Gravel bikes are one of the hottest trends in cycling. With the ability to tackle multiple terrains with relative ease, and comfortable yet aggressive frame geometry, it is no wonder they are becoming a firm favourite of those who want to cover long distances and not feel like they are in pain for days afterwards.
The trouble is, gravel bikes can be expensive and finding one to suit your budget can be a bit of a minefield. Well in this guide, I have found 12 of the best gravel bikes for under $1500, hopefully saving you time and effort.
- What to Expect from A Gravel Bike for Under $1500
- Best Gravel Bikes for Under $1500
- Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c Gravel Bike
- Tomasso Sterrata Gravel Bike
- Marin Four Corners Gravel Bike
- Fuji Jari 2.3 Gravel Bike
- Marin DSX 1 Gravel Bike
- Diamondback Haanjo 3
- Breezer Doppler Cafe+
- Marin Gastalt 1
- Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Gravel Bike
- Cube Nuroad Gravel Bike
- Octane One Gridd 2 Gravel Bike
- Vitus Substance 2 Gravel Bike
- What to Look for When Choosing a Gravel Bike
- Summary
Best Gravel Bikes Under $1500 | ||
Salsa Journeyer Sora 700C  | Key Features:
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Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Marin Four Corners  | Key Features:
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Fuji Jari 2.3 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Marin DSX 1  | Key Features:
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Diamondback Haanjo 3  | Key Features:
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Breezer Doppler Cafe+  | Key Features:
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Marin Gestalt 1  | Key Features:
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Co-Op Cycles Adv 2.1  | Key Features:
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Cube Nuroad Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Octane One Gridd 2 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Vitus Substance 2 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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What to Expect from A Gravel Bike for Under $1500
Gravel bikes are becoming more and more popular, as people are looking for versatile bikes that can handle a variety of terrain. A gravel bike for under $1500 can be a great option for someone who wants to explore different types of riding, without breaking the bank.
When looking for a gravel bike under $1500, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose a frame that is designed specifically for gravel riding. Many of the bikes in this price range will be made of aluminum or steel, which both have their own benefits. Steel is stronger and less expensive than aluminum, while aluminum is lighter and more responsive.
Next, decide what kind of components you want on your bike. The components on a gravel bike can vary depending on the type of riding you plan to do. For example, a bike designed for gravel riding will have a wider gear range than one designed for road use.
Finally, think about your riding style. Are you comfortable riding a bike with wide handlebars for more control over your riding position? Do you like the feeling of being able to bend your knees while you ride or would you rather stay upright on the bike?
Best Gravel Bikes for Under $1500
Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c Gravel Bike
Salsa Journeyer Sora 700C | Key Features:
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The Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c Gravel Bike is a great choice for those who want to head out on an adventure and need a bike that is happy on the road as it is offroad.
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c is built with an aluminum frame which has been designed to be both light and durable. Extra care has been taken to ensure that the frame is robust as extra anchor points have also been added so that you can carry plenty of cargo with you when heading on a bikepacking trip. The geometry is similar to other gravel bikes under $1500, which is relaxed and comfortable, but still with the feel of a racing bike.
The Shimano Sora drivetrain provides 18 gears based on a 2 x 9 setup. The front crank is a Shimano MT210, which features 46 and 30 tooth cogs. The cassette is a Shimano HG200 11-34T 9-speed cassette, which means you get plenty of gears for taking on hills as well as putting your foot down for faster rides where needed.
The Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brakes will provide plenty of stopping power when needed as are similar to other bikes in this price range.
The wheels are WTB ST i23 28 700c rims, which are fitted with Teravail Washburn 700c x 38mm tires. This is a great setup for those who want to transition between road surfaces with ease and still feel comfortable.
Why we love it:
This bike does all the basics well with the addition of decent components and additional anchor points for longer journeys.
Tomasso Sterrata Gravel Bike
Tommaso Sterrata Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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If you are looking for a durable and rugged gravel bike, the Tomassa Sterrata Gravel Bike might just be the bike you have been looking for.
