How to Choose the Perfect Gravel Bike
- Posted on
- By Steve Guppy
Our guide to choosing the perfect gravel bike for your needs:
Gravel bikes are some of the most versatile bikes available, capable of tackling anything from smooth pavement to rugged trails. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? The key is to start by thinking about how you’ll use your new bike. Are you planning epic bike-packing trips to the Gulf Islands? Hitting local gravel paths in Coquitlam for weekend rides? Or maybe a mix of commuting through Langley and off-road exploring in Squamish on the weekend?
To help you narrow it down, we’ve outlined the top considerations: gear ratios, drivetrain options, riding posture, tire clearance, and the practicality of rack and fender mounts.
Riding Posture: Comfort for the Long Haul
Gravel bikes are designed with a more relaxed geometry than traditional road bikes, but there are still differences in fit and posture to consider. Are you planning longer rides or multi-day adventures? You may want to look for a bike with a more upright position to reduce fatigue.
For riders seeking speed a bike with a slightly more aggressive posture can offer better aerodynamics and handling.
1x vs. 2x Drivetrain: Simplicity vs. Versatility
One of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a 1x or 2x drivetrain. A 1x setup (single front chainring) is simple, lightweight, and perfect for riders who prioritize reliability over complexity. However, it usually means larger steps between gears and a slightly reduced gear range, this means you will have to sacrifice either climbing ability or top speed.
A 2x drivetrain (dual front chainrings) provides more gears and smoother transitions, making it ideal for riders tackling a wide range of gradients or covering long distances. Think about where you’ll ride most—this will help you decide.
Gear Ratios: Find the Right Range for Your Terrain
Gravel riding often takes you through varied terrain—rolling hills, steep climbs, and smooth flats. Your gear ratios play a crucial role in how comfortable and efficient your ride will be. If you plan to tackle steep climbs or carry heavy loads, a wider gear range is essential. Bikes equipped with a lower granny gear can make those challenging ascents much more manageable. On flatter routes, tighter ratios allow you to maintain a steady cadence, this is more important if riding on the road in a group as it allows you to match the speed of your companions without having to pedal at awkward cadences.
Tire Clearance: Flexibility for Any Surface
Gravel bikes come with a wide range of tire clearance options, allowing you to fit anything from narrow road tires to chunky gravel tires. Wider tires offer more comfort and grip on loose or bumpy surfaces, while narrower tires are better for speed on smoother terrain.
Think about the surfaces you’ll encounter most. If versatility is your goal, look for a bike with enough clearance for wider tires (40mm or more) so you can switch them out as needed.
We don’t recommend worrying too much about the tires that come on your gravel bike, we think its best to focus on all other characteristics of the bike first and change the tires if necessary. Gravel tires and gravel bike riders both come in such a wide variety that the chances of the stock tires being perfect for your needs are 50/50, and switching out the tires to suit your specific needs will give you the best outcome here.
Rack and Fender Mounts: Ready for Adventure
If you’re planning bike-packing trips or commuting, don’t overlook the importance of rack and fender mounts. These mounting points allow you to attach gear like panniers, bags, and fenders, making your gravel bike even more functional.
Even if you don’t need them right away, having these mounts provides flexibility for future adventures. Not all gravel bikes come with this feature, so it’s worth checking before you buy.
The alternative is to use bike packing bags, some bikes suit these better than others so it's good to consider this when bike shopping.
Still not sure?
We highly recommend you visit us at Rocky Cycle in Surrey, BC. We typically have a wide variety of gravel bikes in stock and would be happy to chat through the options.
You can test ride some gravel bikes in our parking lot and get a feel for some of the differences that will help you decide which gravel bike is best for you.
Check out our current gravel bikes