Gravel Bike reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 255 Reddit reviews across 16 subreddits and 71 posts to rank the best Gravel Bike brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/gravelcycling, r/cycling, r/whichbike, r/RedditPHCyclingClub, r/Surlybikefans. Top-rated brands include Giant (4.6/5), Canyon (4.2/5), Specialized (4.5/5).
Stats
Reviews255
Subreddits16
Posts71
Brands38
Products89
255 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Giant
4.6
(25)
"I have the carbon version of the Revolt and absolutely love it."
"A Giant Revolt 1 is about $1500, comes with a GRX 400 hydraulic groupset and some very reliable in-house Giant components."
"Giant Revolt 2. I think it's a phenomenal do it all bike"
"Giant revolt. Buy used and get a higher spec level than your budget allows new. Incredible value."
"A Giant Revolt with a flip chip fits Schwalbe G-One Speed beach tires."
"I absolutely love it. It's a great do it all bike imo."
"I ride a Giant Revolt and am very very happy with her!"
"I recently ordered the Giant Revolt."
"Giant Revolt 2 is a really good bang for your buck."
"I bought a giant revolt 2 for myself as a birthday present…. Great bike"
#2
Canyon
4.2
(25)
"Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2"
"If you're looking for best bang for the buck, a Canyon grizl or grail would be the way to go."
"Canyon Grizl 7 AL Aluminum with Shimano GRX RX820 2x12 11-36T ~10.7 kg (23.55 lbs)"
"It works brilliantly for road or light to moderate gravel."
"Check on canyon grizl, if it’s available in your size."
"Canyon offers already have DT swiss GRC wheelset which is a big plus."
"It’s probably a canyon Grzl 7 if conversion from CAD to USD is accurate it would probably come in just over $2k with shipping and fees"
"Canyon"
"Canyon grizl’s fit that budget"
"You can get canyon grail carbon in that price range."
#3
Specialized
4.5
(20)
"Diverge if you can get it on sale"
"I’ve personally been enjoying my Specialized Diverge Elite E5."
"I love my Diverge Elite E5. Makes me feel like a kid again."
"I have had a midrange Diverge since 2018ish and it's my favorite bike."
"Its a wonderful bike, not too pricey, supple ride."
"Specialized Crux is a great option, I’ve test ridden a bunch of them."
"I have a specialized sirrus x 2.0. I weigh 125kg and love it. It's a tank but also comfy, light and fast."
"I ended up getting a Specialized Diverge E5. I’m 310 right now, and it’s been great for me."
"I just picked up a Specialized Diverge E5 base and am loving it so far."
"Specialized crux (7.8kg +/-, 47mm max)"
#4
Surly
4.3
(18)
"I just bought a Surly Midnight Special. Its around that price range and built like a tank, 400lbs limit on the stock. Things badass."
"I use my Midnight Special as a gravel bike and for bikepacking and I love it."
"Midnight Special all day, every day and make sure it’s a 650b setup so you can put the widest supported tire combination on."
"I use the midnight special pretty much exclusively on gravel and single track, double track / off road."
"Nice."
"Preamble is a great answer here."
"Straggler if you want to be able to run a modern gravel group. Hydro discs on long gravel descents are very nice."
"Straggler or Cross Check. Lugged fork ftw. These are classic surly, just depends if you want rim or disc brakes"
"Straggler or Cross Check. Lugged fork ftw. These are classic surly, just depends if you want rim or disc brakes"
"Want something that is a good road bike too? MS"
#5
Trek
4.2
(17)
"I have a 2021 checkpoint ALR5 and just got my spouse a 25 checkpoint ALR3! Best bang for the buck!"
"Upvote for the Checkpoint ALR5 - I got mine from Red Barn Refresh and couldn’t be happier with it"
"I picked up a brand new 2023 checkpoint alr 5 for 1850 cdn 2 months ago. Fantastic bike."
"Trek checkpoint ALR4……but I got lucky and snatched it up for $300."
"I have a Checkpoint ALR5 and love it."
"I think it's in the discussion for best 'deal'."
"Trek checkpoint"
"It’s a solid bike and can be upgraded over time as needed."
"CheckPoint ALR4? If you were more endurance road focused I'd say Synapse 2... someone else said Grizl? A 6 raw or 7 raw might be the answer."
"I am eyeing trek domane or poseidon ambition they are about 500 dlls difference in price"
#6
Salsa
4.2
(13)
"At an entry level, the Salsa Journeyer can be had on special right now!"
"I have a Salsa Journeyer Sora 700. Bike is comfortable and easy to ride."
"Salsa Journeyer is a good one"
"You can also consider salsa journeyer."
"Liv or Salsa"
"Salsa currently has a sale going on. You can get a Journeyer Sora 700 for $1,000"
"Salsa 🌶️"
"Salsa makes some good bikes. The journeyer is very upright and fairly affordable."
"I have a Salsa Journeyer that’s great and it has a silly amount of mount points."
"Salsa Journeyer!"
#7
Cannondale
4.2
(12)
"I have a Cannondale topstone 3. Does everything I need it to."
"I’m very happy with my Cannondale Topstone 1."
