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On the search for a new gravel bike to add to your arsenal? Our team has researched the best models on the market and bought 8 to put to the test in our updated review. Gravel riding has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with so many models, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Our team of experienced riders and testers pedaled hours upon hours and clocked hundreds of miles on gravel, tarmac, and even a bit of singletrack. We zeroed in on vital performance metrics like uphill and downhill performance, versatility, weight, and build to accurately determine our award winners and bring you this in-depth review.
Modern gravel geometry, 20mm of Future Shock Suspension, SWAT storage, offered in multiple builds
Lightweight, Moderately versatile, Clean lines
Progressive gravel geometry, suspension fork and dropper post, outstanding downhill performance and comfort, excellent build for the price
Reasonable price, suspension fork, great on the descents and rough surfaces, nice component spec, comes in both carbon and aluminum frames and multiple builds
Bargain priced, Capable, Sporty and fast, Nice build
Inexpensive, versatile, many frame mount options
Cons
More expensive, Only offered in CC Carbon
Can feel harsh over the rough stuff, narrow non-flared handlebar
Not the lightest weight, more expensive
Finicky seatpost clamp, Limited tire clearance
Suspension and dropper add weight, not the lightest or zippiest climber
Fairly heavy, longer reach, fewer accessory mounts than rigid fork version
Limited sizing, Lack of adjustability, Less forgiving ride
Heavier than the competition, budget build
Bottom Line
A gravel bike for mountain bikers, this lightweight, high-performance gravel bike boasts well-rounded performance and stability for the funner sides of gravel riding
The Ibis Hakka MX is a very lightweight, uncompromisingly stiff, fast, and efficient gravel bike
This redesigned bike is more capable, comfortable, and versatile than the previous version
A capable and efficient carbon gravel bike with a great build and solid all-around performance
A unique new model with progressive gravel geometry, front suspension, a dropper post, and a killer build that excels on the descents and rough surfaces
A reasonably priced gravel bike with front suspension and great build perfect for rough gravel and adventure riding, but with a slight weight penalty
Anyone interested in dabbling in the world of gravel riding, with assistance or not, should check out this versatile and affordable model
Anyone interested in dabbling in the world of gravel riding should check out this versatile and affordable model
The fourth and newest Santa Cruz Stigmata took top honors in our gravel bike test - again. What was once a quick and twitchy cyclocross race bike is now a brawny drop bar, adventure, gravel rig. The Stigmata's new geometry, like most modern trail bikes, adds some reach to facilitate pulling the headtube angle back to 69.5 and steepening the seat tube just a touch. The CC carbon framed rig is built for gravel but is more versatile than ever. The frame keeps its bike packing ability but will rely on straps instead of fixed mounting points, keeping it light and clean-looking. A handy glove box in the downtube, a Universal Derailleur Hanger, and suspension-corrected geometry are amongst the additions to the new platform.
The ride quality is forgiving, but nothing about the bike feels inefficient. The Stigmata is lightweight, stiff, and quick to accelerate, yet the frame features enough compliance to enhance the rider's comfort over rough terrain. The Apex build we tested worked quite well, and this bike is ready to jump into a gravel race or go on just about any back-road adventure. If we have an issue with the Stigmata, it's the price. The Apex build is their least expensive bike, but it's still quite pricey.
The bike's performance was solid but quite different from the third-generation Stigmata. Most significantly, the outgoing model's 72-degree headtube angle has been relaxed a whopping 2.5 degrees, and it now comes with a taller fork, allowing you to run a suspension fork without further geometry changes. The new model gained over an inch of reach which meant no toe overlap on our size large test bike. All considered, the Stigmata is a solid buy for the consumer seeking high-end performance in a versatile, high-quality model. Mountain bikers looking for a drop bar companion will appreciate the revised front end with handling reminiscent of a fast cross-country bike.
The Stigmata's combination of relaxed geometry, dampened ride quality, and in-frame storage makes it a delight to ride.