The Tomasso Sterrata is built with a compact aluminum frame, which is designed to be lightweight and strong. This is combined with a set of carbon forks, helping to further reduce the weight of the bike. The frame geometry is designed to feel comfortable even when you are spending long periods in the saddle.
This bike comes with 24 gears, which are based on a Shimano Claris 3 x 8 groupset. The front 30/39/50T Shimano Claris crank is coupled with a 12x25T Shimano Claris cassette, giving you a wide range of gears for taking on hills, flying along the roads as well as taking on more technical trails.
Similar to other gravel bikes in this price range, the Sterrata features a set of Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes, which will provide reliable stopping power in all conditions.
The Tomasso Sterrata is fitted with Tomasso TC-30D rims, designed for use across all surfaces. The rims come with 700c x 40mm tires, which provide increased versatility and stability across multiple terrains.
Why we love it:
This bike has a great range of gears, a lightweight frame and comfortable geometry making it a great choice for those who don’t like to be constrained to just riding on the roads.
Marin Four Corners Gravel Bike
Marin Four Corners | Key Features:
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If you are looking for two wheels to take you on an adventure, or simply want a bike that can carry lots of gear, the Marin Four Corners Gravel Bike would be a solid choice.
The CrMo steel frame has been built for durability and strength when ridden on a variety of surfaces. The CrMo steel forks also provide a solid platform for heading out on long rides. Whilst the use of steel increases the weight of the bike overall, this bike hasn’t been built to be light. With various anchor points, including points on the front forks, this bike has been designed to carry all the gear you will need for a bikepacking trip.
The Shimano Sora 3 x 9 drivetrain gives you a whopping 27 gears, which is a lot more than other gravel bikes for under $1000. On crankset has a Shimano Sora Hollowtech II 50/39/30 tooth set of cranks, with the rear cassette being a Shimano HG300 11-34T cassette. This will provide a huge range of gearing options, which are great for fast rides without a lot of gear and for taking it easy when your bike is fully loaded.
The Tektro Spyre-C Road mechanical disc brakes will provide plenty of stopping power whatever the conditions and regardless of what you are carrying.
Unlike most gravel bikes, the Marin Four Corners is fitted with 650b wheels, designed to be fitted with a wider tire for more offroad riding. The tires that come with this bike are WTB Resolute 42mm with added puncture protection. Thes size of the wheel and the width of the tires make this a great choice for those who will mainly be riding on loose surfaces and trails.
Why we love it:
The Marin Four Corners is a great choice for those looking for adventure, with many anchor points making carrying their gear with them a breeze.
Fuji Jari 2.3 Gravel Bike
Fuji Jari 2.3 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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If you are looking for a gravel bike for a bikepacking or touring holiday, the Fuji Jari 2.3 Gravel Bike is a great choice.
The frame is made from aluminum alloy, providing light yet strong base for the bike. For added durability and strength when riding on rougher surfaces, the forks are made from CrMo steel, which ensures that you can ride across uneven surfaces without worrying about damage to your bike. The frame geometry is also fairly relaxed, certainly when compared to racing bike frames, although this is not as relaxed as some of the flat bar gravel bikes that are designed with a more upright position.
Shimano Sora STI shifters form the bases of the 2 x 9-speed gearing, meaning that you get 18 gears for tackling hills and riding at high speeds. The FSA Tempo 46/30T crankset along with the Shimano HG200 11-36T gives you a wide range of gears to choose from, meaning you won’t be stuck should you need to spin up a hill or be suddenly challenged to a sprint by a riding colleague. These gear ratios are constant with other bikes in this price range.
For brakes, The Fuji Jari 2.3 comes with Tektro Mira mechanical disc brakes. These will provide consistent stopping power in all weather conditions and is again consistent with most other bikes in this price bracket.
The 700c wheels are fitted with WTB Riddler 700 x 37c tires. These are a good size for allowing you to put the pedal down when you need to as well as providing sufficient balance when riding on looser gravel surfaces.
Why we love it:
This is a great budget gravel bike from a well-known brand that ticks all the boxes in terms of features that you would expect at this price point.
