We have seen a whole host of new gravel bikes land last year which means 2024 is going to make for a great time to take to the rough stuff. Thanks to our extensive testing for our 'Gravel Bike Of The Year' awards, we have spent lots of time with the most popular models out on the market today.
We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes for 2024. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.
We have rounded up our favourite and in this video you will find our top 7 best gravel bikes for 2024. We have the best offerings from brands like Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Triban, Vitus, BMC and Merida.
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00:00 The gravel world is now populated with gravel race bikes, gravel adventure bikes,
00:04 and some that just sit in the middle. To help, we've pulled together our favourite models,
00:09 and the ones which we would recommend for 2024.
00:12 Winner of our Gravel Bike of the Year test, the Giant Revolt stands to be a fantastic option for
00:24 riders who really do want a bike with a split personality. The Revolt stands out thanks to
00:30 its ability to cater to a wide range of preferences. It boasts unique features such
00:35 as the versatile seatpost setup, compatibility with both proprietary and round seatposts,
00:40 meaning it offers increased options for suspension seatposts. The adjustable rear
00:45 dropouts enhance its functionality, allowing for aggressive racing performance in the short position
00:51 and improved stability in the long position. This functionality is only compounded by the wide tyre
00:57 clearance. There's ample mounting points on the frame which further increase its utilitarian
01:02 nature for carrying gear. The Revolt impresses with its exceptional frame compliance, effectively
01:09 absorbing impacts while maintaining lateral stiffness for precise handling. It's competitive
01:14 on price, starting at under £3,000 for the base model and £5,500 for the top-end
01:20 version. This makes it a very attractive proposition. However, its relatively high
01:26 headtube stack at 586mm might limit customisation for some riders. Nonetheless, the Revolt's
01:34 exceptional performance across various terrains solidifies its position as a standout gravel bike,
01:39 demonstrating its prowess in both racing and stability, earning it recognition and
01:44 appreciation in the industry and with customers alike.
01:47 The latest iteration of the Diverge gravel bike showcases a standout feature,
01:59 the all-new Rear Future Shock, which was designed to enhance rider comfort and bike balance.
02:04 Specialised engineers combined rear-end compliance with all the benefits of suspension
02:10 seatposts, creating a system that smoothly adjusts to uneven terrain while maintaining
02:15 saddle height. The bike's weight remains competitive, with the whole system adding
02:19 only 400g to the frame. Specialised offers various models in the Diverge STR line,
02:25 including the top-end S-Works version retailing at $14,000, and the Expert and Pro models priced
02:31 at $9,500 and $7,500 respectively. The bike boasts a fat 11R carbon frame set, Future Shock 2.0 in
02:40 the front and the innovative Rear Future Shock, providing ample tyre clearance and compatibility
02:46 with 650b x 2.1 or 700c x 47mm tyres. Despite its higher price point, the Diverge STR
02:55 suspension system effectively improves rider comfort, stability and traction, catering to
03:00 both racing and adventure enthusiasts. This bike will sit in the Halo category for many,
03:06 and we really don't love how much this bike costs. We also think that the fit and ride feel will take
03:12 some time to get used to and to set up. However, once dialled in, the STR works brilliantly on a
03:18 myriad of terrains and parkours. Canyon recently updated its
03:28 Grail gravel bike and has since gone on to garner significant attention after successful wins in
03:33 various races, but most importantly, the UCI Gravel World Champs. The new model reflects Canyon's
03:39 desire to improve gravel racing performance and aerodynamics, with a focus on streamlining the
03:45 bike and enhancing stability without compromising agility. The update includes changes to the tube
03:51 shapes, the handlebars and the seatpost, resulting in a saving of over 9 watts at 45km/h compared to
03:59 the previous version. The integration of in-frame storage and the introduction of the Load Fidlock
04:05 Quickloader further optimise the bike's functionality. Notably, the shift from the
04:10 double-decker bar to a traditional bar-stemmed steerer design has improved the rider experience,
04:15 especially in terms of handling and adaptability to different riding positions.
04:20 Canyon's emphasis on aerodynamics is evident in the streamlined design and the integration of the
04:26 gear groove on the handlebars, allowing for various accessories and aero extensions.
04:31 Despite early concerns about the lengthening of the wheelbase, we found the Grail maintains its
04:36 lively and agile feel, with enhanced stability in the corners and quick line changes on rough descents.
04:43 Canyon's CFR version offers additional carbon layout modifications for reduced weight and
04:50 increased stiffness, while the CFSL provides an entry-level option with fewer integrated features,
04:55 but at a more competitive price.
04:58 It's rare to find a bike in the sub-$1000 category, but the Triband 120 Gravel Bike
05:10 is known for its affordability and happily comes in well below that price threshold.