Frame Material: Carbon Fiber | Weight: 19 lbs 11 oz
REASONS TO BUY
All carbon cockpit
Value priced
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Proprietary seat post clamp
One-piece handlebar/stem limits adjustability
Limited tire clearance
The Grail CF SL 7 is a lot of bike for the money. Offered direct-to-consumer, Caynon provides consumers a reason to second guess the need for a test ride. A lightweight carbon frame, stellar parts spec, and responsive handling give this bike tremendous appeal. Under 20 pounds with relatively conservative geometry, the Grail can masquerade as a road bike, a quality that the Santa Cruz Stigmata doesn't have. This bike excels on the climbs with outstanding power transfer and impressive efficiency. The AXS drivetrain is crisp and reliable, with a 440% gear range and a clean, cable-free aesthetic. The full carbon cockpit includes a one-piece, flared bar/stem combo that our testers loved, but it does limit the bike's adjustability.
The Grail descends predictably, its geometry catering to mellower terrain; the bike feels most adept under 30mph. Solid braking, all carbon compliance, and a slightly longer wheelbase keep the rider feeling in control on singletrack and gravel pitches. The bike has triple bottle mounts, top tube bag mounts, fender compatibility, and an optional FidLock bag that is clean, aero, and useful. Canyon uses head tube cable routing and their proprietary internal seat post clamp for their own D-shaped carbon post. These features give the bike a slick aero look, but we found the seat post clamp less than reliable.
While an abundance of mounting points gives the bike some added versatility, it is not dropper post-compatible, and the frame design limits the tire option to just 42mm. For those on the fence between a road and gravel bike, the Grail is a compelling choice. Those looking for more versatility or the occasional bike packing rig would do better with Canyon's Grizl. For mountain bikers and those wanting a gravel bike that can get rowdy, the Stigmata is almost certainly the answer.
Frame Material: Aluminum (also comes in carbon fiber) | Weight: 24 lbs 11 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Reasonable price
30mm suspension fork
Great performance on descents and over rough gravel
Great build for the price
Available in aluminum and carbon in numerous builds with or without suspension
REASONS TO AVOID
Somewhat heavy
Slightly longer reach
Canyon has been steadily growing its gravel and all-road offerings, and the Grizl is their latest gravel model that's geared toward adventure riding and rough surfaces. The aluminum-framed Grizl 7 Suspension is one of the most affordable in the lineup, and it comes with a gravel-specific RockShox Rudy XPLR that provides 30mm of front suspension and girthy 45mm tires that suit this bike's intentions perfectly. While it doesn't sound like much, 30mm of suspension makes a huge difference, and along with the high-volume tires, it makes it more comfortable, stable, and smooth on the descents and over rough surfaces. This translates to the flats and climbs as well, where the forgiving ride enhances rider comfort and control and eliminates much of the harshness often found with rigid-forked models. While it is a bit longer in reach than the competition, we found it quite comfortable on both the climbs and descents. For the price, it comes with a very nice build that enhances its performance in all situations. The frame is equipped with numerous mounts for bottles and other gear, with internal routing for dropper posts and clearance for tires up to 50mm wide. These details mean you can set it up however you like and make it a solid option for bike-packing adventures. It also comes in carbon and aluminum frames and a wide range of build options with and without front suspensions.
The aluminum frame and suspension fork of the Grizl 7 Suspension add a bit of weight, and at 24 pounds and 11 ounces, it is the heaviest gravel bike we've tested. That weight is hard to overlook, although we found it to be an acceptable tradeoff for the comfort and confidence it provided on the descents and over rough surfaces. Racers and those concerned with weight, however, would be wise to check out other models or the lighter-weight carbon versions of this bike. The Grizl also has the longest reach of any bike we've tested, and while we were able to find a comfortable riding position, those with specific preferences would be wise to reference the geometry charts to find their ideal fit.
