope AF "Hover Bars"! (Canyon wants it called the "Cockpit" now). These bars provide stiffness & security in the drops, but flex on the tops. But the best part is one's ability to attain added stability in the drops by lacing your thumbs over the lower bar. Unprecedented design! Odd, but cool. One downside to this setup is the inability to adjust the stem height, or stem length. So if it fits, GREAT! If not, you're screwed. So get one that fits.
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: This bike tracks straight lines beautifully because of its long wheel base. The Cockpit is perhaps the most reliable of any gravel bike.
Cool Factor: High. The Hover Bar is the most unique feature we've seen on a new bike in a decade. Will it stick around? We don't know.
Best Color: Anything that Canyon makes in black is beautiful. But this orange 2021 Canyon Grail is captivating too!
Most Appropriate Accessory: A German engineer moustache.
Who Rides It? Well, Simon at GCN seems to be on the Canyon Grail a fair amount, and he's a good dude to learn from!
Frame: Carbon (The aluminum Grail does away with the hover bar, thereby giving it a more traditional vibe).
Price: $1,999 to $5,299.
Drivetrain: 1x Drivetrain (aluminum frame) and 2x Drivetrain (carbon frame).
Tires: 40 mm Schwalbes (tubeless ready)
Bells & Whistles: The odd, but dope AF "Hover Bars"! (Canyon wants it called the "Cockpit" now). These bars provide stiffness & security in the drops, but flex on the tops. But the best part is one's ability to attain added stability in the drops by lacing your thumbs over the lower bar. Unprecedented design! Odd, but cool. One downside to this setup is the inability to adjust the stem height, or stem length. So if it fits, GREAT! If not, you're screwed. So get one that fits.
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: This bike tracks straight lines beautifully because of its long wheel base. The Cockpit is perhaps the most reliable of any gravel bike.
Cool Factor: High. The Hover Bar is the most unique feature we've seen on a new bike in a decade. Will it stick around? We don't know.
Best Color: Anything that Canyon makes in black is beautiful. But this orange 2021 Canyon Grail is captivating too!
Most Appropriate Accessory: A German engineer moustache.
Who Rides It? Well, Simon at GCN seems to be on the Canyon Grail a fair amount, and he's a good dude to learn from!
5) Evil Chamois Hagar Gravel Bike
Score 8.75 of 10
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $4,799 (Shimano GRX) to $5,899 (SRAM Force AXS)
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x Drivetrain.
Tires: Up to a whopping 50mm.
Bells & Whistles: The Chamois Hagar is perhaps the most unique "gravel bike" in our rankings. The idea is that it's a mountain bike, paired down to a gravel bike, rather than being a road bike, beefed up to be a gravel bike. A dropper post and that "mountain-bike-like" slack geometry makes it stable, low, and fun. It also boasts a ridiculousy short 45mm stem (like a mountain bike) for quicker handling. What really intrigues us about the Chamois Hagar is . . . wait for it . . . imagine it . . . racing some burly cyclocross races on it. I mean, big tires & dropper post? It'd be cyclocross heaven!
Resale Value: Awesome resale value. I could resell this beautiful bike to any mountain biker, or road biker. It's that good-looking. (And I have re-sold one of these bad boys no problem).
The Ride: Long, low, and stable mountain bike geometry leads to a stable, fun, and fast ride.
Cool Factor: It's cool, because it is BY FAR the most "mountain bikey" looking gravel bike on the market (although I still doubt that droppers posts on gravel bikes are necessary). But Evil's tagline for this bike is "Shred Comes to Gravel." So, that's cool.
Best Color: The best color is the only one the Chamois Hagar comes in . . . Blackout Drunk (pictured above)
Most Appropriate Accessory: Loud Music?
Who Rides It? Riders who were raised on mountain bikes, but now long for distant backwoods roads on off days.
Click here for more info on how Gravelution.com faired with the Chamois Hagar!
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $4,799 (Shimano GRX) to $5,899 (SRAM Force AXS)
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x Drivetrain.