Marin DSX 1 Gravel Bike
Marin DSX 1 | Key Features:
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If you are a mountain biker who is looking for a bike that packs more of a punch when riding on smoother surfaces, the Marin DSX 1 Gravel Bike just might be the ideal bike for you.
The Marin DSX 1 frame is made using aluminium, which makes the bike light by durable. The forks are Marin’s own full carbon forks, which helps to reduce the weight of the bike even more without increasing to price too much as a result. The frame geometry and the flat bar hand position will make this bike feel very familiar to those used to riding a mountain bike and will feel a lot more comfortable than some other gravel bikes in this price range.
In terms of gears, there are 11, based around 1 x 11 Shimano Deore shifters. On the front, you get a forged aluminum 42T crank, which is complemented by a SunRace 11 speed 11-51T cassette. Whilst the number of gears for this bike is on the lower side, the gear ratios should have you covered for most gravel riding needs. It may struggle with particularly steep hills but will manage fine on most hills you encounter when taking on the trails.
The real boon with this bike is the brakes, which are Tektro HD-R280 flat mount hydraulic brakes. These brakes will provide superior stopping power in all conditions.
The Marin Aluminum Double Walled 700c wheels are fitted with 700c x 45mm WTB Riddler tires. These tires are wider than most bikes in this price range, so may feel a little sluggish on the roads, but they are ideal for hitting the trails and gripping on looser surfaces.
Why we love it:
This is the perfect gateway bike for those looking to transition from mountain biking into gravel riding, with a familiar look and feel of a mountain bike, but all the features of a gravel bike.
Diamondback Haanjo 3
Diamondback Haanjo 3 | Key Features:
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The Diamondback Haanjo 3 is a bike built for exploring the world around you and allowing you to easily transition from paved to unpaved roads.
The Haanjo 3 has been built with an endurance frame geometry, designed to provide a more comfortable riding position when riding for a long time, whether you’re on the roads or on the gravel paths. The aluminum frame provides a good balance between being light and durable for riding in all conditions on multiple types of terrain.
In terms of gears, you get 18, with a 2 x 9 setup provided by the Shimano Sora groupset. The Shimano HG400 9-speed cassette ranges from 11-32T, with the front crankset being an FSA Omega Adventure 46/30T. This provides a good range of gears for riding fast and hard as well as being able to drop into an easier gear when needed for climbing hills.
The Tektor Lyra flat-mount mechanical disc brakes provide enough stopping power when needed whatever the weather conditions.
The Diamondback Haanjo 3 comes with Diamondback Equation CX 700c rims, fitted with WTB Riddler Comp 700c x 37mm tires. These tires are great for those looking to ride at speed on loose gravel as well as on the tarmac.
Why we love it:
The geometry of this bike means you can ride for hours without being too uncomfortable, making it a great choice for gravel grinding our just long weekend rides.
Breezer Doppler Cafe+
Breezer Doppler Cafe+ | Key Features:
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The Breezer Doppler Cafe + might not look like your typical gravel bike, but don’t be fooled by how it looks. This bike is every bit a gravel bike like any other bike on this list.
This bike has a chromoly steel frame, which is designed to give the bike extra strength when being taken off-road and on the light trails. This also means you get a very durable gravel bike for your money, which should last you for plenty of years. The geometry of the frame is also very relaxed, designed for comfort rather than speed. The flat handlebars also provide a more upright riding position, which is much more comfortable and designed for leisurely riding rather than racing.
The Breezer Doppler Cafe+ comes with a Shimano HG500 cassette, which has 10 gears ranging from 11-42 teeth on them. The front crank has 40 teeth, which gives a good range of gears for riding both on and offroad.
This gravel bike also comes with a set of Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Brakes, which is very good for a bike in the price range. These hydraulic brakes will provide plenty of stopping power when coming down hills or if you need to stop suddenly.
The Breezer Doppler Cafe+ comes with 650b lightweight wheels, fitted with 47mm tires. This combination of wheel size and tire gives you a solid platform for heading offroad to take on light trails without feeling every single lump and bump you go over.
