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Unless you have been living under a rock for the last decade, you will know that gravel bikes are taking the world of cycling by storm. Faster than a mountain bike and more comfortable than a road bike, they are the go-to choice when it comes to bikepacking, commuting and riding on light trails.
If you are in the market for a gravel bike and have a budget of up to $2000, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the choices available. Well never fear, in this guide, I have found 11 of the best gravel bikes for under $2000, to hopefully decision much easier.
- What to Expect from A Gravel Bike for Under $2000
- What Is the Best Gravel Bike for Under $2000
- Vaast A/1 700C GRX 2X
- Marin Gestalt 2.5 700C
- Cinelli Zydeco Apex 11X Mechanical Adventure Bike
- Fuji Jari 2.1 Gravel Bike
- Vitus Substance VR-2 Gravel Bike
- Breezer Radar X Bike
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C
- Surly Ghost Grappler 27
- Marin Nicasio 2
- Framed Basswood Alloy W/ Apex
- Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 Gravel Bike
- What to Look for When Choosing a Gravel Bike
- Summary
Best Gravel Bikes Under $2000 | ||
Vaast A/1 700C GRX 2X  | Key Features:
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Marin Gestalt 2 5 700C  | Key Features:
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Cinelli Zydeco Apex 11X Mechanical Adventure Bike  | Key Features:
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Fuji Jari 2.1 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Vitus Substance VR-2 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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Breezer Radar X Bike  | Key Features:
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Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C  | Key Features:
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Surly Ghost Grappler 27  | Key Features:
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Marin Nicasio 2  | Key Features:
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Framed Basswood Alloy W/ Apex  | Key Features:
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Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 Gravel Bike  | Key Features:
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What to Expect from A Gravel Bike for Under $2000
A gravel bike is a versatile option for riders looking for a bike that can do it all. These bikes are designed to handle a variety of surfaces, making them perfect for everything from commuting to weekend rides on gravel roads. While there are many options on the market, those looking for a gravel bike under $2000 will have a number of great choices.
When shopping for a gravel bike under $2000, it’s important to consider the type of riding you’ll be doing. If most of your rides will be on paved roads, then you’ll want a bike with narrower tires and lower gearing. If you’ll be spending more time off-road, then you’ll want a bike with wider tires and higher gearing.
Another thing to consider when choosing a gravel bike is frame material. A carbon frame will offer the best performance, but it will also be the most expensive. Aluminum alloy frames are a good compromise and offer great value for money. Steel frames offer good value for money and decent performance, but they’re heavier than aluminum.
What Is the Best Gravel Bike for Under $2000
Vaast A/1 700C GRX 2X
Vaast A/1 700C GRX 2X | Key Features:
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If you’re in the market for a bike designed for gravel grinding and grand tours, the Vaast A/1 7000c GRX 2X has been built to be fast and comfortable, even when covering long distances on loose surfaces.
Unlike most gravel bikes you find in the market, the Vaast A/1 700c GRX 2X has been built using an AE81 SuperMag frame, which is very light, very strong and approved for aerospace use. Ok so you’re unlikely to be leaving the ground anytime soon, but with a comfortable racer style geometry, you might feel like you are flying with the speeds you can reach on this bike.
There are 20 gears on this bike, using a Shimano GRX 2 x 10-speed drivetrain. With a Praxis Alba M24 48/32T front crank and a Shimano 11-36T rear cassette, there are plenty of gears to ensure that you aren’t caught out should you need to ride uphill or slow down for more technical riding sections. The gear rations from the chainrings have you covered.
The Vaast A/1 700c GRX 2X also comes with Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes, which provide plenty of stopping power when needed, and are more reliable than mechanical disc brakes.
The WTB ST i23 rims are fitted with WTB Riddler 700c x 37m tires. This is a great tire size and width for those who want to be able to transition between road and gravel with ease, as well as hit the trails when desired.
Why we love it:
Packed full of features and using a unique, strong frame material, this gravel bike stands out from the crowd.
