Updated: 16th November 2023
Struggling to find the perfect gravel bike for adventure biking on a budget?
In this blog, we share the best gravel bikes under $1000, entry-level options that make durable all-rounders and some are even perfect for your next off-road adventure.
With years of experience in adventure cycling, we’ve assisted countless enthusiasts in selecting the ideal bike, and we’ve personally tested some of these models in real-world scenarios.
Watch while you read: If you are interested in some of the most capable and fast adventure bikepacking bikes, then give it a watch!
If you’re just starting out. Our top 9 recommendations will guide you through the essentials for gravel grinding. We also cover various other aspects of gravel bikes, so feel free to explore our site for more insights.
Let’s dive into the bikes, and we’ll discuss key considerations and what makes these bikes the best bank for buck under $1,000.
Marin Nicasio
We reviewed this bike a while back and have had first hand experience and can back it’s ability to grind gravel on a attractive budget.
From our experience riding this bike for over a year now, I can confidently say that its one go the more fun gravel bikes you can ride for around that $1,000 price. And it’s rather popular amongst those looking to get into gravel cycling.
The Nicasio by Marin is a versatile bike crafted with a distinct Beyond Road Geometry that merges the best of endurance road handling with added off-pavement stability.
Its heart is a Series 1 butted 4130 CrMo steel frame, celebrated for its durability and subtle springiness, making it both resilient and comfortable.
Steel’s toughness ensures it can weather dings and scratches while still offering a safe ride for years.
The bike is outfitted with features like disc brakes for controlled stopping, clearance for a range of tire sizes, and a Microshift 1×9 Speed Drivetrain, among other specifications.
Designed for diverse terrains, from tarmac to gravel, it’s ideal for long, gear-laden journeys or simply comfortable day-long adventures.
Riding the Nicasio provides a harmonious blend of the modern and the traditional, capturing the essence of steel construction and the adaptability for various surfaces.
Cost: Starting form $899 ($1,099 for Nicasio +)
Weight: 12.9kg or 28.44 lbs
Frame/Fork Material: Steel/Steel : Series 1 Double Butted CrMo Beyond Road frame and CrMo, Fender and Rack Eyelets, IS Disc Mount fork
Groupset and drivetrain: 1×9 microSHIFT Advent, FSA : FSA Vero Pro 1x, Narrow Wide Rings, 42T crank and SunRace 9-Speed, 11-46T cassette
Gear ratios: 24.15″ to 101.37″
Geometry: (54cm frame size)
Stack/Reach ratio 1.52 – chainstay 420mm – wheelbase 999mm – (steering) headtube angle 72 deg – trail 63mm – Fork offset/rake 45mm. Bottom bracket drop 72mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: 650b x 47c with tire clearance for 650b x 47mm
Poseidon Redwood
Could this be the one? A gravel/adventure bike, just what I like! Here at Cycle Travel Overload we are all about adventure cycling.
This could be the budget gravel bike to take you on some epic adventures.
Well, let’s take a look at the details!
This bike has taken on the Poseidon X geometry but has been amped up so you can eat up gravel with enough tire to absorb the vibrations. Allowing for 27.5 wheels with enough clearance for 2.5″ tires. Taking the cake for the largest tire clearance gravel bike!
The build features a 6061 Double Butted Hydroformed Aluminum frame and 6061 Aluminum Fork – Tapered Steer 1 1/8″ – 1 1/2″ fork.
Powered by a 1 x 10 Advent X groupset.
This means a Prowheel 38t Narrow Wide Crank with a Microshift 11-48T Advent X cassette.
Giving you an incredible 21.88″ granny gear and a 95.54″ highest gear. Also putting it near the top as the best gravel bike for bikepacking thanks to this gearing!
Combining to make a 0.79 : 3.45 gear ratio.
The stack/reach ratio is around 1.48 which is not the most upright. You get a chill feel at the rear with a 440mm chainstay.
It has the potential to take you on some rad adventures for only $879.99!
With mounting options on the fork and those Poseidon Adventure Bars with 24 Degree Flare for extra comfort when shredding!!