05:15 It offers practical features such as external cable routing,
05:19 mounts for mudguards and pannier racks, and a threaded bottom bracket.
05:23 Despite its limitations, including the absence of expected additional mounts and
05:28 less-than-ideal aesthetics, the bike's carbon fork and MicroShift 1x10 drivetrain,
05:33 with a built-in clutch, really do stand out at this price point.
05:37 The Pro Max DSK brakes, though competent, lack power and modulation,
05:43 but the Triband tubeless ready wheels do contribute to the bike's overall versatility.
05:48 While the bike handles well on moderate trails, its performance on rough terrain
05:52 is limited by a slightly skittish feel during descents.
05:55 As a commuter, the bike's slick centre tread and comfortable ride quality make it suitable for
06:00 urban use, although the gearing's gaps and braking performance might pose issues for some riders.
06:07 Priced at $899 or £599, the Triband 120 Gravel Bike represents incredibly good value for money,
06:15 but for those willing to spend a little more, the SawRespect V2 Substance V2 Gravel Bike
06:20 offers enhanced features and aesthetics for an additional cost.
06:24 The Triband 120 Gravel Bike remains a really good option for those who want to explore
06:29 what the world of gravel has to offer without forking out too much.
06:32 As seen in our top endurance bikes for 2024, the Vitus Venon Evo is potentially one of the
06:44 most versatile bikes out there. Designed to merge the features of endurance road bikes and gravel
06:49 bikes, its tyre clearance ranges from 28mm to 45mm, catering to different riding preferences.
06:57 The Evo GR version offers gravel-specific group sets, with higher-end models incorporating
07:02 aero components for enhanced speed on gravel paths. The bike features a monocoque frame with
07:08 a press-fit bottom bracket and integrated cable routing suitable for both mechanical
07:13 and electronic group sets. The design includes drop seat stays for added comfort and a geometry
07:18 that balances between endurance road bikes and more racy gravel bikes.
07:23 We love the Venon's aesthetic appeal, efficient riding experience and its handling on challenging
07:29 terrain, showcasing its versatility beyond its intended niche. Despite some limitations with
07:35 the handlebar's minimal space for additional attachments and the potential issue for the bike
07:41 skipping in strong crosswinds, the Vitus Venon Evo offers a well-rounded, value-for-money option
07:46 for riders looking for a versatile, high-performance bike.
07:49 Acknowledging that any slice of the gravel spectrum contains its own smaller spectrum,
08:00 we love it when a bike can do both gravel and tarmac really well. Much like the Vitus Venon,
08:06 the BMC Kias presents a great option for those looking to do a little bit of everything.
08:11 The BMC Kias takes things up another notch compared to its rivals. Sure, the frame is a
08:16 little heavier, but the riding position - and the ride itself - is even closer to that of a road
08:22 bike. It makes you wonder whether all road bikes really have a place anymore. The Kias is at least
08:28 an equal on tarmac, but still more capable off-road. The place of endurance road bikes
08:33 such as the Giant Defy and Trek Domane even starts to become questionable. But both those
08:38 brands are quite fortunate that the Kias isn't compatible with mudguards. Otherwise,
08:43 those questions would really start to be asked in earnest.
08:46 If you don't care about mudguards, though, a Kias with 35mm slick tyres - same as can be fitted to
08:52 a Defy or Domane - would be a weapon on the road, but would leave your gravel riding options wide
08:58 open. The newly launched Merida Silex has gained attention not only for its
09:08 anticipated debut, but also for Matej Mohoric's triumph at the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships,
09:16 where he rode an unreleased version of the bike. With a focus on testing its capabilities,
09:22 the bike is promoted as an adventure option. Staying true to its original concept, the Silex
09:27 boasts a mountain bike-inspired geometry, making it versatile for commuting and bikepacking.
09:33 Merida has adjusted the Silex's geometry, providing a 69.5 degree head angle and increasing
09:40 tyre clearance to accommodate up to 45mm rubber, although slightly trailing behind its competitors
09:46 with a 50mm clearance option. The bike features ample mounting points for luggage and mudguards,
09:52 and is equipped with robust 180mm rotors, enhancing its braking power without significant
09:58 weight implications. When we tested the bike, the Silex showcased its impressive stability and
10:04 handling on various terrains, including challenging climbs and technical descents.
10:09 Despite its limitation on tyre clearance, the Silex remains an engaging and versatile option
10:14 for multiple riding styles, demonstrating its prowess in aiding Mohoric's win at the championships.
10:21 So there we have it, those are the top gravel bikes we think are worth considering
10:26 in 2024. Let us know, which of these bikes would you pick? If you enjoyed the video,
10:31 then please do drop it a like, subscribe to the channel for more content,
10:34 and we will see you again very soon.