Best Gravel Bikes 2017 and 2018: Recommendations from an Expert
2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes
A gravel bike is virtually an adventure bike that is built for a variety of surfaces. Unlike some road bikes that are designed for riding on the sidewalk or road, gravel bikes are more versatile. They are made for exploration and people who find pleasure in discovering new places.
This type of bicycle is quick on the road and can undertake a number of routes and surfaces such as gravel, farm tracks, tarmac, and other surfaces that many other bicycles are incapable of handling. Pretty much wherever you wish to venture with your bicycle, a gravel bike can get you there.
Commuters and adventurers of all sorts will find pleasure in using a gravel bike. They quickly adapt to different surfaces and offer supreme comfort especially in different weather conditions.
If you are looking for a gravel bike to buy, consider these top picks mentioned below. Their features and principal characteristics are reviewed to aid with your purchase.
Diamondback Bicycles’ Haanjo Tero All-Road Bike
Diamondback Bicycles’ Haanjo Tero All-Road Bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It is described as lightweight due to its fully-butted aluminum frame, but it delivers undisputable strength, steadiness, durability, and comfort that cannot be ignored by its riders. The benefit of this bicycle is that it quickly adjusts to various surfaces whether smooth or rigorous.
Haanjo Tero offers mechanical disc brakes, operated by a cable pull system, which provides excellent grip and ensures a sure stop. Together, these features offer riders more assurance while out on the road.
It also boasts Shimano 2×8 speed shifter set with 16 speeds. This ensures that riders continue to excel while advancing different hills and gradients. For individuals that are real road warriors and enjoy cycling instinctively through various trails and heights, this feature serves as a great benefit.
Additionally, it offers Kenda Flintridge 700x40c tires. These set of tires are widely set. They provide more speed, a smoother ride and better control on the road; all aspects that are ideal for a bike that adapts well to different terrains.
Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike
Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike is a bike that has been optimized to provide its riders with the ultimate flexibility. It has been made of hydroformed aluminum. A material formulated by Tommaso Bikes with their meticulous geometry system. It offers guaranteed durability that will survive the test of time and various road conditions.
It provides accuracy and smoothness while shifting due to its full Shimano drivetrain.
This bicycle’s gearing, due to Sentiero’s 12-25T Claris cassette and Claris 30/39/50T crankset enables riders to access various courses that other comparable bikes cannot undertake. Additionally, its Corsa TC-20D wheelset provides accessibility to various grounds including gravel.
Its 32c all-terrain tires ensure exceptional handling of the road regardless of the weather conditions. Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike steel fork offers additional stability and its avid BB5 disc brakes contribute to its reliability and accuracy for stopping.
Raleigh Bikes’ Willard 2 All-Road Bike
Raleigh Bikes’ Willard 2 All-Road Bike is a well-constructed bicycle and can adapt quickly to different roads such as gravel or dirt. It offers exceptional manageability and control regardless of road conditions. Also, the bike’s carbon forks along with its alloy-tapered steerer delivers excellent performance and comfort for its rider.
Its 40c tire fitment is broad and robust, so individuals have very little to be concerned with while on their course. Due to its AL-6061 Alloy Gravel frame, elastomers, and Seatpost, it reduces vibrations, shock, and enables individuals to engage in rough riding with comfort.
Its mechanical disc brakes make it incredibly responsive to stopping. Willard 2’s SRAM 1X drivetrain with 11-42t wide range cassette, provides various gears that enable you to ride comfortably. So, if you are riding up a steep hill or battling the wind, you can alter the speed to suit these conditions.
These Gravel Bikes Vary in Size & Must be Assembled
Should you decide to order any of these bicycles, be aware of what size you are seeking. They are offered in various sizes. The purpose of this is to guarantee a pleasurable ride regardless of your height. If it is too large or small, you will not be comfortable during your journey. So, be sure to choose the right size so that you may genuinely take advantage of its benefits.
To do so, you can speak directly with the suppliers of these bicycles. They can provide the most assistance. Alternatively, you can follow this bike fit guide to gain a better understanding of which bicycle size is ideal based on your height and inseam.
It must also be mentioned that all of the gravel bikes in this review arrive unassembled. Be prepared to do so some building as they require a certain degree of assembly. They are delivered in pieces, and if you are not familiar with bikes, they must be taken back to your local bike shop for completion. In fact, it is recommended that you do so to ensure that all parts are correctly aligned and damage is avoided.
Raleigh Bikes Stuntman All Road Bike, Brown, 54cm/Medium
2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes
How to Choose the Best Gravel Bike?
All of the bikes listed offer various advantageous and unique benefits. Pay close attention to the qualities they offer. A substantial feature that they all afford is their precision power stopping capabilities. This characteristic is extremely beneficial for gravel bikes, which are designed for speed and agility, so you certainly want a bicycle that can stop on command.
Tires are also important factors and it is important to be mindful of the advantages that gravel bikes provide. Some gravel bikes offer tires that are a tad wider than others as they add more traction. Overall, wider tires are better as they tend to roll more efficiently than those that are narrower. Be considerate of this when choosing your gravel bike and select a bike that provides a larger width. You’ll enjoy a better ride.