"If it was me, I'd go 1x and for one of Cannondale Topstone, Mondraker Arid, On One Free Ranger in order of price."
"I got a bike for me and my gf in your price range from bikester (cannondale topstone 3)."
"All have models that can be found under £1k"
"Looking at my LBS what is in stock in that price range i am seeing Cannondale Topstone"
"Should be considered as well if you can find them."
"I was sure I wanted a Cannondale Topstone 1 but then I saw a GT Grade Comp."
"I have a topstone and i ride a lot of road too. perfectly fine"
"I have a Cannondale Topstone 4 gravel bike, but I ride mostly on road."
#8
Cube
4.0
(12)
"I have one (the normal nuroad fe, swapped the claris for grx400 though) and i love it."
"It is top for what it costs (circa 1,3k USD)."
"I've had one for about 6 months and love it."
"Cube nuroad race. Top of your budget or a few quids more but come with Shimano grx, hydro disc."
"Well, there's the Cube Nuroad One."
"(cube nuroad pro) in 2021."
"Cube. Francis Cade just rode through India and Thailand on one."
"Maybe look for some Cube Bikes, if available."
"Cube and Bergamont are fine brands."
"Cube Nuroad Pro."
#9
Marin
3.9
(9)
"Marin has excellent options. I have the Gestalt XR and absolutely love it."
"At or around $2k, the Marin Four Corners 2 and the Gestalt XR are excellent options."
"Marin Four Corners"
"Should also have relaxed geometry."
"Have you considered Marin Gestalt X10?"
"Marin (Four Corners). Got one a few months ago in the Netherlands, happy with it."
"[Marin Gestalt X10] $1550"
"Marin Nicasio"
"All have models that can be found under £1k"
#10
Kona
4.1
(8)
"I love my Kona Rove!"
"Otherwise I recommend the Kona rove steel."
"Kona sutra"
"Kona sutra of bergamont rd5"
"It comes with fenders and has huge amount of rack options."
"For commuting in any conditions, I would go for an aluminium-frame gravel bike, such as the Kona Rove."
"All have models that can be found under £1k"
"Also check out the Kona Rove with a riser stem."
#11
Kespor
4.0
(7)
"Kespor sulit entry-mid tier and well made"
"Kespor McLaren. 🙂"
"I'll go with Kespor dahil s 2by component nya"
"I would pick the McLaren since it sounds high end 😂"
"Kespor McLaren 2x9 para maka switch sa small and big ring"
"I'll go for the kespor just because of the 2by setup."
"I would recommend Kespor Mclaren. Ang problema lang, limited ang stocks."
#12
Liv
4.0
(7)
"Another Liv recommendation. I have the Devote in an XS."
"+1 sa liv devote"
"I suggest you stick with Liv since it's a go-to brand for women-specific bikes."
"Liv or Salsa"
"Live Devote (xxs)
Liv Avail (xs)
Revolt
Salsa Journeyer (xs/xxs)
Kespor Mclaren (45)"
"Liv Devote. Got this for my wife…"
"Liv or kespor are good brands to look at."
#13
Decathlon
4.0
(7)
"Or the GRVL 120 from Decathlon."
"Consider Decathlon and Poseidon as well."
"Decathlon Triban bikes get well reviewed for their budget offerings."
"Decathlon makes some decent bikes in that price range."
"Decathlon sell cheap decent bikes for beginners."
"Decathlon triban gravel bike is on sale in the US for $699."
#14
Rose
4.3
(6)
"I got that one a month ago and man is it a blast."
"I purchased a 2023 Rose Backroad GRX810 carbon on eBay for 1600€."
"Have you looked at the rose Backroad FF? In my opinion one of the best looking gravelbikes"
"You should check out the Rose Randonneur or the Rose Hobo (for something chiller)."
"You should check out the Rose Randonneur or the Rose Hobo (for something chiller)."
"A very versatile gravel bike that I highly recommend."
#15
Jamis
4.0
(6)
"I was seriously considering the Renegade S2 so it could be worth going and talking to them"
"I really like the James renegade. The steel version has some good components on it"
"I Have a 2019 Jami’s Renegade in steel and it’s been a solid bike for me."
"Jamis Renegade"
"I'm looking at the Jamis Renegade S2 because of its higher stack and shorter reach."
"Jamis Renegade"
#16
Lauf
4.4
(5)
"I just got a Lauf True Grit (discontinued model) from their North American outlet sales site for <2k. I'm pretty thrilled about it."
"Just another recommendation for the Lauf Seigla."
"If I had that kind of money to swing around, I'd get a Lauf Seigla. 57 mm (or 2.25") tyre clearance per the manufacturer so you can use fast 29" MTB tyres to go faster on gravel."
"Pinky https://www.laufcycles.com/product/lauf-seigla"
"Lauf seigla rigid frameset can be picked up for less than $2,000."
#17
Norco
4.4
(5)
"I strongly recommend if you don't like carbon, that you go steel."
"Spend abit more and get a norco search, absolute bargains atm."
"Hey I bought a bike called "Norco CCX1" for $200, its in great condition, dont know much about it but it rode nice"
"Personally, I'd choose the Norco. I love steel bikes and I like the look of it the most out of those four."