Where this bike really excels is in the adventure realm; its weight isn't a concern once you start adding bags and gear, and the stiff frame isn't heavily affected by the strapped-on weight. The Grizl is highly versatile as a gravel/bike-packing rig and a great value. If you want enhanced capabilities from your gravel rig, you'll likely have to spend more, but this bike is a value to be reckoned with.
Excellent performance on singletrack and rough surfaces
REASONS TO AVOID
Dropper post and suspension add weight
Not the zippiest climber
YT broke the gravel bike mold when they introduced the Szepter, and it didn't come as too much of a surprise that they put their unique spin on it. With signature YT style, progressive gravel geometry, a suspension fork, and a dropper seatpost, the Szepter may have just arrived at the gravel party, but it came to get down. While not totally extreme, the longer and slacker geometry adds stability at speed and confidence on steeper descents and more technical singletrack trails. The 40mm RockShox Rudy XPLR fork takes the edge off the rough stuff, and the 50mm Reverb AXS dropper allows you to move about the bike more freely so you can descend faster and with more confidence and comfort than a rigid bike. In the flats and on climbs, it smoothes out the road or trail and allows you to go faster through the rough stuff while reducing upper-body fatigue. Those parts add a little weight, of course, but it's still reasonably light, and it feels relatively efficient and comfortable on the uphills. YT didn't forget the adventure-riding or bike-packing crowd, and they equipped it with numerous bottle and accessory mounts; plus, it comes with custom fenders front and rear, so it's ready to handle some adverse weather conditions. The build is also outstanding for the price, with a SRAM Force AXS 12-speed drivetrain, a Zipp Service Course cockpit, meaty tires, and powerful brakes.
Our complaints about the Szepter Core 4 are few, but the added weight of the dropper post and suspension fork are notable. We feel it's a reasonable tradeoff for the performance gains they deliver, but it might be a turn-off to racers and weight-conscious riders. That weight is a little noticeable on the climbs compared to lighter rigid models, so you'll need to consider where your priorities lie. It also means that it doesn't make it the best option to double as a road bike, and it might be overkill for those who ride smooth surfaces exclusively. That said, we'd happily take that weight penalty for the comfort, control, and rough gravel riding capabilities of the Szepter Core 4.
Head to head with the Santa Cruz Stigmata, it's clear to see that the direct-to-consumer model nets you incredible gains. Both bikes have carbon frames with 69-degree headtube angles, similar wheels, and sell for similar prices. The Szepter gives you wireless shifting, an AXS dropper post, and a Rockshox Rudy Ultimate suspension fork. If you really want to tackle rough trails or want more comfort across the board, the Szepter is probably the winning choice..
Frame Material: Carbon Fiber | Weight: 18 lbs 13 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Stiff frame
Wheel size options
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff frame can feel harsh on rough terrain
More expensive
The Ibis Hakka MX is a lightweight and high-performance model that we feel is an excellent option for racing. This bike features a super lightweight and very stiff carbon frame that offers unparalleled efficiency and responsiveness. This bike is quick; it accelerates like a race car and responds immediately to pedaling and steering input. The Hakka excels on smoother surfaces with a snappy and race-inspired feel both up and downhill. The outright efficiency of this bike makes it our first choice for racing, though it is just as well suited to casual endurance rides or road riding. It can also be purchased with either 700c or 27.5" wheels and tires to suit varying needs and demands for different styles of gravel riding.
While we loved the stiffness of the Hakka's frame for its speed and efficiency, we have to admit that its lack of compliance can feel somewhat jarring over rougher terrain. It's also one of the most expensive models we tested, and the high-end performance of the Hakka comes at a premium price. That said, riders with competitive aspirations or those seeking a refined and race-inspired feel would do well to give the Ibis Hakka MX a look.
We awarded this bike best for racing because it's incredibly lightweight, has a very efficient power transfer, and just rips at speed. You can strap bags on and take it bike-packing, but it's not going to be the most comfortable horse in the stable for such an adventure. Running 27.5" wheels gives you higher volume tires that enhance your comfort and traction but increase your rotational weight and make the bike feel less responsive. The Hakka has been around in its current form since the end of 2017; we imagine there will be a more progressive update soon from the Santa Cruz-based bike builder.
