Are you look for a gravel bike that performs like a road bike on the tarmac but gives you the versatility to take on gravel roads and maybe even singletrack. Allowing you to explore a little beyond the limits of the well ridden roads?
This article is dedicated to such bikes. What makes a good road gravel bike? It helps if you can ride fast on road to keep up with your roadie mates. (All the bikes included in the fastest gravel bike article are also listed below).
This means aerodynamic, stiff frame, lightweight, agile and responsive ride feeling and build around the idea of performance focused riding. This might also mean choosing a carbon frame gravel bike. A road gravel bike might not have quite as much upright riding positioning compared to a more dedicated bikepacking gravel bike. But some of these bikes find a nice sweet spot where you can benefit from the best of both worlds.
Although these bikes are considered “road” gravel bikes. Most of them have gravel specific gearing, which is most commonly a 1x drivetrain setup. Which is not idea for dedicated road riding. Which is why road bikes have better gearing for sharp and steep road climbs. See the difference between road and gravel bikes here. Do keep this in mind when selecting a bike.
Gravel bikes do come with gravel tires from factory which are generally around a 700×40. This could slow you down when you want to ride with your mates in the early morning bunch rides. But what is stopping you from chucking on some roadie tyres and making it happen?
Along with riding fast, some of these bikes make the ideal bikepacking gravel bike which is what we are all about here at Cycle Travel Overload. But the thing is some of these bikes are not suited well for performance based riding you can expect in a road bike. Some may be too heavy and geometry too relaxed for all day comfort not head down and pushing out the watts.
Thats we we put together this list, giving you the best balance of performance road gravel bikes. But also some adventure road gravel bikes which are still good for those morning group rides with your mates. But also allowing you to go on big weekend bikepacking trips.
Ghost Fire Road Rage
The ultimate do it all bike. Allowing you to get in a ton of kilometers on paved or gravel trails or venture down new paths, over rocks and roots, to discover the country. Pack your gear and spend the night in woods or race your mates. It’s all possible with the good looking Ghost Fire Road Rage road gravel bike.
Ibis Hakka MX
The Hakka is a versatile 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. Comes in 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.
Diamondback Haanjo 6C Carbon
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. With a budget option the alloy built coming in at just over $1,000. While the cheapest carbon options starting at $2,500 with the 6C, then they have the 7C and 8C.
Cannondale Topstone
The 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
Built for road and gravel the all new GT Grade features 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.
Fuji Jari
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, making them ideal for road riding, but you can fit up to 700 x 47c or 27.5 x 2.2” tires. It even comes with 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 clearance for up to 700 x 50 or 650 x 2″. 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.
Trek Checkpoint
Every gravel grinder and their dog seem to have one of these bikes. 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.
Ridley Kanzo Fast
Combining gravel specific geometry, aerodynamic tubing and wide tire clearance. The Kanzo fast claims to be “the fastest gravel bike in the world.” We are unable to test for sure if it really is the fastest. But it definitely made the list for a reason. They are claimed to ride fast on any terrain and even outperform some road bikes at their own game.
Santa Cruz Stigmata
Dedicated to making the best mountain bikes, Santa Cruz have taken what they have learnt from mtb’s and implemented that in their new gravel bike. The Stigmata was released in 2007 and at the time it was categorised as a cyclocross bike. This is before gravel bikes were a thing. it is a great do-it all drop bar bike machine. That is also able to ride fast if you need. Made from a carbon fiber construction, weighing around 8.57 kg / 18.89 lb and clearance for 700×45 mm or 650×53 mm tires.
Open U.P.P.E.R
Offering all the standard performance gravel bike features. Such as dual wheel size compatibility and a dropped chainstay. These bikes find that balance between road bike speed plus go-anywhere capabilities. Making them fast but also able to go on rad adventures. The idea behind the U.P.P.E.R bikes is the option to run multiple tire setups.
