Terrain:<\/strong> gravel, bike touring<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
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PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nsteel frame material<\/li>\n\n\n\n fender and rack mounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n accepts 650b wheels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nvery narrow 30mm stock tires<\/li>\n\n\n\n quick release skewers instead of thru-axles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nA modern take on a classic steel touring bike, the Marin Nicasio is a gravel bike that flies on mixed surfaces and can be adjusted for trickier terrain. The double-butted CrMo steel frame offers more comfort than aluminum frames and can be repaired in case of any damage. This entry-level gravel model comes with a double chainring Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset, a typical choice for bikes in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Out of the box, the 700c wheels come with relatively skinny 30mm Vee Apache Chief tires. That rubber does fine on smooth surfaces but isn\u2019t wide enough for serious gravel, knocking a point off my rating. However, the frame\u2019s tire clearance goes up to 40mm, so riders can easily upgrade their tires. Feel confident slowing down with the Promax mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love the shiny look of the traditional steel frame, and the dropped seat stays. There are additional fender and rack mounts to transform this gravel bike into a dependable machine for bikepacking adventures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Best 650b Gravel Bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n3. Kona Rove AL 650<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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$999<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nKEY SPECS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nTerrain:<\/strong> gravel, dirt roads, off-road<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
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PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nall-terrain 650b wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n great aesthetic<\/li>\n\n\n\n available in a wide range of sizes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\naluminum fork instead of carbon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Kona Rove AL 650 is a gravel bike inspired by mountain bike geometry and terrain capabilities. The smaller 650b wheels increase the tire clearance between the frame, and Kona opts for grip 47mm WTB Venture comp tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The larger air volume in the tires provides extra cushion and traction on coarse gravel and off-road routes. Those 650b wheels are ideal for gravel bikers expecting to ride mostly on chunky gravel or dirt trails rather than smoother surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 6061 aluminum frame has a more relaxed geometry than other bikes on this list, reminiscent of hardtail mountain bikes from the 1990s. Like the Salsa Journeyman, the Rove AL 650 comes equipped with a double chainring Shimano Claris 8-speed drivetrain. The aluminum fork rather than a carbon option knocks a point off this bike\u2019s rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disc brakes are a must on gravel bikes, and this model runs Hayes CX mechanic disc brakes with 160mm rotors. This bike is a classic gravel bike that performs especially well in tougher terrain because of the ultra-capable 650b wheels and wider tires.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Best Budget 1×10 Gravel Bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n4. Decathlon Triban GRVL120 Disc<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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$899<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nKEY SPECS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nTerrain:<\/strong> gravel, dirt roads, road<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
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PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\ncarbon fork<\/li>\n\n\n\n 1×10 groupset<\/li>\n\n\n\n rear derailleur clutch system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nsmaller tire clearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n quick-release skewers instead of thru-axles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Triban GRVL120 Disc is an impressive gravel bike with 1×10 gearing, and a carbon fork offered at an even better price. From the sports store megabrand Decathlon, this affordable bike punches above its weight with solid specs throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 6061 aluminum frame includes a carbon fork to upgrade the ride feel and decrease weight\u2014 this feature distinguishes this model from many of the bikes on this list. The 1×10 drivetrain is from the lesser-known brand Microshift which offers almost identical performance at a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The single front chainring is 38t and matches up to an 11-42t rear cassette, offering a wider range of gears than the more expensive Octane One Gridd 2. This bike doesn\u2019t score full marks because the relatively small tire clearance maxes out at 38mm. For riders looking for a 1x gravel bike on a budget, the Triban GRVL120 is a sure bet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Best Frame Design Gravel Bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n5. GT Grade Elite Gravel Bike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n