Frame Material: Carbon Fiber | Weight: 28 lbs 6 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Carbon frameset
Outstanding value
Excellent build
Discreet electric drivetrain
REASONS TO AVOID
One-piece bar/stem
Only available in two sizes
The CF Racer1 is a full carbon, electric-assist gravel bike with an outstanding build and an almost unbelievable price. Ride1Up's direct-to-consumer model allows them to sell bikes at significantly lower prices than you'll find in a bicycle shop. The electric part of this bike is subtle, with a small (252Wh) battery tucked inside the downtube and a 250-watt motor stashed in the middle of the rear wheel. At just over 28 lbs, riding without turning the bike on is perfectly enjoyable. The geometry isn't particularly gravel-specific, which gives this bike good road manners and agile handling. Off-road, the bike feels capable at lower speeds and enjoyable on mellow trails and gravel roads.
The build kit is impressive, and this bike is an outstanding value even without the motor and battery. A Sram Rival drivetrain, all-carbon cockpit, and Rival hydraulic brakes create a comfortable, high-quality feel. You can purchase this bike in road or gravel configuration, each getting specific handlebars, wheels, and gearing. The ebike aspect of this gravel getter is well-integrated, and more ambitious riders can add a range extender battery. There are rack, fender, and bottle mounts, giving the bike additional versatility.
The gravel wheels are not particularly impressive, but they check the boxes at this price point; they're not tubeless compatible and use Schrader valves. A one-piece carbon bar stem with hidden cable routing looks impressive but limits the cockpit's adjustability. The Current-Based Cadence sensor tries to bridge the gap with torque sensors and doesn't totally succeed, but most riders probably won't notice the subtle difference in power delivery. The bike is available in only two sizes, so if one of them happens to fit you, we absolutely recommend this bike.
Quick, capable and a standout value, it would be hard not to recommend the CF Racer1.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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Out for an autumn test ride on the Ibis Hakka MX.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing team for these bikes included riders who have had years of cycling experience. They used their knowledge and know-how to evaluate each bike after clocking hundreds of miles on various terrain, including gravel, tarmac, and even a bit of singletrack. The majority of our testing took place on gravel rides throughout the greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee area and the Sierra Nevada foothills. There is no substitute for real-world testing, and each of these bikes was ridden as if they were our own to determine the nuanced and subtle performance differences between each model. We took detailed notes, and at the end of our test period, we tallied our scores to determine our winners.
Our team of bike testers scoured the market before making an informed decision on which bikes to buy. Once purchased, each cycle was measured and weighed against the same metrics to provide a consistent and reliable review.
Our testing of gravel bikes is divided into five rating metrics:
Downhill tests (30% of overall score rating)
Climbing tests (30% of overall score rating)
Versatility tests (20% of overall score rating)
Weight tests (10% of overall score rating)
Build tests (10% of overall score rating)
Gravel bike testing is led by Joshua Hutchens, our Senior Bike Review Editor who is also an avid off-road cyclist. Following weather and trail conditions, he rides throughout Western North America annually. Joshua has decades of riding, guiding, coaching, and mechanical experience. Contributing to this review was Jeremy Benson. Benson is an accomplished rider and racer who competes in the “pro” class at endurance events throughout northern California. Benson has had some notable results in races like the 100-mile Lost and Found Gravel Grinder, the Truckee Dirt Fondo, and Grinduro, California. He spends an excessive amount of time training and is well-versed in the subtleties of gravel riding. Testing assistance was provided byDillon Osleger. Dillon also races in XC, enduro, and gravel events throughout the Mountain West. He is a talented rider with a critical eye and an appreciation for what makes a good gravel bike. Beyond gravel testing, Dillon has worked as a freelancer for Outdoor GearLab on several mountain bike reviews.