Tires: Up to a whopping 50mm.
Bells & Whistles: The Chamois Hagar is perhaps the most unique "gravel bike" in our rankings. The idea is that it's a mountain bike, paired down to a gravel bike, rather than being a road bike, beefed up to be a gravel bike. A dropper post and that "mountain-bike-like" slack geometry makes it stable, low, and fun. It also boasts a ridiculousy short 45mm stem (like a mountain bike) for quicker handling. What really intrigues us about the Chamois Hagar is . . . wait for it . . . imagine it . . . racing some burly cyclocross races on it. I mean, big tires & dropper post? It'd be cyclocross heaven!
Resale Value: Awesome resale value. I could resell this beautiful bike to any mountain biker, or road biker. It's that good-looking. (And I have re-sold one of these bad boys no problem).
The Ride: Long, low, and stable mountain bike geometry leads to a stable, fun, and fast ride.
Cool Factor: It's cool, because it is BY FAR the most "mountain bikey" looking gravel bike on the market (although I still doubt that droppers posts on gravel bikes are necessary). But Evil's tagline for this bike is "Shred Comes to Gravel." So, that's cool.
Best Color: The best color is the only one the Chamois Hagar comes in . . . Blackout Drunk (pictured above)
Most Appropriate Accessory: Loud Music?
Who Rides It? Riders who were raised on mountain bikes, but now long for distant backwoods roads on off days.
Click here for more info on how Gravelution.com faired with the Chamois Hagar!
6) Open U.P. Gravel Bike
Score: 8.75 of 10
Frame: Carbon (No aluminum option).
Price: $2,600 to $4,500
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x drivetrain.
Tires: 28mm Road Tires up to 2.1" mtb tires. This is a WIDE range!
Bells & Whistles: This is the most beautiful gravel bike we've ever seen in person. And it leans more toward "mountain bike" than "road bike" because it can fit 2.1 inch tires (HUGE). (And U.P. = Unbeaten Path).
Resale Value: Stellar.
The Ride: Consistent, stiff, & versatile. Its versatility makes it the best on the list. You can run 28mm tires for long road days, or 2.1 inch tires for gnarlier days, thus making the U.P. the best all-a-rounder out there. That said, the stack / reach ratio on the Open Up does lean more toward a gravel "race" bike than it does an all-day comfortable adventure gravel bike. You've been warned.
Cool Factor: High. Because for hipsters, the brand is subtle (i.e. not Specialized). "I rode an Open before Open was Open, you know?"
Best Color: The signature Open U.P. Orange (as pictured here).
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Belgian Cycling Cap.
Who Rides It? The dudes at BikeRadar and Stewart Gray.
Frame: Carbon (No aluminum option).
Price: $2,600 to $4,500
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x drivetrain.
Tires: 28mm Road Tires up to 2.1" mtb tires. This is a WIDE range!
Bells & Whistles: This is the most beautiful gravel bike we've ever seen in person. And it leans more toward "mountain bike" than "road bike" because it can fit 2.1 inch tires (HUGE). (And U.P. = Unbeaten Path).
Resale Value: Stellar.
The Ride: Consistent, stiff, & versatile. Its versatility makes it the best on the list. You can run 28mm tires for long road days, or 2.1 inch tires for gnarlier days, thus making the U.P. the best all-a-rounder out there. That said, the stack / reach ratio on the Open Up does lean more toward a gravel "race" bike than it does an all-day comfortable adventure gravel bike. You've been warned.
Cool Factor: High. Because for hipsters, the brand is subtle (i.e. not Specialized). "I rode an Open before Open was Open, you know?"
Best Color: The signature Open U.P. Orange (as pictured here).
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Belgian Cycling Cap.
Who Rides It? The dudes at BikeRadar and Stewart Gray.
7) BMC URS
Score: 8.5 of 10
Frame: Carbon, carbon, and carbon.