Why we love it:
This bike is a great choice for those who want a comfortable commuter bike with the option of heading off the beaten track.
Marin Gastalt 1
Marin Gestalt 1 | Key Features:
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The Marin Gastalt 1 is a gravel bike designed for the road cyclist looking for a more comfortable ride as well as a taste of adventure.
The Aluminum frame is coupled with a set of Marin full carbon forks, which make this gravel bike light as well as durable. Whilst this is not the only gravel bike under $1500 to use these materials, there are few that do and this sets them apart from the others. The frame geometry is more relaxed than that of a road bike but still set fairly aggressive to allow for a fast ride. This bike will certainly feel more comfortable than a road bike, but won’t be as comfortable as others in this price range which are designed with a more upright seating position in mind.
The 18 gears on this bike are based on a Shimano Sora 2 x 9 drivetrain. On the front, you get a Shimano R345 Octalink Compact crankset, which features 50 and 34 tooth chainrings. The rear cassette is a SunRace 9-speed 11-32T cassette. Together this will provide a good range of gears for taking on hills as well as gravel grinding, speeding along the gravel paths and roads at speed.
The Gastalt 1 comes with mechanical disc brakes, specifically Tektro MD-C500 Dual Piston Road mechanical brakes. These will provide great stopping power when needed whatever the weather.
The 700c wheels are Marins Aluminum Double Wall Rims, which are fitted with WTB Exposure Comp 700c x 32mm tires. This combination of light wheel and narrower tire provides the perfect platform for adventure, without too much rolling resistance.
Why we love it:
This bike is built for speed, with a lightweight frame, decent components and good gear ratios for putting your foot down.
Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Gravel Bike
Co-Op Cycles Adv 2.1 | Key Features:
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The Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Gravel Bike is a great choice for those who want a gravel bike built for speed, but equally as comfortable offroad and on the gravel tracks.
This bike is built with an aluminum frame, designed to keep the weight of the bike down without compromising on strength. You also get carbon forks as well, which further reduce the weight of the bike. Whilst a full carbon frame would be even lighter, this would push the price of the bike beyond the $1500 price mark. The frame geometry is more aggressive than some of the other gravel bikes on the list, which make it much easier for you to hit higher speeds and have a great gravel adventure.
The Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 also comes with 16 gears, based on a Shimano Claris 2 x 8 drivetrain. The Shimano Claris 8-speed rear cassette is complimented by a Shimano FC-RS200 50-34t front crankset, which gives you great gear ratios for both high-speed gravel grinding as well as longer, more leisurely rides.
This bike also comes with Promax DSK-718R mechanical disc brakes, which will provide plenty of stopping power when you need it.
The 700c wheels are fitted with Kenda Flintridge 700c x 35mm tires, which are narrow enough to reduce the rolling resistance of the bike, but wide enough to provide enough stability when going onto the looser, gravel surfaces.
Why we love it:
A great gravel bike for those who want a fast ride that is just as comfortable on the roads as it is on the gravel trails.
Cube Nuroad Gravel Bike
Cube Nuroad Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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The Cube Nuroad Gravel Bike is an excellent choice for those who want a bike that is built for efficient riding both on the roads and on the trails.
The aluminum alloy frame is coupled with full carbon forks, designed to make this gravel bike both light and durable without making the bike too expensive for beginner to intermediate level gravel bikers. The frame geometry has been designed to provide a comfortable setup for travelling over long distances and for long periods of time in the saddle.
The Cube Nuroad comes with 16 gears, based on a Shimano Claris 2 x 8 groupset. The rear cassette is a Shimano CS-HG31, with cogs ranging from 11 to 34 teeth. The front crank is a Shimano Claris FC-R2000, with 50 and 34 tooth cogs. The gear ratios of this bike make it suitable for faster workout rides on the road as well as slower controlled offroad riding. You might struggle with particularly steep hills, but in general, this bike will cope fine with the hills.
The Tecktro MD-C510 flat-mount mechanical disc brakes will provide plenty of stopping power when needed as well as an easy to maintain setup.