The lighter the bike, the easier it is to ride uphill. None of the bikes we tested are "heavy", though some are much lighter than others.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected eight models for our gravel bike review to test and compare side by side. Our testers rode each of these bikes extensively on the vast and varied network of gravel roads throughout the northern Sierra of the greater Lake Tahoe area. We didn't limit these bikes to gravel only, and they saw their fair share of road and singletrack miles. Each of these bikes will work to get you out on a ride, though they vary in intended use, levels of performance, and versatility. We can help you decide on a bike that suits your needs and riding style.
Bikes are expensive. Consumer-direct brands often provide the best value.
Credit: Laura Casner
What's the Best Value?
Like any type of cycling, gravel biking can be expensive. You can easily spend as much on a new ride as you would on a nice used car, but you certainly don't have to. Luckily, gravel bikes can be found over a spectrum of prices, from nail-bitingly expensive to relatively affordable. All the models in this review fall towards the lower end of the price spectrum, and each bike is a good value in its own right. That said, the more expensive models we tested did provide a slightly higher level of performance. Consumer-direct brands skip the middleman and bring a lot of value to the table. The YT Szepter Core 4 is a good example. It may be one of the more expensive models we tested, but it's an outrageous value given the build that would definitely cost thousands more from a mainstream brand. Similarly, the Canyon Grail CF SL 7 boasts a lightweight carbon frame, quality components, and a lightweight and well-rounded performance for significantly less than the more expensive competition.
There are limits to how you can and should ride a gravel bike downhill, some inspire more confidence and are more fun than others.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Downhill Performance
Gravel riding is a lot like road biking, except that it takes place on dirt/gravel roads. If you think about hurtling yourself down chunky or even smooth dirt roads on a road bike, it can be a pretty terrifying prospect. Fortunately, gravel bikes have been modified from their road bike brethren with more compliant frame designs, relaxed geometries, wider knobby tires, and components designed to enhance rider comfort and confidence on the descents and over rough surfaces. Because you frequently encounter ups and downs on your rides, we weigh downhill performance at 30% of each bike's overall score. The models in this test were not created equal, and their downhill performance varies.
Without question, the most impressive bike on the descent was the Szepter Core 4. With its “mountain bike-inspired” geometry, 40mm suspension fork, and dropper seatpost, this didn't come as too much of a surprise, and it was head and shoulders above the competition. It smoothes out rough gravel and allows you to ride faster and with more confidence, and it's more fun on singletrack than any other bike we tested. Similarly, the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension benefits from its 30mm RockShox Rudy XPLR suspension fork and high volume 45mm Schwalbe G-One Bite tires that provide a forgiving ride and enhance comfort and control. A relatively long wheelbase and reach promote additional stability, and our testers were amazed by the traction, composure, and ability to carry speed on a huge range of surfaces on everything from gravel roads to singletrack trails.
Suspension is relatively new to the gravel market, but after testing it on the Grizl 7 Suspension and YT Szepter Core 4 we can see the appeal.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Santa Cruz Stigmata also impressed our testers on descents, earning one of the highest scores of the group. The Carbon CC frame is stiff and lightweight with a modern gravel bike geometry. The rigid frame responds well to pedaling and steering input. Yet, it has just enough compliance engineered into the design to give it a somewhat forgiving ride quality over rough surfaces. The build kit is also dialed, and the wide, flared handlebar is a nice touch that provides a high degree of comfort, balance, and steering leverage when punching it downhill. Likewise, the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon has a new gravel geometry with a longer reach and wheelbase, a slacker head tube angle, and an increased offset fork. This bike is stable and confident on the descents, and the addition of 20mm of Future Shock 2.0 handlebar suspension takes some of the edge off vibration and impacts.
The Specialized Diverge's new gravel geometry and Future Shock handlebar suspension help it perform well on the descents and over the occasional cattle grate.