Road tires to make it a very fast road bike, turn it into a go-anywhere bike with gravel tires 32-40mm or run 650b mountain bike tires allowing it to be pretty much unstoppable. It does feature a road riding position for that extra speed even if you run MTB tires. Meaning you can get to the trails faster. Weighing just under 8 kg!
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.
Salsa Warbird
Made for gravel racing, fire-road riding, and road riding the Salsa Warbird geometry focuses on stability and comfort. Offering that extra comfort on long rides. It features many mounts to carry gear for bikepacking adventures. This is a great bike for those looking to ride fast, bikepacking adventures on road or gravel. The Warbird is an agile, light, nimble, very refined, and entirely capable gravel bike. Perfect if you want to ride fast!
3T Exploro/Race
The world’s first full-aero gravel adventure bike! Changing gravel racing and riding forever. The bike combines road speed with mountain toughness. Winning Dirty Kanza, Jeroboam, RAT1000 to name a few events. Having the capability to ride fast on any surface, paved, gravel or singletrack! With a clearance for up to 54mm gravel tires. Available in a number of bike build options.
Pinarello Grevil+
Distinctive and aggressive lines with aerodynamic details make the Grevil+ a versatile and powerful bicycle. I must say it is a very unique looking gravel bike. With an emphasis on aerodynamics you know it is going to ride fast. It has the versatility to run 700c x 25c tires or up to 650b x 2.1 “or 700 x 42mm. Designed to absorb vibrations to add extra comfort. Attention to detail, the front fork has increased flap to protect the disc and aerodynamic optimisation.
BMC URS
A gravel bike ready for high-intensity gravel racing and limitless backroad exploration. And yes road riding fun! Featuring its gravel+ geometry, the URS likes to roam UnReStricted territory. The URS is built around a super lightweight, race-ready frame.
Wilier Jena
The Jena is a gravel bike that fits the bill for most styles of gravel riding. Allowing you to ride fast for performance on dirt roads and single track, or adventure, exploration, and bikepacking. A light, reactive, and easy-to-handle bike with racing-comfort geometries.
Basso Palta
Why consider the Basso Palta? If you are one for quality craftsmanship, long lasting performance and ride quality that begs for speed! Allowing you to ride fast on the road, while maintaining that speed over vary terrains. Tire clearance for up to 42mm tires. It has that unique shape which makes it stand out but the build quality also offer ample amounts of comfort for that rough stuff.
Specialized S-Works Diverge
Fast, capable and fun might be some words used to describe this new Diverge by Specialized. It is the perfect bike if you want to get away of the main roads and far from cars to gravel grind. It is also the steed for riding fast at your favourite gravel race! The bike is well balanced, quick and lively under power but also confidence inspiring when the terrain gets rough. Feature future shock 2.0 with 20mm of axial compliance and a hydraulic damper, good for the rough stuff and efficient on smooth pavement. With its all new gravel geometry, internal storage and tire clearance for 47mm x 700c wheels or up to 2.1” x 650b. It is the ultimate getaway vehicle.
Scott Addict
The all new 2022 Scott Addict Gravel Bike is for those gravel riders who want to go faster and farther on rougher terrain. With aero, lightweight, and integration features. It is a very versatile machine, thanks to the longer and lower design, more generous tire clearance, additional carrying capacity, and plentiful mounts.
Canyon Grail
Cover huge distances at speed and in comfort. That is the promise by Canyon with their Grail gravel bike. It is the ultimate all-rounder, offering road bike speed, all-terrain control and grip with stable but also agile handling. The CF SLX model is designed to win races, while they also offer other more accessible models if you just want to ride fast and save some coin.
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.
Vitus Substance
The Vitus Substance is another carbon gravel road 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.
Boardman ADV
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.
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.
Kona Libre CR DL
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. Making it a good bike for both road riding and weekend adventures!
Merida SILEX+
An elegantly and uniquely designed gravel bike. The Merida SILEX+ really ticks most of the boxes when it comes to the road 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 road 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 road 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.
Salsa Warroad
Last 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
