So you want a carbon gravel bike? Here at Cycle Travel Overload we are mostly about adventuring by bicycle. Carbon is not your most popular material for that. Steel or Titanium is more a go to.
However carbon has its many advantages. The main one being weight reductions. Carbon is simply a lighter material, this allows for some of the gravel bikes in this list to be around 7kg! Comparing my 13kg steel gravel/adventure bike that is a whopping 6 kg in weight saving.
Due to this lighter weight you can ride faster then most other material gravel bikes.
But how strong is a carbon fiber bike? Will a carbon fibre gravel bike be strong enough? These are a few concerns people have when looking for a carbon gravel bike.
The reality is that carbon bikes actually have a strength to weight ratio that is higher than steel. Carbon frame a relatively strong, and hold up to a significant amount of force. Only if it is applied in the direction it was intended.
If strength is a number one priority and you want something that is bomb-proof, steel is best. If you want a bit of both worlds. Strength of steel (or more), and similar (slightly more heavier weight of carbon.) I would recommend looking into a Titanium gravel bike.
This brings our first concern with carbon gravel bikes. They are susceptible to impacts and damage isn’t always visible. But you are more likely to damage a carbon bike, by damage I mean break the frame, then steel. If it does break carbon is much more difficult to repair.
But if you just want the lightest possible gravel bike and want to go nothing but fast! Carbon is your go too.
With carbon frames you can achieve damping qualities and comfort similar to high-end steel and titanium bikes. Not all carbon is created equal. Just because a bike is made from carbon does not mean it’s good quality or suitable for a specific application.
That is why we have done the hard work for you. Below is an ultimate list of carbon gravel bikes.
Our criteria for choosing these bikes, was they had to obviously be a carbon frame. While also only being the newest and most updated models available. They have mid to upper quality components.
Normally we only choose bikes with a 1.5 stack/reach ratio or higher. As this means a more upright seated position making all day riding much more comfortable. But because carbon bikes are often faster this means smaller ratios and more racer riding positions to be more aero on bike. So we still included bikes with as low as 1.4 stack reach ratios.
Also there is no particular budget, so bikes up to $10,000 can be expected in this list. If you want to checkout the best carbon gravel bikes under $2,000. (we have this article in the pipelines, so stay tuned for that).
Also that brings me to another thing to consider about carbon gravel bikes. They can be expensive. Due to all the weight saving you pay for it.
Other Gravel Bike Articles You Might Be Interested In
Before we get into the bikes, just quick! Listed below is some more reading about gravel bikes, if you are interested!
- Cheapest Carbon Gravel Bikes
- Ultimate List Of Steel Gravel Bikes
- Ultimate List Of Best Gravel Bikes Under $1000 – 2021 and 2020 Models
- 13 Best Gravel Bike Pedals 2020 – Flat and Clipless Pedals for Gravel Bikes
- Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes – Gravel Bikes For Commuting
- 11 Best Titanium Gravel Bikes 2020
- Ultimate List Of The Best Gravel Bikes 2021
- 11 Best Womens Gravel Bikes In 2020
- Gravel Bike For Touring – 6 Best Gravel Bikes For Touring!
- Ultimate List Of Gravel Bike Clothing & Apparel For Allroad Riding
Canyon Grizl
Made specifically for gravel bike bikepacking! All Grizl models come equipped with wide 45 mm rubber with clearance to take up to 50 mm. Canyon have done a great job only including a balance with the right number of practical frame and fork mounts you’ll actually use. Apidura offer collaboration bags for your gear, that are fully waterproof highly durable packs tailored to the Grizl.
Specialized Diverge
This bike features Specialized’s most progressive geometry they have created for a drop bar bike, giving riders a capable and stable bike in the dirt, that still feels responsive and nimble on the road. The bike also has a reasonable tire clearance for a gravel bike with 47mm of tire clearance for a 700c wheel and 2.1” with a 650b wheel.
Bergamont Grandurance
A carbon gravel bike with a unique paint job. Featuring the ultra Lite High Strength Carbon (HSC) frame with new All-Road geometry, more tyre clearance and improved cable management features additional mounting points for accessories.
