It’s worth mentioning that following last year’s huge cycling boom during lockdown, stock levels are very low at the moment. Finding the perfect gravel bike in your size may take some time and patience, but retailers and manufacturers are working hard together to restock. The end result of these geometry differences is a more comfortable, confidence-inspiring and forgiving ride than one would find in a typical road bike.
The Jari 1.3 is a very well kitted out gravel machine for the money, and it’s a bike that impresses both on and off the road. We really enjoyed the way this bike combines a retro ride experience with some modern niceties. The 1×11 SRAM GX drivetrain is a good example of this, offering dependable and smooth shifts that are endlessly more appealing than the loose triple setup a 90’s MTB would wear. The Vitus Energie might be a ‘cross bike, but it’s very capable at gravel too. This flagship Devote model is big bucks but there are two cheaper carbon bikes and an aluminium frame starting from just £1,400 / $1,150 / €1,100 / AU$1,699.
Evans own brand Pinnacle refers to its Arkose as being an adventure road bike rather than an out and out gravel machine. There’s a lot of mountain bike influence in Merida’s Silex 400 and that’s a very good thing. By combining a long reach figure with a short stem, the aluminium frame of the Silex 400 positions its rider perfectly to make the most of its brilliant off-road handling. You also get a nice smart set of Cannondale’s own Hollowgram carbon wheels, which are tubeless ready and weigh around 1.5kg, which helps keep the overall weight of the bike down to 9kg in a size large. Personally i prefer drop bars as i mainly ride road and not that challenging terrain.
I’d like to see a direct comparison between drop bars and flat bars though. I suppose if you hold your hands near the stem, you could tuck your elbows into a position that could be more aero. I can’t see flat bars being more efficient in a normal riding position though.
– We’ve given the Diverge plenty of rack mounts, including fork and top tube mounts, to ensure you can take what you need, no matter how far you plan to go or how long you plan to stay out. – With a FACT 9r carbon frame, the Diverge Comp frame is incredibly capable and race bike light. Pin it for your local dirt climb KOM, or grind up a giant backcountry peak, the light and lively Diverge will get you there faster.
The main triangle can swallow a frame bag or easily mount two water bottles under a half frame bag. Looking at the Diverge, all of this greatness giant mountain is hidden behind its inconspicuous silhouette. It’s not showy, there’s no funky geometry, and the lines are well within the bounds of normal.
These letter-soup abbreviations give a nod to exploration and they scream record-setting performance; for you and your bike. To boot, the bikes are stiff in the way Classics bikes are stiff. Ask five people to define adventure riding, and you’re likely to get five different answers.