"Norco search"
#18
Poseidon
4.2
(5)
"Get yourself a nice set of wheels from Hunts Wheels and a good saddle."
"I just got a Poseidon Triton and it's definitely a road bike with some gravel DNA in it."
"For $1000 or less I tell people: State Allroad, Primos Dame, or Poseidon Triton."
"They have closeout models close to that price range and they are generally considered good entry level gravel bikes."
"Just got the Poseidon redwood this weekend. I’ve put 60 miles on it in two days. I’m having a blast."
#19
Cervelo
4.3
(4)
"Cervelo Aspero is a fast gravel bike."
"Cervelo aspero (sub 9kg, 45mm max)"
"I’m looking at a Cervelo Aspero, debated about the Crux but the Aspero is perfect for the area around me."
"Cervelo Aspero, nice geometry and has some aero tweaks and reasonable tyre clearance."
#20
Fairlight
4.3
(4)
"Haven't seem a bad word said about them."
"At that budget, definitely the Fairlight Secan or Faran if you don't mind waiting a little as some of the supply is low."
"Maybe even look at a Fairlight Secan, steel frame and nice geo for that adventure style riding while also not being carbon."
"The Secan 3.0 could be an option."
#21
Scott
4.3
(4)
"Scott Addict Gravel. Then later on get Zipp303s when upgrading and you have a rocket ship."
"Scott addict gravel 10 or 20"
"I bought a Scott speedster gravel 30 from 2023 a bit more than a year ago. It's a solid bike and looks slick."
"Doing flats the Scott Speedster Gravel 20 with Tufo Speedro 40mm tyres in nearly as fast as my road bike."
#22
Propain
4.7
(3)
"Propain Terrel CF? Made in Germany. It has 50mm tire clearence, UDH, threaded BB, inframe storage and many customisation options."
"Propain Terrel CF is what you're looking for. Just ordered mine and waiting for it to arrive."
"Pretty solid bike."
#23
Orbea
4.3
(3)
"Orbea Terra M31ETEAM. Got mine a month ago. It’s 4K € and you can customize gear and colors with MyO."
"Orbea Terra?"
"I've a carbon Terra that I use 50/50 road/gravel."
#24
BMC
5.0
(2)
"Seconding the BMC URS AL TWO. I got mine for $1500 USD (it was on sale) and am very happy with it"
"Check it some offers of BMC URS AL TWO. I got mine for 1200€ and it cames with GRX 600/800 carbon fork etc."
#25
3T
5.0
(2)
"I have a 3T Exploro Racemax that I'm running 43/30 10-36 Force AXS on and it's fast AF on road with 40mm Schwalbe G-One RS."
"The bike is an absolutely solid choice."
#26
Rodeo
5.0
(2)
"I love it to death."
"It is truly amazing."
#27
Merida
4.5
(2)
"My personal go to would be a Merida Silex 400 second hand. I test rode one and loved it."
"If you're not in north America Merida is dumping their old model silex 400s for a steal."
#28
Polygon
4.5
(2)
"Carbon wheels and SRAM Rival. Incredible value for the price. I've ridden it for the past few months and have been happy."
"Https://www.polygonbikes.com/tambora-g7/"
#29
LaPierre
4.5
(2)
"LaPierre crosshill 3.0, have a 2x11 GRX400. i´ll never buy again a 1x group on a gravel bike."
"I have the carbon version, grx 1x11, perfectly fine."
#30
Ventum
4.5
(2)
"Love my GS1"
"They have a pretty good deal on the Force version with the Zipp wheels, but I think it’s more like $5k."
#31
GT
4.5
(2)
"Within your price range, GT Grade Comp is probably the best bang for your buck. Carbon fork, hydraulic brakes, GRX group set for ~$1200 is an excellent value."
"If you can still find one in your size, the GT Grade bikes are (were ?) on clearance and at your budget you could afford a pretty nice one."
#32
Boardman
4.0
(2)
"Boardman Adv 8.6"
"All have models that can be found under £1k"
#33
Focus
4.0
(2)
"Focus Atlas 6.7 $1999 or AVANTI Gran Durance $1899"
"I own a Focus Atlas 6.7 since last year. Multiple bikepacking trips."
#34
Pinewood
4.0
(2)
"Pinewood Invasor
11spd e. Never looking back sa 9spd haha."
"The pinewood invasor provides the ease of use and assortment of colors that I like."
#35
Primos
4.0
(2)
"I'd go with the Primos Dame. You can for fatter tires on it if you end up getting into gravel or singletrack riding."
"Checkout Primos Gravel bike if you're in the USA. decent tyre clearance, $799."
#36
Pinnacle
4.0
(2)
"I have a Pinnacle Arkose which has been pretty solid"
"Pinnacle Arkose?"
#37
Co-Op
4.0
(2)
"Get the Co-Op. It's on a great sale."
"I'd go with the Co-op. REI will have the best service if you have issues."
#38
Triban
4.0
(2)
"Triban also good in this bracket."
"If the price of the Triban is reasonable to you I'd 100% pick that over the Carrera every day of the week."
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