Ibis Hakka MX
The first bike is the 2020 Ibis Hakka MX. Which comes in the GRX and Rival component setups. Two wheel sizes (700 or 27.5″) and a few color options (Bone White/Teal, Coal or Fireball). Built from a carbon fiber monocoque frame that weighs only 2.2 lbs / 1.0 kg. The Hakka is a versitaile bike , great for road rides, cross and of course gravel, and even some backcountry exploration. With the subtle sculpted chainstays it gives the frame clearance for up to 700 x 40c or 27.5 x 2.1” tires.
Salsa Cutthroat
The Salsa Cutthroat, the bike of the Tour Divide. It has proven its pedigree dominating the field within the Tour Divide and swinging in popularity as a bicycle that is able to do it all. From reducing vibrations, more compliance, refined geometry, Lightweight and ready for any adventure you throw its way. Learn more about what we had to say here about the Cutthroat. I do believe a new model will be coming out this year or next. Available in four different configurations; Apex 1, GRX 600, GRX 810 1X or GRX 810 Di2. With the lightest setup weighing 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg (GRX 810 1X) it is an ultimate adventure ready carbon gravel bike.
Kona Libre
Kona have released their two Libre models for 2021, the CR and CR/DL. Want to see how the Libre stacks up against the Cutthroat? The Libre is “a drop bar bike for big gravel, big climbs, and big adventures”. It essentially fits into the ‘gravel adventure bike’ category. With upright stack/reach ratio of 1.58 (54cm frame), Libre CR is fairly capable at climbing (with a 23.35″ climbing gear) and the 700c x 45mm WTB Riddlers allows for just enough clearance for mud. You might be able to fit a few mm wider tires but not much more than 45mm.
Bombtrack Hook EXT C
Bombtrack made this bike for those who want to go wild places fast! A full carbon build with TORAY T700 / T800 Hi-Mod carbon for the frame. The Hook EXT C is build for adventure with, a full-carbon EXT V2 fork with triple cage mounts, toptube mounts and standard bottle cage mounts, tubeless-ready HUNT Adventure Sport 27.5-inch wheelset, and the clean shifting 1 x 11 Rival 1 groupset. Running on WTB Venture TCS Light 27.5″ (650b) x 2.0″ tires. And weighing in at a impressively light 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg.
Evil Chamois Hagar
The ultimate gravel bike for shredding trails and tracks, the Evil Chamois Hagar, it not your normal gravel bike. Described as the downhill mountain bikers gravel bike. Read more about it here.
Diamondback Haanjo Carbon
The Diamondback Haanjo is a budget option carbon gravel bike, with its alloy counterpart the 3 coming in at just over $1,000. With three models to choose from in their carbon lineup for 2021. Cheapest starting at $2,500 with the 6C, then they have the 7C and 8C. A road bike, cyclocross, and commuting bike. The Haanjo is designed to balance stability and speed on and off road. With a stack/reach ratio of 1.54 (54cm) you know it has the upright geometry for exploring. Rolling on a set of HED Tomcat Disc 24h wheels for quick yet bomber attributes.
3T Exploro
Looking for one of the most aero gravel bikes on the market? Check out the 3T Exploro! The main idea behind this bike is to combined road bike speed and mountain bike toughness. So you can explore off the beat tracks and have the speed. The 2020 3T Exploro MAX option which comes with 650b x 57c wheelset but has a whopping tire clearance for 61mm RAM 650b tires. The Exploro Max Eagle AXS 1x has a capable gear range of 23″ climbing gear and 104.67″ largest gear.
Marin Headlands 2
Marin make some great quality gravel bikes for budget prices! Not all bikes are designed for adventures both on and off the road. Whether you are a long-distance commuter or a weekend gravel grinder, the new Marin Headlands is a bike you’re going to love. Marin took everything they learned from their Gestalt X line of aluminum gravel bikes and incorporated that knowledge into a new line of full carbon adventure bikes. The Headlands is Marin’s lightest beyond-road bike to date. Priced at $2,649.99
Look 765 Gravel
The Look 765 Gravel Bike is a carbon hybrid gravel bike that will help you find your new balance between road racing, mountain biking, cyclocross, or urban riding. A lightweight and highly durable carbon fiber frame with flexible 3D Double Wave seat stays that filter shock while increasing traction and control on rough terrain. The frame also features tire clearance for up to 700 x 40mm tor 650b x 2.1″ tires. Read more here!