Marin Gestalt 2.5 700C
Marin Gestalt 2 5 700C | Key Features:
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The Marin Gestalt 2.5 700c is a great choice of bike for those who don’t want to be limited to riding on the roads and have a sense of adventure.
The Gestalt 2.5 frame is made using series 3 6061 aluminum alloy, designed to give the bike strength whilst remaining lightweight. This means that when you head offroad, you can be assured that your bike will be able to withstand the rough terrain with ease. The frame geometry has been designed to make transitioning from a mountain bike or road bike easy, with a more relaxed set up meaning you can spend a long time in the saddle without worrying about being in pain late.
This bike comes with 20 gears, which are based on a Shimano Tiagra 2 x 10-speed drivetrain. This gives you plenty of gears to choose from when out riding, with the front crankset featuring an FSA Gossamer MegaExo Spindle 50/34T set of chainrings and the rear cassette made up of a Shimano Tiagra HG-500 11-34T set of cogs.
One of the main features that sets this bike apart from other gravel bikes under $2000 is the use of good quality Shimano Tiagra hydraulic brakes, designed to provide superior, reliable stopping power over mechanical disc brakes.
The Marin double-wall aluminum rims are fitted with Schwalbe G-One 700c x 30mm tires. These light and narrow wheels will provide plenty of grip when needed offroad and will feel much faster on the roads than other gravel bikes with wider tires, due to the reduced rolling resistance from a wider surface area.
Why we love it:
This is a great choice for this who want a sub $2000 gravel bike, but don’t want to compromise on features.
Cinelli Zydeco Apex 11X Mechanical Adventure Bike
Cinelli Zydeco Apex 11X Mechanical Adventure Bike | Key Features:
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The Cinelli Zydeco Apex 11 is not just a great looking gravel bike, this stable, fast and versatile machine is simply a great gravel bike full stop.
The frame of the Zydeco Apex 11 is made of aluminum alloy and comes with a set of carbon forks. This means you get a light bike, which is strong and also great at absorbing some of the shocks that uneven terrain can throw at you.
The SRAM Apex 1 x 11 drivetrain means you get 11 gears with this bike, which is lower than that on offer from other gravel bikes under $2000 but does sit somewhere around the average point. The front crank is an FSA Omega MA, with 42 teeth. The cassette is a Shimano SLX 11/42T, meaning that you get a good range of gears in spite of there only being one chainring on the front.
The brakes are Tektro MD-C510 mechanical disc brakes, which will provide plenty of stopping power when needed and are also easy to maintain.
The Vision Team 30 BT Disc wheels are fitted with Impac CrossPac 700c x 38mm tires, which provide a great amount of width for easily switching between on and offroad riding without you feeling there is too much of a difference.
Why we love it:
This aluminum frame carbon fork gravel bike does the basics very well, is light and also looks very cool!
Fuji Jari 2.1 Gravel Bike
Fuji Jari 2.1 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a comfortable bike for a bike touring trip or simply for riding over long distances, the Fuji Jari 2.1 is a great choice.
The Fuji Jari 2.1 gravel bike is made up of an aluminum frame, which is designed to be light and durable. It also comes with carbon forks, which help to reduce the weight further whilst still maintaining a strong set-up. The frame geometry has been designed specifically to be comfortable when you’re in the saddle for long periods, making it a good choice for touring rides of gravel grind events.
The gears are built using a Shimano Tiagra 2 x 10 groupset, with an FSA Vero Pro 46/30T front crank and a Shimano HG500 11-34T cassette on the rear. This combination creates a solid gear ratio for riding on the roads as well as riding on looser surfaces and tackling hills.
The brakes on the Fuji Jari 2.1 are Tektro Lyra mechanical disc brakes, which are low maintenance and very reliable in all weather conditions.
This bike comes fitted with WTB ST i23 TCS rims, which come with WTB Riddler 700c x 37mm tires. This creates a great platform for those who want a bike that is just as comfortable riding on the roads as it is when you head out on the trails.
