Gravel bikes

What is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is the ultimate companion for those who crave adventure on both paved roads and rugged trails. These versatile bicycles combine the speed and efficiency of road bikes with the durability and adaptability of mountain bikes, allowing you to explore beyond the asphalt without the bulk of a traditional mountain bike. At Canyon, our gravel bikes are designed with lightweight frames, generous tire clearance, and innovative geometry to provide optimum performance, comfort, and control. Whether you’re racing, commuting, or embarking on a bikepacking journey, our range of gravel bicycles is engineered to meet the demands of real-world riding. New to gravel riding? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Gravel Riding.

Why Choose a Gravel Bike?

Gravel bikes stand out in the cycling landscape by combining features from road, cyclocross, mountain, and hybrid bikes into one powerful platform. They are perfect for riders who seek the freedom to traverse diverse terrains, whether you’re navigating forest paths, connecting remote gravel roads, or mixing in some pavement.

Gravel vs. Road Bikes

While road bikes excel at speed and aerodynamics on smooth surfaces, gravel bikes are built for comfort and versatility. With their relaxed geometry, wider tire clearance for improved grip on rough terrain, and multiple mounting points for racks and gear, gravel bikes offer a level of adaptability that road bikes simply cannot provide. Learn more in our guide: Gravel bikes vs road bikes: Where they shine and where they differ.

Gravel vs. Cyclocross Bikes

Gravel and cyclocross bikes share a common lineage, yet they cater to different riding styles. Gravel bikes typically feature slacker geometry and lower bottom brackets, prioritizing comfort and stability for longer rides. If you're looking to maximize your performance in a short cyclocross race, a 'cross bike is ideal. However, for longer adventures that may include a mix of pavement, gravel roads, and light trails, a gravel bike is the better choice. Our Guide Gravel bike or cyclocross: which bike suits me better? gives you more insight on this topic.

Gravel vs. Hardtail Mountain Bikes

When it comes to speed and efficiency on smoother trails and mixed surfaces, gravel bikes have the edge over hardtail mountain bikes. Most gravel bikes forgo suspension to enhance responsiveness, making them perfect for covering long distances quickly. Additionally, their narrower tires and drop bars facilitate better handling on paved stretches. Discover more in our guide: Gravel bike vs. hardtail MTB: Which is better?.

Gravel vs. Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are often seen as beginner-friendly options for city riding, but they lack the performance range of gravel bikes. With flat bars, limited gear options, and simpler frames, hybrids are fine for commuting but can be limiting for rough or longer rides. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, provide an ideal blend of comfort, cargo options, and off-road capability without sacrificing speed or handling. Explore the differences in our guide: Gravel bike vs hybrid: Differences and similarities.

Fit and Geometry: The Right Bike Starts with the Right Size

Finding the correct fit is crucial for comfort, control, and performance on your gravel bike. That’s why we utilize our Perfect Positioning System (PPS) to match your height and inseam with the ideal frame size.

However, sizing is just the beginning. Our gravel bikes are designed with progressive geometry that balances stability, agility, and comfort. Features such as a longer wheelbase and slacker head angle enhance confidence on descents and technical terrain, while efficient pedaling positions ensure comfort on long rides. Components like handlebar width, stem length, and crank arm size are scaled across sizes, ensuring that every rider benefits from a bike that fits them perfectly.

Every detail—from stack and reach to bar width—is optimized for varied terrain and long days in the saddle. Learn more in our guide on Gravel bike geometry explained: Find the right fit for your ride.

Gravel Bike Frames: Carbon vs. Aluminum

The material of your gravel bike frame plays a significant role in its performance. At Canyon, we provide both carbon (CF, CFR) and aluminum (AL) frames, each offering unique advantages.

Carbon Frames

For riders who prioritize low weight, high stiffness, and excellent vibration damping, carbon frames are the way to go. They deliver an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio and strength, allowing higher-end models to shed weight without compromising performance. Carbon’s natural vibration damping is crucial for comfort on rough terrain and during long rides.

Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frames offer durability at a more accessible price point, making them perfect for riders who need a robust bike that can endure tough conditions without sacrificing ride quality. Modern manufacturing techniques provide aluminum frames with stiffness and responsiveness that can rival carbon counterparts. While slightly heavier, aluminum frames still deliver exceptional performance and value.

Choosing between carbon and aluminum depends on your riding goals and budget: aluminum is ideal for durability and value, while carbon is focused on weight savings and peak performance. Explore the details in our guide on What's the best frame material for a gravel bike: aluminium or carbon?.

Gravel Bike Drivetrains: Mechanical vs. Electronic

Our gravel bikes come equipped with drivetrains from renowned brands like Shimano and SRAM, offering both mechanical and electronic options to suit your riding style.

Electronic Systems

Electronic drivetrains, such as SRAM’s XPLR AXS and Shimano’s GRX Di2, provide fast and precise shifting with minimal effort, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical drivetrains are favored for their reliability and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for remote riding where service options may be limited.

When selecting a drivetrain, you can also choose between 1x and 2x setups:

• 1x drivetrain: A simpler configuration with fewer components, reducing the potential for mechanical issues—ideal for rugged terrains.
• 2x drivetrain: Offers a wider gear range, suitable for varied terrains, including steep climbs and fast flats.

Your choice will depend on the terrain you ride and your preference for simplicity versus gearing versatility. Learn more in our guide on Gravel groupsets explained: Everything you need to know.

Gravel Bikes for Every Adventure

From daily commutes to epic bikepacking routes, our gravel bikes are engineered to handle a wide variety of riding styles and terrains. Whether you’re racing against the clock, loading up for an adventure, or seeking a powerful assist on long climbs, we have the perfect setup for you. Our range includes performance-focused models in the Grail, ultra-capable adventure rigs in the Grizl, and innovative support with our latest e-gravel bikes for those wanting to explore further with less effort. No matter your goals, our gravel bike range is built to deliver versatility, comfort, and control across every surface.

Grail: Built for Speed

The Grail is designed for high-performance gravel riding and racing. With aerodynamic frames and lightweight carbon builds, they deliver race-ready speed and control, making them ideal for competitive riders.

Grizl: Made for Adventure

The Grizl is the ultimate all-rounder in the gravel world, offering unmatched versatility and trail-tough performance. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a multi-day bikepacking trip, the Grizl is equipped to handle it all with stable geometry and ample tire clearance.

Grizl:ONfly – Power for Every Adventure

For those seeking an extra boost on their gravel adventures, the Grizl:ONfly combines our gravel expertise with advanced motor systems to provide responsive support when you need it most. These electric gravel bikes feature lightweight frames and the capability to tackle longer distances and steeper climbs without sacrificing comfort or control.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gravel Bike?

Whether you’re new to gravel riding or looking to upgrade, Canyon offers gravel bikes at every budget level, each designed for real-world performance. Here’s a breakdown of our range:

• Entry-Level ($1,000–$1,999): Aluminum frames and reliable components provide solid value and durability, perfect for those just starting out.
• Mid-Range ($2,000–$2,999): Lighter carbon frames and upgraded drivetrains enhance efficiency and comfort for longer rides.
• High-End ($3,000–$3,999): Advanced carbon construction and electronic shifting offer peak performance for serious riders.
• Premium ($4,000+): Race-ready builds with top-tier materials and pro-level finishes for those chasing every last watt.

Your ideal bike will depend on your riding goals, terrain, and how much performance matters to you. Whether you’re starting with a budget-friendly aluminum build or investing in a high-end race machine, Canyon offers gravel bikes starting at $1,000. Not sure where to begin? Check out our ultimate gravel bike buying guide to help you make the right choice for your next adventure.