Credit: Laura Casner
Not far behind the high bar set by the bikes mentioned above, the Canyon Grail CF SL 7 is a well-rounded descender. Its middle-of-the-road geometry feels comfortable in most situations, with good stability at speed and snappy handling. A little compliance in the frame and handlebar, high-volume tires, and powerful brakes help enhance comfort and control. The Ibis Hakka MX is exceptionally lightweight, responsive, and super fast on the descent with an uncompromisingly stiff carbon frame. The Hakka's stiff frame is best on smoother terrain, where its efficiency is most appreciated as the lack of frame compliance can feel a little harsh compared to some when the going gets rough. That said, when paired with the 27.5" x 2.1" wheel and tire setup, the Hakka becomes a more forgiving downhill performer.
Gravel bikes are more fun and capable than you'd think on the descents, especially when you strap on some bigger tires.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The Salsa Journeyer Apex is an affordable rigid aluminum-framed model that performs well enough on the descents but best suits smoother surfaces and less aggressive riding styles. The moderate geometry is easy to get along with, and the bike has a relaxed demeanor that is best kept within its limits.
Since we spend the majority of our time riding uphill, climbing performance is a major consideration for a gravel bike. Fortunately, most of them are efficient and relatively lightweight.
Credit: Heather Benson
Climbing Performance
In general, gravel bikes travel flat ground and go up hills relatively well, which is because most models have rigid frames or at least fixed rear ends, and they are designed with efficiency in mind. Every bike we tested works pretty darn well on the climbs, but not surprisingly, the lightest and stiffest models typically performed the best. This metric accounts for 30% of a bike's overall score.
The Ibis Hakka MX is the lightest weight model we tested, plus it has a super stiff frame that gives it unparalleled efficiency on the climbs. Whether you're seated or out of the saddle sprinting up the next rise, there is seemingly no power wasted. Testers were faster when climbing on the Hakka, and it earned a 9 out of 10 in this metric. The Santa Cruz Stigmata wasn't far behind on the climbs, also earning a score of 9 out of 10. It's nearly as light as the Hakka, and the frame is nearly as stiff. The difference in climbing efficiency is almost negligible, and the Stigmata is more spirited and energetic than most of the other bikes we tested when pointed uphill. Those who ride rougher roads will also appreciate the slightly more compliant frame design and its comfort.
The Stigmata is comfortable with a lightweight frame and nice build that make it one of favorites on the climbs.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Weighing just under 20 lbs, the Canyon Grail CF SL 7 also proved to be a zippy climber. The stiff frame and comfortable geometry translate to efficient power transfer to the drivetrain. The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon fell a little behind the competition on the climbs, primarily due to its slightly heavier weight. While it is still reasonably light, it does weigh a couple of pounds more than the lighter-weight competition. Its carbon frame is stiff and responsive, and it climbs just as well, seated or out of the saddle, although the 20mm of suspension integrated into the steerer tube/stem does result in some movement that takes a little getting used to.
Bikes like the Salsa Journeyer are equipped to handle bike packing accessories and racks, making them a good option for bike packing.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Versatility
Gravel bikes, in general, are highly versatile human-powered machines. This metric accounts for 20% of each bike's overall score, and we consider it an important metric for those who want to get the most out of their bike. Many gravel bikes are essentially glorified road bikes with relaxed geometry, knobby tires, and increased tire clearance, and all of the models we tested could double as road bikes or maybe even commuters. Most of these bikes can be ridden just about anywhere you're willing to take them, from singletrack trails to bike packing trips. Some subtle differences among them make some models better suited for different riding styles than others.
The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon is a very versatile bike. The 2-by drivetrain and fast-rolling tires help to make it an excellent option to double as a road bike, and a wealth of frame and fork mounts make it a great candidate for bike packing adventures. This bike has you covered for gravel races or a week-long adventure tour; the choice is yours with the Diverge. Likewise, the Canyon Grail CF SL 7 has a wide range 2-by drivetrain that makes it an excellent option for gravel and road riding, and it's light and fast enough to be a viable option for racing. It has limited frame mounts, but it comes with a protective sticker pack specifically for use with the seat, handlebar, and front triangle mounting bags and accessories should you load it up for a bike-packing mission.