The 700c Cube GR 2.3 Disc wheels are designed to be light as well as durable. Fitted with Schwalbe G-One Allround 40mm tires, you will have plenty of grip when riding offroad as well as low rolling resistance when riding on the roads.
Why we love it:
This gravel bike has a great balance of features for this price point and offers a solid option for cyclists looking for a versatile bike.
Octane One Gridd 2 Gravel Bike
Octane One Gridd 2 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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The Octane One Gridd 2 Gravel Bike is a great choice for those who want a bike that feels comfortable both on and off the road.
The frame and forks are made from a customer formed, lightweight aluminum alloy. This helps to create a bike much lighter than its steel counterparts, though weighing a little more than those featuring a carbon frame or carbon forks. In spite of being lightweight the frame still feels strong and durable, making it suitable for taking offroad as well as taking longer journeys on road. The frame geometry is designed to strike the right balance between comfort and speed, with a semi-relaxed profile meaning it is far more comfortable than a road bike when in the saddle for long periods.
The SRAM GX 10-speed drivetrain provides a good set of gears for both on and offroad. The front crank is an FSA Vero Pro 40T, with the SunRace CSMS2 cassette featuring 11-40T cogs. This provides a decent gear ratio for fun riding on multiple surfaces. Where this bike may struggle is keeping up with other gravel bikes that are built for speed and with more gears.
The Hayes CX Comp mechanical disc brakes are compatible with other gravel bikes in this price range and will provide plenty of stopping power when needed.
The wheels are Octane One’s own 700c wheels, which are fitted with WTB Riddler 700c x 38mm tires. This wheel size and tire width make this bike a great choice for those who want to be able to transition easily from the road to the trail without feeling a significant difference in balance or grip.
Why we love it:
The Gridd 2 does the basics very well and is a great choice for those who don’t want to have to deal with complicated maintenance.
Vitus Substance 2 Gravel Bike
Vitus Substance 2 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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The Vitus Substance 2 Gravel Bike is a great choice for those who want a bike that is great for gravel racing as well as comfortable enough for longer gravel bike adventures.
This bike is built with an aluminum frame, which has been designed to be strong and lightweight. To bring the weight of the bike down more, carbon fibre forks are used to make the bike even lighter without impacting its durability. The frame, like many others in this price range, is designed to feel relaxed and comfortable, yet still, make you feel like you want to put your foot down.
The Substance 2 comes with 16 gears, based on a Microshift R8 Compact chainset. The front crank is a Prowheel Ounce 50/34T crank, with the bike also featuring a Microshift H-Series 8-speed cassette, with cogs ranging from 11-28 teeth. This is a good range of gears for hitting top speed on the roads and light trails, as well as being able to tackle hills with relative ease.
This bike comes with Tektro MD-C310 mechanical disc brakes, which will provide enough stopping power when needed and are similar to other gravel bikes under $1500.
The wheels are 700c, which are fitted with Vee Tire Co. Rail Sport 700c x 40mm tires. These will make you feel comfortable riding both on and off-road and provides a stable platform for easily switching terrains.
Why we love it:
The Vitus Substance 2 is built for adventure and doesn’t compromise, making it a great, affordable gravel bike.
What to Look for When Choosing a Gravel Bike
Wheel Size
When it comes to gravel biking, wheel size is an important consideration. Larger wheels, such as 700c wheels, can cover more ground with each rotation. They’re also less likely to get stuck in ruts or holes.
650b wheel on the other hand offers more stability and is great for more technical riding. This makes them a good choice for off-road riding.
Frame Material
When you’re looking for a gravel bike, the frame material is an important consideration. Some materials are better suited to the rigours of gravel riding than others.
For example, aluminum is a good choice for a gravel bike frame. It’s strong and lightweight, which makes it ideal for this type of cycling. Steel is also a good option – it’s strong and durable, but it can be a bit heavier than aluminum.
Carbon fibre is another option to consider. It’s strong and lightweight, and it absorbs shocks well – which can be important on rough gravel roads. However, carbon fibre frames can be expensive.