Price: $2,999 to $9,499
Drivetrain: 1x (No 2x Option)
Tires: 42mm WTB Resolutes (with up to 45mm clearance)
Bells & Whistles: BMC is bringing the URS to market with its patented Micro Travel Technology (MTT) which adds 10mm of travel on challenging gravel terrain. So it's minimal, but it's there folks! Also, the front fork mounts on the BMC URS are very intriguing. Simply put, I love 'em.
Resale Value: Incredible. This bike would sell itself.
The Ride: Light & quick, but still relatively comfortable on long dirt roads. The BMC URS is generally a very capable gravel bike.
Cool Factor: Oh man. Aesthetically, BMC has created a masterpiece. It's geometry is similar to the Cannondale Topstone with its dropped chainstays, but we have to admit, BMC did it better than Cannondale.
Best Color: The classic white of the URS One is incredible (although, it's also $9,499). Just buy it.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Rapha kit.
Who Rides It? The Swiss.
Frame: Carbon, carbon, and carbon.
Price: $2,999 to $9,499
Drivetrain: 1x (No 2x Option)
Tires: 42mm WTB Resolutes (with up to 45mm clearance)
Bells & Whistles: BMC is bringing the URS to market with its patented Micro Travel Technology (MTT) which adds 10mm of travel on challenging gravel terrain. So it's minimal, but it's there folks! Also, the front fork mounts on the BMC URS are very intriguing. Simply put, I love 'em.
Resale Value: Incredible. This bike would sell itself.
The Ride: Light & quick, but still relatively comfortable on long dirt roads. The BMC URS is generally a very capable gravel bike.
Cool Factor: Oh man. Aesthetically, BMC has created a masterpiece. It's geometry is similar to the Cannondale Topstone with its dropped chainstays, but we have to admit, BMC did it better than Cannondale.
Best Color: The classic white of the URS One is incredible (although, it's also $9,499). Just buy it.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A Rapha kit.
Who Rides It? The Swiss.
8) Niner RLT Gravel Bike
Score: 8.3 of 10
Frame: Aluminum, Carbon, or (wait for it) . . . STEEL! (Carbon is pictured above).
Price: $1,950 to $4,950
Drivetrain: 2x Drivetrain (no 1x option)
Tires: Up to 40mm
Bells & Whistles: None. It's traditional & lovely. And we do love Niner's thick front fork design. It's just . . . nice.
Resale Value: Really good (in Colorado & probably Utah).
The Ride: Reliable and steady. "RLT" stands for Road Less Traveled. Drastically sloped top tube allows for seat post flex (i.e. comfort) with a stiff bottom bracket which is lovely on climbs. One problem? No compact chainring which is going to make you suffer uphills moreso than is generally required.
Cool Factor: Good (thanks to that manly front fork design).
Best Color: You know what? They're all virtually the same.
Most Appropriate Accessory: Weed & Gu.
Who Rides It? People in Colorado & Rebecca Rusch (although, she doesn't ride Niner anymore).
(Also, if you wanna see a new / bizarre gravel bike, Niner just released the MCR 9 RDO with Rear Suspension! We haven't been on one yet, but we're looking forward to it . . . Niner says it's arriving November 2020)
Frame: Aluminum, Carbon, or (wait for it) . . . STEEL! (Carbon is pictured above).
Price: $1,950 to $4,950
Drivetrain: 2x Drivetrain (no 1x option)
Tires: Up to 40mm
Bells & Whistles: None. It's traditional & lovely. And we do love Niner's thick front fork design. It's just . . . nice.
Resale Value: Really good (in Colorado & probably Utah).
The Ride: Reliable and steady. "RLT" stands for Road Less Traveled. Drastically sloped top tube allows for seat post flex (i.e. comfort) with a stiff bottom bracket which is lovely on climbs. One problem? No compact chainring which is going to make you suffer uphills moreso than is generally required.
Cool Factor: Good (thanks to that manly front fork design).
Best Color: You know what? They're all virtually the same.
Most Appropriate Accessory: Weed & Gu.
Who Rides It? People in Colorado & Rebecca Rusch (although, she doesn't ride Niner anymore).