Price : $879.99 ($949.99 Drop Bar)
Weight : 13.2 kg or 29.1 lbs
Frame/Fork Material : 6061 Double Butted Hydroformed Aluminum (Frame), 6061 Aluminum Fork – Tapered Steerer 1 1/8″ – 1 1/2″ (fork)
Groupset & Drivetrain : 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X – Prowheel 38t Narrow Wide Chainring with 170mm crank arms – Microshift 11-48T Advent X 10 Speed cassette.
Gear Ratios : 21.88” to 95.54” (0.79 to 3.45 ratio)
Geometry : Stack/Reach ratio 1.48 – chainstay 440mm – wheelbase 1042mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 73.5mm – Fork offset/rake 45mm. Bottom bracket drop 63.4mm
Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : Kenda Kadre 27.5 x 2.35 – Redwood wheels have 27.5″ thru-axle/tubeless compatible rims. Allowing a 2.8″ tire to clear this frame without issues. Allowing you to explore trails, or even take the more scenic route to work. However some sources say 2.5” is the max tire clearance.
Poseidon X
This 2021 Poseidon Gravel bike comes with the 1×10 Advent X Groupset and a nice range of gears with a 38T narrow wide chainring matched with the Advent X 11-48t cassette. That means a whopping rad 21.52″ climbing gear, yes please!! and a 93.99″ highest gear, that’s a 0.79 : 3.45 gear ratio. For all the bikes we have looked at so far this one takes the cake for climbing abilities! To make things better it features the Poseidon X’s original frame design and full carbon fork which gives you responsiveness where you need it yet a stable ride on descents.
The bike comes with the Kenda Small Block 700×35 tires and has clearance for up to 700×40 tire with clearance for mud and 650b compatible with up to a 1.9″ wide tires. Weighing in at 25lbs and it even has mounting options on the fork! From $649!!
Unfortunately I was unable to find much info on the geometry to see what type of gravel riding this would be best suited for.
Cost: Available from $649 (flat bar) and $749 for drop bar
Weight: 11.34 kg or 25 lbs
Frame/Fork Material: Alloy/Carbon : 6061 Double Butted Hydroformed Aluminum frame and Full Carbon fork
Groupset and drivetrain: 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X : Prowheel 38t Narrow Wide crank and Microshift 11-48T Advent X cassette
Gear ratios: 21.52” to 93.99”
Geometry: Stack/Reach ratio 1.44 – chainstay 425mm – wheelbase 1011mm – (steering) headtube angle 71.5 deg – Fork offset/rake 45mm. Bottom bracket drop 67mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: Kenda Small Block 700×35 clearance for up to either 700c x 40 or 650b x 1.9”
Kona Dew Plus
Technically categorised as a commuter bike the Kona Dew still takes a spot in the flat bar gravel bike list. The Kona Dew Plus is a two wheeler for the urban commute. Work, grocery store, a Sunday afternoon. Whatever your town has in store for you, this bike will take you there. And it’s priced with value for money for a quality brand like Kona.
Price : $949
Weight : 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs)
Frame/Fork Material : Frame – Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted, Fork – Kona Project Two Aluminum Disc
Groupset & Drivetrain : 1×10 Deore, Samox, 36t crank, Shimano Deore 11-46t cassette.
Gear Ratios : 20.70” to 86.77” (0.78 to 3.27 ratio)
Geometry : Stack/Reach ratio 1.43 – chainstay 450mm – wheelbase 1116mm – (steering) headtube angle 70 deg – trail 67mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm
Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : 650b x 47mm With a max tire clearance of 650b x 55mm
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar
The all new Salsa Journeyer takes on a new look from its sibling the Journeyman which has been featured as one of the best gravel bikes you can buy under $1,000 in previous years. Depicted by Salsa as their workhorse all-road adventure machine. A do everything all-road bike, for gravel and road adventures, weighing in at around 24 pounds or 10.88 kg. Available in a plethora of options the cheapest starting at $999 for the base flat bar option. You know it’s going to be the perfect adventure gravel bike just by its name, Journeyer is “A traveler going on a trip, a wayfarer.”