The YT Szepter scores well for versatility for its impressive performance on mountain bike trails and rough gravel. We took this bike for long gravel loops and down flow trails, and it was a blast to ride everywhere thanks to its forgiving suspension fork, dropper post, and unique geometry. The Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension has features that make it quite versatile as well. The suspension fork and big tires make it more suitable and fun to ride over rough terrain than most rigid bikes, even “under biking” on singletrack trails. The frame has mounts for bottles and accessories (models with rigid forks also have three-pack mounts on the fork), a rear rack, and fenders, internal routing for dropper posts, and clearance for 50mm tires, so it can be equipped for virtually any adventure.
Of course you can ride some singletrack on a gravel bike, you just might want to dial it back a little bit...
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The two lightest weight models we tested are the Ibis Hakka MX and the Canyon Grail CF SL 7. Both bikes feature lightweight and stiff carbon frames and quality component specifications that make them the best candidates for gravel racing. Both bikes can hold their own on mellower singletrack trails; trust us, we've tried, and either could easily work as a road bike. The Grail comes with a front derailleur and two chainrings which gives this bike quite a bit more gearing. Should you choose to use your gravel bike as a road bike, having additional high-speed gearing can be helpful and increase the bike's versatility.
Versatility is one of the Salsa Journeyer's strongest suits. The frame and fork have numerous mounts for bike packing accessories, racks, and fenders, making it a no-brainer for people looking to attach all types of things to their bikes for an adventure. The Journeyer seems like it would be a great commuter or casual road bike as well. Due to the weight and somewhat more conservative geometry, it wouldn't be our first choice for racing, though one could certainly dip their toes in gravel events and races and still have a great time. Likewise, the Fezzari Shafer AL has a similar geometry that lends itself well to more casual riding pursuits. With mounts for fenders, a rear rack, and water bottles, you can set it up for gravel grinds, commuting, or week-long bike tours.
We wouldn't exactly call any of these bikes “heavy”, though some are much lighter than others.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Weight
All other things being equal, lighter is generally considered better. This standard is especially true in all types of cycling, where people pay a premium price for lighter-weight frames and components. The lighter a bike's frame and the sum of all its parts, the faster you can accelerate, and the easier it becomes to pedal for long distances and climb up hills. High-performance riders and racers are typically most concerned with the weight of their bike since lighter is faster, and they will want to take every advantage they can get when racing the clock or other riders. More casual riders may not be as concerned with the weight of their bike but will benefit from the advantages of riding a lighter bike throughout a long ride or bike-packing adventure just the same. For these reasons, weight accounts for 10% of the overall score in this review.
The weight of the bikes in this review varies by approximately 6 pounds between the lightest and heaviest models we tested. Weight is the most objective metric we tested as we simply weighed each bike on our trusty hanging Park Tool bike scale. We set up each model as we would typically ride it, although a couple of bikes did not come with tubeless compatible tires and were weighed with tubes in them. We weighed all of the bikes without pedals.
The lightest bike we tested was the Ibis Hakka MX, which tipped our scales at a featherweight of 18 pounds and 13 ounces. This impressively lightweight is one of the main reasons this bike feels so fast and efficient and is easier to ride uphill than some of the competition. Weighing in 1.5 lbs heavier than the Ibis was the Santa Cruz Stigmata at 20 pounds and 1 ounce. This bike isn't a featherweight on our scale but feels light while riding and portaging. These weights are especially impressive considering that both of these bikes have the least expensive build kits they're offered with; it's safe to assume that you can make both of these bikes significantly lighter with a higher-end component spec or a custom build.