(Also, if you wanna see a new / bizarre gravel bike, Niner just released the MCR 9 RDO with Rear Suspension! We haven't been on one yet, but we're looking forward to it . . . Niner says it's arriving November 2020)
9) Orbea Terra Gravel Bike
Score 8.1 of 10
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $3,199 to $4,599
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x drivetrain's.
Tires: Up to 42mm.
Bells & Whistles: Orbea says that this bike is not only a gravel bike, but also works well for long days on the road, and (wait for it . . . ) cyclocross races too?! In short, Orbea promises us that this bike can really do it all. All of it! I love the sound of that. But . . . my goodness . . . it's a beautiful bike. Well done Orbea.
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: Race ready. The Terra tracks beautifully. Responsive. Rock solid bottom bracket. Very nice ride. If only the price were identifiable?
Cool Factor: Super high. Orbea has always made beautiful bikes. And to say that you have a Basque Gravel Bike? You can't beat that.
Best Color: As of today's date, Orbea offers a really cool matte grey. Above is the "Black Red Matte" which is also very lovely.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A beret & a baguette.
Who Rides It? Basques.
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $3,199 to $4,599
Drivetrain: 1x or 2x drivetrain's.
Tires: Up to 42mm.
Bells & Whistles: Orbea says that this bike is not only a gravel bike, but also works well for long days on the road, and (wait for it . . . ) cyclocross races too?! In short, Orbea promises us that this bike can really do it all. All of it! I love the sound of that. But . . . my goodness . . . it's a beautiful bike. Well done Orbea.
Resale Value: Very good.
The Ride: Race ready. The Terra tracks beautifully. Responsive. Rock solid bottom bracket. Very nice ride. If only the price were identifiable?
Cool Factor: Super high. Orbea has always made beautiful bikes. And to say that you have a Basque Gravel Bike? You can't beat that.
Best Color: As of today's date, Orbea offers a really cool matte grey. Above is the "Black Red Matte" which is also very lovely.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A beret & a baguette.
Who Rides It? Basques.
10) Factor Vista Gravel Bike
Score 7.9 of 10
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $4,799 and up . . .
Drivetrain: 2x drivetrain's.
Tires: Up to 35mm (pretty thin for a gravel machine).
Bells & Whistles: The Factor Vista is perhaps the most road-oriented gravel bike in our rankings. I mean, 35mm tires?! But if you're looking for a gravel bike to do a "little bit" of tame dirt roads with a "huge" dose of pavement, then the Factor Vista may be your ticket. I've actually heard this bike be compared to the Cannondale Synapse (which is an endurance road bike).
Resale Value: Factor isn't the most mainstream of bike companies in the US, but it's definitely re-sellable. My one beef with this bike is the lack of sizing. The biggest size is a 58" and that's simply too small.
The Ride: Quick, twitchy, or snappy (when compared to more "gravel" oriented machines).
Cool Factor: Factor is a British bike brand who has had bikes in the Tour de France for years with Team AG2R. It's a cool ride. And the front end of this bike looks like a rhino, doesn't it?
Best Color: Stone Grey.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A lycra skin suit.
Who Rides It? The one & only TJ Eisenhart is on the Factor Vista in 2020. And, literally, objectively, he is the coolest guy in cycling.
Frame: Carbon.
Price: $4,799 and up . . .
Drivetrain: 2x drivetrain's.
Tires: Up to 35mm (pretty thin for a gravel machine).
Bells & Whistles: The Factor Vista is perhaps the most road-oriented gravel bike in our rankings. I mean, 35mm tires?! But if you're looking for a gravel bike to do a "little bit" of tame dirt roads with a "huge" dose of pavement, then the Factor Vista may be your ticket. I've actually heard this bike be compared to the Cannondale Synapse (which is an endurance road bike).
Resale Value: Factor isn't the most mainstream of bike companies in the US, but it's definitely re-sellable. My one beef with this bike is the lack of sizing. The biggest size is a 58" and that's simply too small.
The Ride: Quick, twitchy, or snappy (when compared to more "gravel" oriented machines).
