Gravel bikes: All the info you need for your next adventure
What is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is a versatile bike that combines elements from the road bike and mountain bike sectors. It allows you to switch easily between smooth, tarmac roads and unpaved gravel paths. Thanks to a robust frame, wider tyres and a comfortable, often slightly more upright riding position, you are ideally equipped for long rides. Whether you're looking for a gravel bike for men or women, you'll find models here that are customised to your needs.
The history of the gravel bike
Gravel bikes originated in the USA, where passionate cyclists began converting classic racing bikes for longer distances on gravel roads. With the increasing popularity of gravel events and the search for more adventure off the beaten track, a separate category emerged. Today, the gravel bike has established itself as an independent and rapidly growing discipline in cycling - a bike that combines tradition and innovation.
Gravel bike vs. road bike vs. mountain bike
The differences between these types of bikes lie in their construction and their possible uses. Even if there are some similarities at first glance, gravel bikes have established themselves as a hybrid solution that offers the best of both worlds.
Gravel bike vs. road bike
While road bikes are primarily designed for speed and efficiency on even, tarmac surfaces, a gravel bike has wider tyres and a more relaxed geometry. This not only enables a more comfortable ride over uneven terrain, but also better grip and more safety off-road.
Gravel bike vs. mountain bike
Compared to mountain bikes, gravel bikes are lighter and less aggressive in their handling. Their design aims to offer a perfect balance between agility and stability on variable surfaces - ideal for long tours where you want to ride on both tarmac and gravel roads.
Technical features of a gravel bike
When buying a gravel bike, you should pay attention to the following technical components, as they are crucial for your riding experience:
| Components | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material |
Aluminium, carbon, steel, titanium | Light, robust, comfortable - depending on the choice of material |
| Tyres | 35-52 mm wide, tubeless-ready | More grip, puncture protection, better damping |
| Gears | Specialised gravel groupsets such as Shimano GRX or SRAM Apex | Wide gear range, precise and robust |
| Geometry | Relaxed, ergonomic design | More comfort on long distances |
Other technical innovations such as internal cable routing, integrated damping systems or preparation for dropper seat posts are also among the highlights of modern gravel bikes.
Possible uses of a gravel bike
Thanks to its versatile design, a gravel bike opens up numerous possible uses:
- Gravel roads: Benefit from additional grip and comfort on uneven surfaces.
- Forest paths and country lanes: Enjoy rides in the countryside, away from busy roads.
- Easy single trails: Explore winding paths and enjoy a dynamic riding experience.
- Bikepacking: Thanks to additional attachment points, you have enough space for luggage, ideal for multi-day adventures
Gravel bikes with carbon frames
Gravel bikes with aluminium frame
Bikepacking with a gravel bike - checklist
| The step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1. Check the luggage system | Stable frame parts and many attachment points |
| 2. Choose accessories | Backpacks, bags and frame components |
| 3. Adjust tyre tread | Wider tyres for better stability |
| 4. Use comfort features | Integrated damping systems and ergonomic fit |
The future is electric: e-gravel bikes
E-gravel bikes combine the versatility of a gravel bike with the support of modern e-bike technology. These models make it easier for you to climb challenging terrain and significantly extend your range of action. With an e-gravel bike, you can master steep climbs and discover routes that would be almost impossible to reach with pure muscle power. You can find more information about the advantages of e-gravel bikes here: to the e-gravel bikes
Buying advice: How to find the right gravel bike
When choosing your gravel bike, you should make sure that the model exactly matches your requirements. Our advice is based on various criteria:
- Area of use: think about whether you will mainly be riding on the road, off-road or elsewhere.
- Frame material and geometry: These determine comfort and handling.
- Gears and brakes: Look for robust components specially designed for rough terrain.
- Price: We offer gravel bikes in various price categories from around € 1200.
Which gravel bike is right for me?
Our models can be divided into three categories:
Gravel bikes for beginners
These models are ideal if you want to gain your first experience on varied routes. They impress with their solid equipment and excellent value for money.
Gravel bikes for advanced riders
If you already have experience in cycling and are planning longer, more challenging tours, these bikes offer you advanced technologies and customisable components.
Gravel bikes for professionals
For ambitious riders who want to get the most out of their bike, our high-end models offer state-of-the-art technical features, extremely lightweight materials and perfected geometries.
What should you look out for when buying?
Pay attention to important purchase criteria such as frame material, tyres, gears, brakes and the right geometry. Our expert customer advisors are always on hand to advise you. Further information and test reports (gravel bike test winner 2024) will help you make the final decision.
Gravel bikes from STATERA Bikes: discover your freedom
An exclusive selection of gravel bikes from top brands awaits you at STATERA Bikes. Here you will find models such as the BMC Roadmachine AL X TWO, as well as other first-class bikes from Cervélo, Mondraker and many more. Each model has been carefully selected to offer you the best possible riding experience.
FAQs
What is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is a versatile bike that has been specially developed for use on both tarmac and unpaved roads. It combines features of a road bike and a mountain bike and thus offers a comfortable riding experience for long tours.
What is the difference between a cross bike and a gravel bike?
Cross bikes are typically designed for cyclocross races and have a specially tuned geometry and a sporty character. In contrast, gravel bikes offer a more relaxed riding position and are designed for long distances and versatile areas of use.
Who is a gravel bike suitable for?
A gravel bike is ideal for adventurous cyclists who want to ride both on tarmac roads and off-road. It therefore adapts effortlessly to different riding styles and areas of use.
Are there special gravel bikes for women?
Yes, many manufacturers offer models with geometries and components adapted to the female anatomy - so you can get a bike that is optimised for you as a woman.
You now have a comprehensive overview of the topic of gravel bikes - from technical details and possible uses to our buying advice. Immerse yourself in the world of gravel bikes, discover new routes and experience the unrivalled riding fun that only a gravel bike can offer.
For more information or personalised advice, contact our experts directly!
Was ist ein Gravel Bike?
Ein Gravel Bike ist ein vielseitiges Fahrrad, das speziell für den Einsatz auf sowohl Asphalt als auch unbefestigten Wegen entwickelt wurde. Es vereint Eigenschaften eines Rennrads und eines Mountainbikes und bietet somit ein komfortables Fahrerlebnis für lange Touren.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Crossbike und einem Gravel Bike?
Crossbikes sind typischerweise für Cyclocross-Rennen konzipiert und verfügen über eine speziell abgestimmte Geometrie sowie einen sportlichen Charakter. Im Gegensatz dazu bieten Gravel Bikes eine entspanntere Sitzposition und sind auf Langstrecken und vielseitige Einsatzbereiche ausgelegt.
Für wen ist ein Gravel Bike geeignet?
Ein Gravel Bike ist ideal für abenteuerlustige Radfahrer, die sowohl auf asphaltierten Straßen als auch abseits der Schotterwege unterwegs sein möchten. Es passt sich somit mühelos verschiedenen Fahrstilen und Einsatzbereichen an.
Gibt es spezielle Gravel Bikes für Damen?
Ja. Viele Hersteller bieten Modelle mit an die weibliche Anatomie angepassten Geometrien und Komponenten an – so erhältst du auch als Frau ein optimal auf dich abgestimmtes Bike.
Damit hast du nun einen umfassenden Überblick über das Thema Gravel Bikes – von technischen Details und Einsatzmöglichkeiten bis hin zu unserer Kaufberatung. Tauche ein in die Welt der Gravel Bikes, entdecke neue Strecken und erlebe den unvergleichlichen Fahrspaß, den nur ein Gravel Bike bieten kann.
Für weitere Informationen oder persönliche Beratung wende dich direkt an unsere Experten!