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Gravel cycling involves riding on packed dirt or gravel roads, often with a gravel-specific bike.
Unlike mountain biking, gravel biking rarely involves major rocks or tree roots.
Sometimes, gravel cycling will require some riding on paved roads so that get to your preferred off-road route.
Want to give gravel cycling a try or just in the market for a bike upgrade?
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Because some manufacturers market bikes according to gender, weve listed both womens and mens picks below.
tech writer forThe Pro’s Closet, a Colorado-based certified bike reselling website
The difference between most mens and womens bikes lies in the bikes frame size.
We encourage you to choose the bike that fits your proportions best, regardless of what the label says.
We spoke with four experts to get their takes on the seven best gravel bikes of 2024.
They took brand recognition, quality, build, and price points into consideration when recommending the following bikes.
Shop the best gravel bikes for every jot down of rider
1.
I consider Trek Checkpoints to be benchmark gravel bikes, Lin says.
At $1,325 the Topstone 4 isnt an intimidating gravel bike from a budget or style standpoint.
The Topstone 4 also has a 1x drivetrain, whichmeans theres only one front chainring.
The bike also contains a front fork suspension to handle rougher terrain.
tech writer forThe Pro’s Closet, a Colorado-based certified bike reselling website
Even a properly sized bike might not fit just right out of the box, Lin says.
Instead, the Sumbals recommend finding a bike that will fit your unique measurements.
Marni notes that because shes 50, she often feels limited in her bike choices.
Working with an experienced bike fitter can help any cyclist understand key measurements thatll make selecting a bike easier.
Marni says that overall, the bike is stable and responsive for her size and needs on the bike.
All of this should be considered when looking at any gravel bike, female-specific or otherwise.
[The bike] blends in well with regular bikes, too.
How does a gravel bike differ from a road or mountain bike?
Gravel gearing is often easier than road gearing, Lin says.
Lin describes gravel bikes as the best happy medium between road and mountain bikes.
Gravel bikes can be used on pavement and on some tamer mountain bike single-track trails.
Are gravel bikes good for long-distance riding?
Gravel bikes are probably the best bike for long-distance riding, Lin says.
What is the best frame material for a gravel bike?
Thanks to advances in bike material technology, there isnt one particular material that reigns supreme, Lin explains.
The best frame material really depends on each athletes individual needs and goals, Lin says.
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