No matter where or how you ride, a lighter bike is generally a benefit to all types of riders.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Since it is so affordable, we were impressed by the 19-pound, 14-ounce weight of the Canyon Grail CF SL 7. Bikes that cost less can rarely compete with their more expensive competition in terms of weight. Despite being one of the most expensive models we tested, the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon weighed a full 2 pounds more than the Stigmata. While 21 pounds and 2 ounces isn't exactly heavy, you might notice the additional heft on race day or during a long ride. User-friendly features like SWAT storage and handlebar suspension are partly to blame for the extra weight and will likely represent a reasonable tradeoff for many riders. The YT Szepter takes a bit of a hit in the weight department with its suspension fork and dropper post, though, at 21 pounds and 14 ounces, it's still quite reasonable for the performance gains they offer.
Despite its aluminum frame and budget-conscious build kit, we were pretty impressed by the Fezzari Shafer AL's 21-pound and 11-ounce weight. This bike costs less than half of the Diverge, yet it only weighs 9 ounces more. The other aluminum-framed models we tested are a bit heavier but still reasonably lightweight in the grand scheme of things. The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 weighed in at 24 pounds and 5 ounces, while the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension was a little heavier at 24 pounds and 12 ounces.
The build of the YT Szepter Core 4 is by far the best we tested, and they price is reasonable too.
Credit: Heather Benson
Build
Similar to the weight of the bikes we tested, each model's component specifications vary and are dictated by price. We give this metric a 10% influence on the overall scores. Like anything else, bicycle components' performance level, quality, and weight vary wildly. One could spend upwards of ten thousand dollars on a new gravel bike with carbon fiber and electronic everything bolted to a featherlight carbon frame. While you can spend that much, you certainly don't have to, and you can have a great time riding any of the more budget-friendly models. Our selection of test bikes features models that are all relatively reasonably priced in the grand scheme of things.
It stands to reason that the more expensive bikes in this test have the nicest builds, and it turns out that is generally the case. Thanks to the consumer direct sales model, it isn't the most expensive model we tested, but the YT Szepter Core 4 has the nicest build. It comes with a carbon frame, fancy AXS electric drivetrain and dropper post, an Ultimate level Rudy XPLR fork, Zipp Service Course cockpit, quality brakes, and nice wheels and tires. The Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon costs a bit more and comes with an impressive build that includes a 2 x 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain and powerful GRX hydraulic disc brakes. The house brand handlebar, tires, and especially the comfortable bike saddle worked impressively well. Interestingly, the Canyon Grail CF SL 7 comes with a build almost comparable to the Diverge, yet it costs about half the price. Again, this is due to Canyon's consumer-direct sales model, and you can't beat the price-to-build kit ratio.
It may be a bit more expensive, but the Diverge Comp Carbon comes with an excellent build that features a Shimano GRX groupset.
Credit: Laura Casner
Both the Ibis Hakka MX and the Santa Cruz Stigmata we tested came with Sram 1X build kits. The 1X SRAM drivetrains are lightweight and have a wide gear range, and our testers appreciate the simplicity of ditching the front derailleur. The flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes also work incredibly well with the road-style levers. We think the wheels and tire setups between the two models are relatively comparable. The Stigmata just edged out the Hakka in this metric due to the more thoughtful cockpit setup with a wider flared handlebar that enhanced its comfort and downhill performance. Both of these bikes are ready to tackle some serious rides or even races in their stock configurations with no upgrades or component changes necessary.
The Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension also has a nice build for the price. The gravel-specific GRX components simply work well, and the addition of a suspension fork makes it impressively comfortable to ride over rough terrain.
No matter your reasons for riding gravel, there's a bike to suit your needs and budget.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
There's a lot to consider when searching for a new bike, whether you are looking for road, trail, or anything in between. If you've narrowed it down to a gravel bike, we feel the most important thing is finding a model that suits your riding style, needs, and budget so you can get out and ride. As the sport of gravel riding continues to grow and evolve, we will continue to test and review new models as weather and bike availability allow us to keep this review as up-to-date as possible.
