Choosing a gravel bike mainly depends on the terrain and how you plan to use it. Racing gravel bikes prioritize speed and performance, adventure models are better suited to bikepacking and long-distance riding, while more versatile options work well on both tarmac and gravel.

The main types of gravel bikes

• Gravel Racing: this type of bike is designed for maximum performance. It features a more compact frame and a more forward riding position, with carbon construction focused on stiffness and low weight. The handlebar is usually narrower and the tyres typically stay below 40 mm in width, helping to improve efficiency, speed and overall weight.
  

• Gravel Adventure: this type of bike is designed for long-distance riding, where comfort is the main priority. The frame usually has a more relaxed and upright geometry and can be made from aluminium, steel or carbon, although generally with a less extreme focus on stiffness than a racing model. The handlebar can offer a wider, more upright position, and the frame usually includes more mounting points for bikepacking bags. Tyres are also wider, often up to 50 mm, to absorb rough surfaces more effectively and improve comfort.
  

• All-round Gravel: this sits between racing and adventure setups and can be adapted depending on how the bike will be used. With a more performance-focused setup, it can still be a very capable option for occasional racing without becoming too extreme. With wider tyres and a less rigid setup, it can also be turned into a versatile bike for long-distance rides and travel.

Drivetrain: 1x or 2x

Modern gravel drivetrains are mainly available with 11, 12 or 13 speeds, depending on the groupset and price range. 1x setups prioritize simplicity, lower weight and a wide gear range, while 2x drivetrains generally offer smaller jumps between gears and a smoother progression across the cassette.

700c or 650b: which wheel size should you choose?

A gravel bike is designed to be ridden on both gravel and tarmac. On paved roads it will generally be less efficient than a road bike, although much depends on the tyres fitted. Some gravel tyres have very little tread and roll faster on tarmac, although they may offer less control off-road and can be more vulnerable to punctures. 700c wheels work well for almost every type of gravel riding, especially up to a certain tyre width. For wider tyres, 650b wheels can be a good option, as they allow more tyre volume and are therefore particularly suitable for adventure-focused riding.

What to check when buying a used gravel bike

When buying a used gravel bike, it is important to check the frame, drivetrain, wheels, brakes and tyres.

The main components to inspect are those subject to drivetrain wear. A stretched chain and worn cassette sprockets are often among the first parts that need replacing. The wheel bearings and bottom bracket should also be checked by spinning them by hand, either with the bike lifted off the ground or by removing the wheel, to make sure they rotate smoothly without resistance, grinding or unusual noises.

Marks and scratches on the paint are normal on a used gravel bike, but it is important to make sure they are not too deep, as serious damage could affect the structural integrity of the frame.

The most popular gravel adventure routes

Planning to ride the Camino de Santiago, or another long-distance route combining gravel and tarmac? Here are five popular bikepacking routes and the type of gravel bike best suited to each one.

• Camino de Santiago: a mix of gravel roads, trails and paved sections, with manageable elevation but long days in the saddle over several weeks. An adventure gravel bike with comfortable geometry and plenty of mounting points for bags is a good choice, allowing you to carry everything you need without sacrificing comfort over long distances.
  

• Transcontinental Race and Atlas Mountain Race: much more demanding routes designed for riders covering thousands of kilometres, often self-supported and across challenging terrain with significant elevation gain. A robust adventure gravel bike with wide tyres and a frame capable of carrying bikepacking equipment over long distances is the better choice.
  

• GTA, Grande Traversata Alpina, or Sentiero Italia: routes with more technical terrain and significant elevation, where handling and control on rough surfaces become especially important. An adventure gravel bike with 650b wheels can be a good option, as this setup allows for wider tyres that provide more comfort and control on uneven terrain.
  

• North Cape 4000: an extremely long route from Italy to North Cape in Norway, ridden mostly on paved roads and secondary roads, with some gravel sections along the way. Comfort over long distances matters more here than handling on technical off-road terrain, so an adventure gravel bike with 700c wheels and relatively fast-rolling tyres is a strong choice.
  

• Haute Route Pyrenees: a crossing of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, with varied surfaces, major elevation changes and sections of technical gravel and trail. A robust adventure gravel bike with wide tyres and a frame designed to absorb rough terrain is well suited to handling the more demanding climbs and descents.