
Many gravel race bikes are made from carbon, but there are plenty of carbon gravel bikes tailored to bikepacking and more technical riding.īelow is a selection of carbon gravel bikes we have tested that encompasses most of the above. Best gravel bikes in 2023 Best carbon gravel bikesĬarbon fibre gravel bikes are lightweight, stiff and are designed to absorb vibrations effectively.Ĭarbon fibre’s pliancy will do a lot of work to minimise any chatter from the surface beneath while still letting you put a lot of power through the cranks. You can also skip to our buyer’s guide to gravel bikes, which explains everything you need to know about these practical, versatile and fun bikes.

The best gravel bike frames come in the same variety of frame materials as other bike types, with carbon, aluminium, titanium and steel options commonly available. This means there should be something for everyone, from those looking for a cheap entry into off-road riding to those looking to take on the Silk Road Mountain Race or Unbound. The selection of gravel bikes in this list represents the very best gravel bikes we’ve tested, across frame materials, riding styles and price points.

They bring a unique mix of insight and expertise, analysing how these bikes compare to the best road or best mountain bikes. Many of our testers have also come to gravel via road riding or mountain biking.

Our senior tech editor Warren Rossiter first tested a thoroughbred gravel bike at the beginning of the 2010s and since then he reckons he’s tested close to 200 gravel bikes. Our team of testers have been involved in the world of gravel bikes since its inception. Today, there are numerous purpose-built machines, from gravel race bikes and versatile all-road bikes that rival the best road bikes, to progressive gravel bikes that resemble drop-bar mountain bikes. In the early days, riders tackled these endurance events on cyclocross bikes.