Why we love it:
This bike is a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable ride for long distances, as well as a decent range of gears for more technical and hilly rides.
Vitus Substance VR-2 Gravel Bike
Vitus Substance VR-2 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a light, durable and stylish gravel bike, the Vitus Substance VR-2 Gravel Bike would be a very good choice.
The Vitus Substance features an aluminum gravel bike frame, which has been designed to not only look the business but also act the business, taking on rugged terrain with consummate ease. The carbon forks are also responsive to the surface you are riding on, providing a more comfortable ride on gravel surfaces. Like most other sub $2000 gravel bikes, the frame geometry has been designed to be comfortable when you’re in the saddle for long periods, meaning you won’t ache anywhere near as much as you would if you were riding a road bike.
The Substance VR-2 comes with 20 gears, based around a Shimano GRX groupset. The Shimano GRX 600 FC-RX600 46/30T front crank allows for good gear ratios when paired with the SunRace MS0 10-speed 11-34T cassette. You will have plenty of gears for hitting your top speed on the flats as well as dropping down into an easier gear to spin your way up hills.
The brakes of the Substance VR-2 are Shimano GRX 400 ST-RX400 hydraulic disc brakes, which will provide reliable and consistent stopping power regardless of the weather conditions, meaning you can rest assured that you can stop in an emergency if you need to.
The DT Swiss G 1800 Spline rims are fitted with Vee Tire Co. Rail Sport 700c x 40mm tires, which are slightly wider than other bikes on this list. This is a good thing for those who will be spending more time gravel bike riding across loose surfaces.
Why we love it:
The Vitus Substance VR-2 is a stylish adventure gravel bike, which is most comfortable offroad but is also very good on the road as well.
Breezer Radar X Bike
Breezer Radar X Bike | Key Features:
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If you want a bike that is rugged and designed for use on bikepacking adventures, the Breezer Radar X Bike is a great choice.
The frame of the Radar X is made of CrMo steel, which may not be light, but is certainly strong. With this bike featuring 5 anchor points for carrying cargo on the frame alone, it is no wonder that they have used steel and this bike will manage perfectly when carrying all your gear. The bike geometry is relaxed, meaning that you won’t be uncomfortable when riding to your bikepacking destination.
The Breezer Radar X features 11 gears, using a SRAM APEX groupset to provide the 1 x 11 drivetrain. The front crank is an FSA Comet Modular, with 38 teeth, with the SRAM PG-1130 11-42T rear cassette providing a good balance of gears. The gear ratios on this bike mean that you won’t be speeding along the trails and roads anytime soon, but you will have plenty of power and control when you need it.
The Breezer Radar X uses TRP HY/RD hydraulic disc brakes, which are reliable and provide plenty of stopping power, which will come in handy when transporting lots of gear.
This bike comes with WTB ST i25 TCS disc rims, which are fitted with WTB nineline TCS 700c x 50mm tires. These are super-wide tires which will give you supreme grip when riding on loose surfaces and on trails.
Why we love it:
This steel gravel bike is built for off-road, long adventures, with plenty of anchor points for your gear and a strong, sturdy set of components creating a very reliable bike.
Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C
Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C | Key Features:
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The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700c gravel bike is a gravel adventure bike designed for comfort and confidence when covering long distances and carrying your bikepacking gear.
The Journeyer Apex 1 is an aluminum alloy frame carbon fork gravel bike, meaning you get the benefit of a lightweight bike frame as well as the durability that carbon forks give you. The bike geometry is relaxed, meaning you will be a lot more comfortable than you would be on a road bike.
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 come with a SRAM Apex 1 11-speed drivetrain, with a SRAM Apex 1 40 tooth crank on the front and a SRAM PG-1130 11-42T rear cassette. This provides a good range of gears for leisurely rides on the roads as well as adventures on the gravel, although this is fewer than some of the other gravel bikes under $2000.