Cool Factor: Factor is a British bike brand who has had bikes in the Tour de France for years with Team AG2R. It's a cool ride. And the front end of this bike looks like a rhino, doesn't it?
Best Color: Stone Grey.
Most Appropriate Accessory: A lycra skin suit.
Who Rides It? The one & only TJ Eisenhart is on the Factor Vista in 2020. And, literally, objectively, he is the coolest guy in cycling.
11) Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bike
Score: 7.5 of 10
Frame: Aluminum or Carbon.
Price: $1,699 to $5,999.
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x drivetrain's.
Tires: 40mm standard Bontragers.
Bells & Whistles: Trek utilizes their IsoSpeed Shock Absorption functionality on this, which is really cool for a gravel bike. Also, Trek nails the "Carbon Armor" found on the underside of the downtube which protects your carbon from rocks & debris chipping away at your frame.
Resale Value: Good (simply due to name brand recognition).
The Ride: Reliable + smooth on chattery road due to the IsoSpeed.
Cool Factor: Nothing knocks the wind out of us on this one, but it's a solid choice and we like it well enough.
Best Color: Black (as pictured) looks amazing.
Most Appropriate Accessory: Big POC sunglasses.
Who Rides It? Introverted, anonymous & non-descript gravel crushers.
Frame: Aluminum or Carbon.
Price: $1,699 to $5,999.
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x drivetrain's.
Tires: 40mm standard Bontragers.
Bells & Whistles: Trek utilizes their IsoSpeed Shock Absorption functionality on this, which is really cool for a gravel bike. Also, Trek nails the "Carbon Armor" found on the underside of the downtube which protects your carbon from rocks & debris chipping away at your frame.
Resale Value: Good (simply due to name brand recognition).
The Ride: Reliable + smooth on chattery road due to the IsoSpeed.
Cool Factor: Nothing knocks the wind out of us on this one, but it's a solid choice and we like it well enough.
Best Color: Black (as pictured) looks amazing.
Most Appropriate Accessory: Big POC sunglasses.
Who Rides It? Introverted, anonymous & non-descript gravel crushers.
12) Specialized Diverge Gravel Bike
Score: 7.25 of 10
Frame: Aluminum or Carbon.
Price: $1,100 to a whopping $9,000 (woooooof!).
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x drivetrain's.
Tires: 38mm tires (with clearance up to 42mm).
Bells & Whistles: Specialized has done a good job updating this bike to look more like something you'd want to sit on. Initial models had a swan's neck seat under the saddle. Very off-putting. But truth be told, we've never ridden a Diverge. (Hit us up Specialized!) But given the Specialized name, we have no doubt that this is a fully functional gravel bike.
Resale Value: Probably good simply due to name brand recognition.
The Ride: Solid Specialized. Reliable, durable, and smooth.
Cool Factor: Meh. We'd take a free one, but the cool factor is average.
Best Color: White (Specialized has some wonky grey-green crap too).
Most Appropriate Accessory: Shaved legs . . .
Who Rides It? "Specialized Aficionados" (of which there are plenty).
Frame: Aluminum or Carbon.
Price: $1,100 to a whopping $9,000 (woooooof!).
Drivetrain: 2x or 1x drivetrain's.
Tires: 38mm tires (with clearance up to 42mm).
Bells & Whistles: Specialized has done a good job updating this bike to look more like something you'd want to sit on. Initial models had a swan's neck seat under the saddle. Very off-putting. But truth be told, we've never ridden a Diverge. (Hit us up Specialized!) But given the Specialized name, we have no doubt that this is a fully functional gravel bike.
Resale Value: Probably good simply due to name brand recognition.
The Ride: Solid Specialized. Reliable, durable, and smooth.
Cool Factor: Meh. We'd take a free one, but the cool factor is average.
Best Color: White (Specialized has some wonky grey-green crap too).
Most Appropriate Accessory: Shaved legs . . .
Who Rides It? "Specialized Aficionados" (of which there are plenty).
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