Salsa Warbird
Salsa’s main rig for gravel road racing, fireroad riding and road riding. It is a gravel race bike but not only that it is still at home on unmaintained roads. Thanks to the compliant carbon frame and the Salsa gravel bike geometry and Class 5™ Vibration Reduction System (VRS) offering extra comfort. It is also a great bike if you are looking to go on light and fast bikepacking journeys. Allowing you to carry the extra supplies need, with the top tube, down tube and fork mounts. The Warbird is a great backroad explorer! Available in many different build options, for varied budgets.
Cannondale Topstone Carbon
The Carbon Topstone by Cannondale has to be one of the most off-road capable and on road comfortable gravel bikes. Available in a collection of different builds from the Lefty (women’s or mens bikes) which is a front suspension gravel bike to the standard Topstone 2, 3 or 4 with the BallisTec carbon frameset with Kingpin suspension. Which is a thru-axle pivot in the seat tube allowing the entire back of the frame to flex.
GT Grade Carbon Expert
Built for road and gravel the all new GT Grade Carbon Expert featuring that unique Triple Triangle carbon frame. The distinctive looks may not be for everyone, also it does have external cable routing. But you get mounts galore especially thanks to the fork. We recommend taking a closer look at this bike if you are after a budget friendly carbon gravel bike that is very much capable and fun to ride.
Wilier Jena
The Wilier Jena has their all new 2022 model out! With prices as low as €3,000 for their 105 groupset option. The frame alone weighs in at only 1kg! Wilier say that the Jena was designed to give you more freedom of choice when you go out for a ride. Ideal for performance on dirt roads and single track, or adventure, exploration, and bikepacking. It is able to adapt to the many needs that gravel biking can have, designed to be a reactive and easy to handle bike, with racing-comfort geometry design.
Devinci Hatchet Carbon
The Decinci Hatchet comes in three different model options, the entry level Apex 1 starts at $2,699. This rig merges off-road riding with fast gravel roads and even road riding if you wish. With 700c x 45mm / 650b x 2.1’’ tire clearance. When it comes to more technical terrain, the Hatchet has MTB-inspired geometry including a longer top-tube and shorter stem for enhanced handling.
Niner RLT 9 RDO
Style has to be where the points go for the Niner RLT 9, with different designs and build options for different budgets. It is a stylish race gravel bike. But is also at home when you are not! Allowing you to explore and take on long adventures with the mounting options for bikepacking gear. The Niner bikes have also won their fair share of Dirty Kanzas. If adventuring by bike is your thing you get the option for up to 700c x 50 or 650b x 2.0″ tire clearances.
Argon 18 Dark Matter
As mentioned earlier their are many applications gravel riding can take. This Argon 18 gravel road bike is suited more for that road rider looking for the true road race-inspired geometry inspired by Argon 18’s race bikes. But giving that little extra to explore off the beaten path. Ideally for those gravel racers looking for poppy performance and nimble responsiveness on all terrain.
Orbea Terra
The Orbea Terra offers a more upright all road geometry bike which is more suited for cross riding and all day riding, with ease. I am personally a big fan of the obnoxiously bright rainbow colour option that this bike comes in. Check out this article if you want a more in-depth look at all the different 2021 models now available.
Santa Cruz Stigmata
Santa Cruz make some really fun bikes and it is no different here with the stigmata! It is the bike that has seen some victory in elite cyclocross races around the world. They have taken knowledge from their other trail bike builds to come to the market with a gravel bike that masters stiffness, handling, and offroad feel. The frame now clears up to a 45mm 700c or a 2.1” 650b tire. Making it a fun gravel or singletrack shredder.
Cervelo Aspero
The all new 2022 Aspero bikes by Cervelo look stunning! Built to race not roam. A new breed of gravel rider is emerging and this bike is placed to serve that rider. One who is looking to race the trails and go all out pushing their personal limits. Build to preform like a road bike but off-road. After swapping in aftermarket forks the Aspero can fit a 40mm tire up front.