This bike comes with Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brake, which will provide good stopping power when needed whatever the conditions.
The bike comes with WTB ST i23 28 rims, fitted with Teravail Washburn 700c x 38mm tires. These wheels will provide a very stable, comfortable base for both road riding and offroad riding.
Why we love it:
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 is a lightweight bike built for adventure.
Surly Ghost Grappler 27
Surly Ghost Grappler 27 | Key Features:
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The Surly Ghost Grappler 27 might not sound like a serious gravel bike, but don’t be fooled, this bike means business.
The frame of the Surly Ghost Grappler 27 is made from CrMo Steel, meaning you get a frame that is strong and durable. Whilst this steel gravel bike is heavier than other bikes on the list, you will hardly notice the difference when you are carrying all your gear on a fun adventure.
The Surly Ghost Grappler 27 comes with 10 gears, with a Samox 2PCS Boost 32 tooth front crank and a Microshift 11-48t rear cassette. This provides a modest range of gears for those who are looking for a more relaxed gravel adventure bike and not something built for gravel grinding and racing.
The Tektro Mira MD-C400 mechanical disc brakes provide a reliable amount of stopping power on both smooth and dirt surfaces whatever the weather.
The WTB ST i40 TCS rims are fitted with 27.5″ x 2.5″ (63mm) tires, which are super wide for a gravel bike and will provide a lot of grip when riding offroad and on loose gravel roads.
Why we love it:
Surly make great, unique bikes and the Surly Ghost Grappler 27 is no exception.
Marin Nicasio 2
Marin Nicasio 2 | Key Features:
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The Marin Nicasio 2 gravel bike is a great option for those who are looking for a bike with a wide range of gears and great components but aren’t too concerned about saving weight.
The Nicasio 2’s frame is made from CrMo steel, meaning it is heavier than the aluminum gravel bikes on the list, but don’t let this put you off. Steel frames are very strong, durable and reliable, meaning you know that this bike will cope with whatever you throw at it. The frame geometry is, just like others on the list, designed to feel comfortable when spending a long time in the saddle.
This bikes comes with 20 gears, based on a Shimano Tiagra 2 x 10-speed drivetrain. The front crankset is an FSA Omega MegaExo 50/34t, with the rear cassette being a Shimano 10-speed 11-34t cassette. This means that the gear ratios are suitable for fast and slow rides, both on and offroad.
In terms of brakes, the Nicasio 2 is fitted with Shimano BR-4770 hydraulic brakes, which are reliable and provide plenty of stopping power whatever the weather.
The Marin Aluminum Double Wall rims are fitted with WTB Riddler Comp 700c x 37mm tires, which are a perfect size for transitioning between road and trail with ease.
Why we love it:
This bike has all the features you could ask for in a gravel adventure bike. The only downside is the steel frame, but if you don’t mind the extra weight, this could be a great choice.
Framed Basswood Alloy W/ Apex
Framed Basswood Alloy W/ Apex | Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a gravel bike that is packed with high-end features, but without the high-end price tag, the Frames Basswood Alloy gravel bike is a very good option.
The Basswood is an aluminum alloy bike, designed as a cheaper alternative to the full carbon Framed Basswood. Whilst the aluminum frame means this bike is heavier than the carbon version, it still benefits from full carbon forks, ensuring the bike remains light but still durable. The frame geometry is a good balance between a road bike and a mountain bike, meaning you get the benefit of a comfortable, yet speedy ride.
The Framed Basswood comes with a SRAM Apex 11-speed chainset, with a 42 tooth SRAM Apex X-Sync front crank and a SRAM PG-1130 11-42t rear cassette. This is an average number of gears for a gravel bike under $2000, but still plenty enough for you to have an enjoyable ride and not feel as though you are left wanting more gears.
This bike comes with TRP Spyre Flat Mount mechanical disc brakes that will provide plenty of stopping power in all weather, similar to other bikes in this price range.