If you can spare the extra cash to buy the more specced out models I would recommend them. However as an entry level option starting at that $999 mark. You get the choice of some flat bar options and the base model drop bar bikes start from $1,099. With 1×8 or 2×9 flat in 650b and 700c and a slightly better specced 1×9 drop bar.
The base model Journeyer with Altus components priced at $999 using the 650b wheels for example giving you slightly better gearing. Has a granny gear of 23.35″ and largest gear of 110.92″.
Comparing the geometry to the previous Journeyman there are some differences. Just by looking at the two bikes the Journeyer appears to have a more progressive mountain bike geometry with the more angled top tube. The Journeyman is more upright however the Journeyer is still rather upright and will offer comfort for long days in the saddle. Chainstay length stays the same but a longer wheelbase for the Journeyer making it more planted for touring. The head tube angle is slacker on the Journeyer by 1 degree making the fork of the bike stick out farther, creating a more stable ride. The trail is also longer witch adds to the bikes slower, but calmer, steering response. Making it overall a slightly more dialed bike for adventure cycling.
Cost: From $999
Weight: approx 11 kg or 24.25 lbs (might be more as this is for the more expensive models) (3/5)
Frame/Fork Material: Alloy/Carbon : Journeyer Flat-Bar Quick-Release frame / Fantail carbon fork
Groupset and drivetrain: two options at this price: 1×8 microSHIFT Acolyte, FSA : FSA Vero Pro 40t crank and microSHIFT H083, 12–42t cassette. Or 2×9 Altus, Acera : Shimano MT210 46/30t crank and Shimano M200, 11–34t cassette.
Gear ratios: 1×8 : 25.21” to 88.36” / 2×9 : 23.35” to 110.92″
Geometry: Stack/Reach ratio 1.37 – chainstay 440mm – wheelbase 1101mm – (steering) headtube angle 69.5 deg – trail 70mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: 650b x 47 or 700c x 38 – Available in both 700c or 650b with clearance for 700c x 56mm or 650b x 58mm
Marin DSX 1 2024
Looking for a flat bar gravel bike around the $1,000 mark?
The Marin DSX 1 is designed for versatile cycling experiences, from long-distance commuting on mixed surfaces to adventurous gravel and off-road escapades.
This model is an upgrade from its base version, featuring a sturdier Series 3 aluminum frame with bolt-thru axles. Its full carbon fiber fork not only reduces the bike’s weight but also offers added mounting options for bikepacking enthusiasts.
Other notable enhancements include an 11-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and WTB Riddler tires, all of which contribute to its reliability and performance on various terrains.
Cost: $999 (UPDATED) – They also offer a more expensive option which I would recommend more than this base model, the DSX 2 is priced at $1,349
Weight: Approx 14 kg or 30.86 lbs (Waiting on offical numbers but would be lighter thanks to the carbon fork)
Frame/Fork Material: UPDATED: Alloy frame and carbon fork build with hydraulic disc brakes all for $999
Groupset and drivetrain: UPDATED: Shimano Dero 1×11 on 2024 model with 42T Steel Narrow Wide Chainring and Shimano, CSM5100, 11-Speed, 11-51T cassette.
Gear ratios: 23.27” to 96.71” the 42T x 11-51T 2024 model has a 22.99″ to 107.08″ gear range.
Geometry: Stack/Reach ratio 1.41 – chainstay 425mm – wheelbase 1060mm – (steering) headtube angle 69.5 deg – trail 77mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 80mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: WTB Riddler, 700Cx45mm with clearance for up to 29×2.1”
Kona Rove
Taking a look at the at the Kona Rove, we have see some really awesome gravel updates. I am extremely excited about Kona’s new gravel bike models. This entry level gravel bike. Features a full aluminium setup with modest components, with a 2×8 Claris and mechanical disc brakes. Rolling on 650b wheels with the WTB Venture Comp 650x47c tires.
The gearing has a FSA Tempo Adventure, 34/50t crank and Shimano Claris 11-34t rear cassette. Which results in a climbing gear of 26.54 inches and 120.74 gear inches for the largest gear.