So, what’s the best frame material for a gravel bike? It really depends on your needs and preferences.
Steel
Steel has been used for bicycle frames for over 100 years because it is strong, durable, and relatively lightweight. Steel also absorbs shocks well, making it a good choice for a gravel bike frame material. Unlike aluminum frames, which can fatigue over time and eventually break, steel frames are less likely to fail. Steel also has a more comfortable ride than aluminum, which can feel harsh on bumpy roads.
Aluminum
Aluminum has a long history of use in bike frames, and for good reason, it’s strong, lightweight, and affordable. For a gravel bike, aluminum is an ideal frame material because it can handle the rigours of off-road riding while still being lightweight enough to remain agile on the trail. Aluminum is also corrosion-resistant, meaning it won’t rust like steel frames can when exposed to moisture and dirt.
Carbon Fibre
Carbon fibre is strong and light yet still provides a good level of comfort on long rides. It’s also resistant to dents and doesn’t usually experience the “stiffness” issue that aluminum can suffer from overtime.
Carbon fibre frames can also be designed to absorb vibrations from the road, making them more comfortable to ride on rough surfaces.
Frame Geometry
The frame geometry of a gravel bike is important when choosing one because it can affect the ride quality and handling of the bike.
For example, a taller headtube can provide a more comfortable ride by putting less strain on your neck. A longer wheelbase can make the bike more stable when riding on rough terrain. And a slacker headtube angle can help you stay in control when cornering on loose surfaces.
So when choosing a gravel bike, be sure to consider the frame geometry and how it will affect the way the bike rides.
Frame Size
When looking for a gravel bike, frame size is an important consideration.
A frame that is too small will cause discomfort and may lead to injuries, while a frame that is too large will be difficult to control and may also lead to injuries.
It is important to find the right size frame for your body type and riding style.
Price
Price is an important factor when choosing a gravel bike. You want to make sure you are getting the most for your money.
When looking at different bikes, compare features and prices. You may also want to consider how much you will be using the bike. If you plan on riding it often, then you may want to invest in a higher-quality bike. However, if you only plan on using it occasionally, then a less expensive option may be best for you.
Weight
When you are looking for a gravel bike, weight is an important factor to consider. A heavier bike will be more difficult to pedal and manoeuvre on gravel roads. However, a lighter bike will be more responsive but may not be as durable.
It is important to find the perfect balance between weight and durability so that you can enjoy your ride on gravel roads.
Brakes
Mechanical Disc Brakes
There are many benefits to using mechanical disc brakes on a bicycle. They provide more stopping power than traditional rim brakes, they work well in all weather conditions, and they require very little maintenance.
Mechanical disc brakes are especially good for mountain biking or cycling in wet or icy weather conditions. They provide more stopping power than traditional rim brakes, which can be helpful when riding down steep hills or trying to stop quickly in slippery conditions.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes offer a few key advantages over mechanical disc brakes.
First, they have more stopping power, thanks to the greater amount of friction that is created between the brake pads and the rotor.
They also offer better modulation, which means that you can apply exactly the amount of braking force you need in order to slow down or stop. This is especially important when riding on steep or technical terrain, where a slight adjustment in braking pressure can mean the difference between making it to the bottom safely or crashing.
Number of Gears
When it comes to gravel biking, the number of gears on your bike can be a make or break decision. If you’re looking for a versatile option that can handle a variety of terrain, then you’ll want to consider a bike with more gears, as riding on gravel surfaces is harder than riding on roads and you will need to use different gears for more technical riding.
A lower gear ratio will give you more power and better control when climbing hills, while a higher gear ratio will let you cruise down steep descents with ease.
Summary
So there you go. I hope you have found this guide informative and found the right gravel bike for you. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a gravel bike for under $1500. For me, there is little to choose between all of the gravel bikes on the list, but the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c just rises above the others in the way it does all be basics well and has a decent set of components as well.
Andy is an avid cyclist who enjoys nothing more than a ride out in the hills. Competing in track, road, time trial and mountain bike events in the past, he prefers slower rides out with his family these days.