The Alex Rims Draw 2.1 gravel bike wheels are fitted with Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40mm tires, which are very good for those who want to spend most of their time riding offroad but still be able to ride on the tarmac without feeling sluggish.
Why we love it:
This bike uses very good quality components and is a great choice for this after a high-quality bike at a low cost.
Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 Gravel Bike
Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 Gravel Bike | Key Features:
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If you are looking for a dependable and versatile gravel bike for heading out on gravel adventures, the Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 gravel bike is a good choice.
This bike’s frame is made from an aluminum alloy, which is both strong and light. To keep the weight down even more, the forks are made from superlight carbon, which is even lighter than aluminum yet still strong enough to cope with the rough gravel terrain you will be riding on without a problem.
The Orro Terra Gravel 7000-FSA R900 comes with a Shimano 105 R7000 2 x 11 groupset, meaning you get 22 gears, which is a good range for taking on hills, gravel grinding and speeding along roads. The front crank is an FSA Omega 50-34T, with the rear cassette being a Shimano 105 7000 11-30T.
In terms of brakes, the mechanical disc brakes that come with this bike are Tektro MD-C550 brakes. These are dependable brakes and will provide plenty of stopping power whatever the conditions you are riding in.
The Fulcrum R900 rims are fitted with Vittoria Zaffiro 700c x 28mm tires. These are on the narrow side for a gravel bike, meaning you might feel like you have less grip on the gravel than you would with other gravel bikes, however on the roads this bike will feel a lot more like a comfortable road bike.
Why we love it:
This is the racing bike rider’s gravel bike, offering a simple transition for those used to a more aggressive riding position than a gravel bike.
What to Look for When Choosing a Gravel Bike
When looking for the best gravel bike for under 2000, it is not simply a matter of seeing which one looks the best. There are quite a lot of factors that will affect the performance of your bike as well as how much you enjoy riding it.
The following are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a gravel bike:
Wheel Size
Wheel size is an important consideration when purchasing a gravel bike.
Larger wheels offer more stability and are better suited for navigating rough terrain. They also provide a smoother ride, making them ideal for long rides on gravel roads.
Smaller wheels are less stable and can be more challenging to navigate over rough terrain. However, they are lighter weight and can be faster when ridden on paved surfaces.
When choosing a gravel bike, it is important to consider the type of riding you plan to do and select a wheel size that will best meet your needs.
Tire Width
Tire width is another important consideration when choosing a gravel bike.
A wider tire will provide more stability and traction on loose surfaces, making it a better option for gravel riding.
Narrow tires may work well on paved roads, but they can be less effective when riding on gravel.
In addition, a wider tire can also provide a bit more cushioning, which can be helpful on bumpy terrain.
If you’re looking for a gravel bike that will handle any terrain you throw at it, be sure to choose one with wide tires.
Frame Material
Frame material can have a significant impact on the performance of your gravel bike. More durable materials will be more reliable over time but are often heavier. Heavier frames can feel harder to manoeuvre when riding on more technical trails.
The following are the main materials that gravel bikes are made of:
Steel
There was a time when bike frames were made of steel almost exclusively. Now, aluminum and carbon fibre are the materials of choice among frame builders. But there are still cyclists who swear by steel frames. So what are the pros and cons of choosing a bike frame made of steel?
The biggest pro for steel frames is that they’re strong and durable. A well-made steel frame can last for many years, even under heavy use. They’re also relatively affordable, which makes them a good option for budget-minded cyclists.
However, there are some drawbacks to choosing a steel frame. One is that they’re often heavier than frames made from other materials. This can make them harder to pedal uphill or carry around when not in use. Additionally, steel frames can rust if not properly cared for, which can cause damage to the frame and components attached to it.
Aluminum
There are pros and cons to bike frames made of aluminum.
On the pro side, aluminum is a very light material, so it makes for a fast bike. It is also strong and durable, which means that an aluminum frame can last for many years.