Pivot Vault
Pivot Cycles is an Aussie brand who have come to us with the Vault! From 25c’s to high volume 650b (not specified what max size exactly). This bike is most at home on gravel to smooth singletrack and asphalt. The custom tuned carbon layups and the ISO flex seatpost work together to produce a stable and smooth ride feel for hours in the saddle.
Juliana Quincy Womens
Looking for the ultimate women’s carbon gravel bike? The Quincy from Juliana is your go too. If you are after some of the best women’s gravel bikes this article is worth a read. The Quincy made the list. A lightweight, strong, and comfortable bike. That has taken the knowledge gained from years of mountain bike innovation, resulting in a stiff yet great off-road feeling bike.It includes size specific fork offsets, 3 water bottle cage mounts and you get room for a 45mm 700c or a 2.1″ 650b tire.
Giant Revolt
One of the most popular gravel bikes. The Revolt is offered in a slightly more budget friendly options starting from around $2,800 for a full carbon gravel bike. The whole idea with the Revolt Advanced (carbon option) is to take you further and faster on rough roads, gravel or dirt. With its lightweight, endurance-friendly composite frame, generous tyre clearance (up to 45mm) and smooth ride quality. The composite fork helps eat up bumps, and the D-Fuse seatpost and Contact XR D-Fuse handlebar absorb shocks and vibrations.
Canyon Grail
Available in about 8 different carbon specced models, included women’s bikes. The Canyon Grail is another contender with the Revolt, priced similarly. Weighing around 8.9 kg or 19.6 lbs, that means a 1040 gram frame. It features some unique design compared to other bikes on the market. Including the double decker bars, providing unique ergonomics and comfort. With a claimed; “up to 7x more vertical absorption than a traditional road cockpit*”. The main hype around this bike apart from design is vibration dampening. thanks to the flexible carbon seat post, carbon cockpit and high volume tires, all work together to eliminate road chatter and smooth our bumps. With a longer wheelbase and shorter stem they have produced a well balanced gravel bike for comfort, control, and speed.
Lauf Anywhere – Ultimate
Available in 4 different specced options, the Lauf Anywhere starts from around $2,390. But I personally love the $6,000+ Ultimate rig! The Anywhere is the ultimate mixed terrain bike from Lauf. Allowing you to ride pavement with some gravel to strapping on bags and gear to go on a wild adventure! The Lauf Smoothie handlebar was developed for this bike to help dampen road chatter. The bike has a ‘Just A Fork (JAF)’. That is normally light at 395g with triple cage-mounts each side. It has room for up to a 45mm 700c tire. Also take a closer look near the front derailleur location, it’s a beer opener, just incase you forgot yours on a rad adventure!
Lauf True Grit – Ultimate
Very similar bike to the Anywhere, the True Grit is considered by Lauf as their gravel & endurance bike. Made to tackle, gravel, sweep the singletracks, float on asphalt. The main difference is in the fork! With the Lauf Grit SL gravel suspension fork, which is tuned to fit each and every frame size. Most other aspects are rather similar, and yes you get the handy little bottle opener.
Boardman ADV 9.0
Kind of reminds me a little like the Cannondale Topstone finish, this rig won an award for being the best affordable bike of the year. Priced at just over $2,500 it is one of the most affordable carbon gravel bikes on the market. Weighing 20.3 lbs / 9.2 kg, which is a painted frame weight of 990g including all frame hardware. It features top tube mounts and a plethora of bottle mounts. Built to excel on UK bridle ways, fire roads and towpaths, while also capable on tarmac. Clearance for up to 42 mm tires and designed in a way to take on road chatter and minimise vibrations. Thanks to the bow-curve seat stays and seat tube cut out.
Vitus Substance
The Vitus Substance is another carbon gravel bike that is well priced starting from around $2,500 for the CR 2 model. Available in many different build options, with more advanced quality components and even the E-Susbstance (E-gravel Bike). Categorised by Vitus as an Adventure Road Bike. It can be pushed to go hard and fast or more slow but long epic bikepacking adventures. With the addition of mounts for luggage, mud guards and multiple bottles.