Taking a look at this bikes geometry it has a 66 mm trial. Which means it is on the stable end and is rather predictable. The chainstay is 435 mm which puts it in that mid range making it rather quick and almost an all-rounder. The stack/reach ratio is 1.52
Cost: $1,099 (Whoops just over that $1k)
Weight: Approx 11.80 kg or 26 lbs
Frame/Fork Material: Alloy/Alloy : Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame and Kona Project Two Aluminum Disc fork
Groupset and drivetrain: 2×8 Claris : Samox, 34/50t crank and Shimano Claris or Microshift Mezzo 11-34t cassette
Gear ratios: 26.54” to 120.74”
Geometry: Stack/Reach ratio 1.50 – chainstay 435mm – wheelbase 1045mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 61mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 72mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: WTB Venture Comp 650x47c : max clearance for 700 x 40mm or 650b x 47mm
State Bicycles 4130 All-Road
A full fledged chromoly steel gravel bike for a very tasty price tag! This could be one of the best gravel bikes in this list. Allowing for both 700c and 650b tires.
So you can run slicks or knobby tires. Depending on where you want to ride. With a versatile front fork that has many cargo cage braze ons for all the hauling you could ever need.
Featuring State Bicycle Co own 1 x 11 drivetrain. Which gives you a 42 t front crank and 11-42 at the rear.
With the 650b x 2.1″ tires, resulting in a climbing gear of 27.19″ which is rather limited for a gravel bike. But for a bargain price of $799.99 if you plan to ride long and straight gravel roads this might be the smart choice.
It’s good to see this years models offering a large selection of colour choices. Reminiscent of All City Gorilla Monsoon vibes.
I struggled to find accurate information of this bikes geometry. But some owners recommend this for a bikepacking bike.
Thanks to the long rear end which helps it track straight and not feel twitchy.
The 42 tooth crank at the front is too large in my opinion. And I would change it out for a smaller one say 36t to get better climbing results.
Other then that a great pick up for such a cheap price.
Cost: $899
Weight: 12.7 kg or 28 lbs
Frame/Fork Material: Steel/Steel
Groupset and drivetrain: State Bicycle Co own 1 x 11 drivetrain. With a 42T front crank and 11-42T cassette
Gear ratios: 27.19” to 103.87”
Geometry: I struggled to find accurate information of this bike’s geometry. But some owners recommend this for a bikepacking bike. Thanks to the long rear end (450 mm chainstay) which helps it track straight and not feel twitchy. The 42 tooth crank at the front is too large in my opinion. And I would change it out for a smaller one say 36t to get better climbing results. Other than that it’s a great pick up for such a cheap price.
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: 650b x 2.1″ tires and clearance for 700×45 or 650×50
Diamondback Haanjo 2
The Diamond Back Haanjo 2 is an aluminium frame and now alloy fork gravel bike that has modest level components. Powered by a 2 x 8 speed Claris groupset. A Alloy, Compact Cross, 46/34T crank and Shimano HG50 Cassette, 8 Speed, 11-32T. Which gives you a rather limited 29.13″ climbing gear and 114.87″ highest gear for the downhills.
You do get one mounting eyelet in the fork which might come in handy. But not enough to make it one of the best gravel bikes in this list. Comes with the Diamondback Interval Wire Bead, 700x38c tires.
Geometry wise it has a 435 chainstay, which makes it an all-rounder to being a bit shorter and in that mid-range. The trail is 69mm which is 10mm shorter than previous models. Which did put it in the high category and could be considered rather sluggish at the front. But this tweak could shake things up. The stake/reach ratio is 1.51 which makes it rather upright around average for bikes in this list.
Cost: $1,000
Weight: Approx under 11.80 kg or 26 lbs
Frame/Fork Material: Alloy/Alloy
Groupset and drivetrain: 2×8 Claris : Aluminum Cross Compact, 46/34T crank and Shimano HG50 11-32T cassette
Gear ratios: 29.30” to 115.53”
Geometry: Stack/Reach ratio 1.51 – chainstay 435mm – wheelbase 1045mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 69mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 74mm
Tires and wheel sizes & Tire Clearance: Comes with 700x37c with clearance for up to 700×40 or 650×47*
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