However, on the con side, aluminum frames can be more expensive than those made of other materials. They can also be more difficult to repair if they are damaged.
Carbon Fibre
A growing number of cyclists are choosing carbon fibre bike frames over traditional materials like aluminium or steel. While there are many reasons to choose a carbon frame, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered before making a purchase.
The main benefit of carbon fibre is its weight. A frame made of this material can be significantly lighter than an equivalent frame made of metal, which can make a bike easier to manoeuvre and accelerate. Carbon frames are also strong and durable, meaning they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
However, carbon frames can be expensive, and they require more maintenance than traditional frames. In addition, if the frame is damaged it can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Frame Geometry
Frame geometry is important when choosing a gravel bike because it determines how the bike will handle on different types of terrain.
A frame with a longer wheelbase will be more stable on loose surfaces, while a frame with a shorter wheelbase will be more nimble and responsive.
A frame with a taller headtube will provide more standover clearance, which is important when riding over rough terrain.
And finally, a frame with a slacker head tube angle will provide more stability at high speeds.
Frame Size
When choosing a gravel bike, frame size is an important consideration.
A frame that’s too small will be cramped and uncomfortable, while a frame that’s too large will be sluggish and difficult to handle. In order to find the perfect fit, it’s important to know how to measure your height and inseam. Once you have your measurements, use them to find the corresponding frame size on the gravel bike sizing chart. Be sure to try out different sizes before making your final decision; getting on a bike in a local shop or at a demo event can help you make an informed choice.
A good fit is key when it comes to enjoying your time on the bike.
Price
When you’re looking for a gravel bike, the price is an important consideration.
You want to find something that’s affordable but still offers quality components. One thing to keep in mind is that the price of a gravel bike can vary depending on the type of frame material. For example, aluminum frames are typically less expensive than carbon fibre frames. But, carbon fibre frames often offer more features and benefits.
So, when you’re shopping for a gravel bike, it’s important to consider your budget and what features are important to you. Make sure to compare prices and read reviews before making a decision.
Weight
Weight is another factor to consider when choosing a gravel bike.
A lighter bike will be easier to pedal uphill and across long distances. It will also be more responsive when cornering and easier to carry if you need to transport it on a car rack. That said, you don’t want to sacrifice too much durability in the name of weight savings. A heavier bike may not be as easy to pedal but it will be more resilient to bumps and shocks.
So, when choosing a gravel bike, find one that strikes the right balance between weight and durability.
Brakes
An often overlooked part of gravel bike selection is the brakes. In general, disc brakes provide more stopping power and are better suited for gravel than rim brakes. However, there are a variety of brake systems on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Hydraulic disc brakes are considered the best option for gravel bikes. They offer more stopping power and modulation than other systems. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, mechanical disc brakes are a good choice. They require less maintenance than hydraulic systems and still provide plenty of stopping power.
If you’re choosing between a bike with rim brakes or disc brakes, keep in mind that rim brakes can overheat if used heavily on long descents. This can cause them to fail completely, leaving you without any braking ability.
Number of Gears
When choosing a gravel bike, the number of gears is important.
With more gears, you can go faster and climb hills easier. You also have more options when it comes to gearing, which can be helpful when riding on different types of terrain. A bike with fewer gears may not be able to handle as many types of terrain as a bike with more gears. If you plan to ride mostly on flat terrain, a bike with fewer gears may be fine for you. But if you want to ride on hills and in different types of terrain, you’ll need a bike with more gears.
The number of gears on a gravel bike can also affect the weight and price of the bike. So it’s important to consider your needs before deciding on the number of gears your gravel bike should have.
Summary
So there you go, I hope you have found this guide to the best gravel bikes under $2000 useful. At this price point, you pretty much know that you are going to get a decent gravel bike, with all the bikes on this list being suitable for most gravel bike rides. For me, the Vaast A/1 700C GRX 2X is just that slight bit better than the other bikes on the list and definitely worth your money.
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.