Norco Search
Most gravel bikes suited for adventures like this Norco Search try their best to maximise on bike comfort and reduce fatigue. The Search XR geometry is a little slacker and longer than conventional road bikes which helps it excel over rough surfaces. Offering your standard bottle mounts on frame and fork, with stealth rack & fender mounting points. Available in 650b or 700c options. And a max tire clearance for up to 650b × 2.1″ or 700c x 45mm tires.
Fuji Jari Carbon
Ideal for racing, gravel riding and bikepacking. The Fuji Jari’s C15 frame comes in at under 1000 grams. Which they claim to be “the world’s first one-piece construction gravel bike frame”. The small attention to detail makes this bike stand out, with the armor shield under the downtube which guards against road debris and a Mylar wrap on the headtube stopping abrasions from handlebar bags. The stock 700x43c tires are rather skinny for my liking, but you can fit up to 700 x 47c or 27.5 x 2.2” tires. It even comes with it’s custom made, heavy duty bento box or top tube bag. The rear stay micro suspension also gives the bike 15mm of vertical flex to help dampen that road chatter.
Jamis RENEGADE
A performance gravel bike, one that blends speed and control together to give you a bike that is just at home on road rides and bikepacking trips on more technical terrain. With all the mounting points for racks, fenders and bikepacking bags. Starting from $2,599 for the C2, weighing 21.0 lbs / 9.5 kg. Designed for speed on all kinds of surfaces. Dropper post compatible.
Merida SILEX+
An elegantly and uniquely designed gravel bike. The Merida SILEX+ really ticks most of the boxes when it comes to the best carbon gravel bikes. It comes with 650b x 45c tires with the option to go up to 50 mm. The brakes have a disc cooler technology that draws heat away through CNC-milled cooling fins, which is very effective when the bike is under the load of gear. The Silex has the versatility to be a fast training bike or a commuting and touring bike.
Liv Devote
The Live Devote made the list for the best women’s gravel bikes, and is again worth the mention here. Where ever your backcountry desires lead you, the Devote and especially their premium Advanced pro model has it covered. From group rides, a gravel grinding sesh to bikepacking adventures. It looks clean with the internal capable routing and it offers clearance for 45c tires, three water bottle mounts and smart mount system for racks and accessories. Featuring D-Fuse handlebar and seatpost technologies for vibration elimination.
CUBE NUROAD
Available from around $2,500 the Cube Nuroad weighs in at 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg. The name says it all, NUROAD = “No Road Needed”. With the Nuroad, Cube have created a bike that blends cyclocross ruggedness with road bike alacrity. Without compromising on speed it allows you to travel that little bit further then you could otherwise get on a road bike.
BMC URS
The BMC URS comes in three different models starting from $2.999, the URS ONE weighing in at 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg. These bikes have to be one of the more popular carbon gravel bikes in this list for me personally. They just look the part. Featuring the Gravel+ geometry, the URS is optimised for a modern, aggressive gravel riding style. With a slack 70˚ head angle to create a long front-end and wheelbase for incredible stability. You get all the extra add-ons, top tube mount, integrated frame protectors, and micro travel technology. And tire clearance for 45 mm tires.
Trek Checkpoint
This has to be one of the most sold gravel bikes on the market. Every gravel grinder and their dog seem to have one. So that means they are a great carbon gravel bike option than, right? The main feature of the Checkpoint is the lightweight OCLV Carbon frame with IsoSpeed, a decoupler at the top tube/seat tube junction that provides additional compliance over rough terrain so you can stay stronger for longer. A carbon gravel bike made for epic all-road adventures.
Salsa Warroad
Lats but certainly not least is the Salsa Warroad! With the top line model weighing 17.7 lbs / 8.0 kg. I was amazed by this bike when it was realised back in 2020, simply by its colours and design. It is essentially an endurance all-road bike. That is suited for 80% road and 20% whatever else! Compatible with 700c or 650b, the endurance road geometry positions you for long-haul comfort, and extra frame and fork mounts help keep you supplied for all-day ride.
About The Author
