Introduction
The gravel bike is the cycling revolution of the decade. Versatile, adventurous, and increasingly high-performance, it appeals to both road cyclists and mountain bikers. Here is the complete buying guide to choose your first gravel bike in 2025.
What is a gravel bike?
A gravel bike is a wider road bike, designed to ride on various surfaces: asphalt roads, dirt roads, forest trails. It combines the comfortable geometry of an endurance bike with the robustness of a light mountain bike.
Selection criteria
Geometry
- Comfort: long wheelbase, high stack, upright position
- Performance: more aggressive geometry, close to a road bike
Tire compatibility
Check the maximum tire width accepted. For versatile use, aim for at least 40-50 mm.
Mounting points
For bikepacking, check for mounting points for panniers, racks, and extra bottle cages.
Drivetrain
1x11 or 1x12 for simplicity, 2x for more gears. For mountains, opt for a small chainring (38-40 teeth).
Best gravel bikes 2025 by budget
- Under €2000: Trek Checkpoint AL 4, Specialized Diverge E5
- €2000-€4000: Canyon Grail CF SL 7, Trek Checkpoint SL 5
- €4000+: Colnago G3X, Pinarello Grevil F
Conclusion
The ideal gravel bike depends on your use and budget. Whatever your choice, our stands David & Clément will welcome it with the respect it deserves.